Euro 2008 (Official Man City LOL Thread) [Archive] - Page 29

Rage_Against_The_PC

10-08-2005, 12:20 PM

Yeah, it wasn't a red card. Still means he's out for the Poland game, which isn't cool at all...we might be through by then if things stay the same and other results go our way, but if we need to get a result to avoid the playoffs, I'd rather have him in the team on current form. Today's been a very mediocre game...good to see us winning at least, but 1-0 against Austria thanks to a penalty? Hardly an impressive performance, is it? Crouch has also pretty much reinforced my view of him as being overrated, and only in the team because Eriksson likes having a target man up there alongside Owen, regardless of whether or not the target man is any good. Defoe or Bent should be playing.

123 about bent , He has everything in a striker although the service was poor for the strikers. We never pressed austria we were so lathargic. First 5 mins we just let austria dop what they want, we should of pressed them right from the word go. very dispointed but we will still qualify.

red barchetta

10-08-2005, 12:21 PM

it's official - Crouch is **** as a lone striker. he should've gone off for Richardson, not Owen.

Lord Abortion

10-08-2005, 12:30 PM

I'm sure he might be alright if there were midfielders making runs off him, like there were in the first half an hour, when England had chance after chance.

Rage_Against_The_PC

10-08-2005, 12:33 PM

it's official - Crouch is **** as a lone striker. he should've gone off for Richardson, not Owen.

crouch did ok, i agree with the pundits with him being a usefull sub if anything

Britney Diva

10-08-2005, 01:33 PM

Ireland 1 Cyrpus 0

somehow

Lord Abortion

10-08-2005, 02:34 PM

Holland 2-0 Czech rep.

:cool:

red barchetta

10-08-2005, 03:26 PM

Holland 2-0 Czech rep.

:cool:
at least that game went well :D

Lord Abortion

10-08-2005, 03:31 PM

England have qualified for the world cup. So have Poland.

Grutte Pier

10-08-2005, 03:48 PM

England have qualified for the world cup. So have Poland.

And so have Holland!!!

0-2!!!! (van der Vaart & Opdam)

yeeeeeeeeeey.

metal-militia

10-08-2005, 04:48 PM

it's official - Crouch is **** as a lone striker. he should've gone off for Richardson, not Owen.

:angry:

I thought he was pretty good, he held the ball up well even if he didn't take the little chances he was given.

Surtr

10-08-2005, 10:15 PM

So, I know this guy who used to play Semi-Pro football in Scotland. I forget what the name of his team was, but I'm fairly sure it started with a T. No idea what the league actually was either...but basicly he has amazing shoes and he told me that I could probably find them on the net and buy them. So in order to look for them I need to find out what team he played for.

See he played for this semi-pro team and they were sponsered by Nike...so they got these amazing kick *** shoes..with the name of their team on the back. Anyone give me any help? any at all?

POLISH SAUSAGE

10-08-2005, 10:44 PM

Donovan McNabb + T.O. = better than the nfl

Surtr

10-08-2005, 10:56 PM

Donovan McNabb + T.O. = better than the nfl
....... :confused: Wrong kinda football...

RandyfromPennywise

10-09-2005, 06:20 AM

England were crap last night. Very average. It's amazing that one of the strongest teams on paper performs so poorly. They are one great creative player away from potentially winning World Cup: Their defence and midfield is better than Brazil's (on paper), if only they had a Kaka or Ronaldinho...

Meh, who cares about England, Australia v Jamaica about to start... Last game for the Aussies before the two big games next month!!!!!

Guus Hiddink's Green and Gold Army!!!

RandyfromPennywise

10-09-2005, 08:01 AM

^ What a goal from Bresciano!!!!!! Socceroos 2-1 at half-time. Thwaite looks good in defence too. Marco Bresciano, Marco Bresciano!

Lord Abortion

10-09-2005, 08:59 AM

red barchetta

10-09-2005, 09:44 AM

Gerrard, Campbell, Beckham, Ashley Cole and Gary Neville are out for the Poland game.

i can see another poor display from England coming.

Lord Abortion

10-09-2005, 09:46 AM

Gerrard, Campbell, Beckham, Ashley Cole and Gary Neville are out for the Poland game.

i can see another poor display from England coming.
What happened to Gerrard?

Ah..shin injury says the internets.

red barchetta

10-09-2005, 09:48 AM

What happened to Gerrard?

shin injury. he'll be out for Liverpool's next 3 games, apparently.

Drop The Baby

10-09-2005, 11:41 AM

You are 'avin' a MASSIVE laugh if you think Sol Campbell is the best or second best centre-back in the world. John Terry, Carles Puyol, Rio Ferdinand, Cannavaro, Helguera even are better than him in my opinion.

Cafu - I would have had him in a few years back, but not anymore for mine.

Definately NOT Robben. Duff is a lot more consistent that Arjen. When in form, he is scintilating, as he showed last season. But he isn't in the World XI. I reckon Lamps and Stevie G are better than Patrick V as well. Fair play though.

there's a big shortage in quality right backs. Neville is the only other option

No i am not avin a massive laugh, especially when the one one of the defenders you claim to be moles better just got dropped for him as soon as Campbell came back from injury. Helguera is nothing as a centre back, useless. He's a midfielder playing in defence, there are more than 10 better than him in the world minimum. Cannavaro's a good shout, but i've seen him have far more bad games than Campbell.

As i said, i'm sure i'm missing a midfielder that i usually put in there.

Lampard is nowehere near as good as Vieira. Gerrard is very very good, but i think Vieira shades it.

Britney Diva

10-09-2005, 11:49 AM

I think it's hard to judge Lampard at the moment. I'd like to see how he'd handle himself at Chelsea without Makalele. He certainly can't tackle. :-\

Drop The Baby

10-09-2005, 11:53 AM

If you watch Lampard ona highlights prgram he looks great, if you watch the game he looks poor. All he really seems to do is shoot, he has about 50 shots a game and then the one that goes in is played so much it's silly.

Britney Diva

10-09-2005, 11:57 AM

He does score plenty of goals. He's like Scholes in that regard, but Scholes never really delivered for England. Both their middle names are "unnecessary bookings" too.

Lord Abortion

10-09-2005, 12:04 PM

He does score plenty of goals. He's like Scholes in that regard, but Scholes never really delivered for England. Both their middle names are "unnecessary bookings" too.
Yeah, but Lampard doesn't seem to have those worrying losses of form like scholesy does, more frequently than ever now. :upset:

markface

10-09-2005, 01:06 PM

Haven't posted on here in a while. Everybody happy with the fantasy football league? :wave:

England have been poor since the second half of the Brazil match at the world cup 2002 when it all fell apart. We haven't had a good game since then and I doubt we'll have another until the Swede is gone. I've gone over this extensively on other message boards, so feel free to ask me why I think this. :upset:

markface

10-09-2005, 01:14 PM

Gary Neville proving how much of a hardass he is :lol: (http://media.putfile.com/THEGARYNEVILLECONVERSATION)

metal-militia

10-09-2005, 04:19 PM

Gary Neville proving how much of a hardass he is :lol: (http://media.putfile.com/THEGARYNEVILLECONVERSATION)

:lol:

Thought it was a pretty bad performance on Saturday overall... i just hope Shaun Wright Phillips plays vs Poland.

Lord Abortion

10-09-2005, 05:49 PM

Med...Carrick and Parker aren't even in the squad...

Ledley king probably, or Smithy will go in to the midfield.

RandyfromPennywise

10-10-2005, 04:22 AM

That player is Rooney, I think.
Well, it's hard to say. If he plays as an out-and-out striker then he doesn't have as much opportunity to create - if he wants to create and get involved in the build-up play, he needs to drop deeper. Maybe play a 4-3-1-2 system with the midfield of Becks, Lamps, Gerrard, then Rooney ahead in the number 10 role behind Owen and Defoe. Maybe??? No width then really, but it would be very strong through the middle...

RandyfromPennywise

10-10-2005, 04:29 AM

there's a big shortage in quality right backs. Neville is the only other option

No i am not avin a massive laugh, especially when the one one of the defenders you claim to be moles better just got dropped for him as soon as Campbell came back from injury. Helguera is nothing as a centre back, useless. He's a midfielder playing in defence, there are more than 10 better than him in the world minimum. Cannavaro's a good shout, but i've seen him have far more bad games than Campbell.

As i said, i'm sure i'm missing a midfielder that i usually put in there.

Lampard is nowehere near as good as Vieira. Gerrard is very very good, but i think Vieira shades it.
Yeah there's a real lack of quality full-backs, definately agree with you there. Left-backs - A.Cole, Del Horno, Heinze, really aren't too many more than that, and right-backs - Belletti, Cafu, Mancini (although he plays a lot of midfield with Roma), Salgado? Ferreira? the quality starts to drop pretty rapidly after these guys...

Sol Campbell is very good. I think Rio in top-form is better than Sol in top-form. Terry in top-form is better than both. And yeah, Helguera is definately a defensive-midfielder, but he does a good job at centre back - well, particularly last year when Walter Samuel was attrocious.

I think Lampard is underrated. Maybe it's Beckham you forgot? Viera is excellent. I rate him on the same level as Lampard and Gerrard. In what areas is Gerrard better than Lampard in your opinion?

RandyfromPennywise

10-10-2005, 04:44 AM

I think it's hard to judge Lampard at the moment. I'd like to see how he'd handle himself at Chelsea without Makalele. He certainly can't tackle. :-\
He wouldn't have scored 19 goals last year if Makélélé wasn't at Chelsea. If he played in a midfield two - like his early days at Chelsea under Ranieri - he'd be able to get forward quite a lot still, but loads depends on who that partner is. When it was Emmanuel Petit, who was more defensive, he could get forward a fair bit, but still had to work back. With Maka, he is maybe almost too defensive to play in a central midfield pair. Essien can and has played the Makélélé role, so I think Super Frank will continue to play in the same way (i.e. very attacking) while with Chelsea under the Special One.

And I believe he times his tackles rather well on most occassions. Honestly.

If you watch Lampard ona highlights prgram he looks great, if you watch the game he looks poor. All he really seems to do is shoot, he has about 50 shots a game and then the one that goes in is played so much it's silly.

Only when he drifts out of games, which has happened a bit this season. When he plays his best games he is absolutely great, involved with everything. He had the most assists in the Prem last year - may have been of all the top leagues - as well as being the highest scoring midfielder in England (all comps). Fair play.

Both their middle names are "unnecessary bookings" too.
I'd say Mateja Kežman was the king of that category.

Yeah, but Lampard doesn't seem to have those worrying losses of form like scholesy does, more frequently than ever now. What has happened to Scholesy these days? He's bloody terrible, really should be dropped from the Man Utd team for a little while, he is offering very little. (Not even goals anymore...)

Drop The Baby

10-10-2005, 05:23 AM

I think Lampard is underrated. Maybe it's Beckham you forgot? Viera is excellent. I rate him on the same level as Lampard and Gerrard. In what areas is Gerrard better than Lampard in your opinion?

I think Gerrard beats Lampard in almost every aspect of play. He's faster, stronger, more athletic, has more stamina, better tackler passer and header of the ball.

It wasn't Beckham i forgot, i just can't get it which is silly seeing as if they should be in a world XI then i shouldn't really forget one of the best players in the world

Juventus

10-10-2005, 07:55 AM

^ What a goal from Bresciano!!!!!! Socceroos 2-1 at half-time. Thwaite looks good in defence too. Marco Bresciano, Marco Bresciano!
If the score was 2-1 at half time, how did it end up 5-0 at full time?

RandyfromPennywise

10-10-2005, 09:27 AM

I think Gerrard beats Lampard in almost every aspect of play. He's faster, stronger, more athletic, has more stamina, better tackler passer and header of the ball.

It wasn't Beckham i forgot, i just can't get it which is silly seeing as if they should be in a world XI then i shouldn't really forget one of the best players in the world
I don't think Gerrard is stronger - physically. Lampard buffed up majorly at the start of last season. He is huge across the shoulders. I can't agree that Gerrard has more stamina. Lampard is probably the most hard-working player in the Prem, his tracking back is incredible and for a CM he is constantly as far forward as the strikers. Gerrard is a better header of the ball, for sure. Passing = I'd say relatively equal. Both are superb long- and short-range passers. Tackling goes to Gerrard, I agree with you there. Don't know if Stevie Gee is faster or more athletic - neither of them are doing bicycle kicks or the like all the time. Lampard is a better shooter and finisher, no doubt. Gerrard's long-range shooting is excellent, but Frank more consistently finds the target (and the net), and his finishing is better, you have to agree with that.

The only midfielders I think are worthy of World XI are: Vieira, Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, Xavi, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Zidane, Emerson, Pirlo, Gatusso, Rosicky, Ballack, Juninho P., Essien, Makelele, that's about it. Don't think I forgot anyone of significance, and even some of these guys are pushing it. (This is for centre mid positions as well, so I haven't included wingers.)

If the score was 2-1 at half time, how did it end up 5-0 at full time?My bad, a typo. I was probably still pumped from Bresciano's goal.

red barchetta

10-10-2005, 02:12 PM

The only midfielders I think are worthy of World XI are: Vieira, Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, Xavi, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Zidane, Emerson, Pirlo, Gatusso, Rosicky, Ballack, Juninho P., Essien, Makelele, that's about it. Don't think I forgot anyone of significance, and even some of these guys are pushing it. (This is for centre mid positions as well, so I haven't included wingers.)

Deco?

Britney Diva

10-10-2005, 02:18 PM

The only midfielders I think are worthy of World XI are: Vieira (yes), Gerrard (yes), Lampard (no), Beckham (no), Xavi (maybe), Ronaldinho (yes), Kaka (yes), Zidane (no), Emerson (no), Pirlo (no), Gatusso (yes), Rosicky (maybe), Ballack (yes), Juninho P. (no), Essien (no), Makelele (yes), that's about it. Don't think I forgot anyone of significance, and even some of these guys are pushing it. (This is for centre mid positions as well, so I haven't included wingers.)

:-\

Rage_Against_The_PC

10-10-2005, 05:37 PM

If the score was 2-1 at half time, how did it end up 5-0 at full time?

haha good point :lol:

Broken Angels

10-10-2005, 08:28 PM

Deco?
Deco is good, but not World XI class.

RandyfromPennywise

10-11-2005, 02:19 AM

Deco is good, but not World XI class.
What Broken Angels said.

RandyfromPennywise

10-11-2005, 02:26 AM

:-\
Mmmm... Except for disagreeing about Lampard and Beckham, most of the players you disagreed with I agree are not in the best 5-6 centre mids...

Essien is really showing he is top class, but he probably needs at least a full season in one of the best leagues (in this case the EPL) to be considered a top-line midfielder.

I was trying to jolt Drop The Baby's memory a little too.

Drop The Baby

10-11-2005, 04:51 AM

I don't think Gerrard is stronger - physically. Lampard buffed up majorly at the start of last season. He is huge across the shoulders. I can't agree that Gerrard has more stamina. Lampard is probably the most hard-working player in the Prem, his tracking back is incredible and for a CM he is constantly as far forward as the strikers. Gerrard is a better header of the ball, for sure. Passing = I'd say relatively equal. Both are superb long- and short-range passers. Tackling goes to Gerrard, I agree with you there. Don't know if Stevie Gee is faster or more athletic - neither of them are doing bicycle kicks or the like all the time. Lampard is a better shooter and finisher, no doubt. Gerrard's long-range shooting is excellent, but Frank more consistently finds the target (and the net), and his finishing is better, you have to agree with that.
.

there's no question lampard scores more goals, but i don't know about his shooting accuracy mate. Seriously, that might sound silly but if you watch him for a whole game he takes a f'uck load of shots, probably more than most strikers in the league. Gerrard always gets his shots on target, i'll say that.

And Gerrard really is one of the best endurance athletes in the world in my book, look how many games he covers and he covers more ground than any player i can think of off the top of my head

Drop The Baby

10-11-2005, 04:52 AM

:-\

zidane, no? F'ucking hell mate are you crazy, he's still amazing?

Britney Diva

10-11-2005, 06:17 AM

zidane, no? F'ucking hell mate are you crazy, he's still amazing?
He's past it.

Lord Abortion

10-11-2005, 06:22 AM

I haven't seen Zidane dominate games as he has done in the past any more, he is still influentail, but not as he was.

metal-militia

10-11-2005, 06:56 AM

I haven't seen Zidane dominate games as he has done in the past any more, he is still influentail, but not as he was.

agreed. He still has moments of brilliance, but he's slowly getting worse as he gets older.

Juventus

10-11-2005, 07:27 AM

My bad, a typo. I was probably still pumped from Bresciano's goal.
Fair enough. It is nice to see some more positive play from the boys with Hiddink in charge.

RandyfromPennywise

10-11-2005, 07:40 AM

there's no question lampard scores more goals, but i don't know about his shooting accuracy mate. Seriously, that might sound silly but if you watch him for a whole game he takes a f'uck load of shots, probably more than most strikers in the league. Gerrard always gets his shots on target, i'll say that.

And Gerrard really is one of the best endurance athletes in the world in my book, look how many games he covers and he covers more ground than any player i can think of off the top of my head
Lampard played the most games of any Premier League player last year. 38 Premier League games, around 10 internationals, 10 Cup games and European games on top of that. 154 Prem games in succession is pretty good. I think it was Opta stats that said Lampard covered the most ground of any Prem player last year. He averaged something like 18 kilometres a game or something ridiculous. Gerrard was injured for two months but Lampard's work-rate is phenomenal. I haven't missed a televised Chelsea game in three years, and try to watch most important games twice so I can get a better grip of how it unfolded. Lampard does take a lot of shots. Henry was the only player who took more and had more on target last year. Liverpool v Sunderland in Round 2 of the Prem this year - "Gerrard always gets his shots on target".................. ahem.

On Lamps' accuracy - he rarely puts free-kicks off target. He almost always test the 'keeper at the very least (or very occassionally hits the wall).

----

Don't get me wrong, I think Gerrard is a fantastic player. Very few like him around. Frank and he are different players, there is no doubt. I'd prefer Frank in my team than Steven if I was a gaffer. (Especially if the team already has a natural leader like say, John Terry, because Gerrard has great leadership qualities, but Frank doesn't necessarilly need to be the motivator and leader.)

RandyfromPennywise

10-11-2005, 07:42 AM

Fair enough. It is nice to see some more positive play from the boys with Hiddink in charge.
It is. Some very encouraging signs.

Booked my flight to Sydney today - can't wait! Thursday morning we'll find out who we're playing.

Don't get me started about Farina. J. O. K. E. That's all I'll say.

Drop The Baby

10-11-2005, 08:15 AM

Lampard played the most games of any Premier League player last year. 38 Premier League games, around 10 internationals, 10 Cup games and European games on top of that. 154 Prem games in succession is pretty good. I think it was Opta stats that said Lampard covered the most ground of any Prem player last year. He averaged something like 18 kilometres a game or something ridiculous. Gerrard was injured for two months but Lampard's work-rate is phenomenal. I haven't missed a televised Chelsea game in three years, and try to watch most important games twice so I can get a better grip of how it unfolded. Lampard does take a lot of shots. Henry was the only player who took more and had more on target last year. Liverpool v Sunderland in Round 2 of the Prem this year - "Gerrard always gets his shots on target".................. ahem.

well, obviously always was an exaggeration he's bound to miss sometimes but look at his record in other games this season, and pre-season too.

I'd take Gerrard every time, i don't rate Lampard that highly (although clearly he is a very good player)

Grutte Pier

10-11-2005, 08:55 AM

It is nice to see some more positive play from the boys with Hiddink in charge.

imitates the south korean crowd going: 'Hiddink! Hiddink! Hiddink! Hiddink! Hiddink!'

RandyfromPennywise

10-11-2005, 11:34 AM

well, obviously always was an exaggeration he's bound to miss sometimes but look at his record in other games this season, and pre-season too.

I'd take Gerrard every time, i don't rate Lampard that highly (although clearly he is a very good player)
Yes, Gerrard's pre-season record was excellent. Sadly, the opposition was not. I believe he scored 7 in the CL qualifiers - Super Frank's already scored 6 in real matches. (Yes, two were penalties and two were free kicks that should have been saved (Anderlecht) or blocked (Villa + Angel) and the other two were against West Brom... haha) Lamps was voted Footballer of the Year last year, and has been runner-up in the PFA awards for two-years running. Agreed disagreement then!

About the Socceroos - Hiddink is an excellent manager. And what are people's impressions of Marco Bresciano? (The central/attacking midfielder from Parma) I rate him as excellent, easily Australia's best player at the moment. Parma paid around £10 million for him from Empoli three? years ago. A big move is imminent for him, most likely to Milan, Inter or Juventus. He was probably going to move this summer but potential transfers fell through and Parma wanted to hang on to him. He was linked with the Prem, and was considering it, but he has since stated his preference to stay in Serie A. Anyone familiar with him? Any thoughts on him? He's only 25 I believe, exciting years ahead for Marco!

I am great

10-11-2005, 11:46 AM

Ireland 1 Cyrpus 0

somehow
I know.
We played crap.
We've just got anh absolutely terrible team right now. We still deserve to be in the top 20.
What are the States doing in the top 10? What are they doing in the top 20? What are they doing in the top 30?
But still. Ireland need to get rid of every single Brit player and get some more Irish guys cause it seems the only players who play well for us are Irish.
Why we do this whole finding English players with Irish Grandparents thing confuses me.
If they're not good enough for England they're not good enough for us.
We need more Irish players like Roy Keane, Duffer and Shay Given.
At least we have an unbelievable goalie.
GOOD MAN SHAY!!!!!

Britney Diva

10-11-2005, 11:56 AM

There was only one Englishman in the team for the disastrous first half performance. The reason we have all these brits is because we don't have enough quality Irish players to begin with.

RandyfromPennywise

10-11-2005, 12:05 PM

^^ The US are up there a) they play incredibly weak opposition in their WC qualifiers and b) US Soccer has seriously got its act together and the US are now a well organised, well structured and developing football nation.

The Irish national team - I read the chapter in Keano's book about the national team. Anyone else read it? If it's still like that, it's no wonder you haven't done better in the qualifiers. I hope you make it. I just want to see Duffer shine at World Cup.

Decent Irish players: Given, Finnan, O'Shea, Keane, Keane, Duff. Sorry if any of these are English! Anyone decent I forgot? You should have got Rooney for Ireland, he's got Irish blood in him somewhere.

I am great

10-11-2005, 12:09 PM

There was only one Englishman in the team for the disastrous first half performance. The reason we have all these brits is because we don't have enough quality Irish players to begin with.
But we could if we gave them a chance.
What the FAI should do is everything they're NOT doing now.
They're a joke. Roy Keane hates them They all hate them.

RandyfromPennywise

10-11-2005, 12:24 PM

But we could if we gave them a chance.
What the FAI should do is everything they're NOT doing now.
They're a joke. Roy Keane hates them They all hate them.I hate Mick McCarthy after reading Keano's version of events at World Cup 2002. What a f*cking f*ckwit.

"F*ck off you English c*nt"

As a long-standing Chelsea fan, I can honestly say C'MON KEANO! Should have kicked-off with him at the table when he lied in front of everyone. A good glassing would have seen to him, and been in true Keano style too!

Britney Diva

10-11-2005, 12:28 PM

Keane's an arsehole, so is McCarthy. I don't hold either particularly culpable.

RandyfromPennywise

10-11-2005, 12:37 PM

Mmmm... not being Irish I obviously can't really comment, but from here, a long way away (Australia!) it appears it's a similar situation to what was in place here only a year or two ago. A shambles. Poorly run, administered and organised federation who are backward. Is that close to the mark?

Britney Diva

10-11-2005, 12:41 PM

That's all too close to the mark. They're improving, but it's a big deal. They'd prefer just to do nothing and commission multi-million euro reports every 2 years on exactly how they should ignore all recommendations.

RandyfromPennywise

10-11-2005, 12:55 PM

It's funny because the FFA (formerly Soccer Australia [not even calling the national body football said a lot]) should have got its act together a hell of a lot sooner than it has, but now that it has, it's (seemingly) great. We have Guus Hiddink managing the national team, a really positive outlook for the new national league (the A-League) and people are talking about long-term development rather than short-term fixes and getting caught up in stupid beuracracy and politics. Ireland should be a really strong football nation, stronger than the hit-and-miss teams we see every 2 or 4 years.

About the reports - this process that's happened/happening in Australia has been a slow process. Reports had been condeming the system for years before we finally got of our arses and did something. We, Australia, too have the potential to be a good footballing nation. 20 million population, soccer the only football code (Aussie Rules, Rugby and Rugby League being the others) to be popular in all states and the most young players of any sports. [Hopefully!] Watch out for World Cups 2012, 2016, 2020 and beyond!

Broken Angels

10-11-2005, 07:54 PM

What he said.
You may want to ammend your post slightly.

RandyfromPennywise

10-12-2005, 04:55 AM

You may want to ammend your post slightly.
Apologies if I assumed you are a 'he'. I have been trying not to do that for a while now. Probably assumed because it appears most of the people talking in this thread are male. Apologies if this is the mistake.

upthebracket

10-12-2005, 09:23 AM

So, does anyone/has anyone here ever bet money on football? I've always been tempted but I'd probably end up wasting a bit too much money.

Now I've found out that some online bookies offer 'free' bets for new users, and I'm now uber-tempted, because 'free' bets put you in a no lose situation. Becoming addicted would be the only risk.

...also, I hear Arsenal are looking at Artur Boruc (Celtic/Poland). Anyone know anything about this? I hope the Arse' stay away... he's Celtic's first decent keeper for too many years :( (and we saw him first)

Drop The Baby

10-12-2005, 10:32 AM

Yeah Wenger's supposed to be watching him in the match against Poland tonight. Chris Coleman's rumoured to have an interest in him too

upthebracket

10-12-2005, 10:33 AM

Bugger :(

We have first option for him, only £600k, but I have a feeling he's gonna take Arsenal's money rather than our Scottish money if he's givern the chance.

Drop The Baby

10-12-2005, 10:38 AM

hopefully, if he's any good that is. I'd still have preferred for us to get someone like Niemi at the start of the season

RandyfromPennywise

10-12-2005, 11:07 AM

^ I can't see why bigger club's didn't go after Sebastien Frey of Parma (now on-loan (would you believe!) to Fiorentina with Lupatelli going the other way). He is an excellent 'keeper. He didn't make it at Inter, but he was only in his very early 20s then. At Parma he proved himself to be one of the top 'keepers in Serie A. He is only 25, so, for a 'keeper, he's quite young and has probably 10 good years left. I also can't see why he's at the least not in the French squad. He'd have been a great get for Arsenal, or Man U - although EvS is top drawer, but only for a couple of seasons...

One of the most bizarre transfers for a long time was Frey going on loan to Fiorentina. Another Serie A special.

+3kk!

10-12-2005, 11:08 AM

agreed. He still has moments of brilliance, but he's slowly getting worse as he gets older.

he's quite old.......so i guess its normal

Lord Abortion

10-12-2005, 01:00 PM

RandyfromPennywise

10-12-2005, 01:12 PM

Well, it makes some sense, but very little. It was almost a typically English attitude to judge a player of proven ability on one season and irrespective of any circumstances. Samuel was brilliant at Roma, was helping Philippe Mexès develop into a top-class centre-back, and worked very well with Emerson as his spoil. All of a sudden he goes to Madrid, who say "here, defenders, don't let in goals", and that's where it ends. Having no real midfield cover he was left exposed way too often. I thought he was poor too often as well, but the set up of the team did nothing for him. He was averaging about 6-7 fouls per game which is far too many.

In the right situation he is a quality defender. It's a very similar situation to Verón, both at United and moreso at Chelsea. Judged far too early, expected to do a lot, and then shipped out too early. (Wouldn't he have flourished at United without Beckham? - i.e. he more than likely would have played every game and had the run in the side he needs)

Samuel's reputation is in tatters now, all because of people like Florentino Perez at Madrid being far too impatient and not realising that 11 players play on a team together, not: four defend, maybe one sit in midfield, and the rest do what they want. Look at the difference between Madrid and Chelsea - the way the two are told to play defines their results.

Lord Abortion

10-12-2005, 01:26 PM

Rage_Against_The_PC

10-12-2005, 01:31 PM

Hjacks thread again //

Its england time again i reckon well win 2-1 but i hope its a bit more entertaining then usual :upset:

upthebracket

10-12-2005, 01:56 PM

:eek: Greece have been knocked out. Silly Greeks.

I feel a 0-0 tonight for England for some reason. I also feel 2-0 for Scotland, seeing as we always play better when there's nothing to play for :cool:

RandyfromPennywise

10-12-2005, 02:32 PM

Fair point, I had little idea of how he was played like that at Real, as My keeping track of Football outside the prem dipped alot last year.
I rate Samuel very highly, a few pages back he was in my World side, ableit on the bench to John Terry and Nesta on current form.

For the record, there were some nights (especially european ones) when I could sit down and watch Veron be the best midfielder in the world at United, in fact That's one of the worst decisions on sales I think Fergie has ever made,getting rid of Veron. I can't see the cause of people thinking Veron was poor at United, he simply took a long time to settle and far too much was expected too soon.
In The last game he played for us, a 4-1 friendly victory over Juventus, he absolutely ripped them apart, set up two goals and scored one himself.
The man is pure class and I wish him well at Inter.
Verón played 11 games for Chelsea. We have loaned him out after spending £15 million on him (admittedly oly roughly £12 mil will be paid to United because of appearances). I can remember wanting him in the side, but Ranieri being the 'tinker man' he (I love/loved Ranners by the way) should have selected him for every match when he was fit to get him to settle quicker, but he didn't. Then he got a back injury, and Mourinho decided he was surplus (well, he didn't cancel the loan deal that had been agreed I believe). He would have been excellent in the third midfield role for Chelsea in the 4-3-3 system... His games against Newcastle and Lazio - four days apart - showed what he was capable of. I think the English particularly don't rate him because a) he has too much flair and likes to play passes with the outside of his feet and b) his running style made it look like he didn't work hard enough.

--------------------

England lucky on the first goal, Young caught ball-watching terribly for Poland's equaliser. England have dominated though. Better performance, Lamps and King 'ave been great in central midfield. Rooney is good for you too! Much better than beanpole.

RandyfromPennywise

10-12-2005, 02:35 PM

*When I say running style I mean overall appearance, with socks half pulled down, shirt baggy etc. Sounds silly but I honestly think it is something.

Lord Abortion

10-12-2005, 02:35 PM

England have been great.
Rooney is running the show.

metal-militia

10-12-2005, 03:35 PM

Good performance from England... i thought Young was great

RandyfromPennywise

10-12-2005, 03:41 PM

Mmmm, not as convincing as the first half... a win is a win I guess.

France are through, 4-0 over Cyprus. Zidane!

Ireland have drawn - they're out aren't they?

Sweden through to the playoffs as expected.

Spain came through to thump San Marino 6-0, Torres hat-trick.

Now we wait for the important ones - South America! Destiny awaits the Aussie boys, we'll find out the opposition in 6 hours!

RandyfromPennywise

10-12-2005, 03:42 PM

^^ Young was badly at fault for the Poland goal though, terrible ball watching, left the Pole completely unmarked.

Lord Abortion

10-12-2005, 03:42 PM

A great victory, very well played England, I think Crouch is good in the role he plays, simply to unsettle defenders, he wins every long ball he goes for and that sort of flick-on produces great chances.

oh...I will share with you the latest (slightly racist) chant to be going round Old Trafford this season.

(To the tune of "Lord of the dance")

Park, Park, Wherever you may be,
they eat dogs in your home country,
But it could be worse,
you could be Scouse,
Eating rats in your council house!

Rage_Against_The_PC

10-12-2005, 03:42 PM

Good performance from England... i thought Young was great

123 good team performance ;)

Angry Balled Fists!

10-12-2005, 03:43 PM

metal-militia

10-12-2005, 03:44 PM

A great victory, very well played England, I think Crouch is good in the role he plays, simply to unsettle defenders, he wins every long ball he goes for and that sort of flick-on produces great chances.

At last! someone who agree's with me!

About Young: I fell asleep at the end of the first half so i mssed the Poland goal, but in the second half, and what i saw of the first half i thought Young was great.

Lord Abortion

10-12-2005, 03:52 PM

I am happy to see England play so weel and get a result.
I am a person who would far rather see England play terribly and win, than dominate the opposition and draw or lose( I have come to call this "United Vs bottom half side syndrome, or UVBHSS for short)

Lord Abortion

10-12-2005, 04:09 PM

The Irish are out, but Fletcher had a stormer for Scotland, and they won, but are already out.

sweboy

10-12-2005, 04:13 PM

Sweden qualified for the World Cup. Hell yes!

RandyfromPennywise

10-12-2005, 04:55 PM

I think Sweden have to play-off before they have a nice time in Germany...

L'équipe is going nuts about the French victory. Quite funny when they have given Domenech (sp?) so much crap, but I'm happy that Zizou will grace the biggest stage one last time.

TakeWarning

10-13-2005, 08:50 AM

Destiny awaits the Aussie boys, we'll find out the opposition in 6 hours!

**** that it's Uruguay again. If we don't win I'm gonna be mighty pissed off.

Lord Abortion

10-13-2005, 08:56 AM

The name "Uuguay" cracks me up every time...

TakeWarning

10-13-2005, 08:59 AM

U R gay

Drop The Baby

10-13-2005, 09:17 AM

U R gay

I think that's brilliant when Homer does that, so jokes

TakeWarning

10-13-2005, 09:19 AM

I think that's brilliant when Homer does that, so jokes
homer funny

Lord Abortion

10-14-2005, 08:10 AM

I think that's brilliant when Homer does that, so jokes
Yeah, I steal lines. :upset:

TakeWarning

10-15-2005, 08:30 AM

The Wigan Newcastle result was kind of surprising.

Wigan 1 - 0 Newcastle

Angry Balled Fists!

10-15-2005, 09:09 AM

ARGH CRAP !!!

:upset:

We had so many chances and appeals and stuff apparently.

I'm pissed now.

TakeWarning

10-15-2005, 09:20 AM

Wigan are in 2nd place now. Behind you-know-who. But Tottenham should go above them soon because we have an easy win against Everton this week.

Ganondorf

10-15-2005, 10:59 AM

oh shi, 2-1

What's even more suprising is Kanu scored :D

Britney Diva

10-15-2005, 11:25 AM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4343534.stm

Keane's retired from international football (Roy Keane. Not the other one). Another step along the road to retirement for the great man. :(
There's a funny rumour circulating in newspapers here that he and Ferguson are lined up to take over the Ireland job. It's funny because they a)think it could happen and b)that it wouldn't be a disaster.

Britney Diva

10-15-2005, 12:39 PM

His contract has expired, but he's prepared to sign a new one if offered. The FAI have made it clear they want someone else, but I don't think anyone will take the job. Given that our two captains have now retired and that the association has probably lost €5 million as a result of non-qualification, added to the fact we'll be 4th seed for the European Championship drawing, it's not an attractive job to take. I think they'll offer him another contract soon.

Lord Abortion

10-15-2005, 01:00 PM

3-1.

Remember the name.
Guiseppi Rossi

red barchetta

10-15-2005, 02:12 PM

3-1.

Remember the name.
Guiseppi Rossi
he performed well in the pre-season friendlies too, didnt he?

Lord Abortion

10-15-2005, 02:13 PM

Yes, he's one of the youth team's hot properties, along with Piqué

metal-militia

10-15-2005, 07:15 PM

I'd heard of Rossi before but never seen him until today, and from MOTD he looked pretty good.

Saints drew for the 8th time in a row today :angry:

+3kk!

10-16-2005, 12:45 AM

listen to this its **** funny,

http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2005/jose-team-talk-p1.php

TakeWarning

10-16-2005, 02:00 AM

Yeow Tottenham 2 - 0 Everton bitches.

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2005, 10:10 AM

CHELSEA CHELSEA!

Blue is the colour, Football is the game, We're all together, And winning is our aim, So cheer us on through sun and rain, 'Cause Chelsea, Chelsea is our name!

5-1! Amazing! Super, Super Frank, Super, Super Frank, Super, Super Frank, SUPER FRANKIE LAMPARD!!! 8 goals already this season + 2 for England.

Mourinho is the ultimate tactician. Stand up, for the Special One!

red barchetta

10-16-2005, 10:16 AM

Lord Abortion

10-16-2005, 10:22 AM

We've got such a rush of youth players coming through now. :D Seriously, Rossi, Pique, N'Galula (who I've heard great things about), Keiran Richardson's still quite young, and if Jean Michel Obi actually is owned by us now, him as well. And then we've got Rooney and Ronaldo. It's just as well, seeing as how we went through a few years where it looked like our production line had stopped though.
Yeah, young Floribert looks a good prospect, had some god reserve outings.

Britney Diva

10-16-2005, 12:31 PM

Somebody needs to snap up Richard Dunne quickly. He's in the top 3 centre-halfs in the premiership right now. Absolutely fantastic.

markface

10-16-2005, 12:55 PM

Britney Diva

10-16-2005, 01:04 PM

I haven't seen any of today's games, but tell me this is satire.
No, he's one of the best players in the league.

I've heard Bobby Robson be linked with the Ireland and Portsmouth jobs today, interestingly enough...looks like he might be one of the first managers to end up dying while still in a job if he wants to get back into managing again.
Everyone in England will be linked with the Ireland job sooner or later.

markface

10-16-2005, 01:04 PM

Lord Abortion

10-16-2005, 01:11 PM

Yeah, Chelsea could just buy English players...

Bastards, I really thought Bolton were going to win there at half time.

Britney Diva

10-16-2005, 01:38 PM

You'd put him above at least three of Campbell, Terry, Ferdinand, King and Carragher (to name a few)? He's improved from a few years ago when he was overweight and terrible, but I don't see him playing for the opposition and think that our strikers are in for a hard day...
Yes. As a United, I'm dumbfounded you even mentioned Ferdinand, but I'd put him on a level with Campbell and Carragher. He has the ball skills of Ferdinand, but he's become an excellent defender too. I've seen him shut out some of the best strikers in the world the last couple of seasons; he's hitting his peak.

markface

10-16-2005, 01:41 PM

/too lazy to quote.

This is exactly why Spains national team is a joke.

They just import players from other countries, be it Italy, England, Portugal or elsewhere. They'll rarely let a homegrown talent make a name for himself.

England are in danger of going the same way.

I just did some research on the law UEFA were hoping to enforce about a minium number of homegrown players being in the team, but all I got was it looks unlikely that it'll be allowed due to legal reasons.

It's just a shame that managers like Wenger or Mourinho would rather look overseas for fresh talent than assigning a scout to find a young player from a lower division, then nurturing his abilities until he becomes world class.

As far as Dunne goes, he's worked a lot on his fitness and is no longer subjected to chants about his weight from the crowd. I wouldn't say he's a rival to Terry, Campbell or Ferdinand, but his game is improving and as far as I can see, he'll only get better.

metal-militia

10-16-2005, 02:10 PM

I'd love to see home grown players come through the ranks, but its a managers job to win games, not to play up and coming England youngsters. If theres some better youuth player overseas then teams will go for them rather than a less quality English player. I'm not saying its right, i'm just saying that its a manager job to get points, and they do it by buying quality foreigners and don't really care about our national youth set up.

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2005, 03:56 PM

I'm willing to bet the contents of my bank account (a whopping £5.50) that you were a Man United fan two seasons ago.
Better get on and send that fiver mate.

Gullit was the original messaih.

(Before 'Luca of course)

Never thought much of Hod the God, bit before my time really.

Lord Abortion

10-16-2005, 04:02 PM

See, as a 6 year old who could name the 93/94 season's results backwards... Not alot of stuff is before my time at united of that era.

go on, name any team in that prem season, and I can name you the results and scorers of united's games against them.

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2005, 04:02 PM

If I were you I'd get the money transfer ready, as I'm pretty sure that he's been a Chelsea fan for at least 3 years. One of my early memories of these forums is him going on about Zola incessantly, and I think him and Chelsea go back a long way. :p

Mmmm. Zola is king.

Yeah, been a Chelsea man since '97. FA Cup Final was what did it to me. (Moreover, Robbie D's goal!)

I haven't seen any of today's games, but tell me this is satire.

I've heard Bobby Robson be linked with the Ireland and Portsmouth jobs today, interestingly enough...looks like he might be one of the first managers to end up dying while still in a job if he wants to get back into managing again.
1. He has to be takin' the piss doesn't he?!?! Distin is better for Man City, let alone the Prem!

2. Too right. He and David Pleat shouldn't manage again (for different reasons).

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2005, 04:15 PM

Zola is a legend, even though he's quite ugly and a cheeky little monkey. Footballing genius.

Do you strange people think that something should be done to stop Chelsea turning the premiership into a farce? It looks like it's gonna be a one-horse race for seasons to come.

In my opinion, a salary cap should be introduced for all players.

I heard FIFA introduced a law saying that a club must have a certain amount of home-grown players in the team, but it won't take effect for a couple of seasons. Hopefully thjis'll stop teams like Chelsea and Arsenal from just bringing in foreign players, boosting our chances of finding another talent like Rooney. It looks like Chelsea will be able to get around the law as well, what with Lampard, Terry, Wright-Phillips etc all in the squad.

1. Zola is not ugly, and he is king.

2. We are not "strange people". And no, the Prem is only turning into a farce because of three reasons: 1. John Terry and Chelsea's defence, 2. Frank Lampard and Chelsea's midfield and attack, and 3. José Mourinho. No other managers are able to keep up with him, or organise their respective clubs the way the Special One has. Simple. (Oh yeah, we have a fair bit of cash now too.)

3. A Salary Cap would ruin football as we know it.

4. Chelsea have Pidgeley, Johnson, Terry, Bridge, J. Cole, Wright-Phillips, Grant and C. Cole as Englishmen in their squad.

Bastards, I really thought Bolton were going to win there at half time.No Chance.

See, as a 6 year old who could name the 93/94 season's results backwards... Not alot of stuff is before my time at united of that era.

go on, name any team in that prem season, and I can name you the results and scorers of united's games against them.Unfortunately, the only "soccer" we got on TV over here then was the FA Cup final, a weekly highlights show of Prem and the World Cup. Being raised on Aussie Rules, it took me until I was 13 to see the light.

v Chelsea, home and away.

Bonus - 1998/1999 season, Chelsea v Man Utd at the Bridge. Scoreline and scorers please.

The EU laws mean the home-grown player thing will never happen (freedom of movement between countries etc.)

And watch for Scott Sinclair. 16 year old striker from Chelsea. Gun.

Lord Abortion

10-16-2005, 04:20 PM

v Chelsea, home and away.

Both 1-0 to chelsea, both goals from Gavin Peacock.

and of course, the cup final
4-0 to united, two penalties from Cantona, one from Hughes and one from McClair

err.. the 98-99 one 0-0 at the bridge I think

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2005, 04:25 PM

I didn't say anything about the Cup. Bastard :lol:

How about Chelsea v United for 1999-2000 at the Bridge, 2001-02 at Traff and 2003-4 at Traff?

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2005, 04:32 PM

By the way, correct about 1998-99 at the Bridge, I was thinking of the game at OT when the King scored a nice goal over Schmeichel.

Lord Abortion

10-16-2005, 04:36 PM

hahah...

99-2000 at the bridge was 5-0 to chelsea as you bloody well know! :lol:
the second was ...3-0 chelsea I think
and the third was a draw of some nature, I know Ruud scored.

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2005, 04:51 PM

Yes, it was 1-1, Ruud scored after Carlo The Great Cudicini saved a penalty from the Horse. Our goal came form an absolute cracker from Jesper Grønkjær in the first half.

I've got that 5-0er on tape, watch it at least once a year. :)

The 3-0er was good as well, Gudjohnsen the man!

(Can't believe I mixed up the home and away Manure Chelsea games in 98-99, I have a poster of Zola celebrating at OT on my bloody wall!!!)

--------------

United trivia for you (I'm sure you'll know all of these):

-Why was my friend livid at the start of the 2003-04 season that he bought a Rio F shirt from his first season at Man U?

-Who was sent off in the 5-0 loss to Chelsea in '99?

-What are two of Mikaël Silvestre's previous clubs?

-Who scored the winner against Man Utd for Pompey at Fratton Park in 2004?

-What was the score at half-time of the '04 FA Cup final?

-Name three transfers from Man Utd to Chelsea.

-Who wears #25 for Mun Utd currently?

-Who'd you beat in the '68 Champions Cup final and what was the score?

-Who scored in the 3-3 draw? (I reckon you know which one I mean)

Lord Abortion

10-16-2005, 05:05 PM

United trivia for you (I'm sure you'll know all of these):

-Why was my friend be livid at the start of the 2003-04 season that he bought a Rio F shirt from his first season at Man U?

-Who was sent off in the 5-0 loss to Chelsea in '99?

-What are two of Mikaël Silvestre's previous clubs?

-Who scored the winner against Man Utd for Pompey at Fratton Park in 2004?

-What was the score at half-time of the '04 FA Cup final?

-Name three transfers from Man Utd to Chelsea.

-Who wears #25 for Mun Utd currently?

-Who'd you beat in the '68 Champions Cup final and what was the score?

-Who scored in the 3-3 draw? (I reckon you know which one I mean)

1.( I think)he changed squad numbers

2.Easy, Nicky Butt

3. Rennes, Inter

4.Steve stone

5.1-0, Ronaldo.

6.. Veron, Mark Hughes, Bosnich

7. Quinton Fortune

8.Benfica, 4-2

9. I remember Tore flo got two...I'm guessing Hasslebiank, though that's random, Man united, were Beckham, veron and...I forget

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2005, 06:01 PM

Well done indeed. And yes, Rio changed from 6 to 5.

I meant the draw with Barça actually!

Lord Abortion

10-16-2005, 06:12 PM

Well done indeed. And yes, Rio changed from 6 to 5.

I meant the draw with Barça actually!
Which one?! there were two...

Oh,Giggs,Scholes, Beckham for the home one

and Yorke(2) and cole for the away...I think Rivaldo got a couple for Barca in that one...

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2005, 06:31 PM

Yeah, I didn't know you'd had two 3-3 draws with them. I was talking about the game where Rivaldo scored two (I think it was two). My brother (massive United fan) has that on tape. Personally, I think Chelsea's game v Barça last season beats them all!

My brother has the 1989 United annual! (He was only 8 at the time [he had it given to 'im a few years later though!])

What do you reckon about Ballack possibly going to OT, and SAF not selecting Ronnialdo and Parko every week? (Park's been getting more of a run than Ronaldo... Not sure why Cristiano doesn't play every week, the full 90 minutes...)

Lord Abortion

10-16-2005, 06:38 PM

I would absolutely love Ballack at United.
He would fit in well and is just the kind of Worldclass, internationally experienced player we need.

I think He needs to find his best team, which Ronaldo would surely walk into.

Mine goes

GK. Van Der sar
RB. G. Neville
LB. Heinze
CB. Ferdinand
CB.Brown
RW. Ronaldo
LW. Giggs
CM.Keane
CM.Scholes
FC.Rooney
FC.Van Nistlerooy

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2005, 06:52 PM

Brown ahead of Silvestre??!!!! Surely no?

Is Giggs ahead of Park, really?

My brother wants Rooney to play in the No. 10 role, i.e. behind Ruud + another striker. You would need someone like Ballack as the holding midfielder if playing 4-4-2 then. Not sure if that would work.

When you compare the Chelsea team with Arse, Scouse or Man U it is - in my humble opinion - stronger. But not by a sh*tload. It's more the squad we have that sets us apart. Duff's out for a month and Robben's not feeling well. Oh well, let's give SWP and Joey Cole a run...

As for 1st XIs - only players from Man Utd's team that'd make CFC's (in my opinion) - maybe Ferdinand, but not by a lot, Ronaldo ahead of Robben in my opinion, and one of Rooney or van Nistelrooy - seeing as we only play with one striker, the only way both could come would be for Shrek to play wide, and as a winger goes I'd prefer Duffer, Robben, Cole, SWP or Ronaldo. So Ruud it is then.

Čech - Del Horno JT Rio/Gallas/Carvalho Ferreira - Makélélé - Essien Lampard - Ronaldo van Nistelrooy Duff.

Drogba may even play in that system better than RvN though. And Robben in form is as good as it gets, just about. Chelsea will have won the Prem by March, that's my tip.

Lord Abortion

10-16-2005, 07:59 PM

If I were Mourinho, Crespo would start every game.

For some reason, I just really like Wes Brown.

Joint side would go.

Cech
Gallas
Hienze
Terry
Ferdinand
Ronaldo
Robben
Makelélé
Lampard
Rooney
Van Nistlerooy

That's just a 6-5 split, chelsea have a stronger midfield, united have a stronger attack.
TBH, I don't know wether Gallas is better than Neville, Gary is certainly more reliable and experienced.

Britney Diva

10-16-2005, 10:15 PM

astrangerinthenight

10-17-2005, 03:12 AM

GK. Van Der sar
RB. Brown
LB. Heinze
CB. O'Shea
CB Neville
RW. Ronaldo
LW. Giggs
CM.Keane/Ferdinand
CM.Scholes
FC.Rooney
FC.Van Nistlerooy

When Keane isn't available, Ferdinand should be tried in midfield. I don't think he'll ever be the answer to the problem of replacing Keane, but he certainly has qualities which could make him a decent player and not a liability like he is in defence.

i agree with you but darren flether and alan smith and keiron richarson (sorry for spelling hits head) can also be a replacement for keane but there is talk of an extension on his contract and although i spelt his name wrong i think he has great potential and what about Park?

Lord Abortion

10-17-2005, 04:32 AM

If Ballack signed for us, I would just replace Scholesy with him.

astrangerinthenight

10-17-2005, 04:39 AM

i dont want him i dont like his attitude

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 05:19 AM

Ballack is diving scum.

- About the split teams - Duff is better than Robben everyone!!! Duffer is underrated in my opinion, Robben gets all the plaudits but Duffer is there week in week out, consistently setting up and scoring, just class!

Gallas is better than Gary Nev, no question. Faster, stronger in the air, better marker and generally more solid. Much more versatile of course. A very underrated defender.

Britney Diva

10-17-2005, 07:31 AM

i agree with you but darren flether and alan smith and keiron richarson (sorry for spelling hits head) can also be a replacement for keane but there is talk of an extension on his contract and although i spelt his name wrong i think he has great potential and what about Park?
In centre midfield, I don't think any of those players are really suited. Fletcher is a decent player, but I don't think he's Man U standard. Richardson isn't a central player for me and Smith just doesn't fit in a semi-defensive role.

As for Park, I think he, Giggs and Ronaldo would have to share like they do now. I think Giggs' best contributions will come from starts rather than late subsitutions.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 09:02 AM

Goal of the weekend???

Shevchenko v Calgliari last night was pretty special.
Cole v West Ham.
Elliott v Man Utd.
The Deportivo goal against Barça that curled in top left.

All good goals!

Grondahl

10-17-2005, 09:27 AM

Carter vs Arsenal was my favourite goal of the weekend, but I've only seen the Premiership and Champioship goals.

Grondahl

10-17-2005, 11:03 AM

If Fletcher can start to produce the kind of form he's shown for Scotland recently in a Man U shirt, then he could become a definate starter for United. So far this season, I haven't see him play that well for United, but he dominated the midfield for Scotland against Slovenia.

Another option in midfield next season is David Jones. Played very well in the pre-season friendlies according to most people, and has been far and away Preston's best player recently. Obviously, the step from Championship to Premiership is big, but I think he could make it.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 11:05 AM

Liam Miller is an absolute joke. Man Utd's scouting has been shocking at times. Explain Miller, Bellion, Carroll, Taibi...

Haven't seen the Carter goal yet... Off to latestgoals.net it is.

Lord Abortion

10-17-2005, 11:07 AM

Liam Miller is an absolute joke. Man Utd's scouting has been shocking at times. Explain Miller, Bellion, Carroll, Taibi...
.
I really can't.:upset:

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 11:10 AM

Yeah, some bad signings.

But, as a Chelsea fan, I can't talk. We signed Slavisa Jokanovic and Enrique De Lucas in consecutive seasons!

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 11:21 AM

WORLD CUP Tips:

Obviously Brazil, but who else catches the eye as a contender for Germany?

For me:

Portugal. Great midfield - Ronaldo, Deco, Maniche, Figo, and a great defence too; Valente, Andrade, Carvalho, Ferreira. Lack a little up front with Pauleta being very hit-or-miss, but I think they are a real contender.

Argentina - very disciplined and should look to make the semis. Some great individual players like Riquelme, Crespo, Saviola etc.

Other notable contenders in my opinion are:

France - Zidane and Henry and co. - capable of anything. Domenech is a concern as gaffer though - not sure if he's tactically knowledgable enough or experienced enough. Zidane's last hoorah on le grand stage.

Holland - young squad that van Basten's moulding with impact players like van der Vaart, Robben and van Persie, with experienced players like van Nistelrooy, van der Sar and possibly Davids and van Bommel. Also have the advantage of many teams not knowing a lot of the midfielders and defenders from the Dutch league (notably AZ).

England - one of the best teams in the world: on paper. If they can mould as a team they should look towards the final four or beyond. Expect big tournaments from Terry, Gerrard, Lampard and Rooney.

Czech Republic - if they qualify, they have big tournament exprience from Euro 2004, and some great talent too in Rosicky, Nedved (if he comes back) and Baroš with Čech in goals. Could be a match for anyone.

Britney Diva

10-17-2005, 11:22 AM

I disagree with you about Giggs. Ronaldo's clearly our first choice #7, but we've put Giggs as an impact player a bit too early. Park is good, but Giggs has been the best left winger in the world over the last 10 years in my opinion. We should play him more.
I don't see where we disagree. :confused: I'm saying Giggs is getting older, losing a bit of pace and that, and the amount of impact he can make as a substitute has been diminished and will diminish over time.

Liam Miller is an absolute joke. Man Utd's scouting has been shocking at times. Explain Miller, Bellion, Carroll, Taibi...
Liam Miller's a very good player; he's just not Utd. standard. Moving to Man U was a horrible decision for him. Everybody said it at the time; he hadn't a hope in hell of getting a decent run in the side. He hasn't played more than 2 straight games in almost 3 years now, having been frozen out by O'Neill for a year while stalling on a contract. I don't see how you can call him a joke when he's never had a run in the first-team. Same for Bellion.

Taibi and Carroll did have runs in the team: Taibi proved to be awful, but a lot of that has to be due to external factors as he's played wonderfully in the Italian league for almost ten years now. Carroll is also a decent player, but error-prone.

red barchetta

10-17-2005, 11:25 AM

IMO, Carrol is doing very well in West Ham at the moment

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 11:27 AM

Miller isn't United standard, that's basically what I was saying. A "joke" for United. Offers something, but I'd say he's more of a relegation/promotion Prem team starting midfielder rather than offering anything to a big club.

Bellion was a terrible signing. At best he nicks goals late-on when the game's dead. Would be good for Sunderland or West Ham - even then off the bench.

Taibi and Carroll - not good enough to deal with playing for United. And Carroll was a massive liability.

Britney Diva

10-17-2005, 11:36 AM

Rio Ferdinand's a massive liability and he gets rewarded for taking drugs with massive pay increases. Go figure.

Miller's a very good player. He'd do well at a team like Tottenham or Aston Villa; UEFA Cup stock.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 11:41 AM

Mmmm, not sure if he's as good as a Jenas, Carrick, Solano or similar. Anyways.

Rio is a class defender, very good with the ball at his feet. But he's not worth £120,000 per week. John Terry earns £86,000 a week: that's enough.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 12:25 PM

Barthez?

Kléberson, I thought, deserved a much bigger go at OT. He could have offered a lot I think. At least a very solid 25-30 starts a year player... Perfect as the third (central) midfielder in a 4-3-3 system... (Or 4-5-1)

--- No one going to reply to my WC post?

Lord Abortion

10-17-2005, 12:26 PM

Kléberson was a player I didn't like, I remember he was brilliant for Brazil in the world cup, and when he signed for us he was pretty poor, again, he may heva been a player, that had he been given an extended first team run, may have come good.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 12:33 PM

Kléberson, Verón, Riquelme, Forlán, Zenden, Kluivert, the list of players who needed long runs in their respective sides, but never got it, and were shipped out prematurely goes on and on.

upthebracket

10-17-2005, 01:15 PM

Liam Miller is an absolute joke. Man Utd's scouting has been shocking at times. Explain Miller, Bellion, Carroll, Taibi....

You have no idea how pissed off Celtic fans were when Liam Millar left us. One good performance against Anderlecht and he obviously thought he was too good for Celtic. Sad to say it, but it's been good to see him crash and burn, while Celtic are still producing good players like Maloney and McGeady. He did have great potential, but he stepped up far too soon. Could still come good though.

We've signed Boruc up for 3 years now, at least he's not gonna walk out on us.

upthebracket

10-17-2005, 01:21 PM

I'm disappointed that you could only draw with Hearts :upset:

:eek:
A rangers fan?
Showing face in public?

This is just too good to be true.... can't wait until the famous pub team touch back down in Scotland :p Rangers have just about reached the level we were at when we played them. Should be a good game.

Dead Star

10-17-2005, 01:27 PM

Scottish football is really unpredictable these days, I mean look aty the league table.

Rangers are 4th, and Celtic are 2nd, with Hearts at the top and Hibernian inbetween them, anything can happen.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 01:31 PM

:eek:
A rangers fan?
Showing face in public?

This is just too good to be true.... can't wait until the famous pub team touch back down in Scotland :p Rangers have just about reached the level we were at when we played them. Should be a good game.
You watch yer mouth lad, we're still the Champions ken.

upthebracket

10-17-2005, 01:31 PM

Ahhh Hibs then? 3rd force in Scottish football, if the league table is anything to go by, which hopefully it is (more or less, give or take a minor glich in first place)

Yeh, Rangers have been awful, they've been pretty poor the last few seasons, apart from a few lucky last minute title wins :upset:

Can't wait until an on form Celtic get stuck into them. Two maulings in a week sounds great.

edit: @ munky

Dead Star

10-17-2005, 01:39 PM

My team has a tough next two weeks. Ranger and Celtic both away.

Mon the 'Well!

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 01:43 PM

I reckon Carroll was actually more consistent than Barthez for us. In terms of recent keepers, Barthez was clearly the one with the most natural talent, but he actively made you nervous watching him, whereas Carroll made me feel a bit safer. Right on about Kleberson as well...nice to see I'm not the only one who thinks that.

/searches for World Cup post

Similar wiht Cudicini and Čech. I love(d) Carlo, but he was inconsistent with his catching/aerial ability. One of the most amazing shot-stoppers I've seen, but then he'd go and do something like v Arsenal (2003-2004) or Man Utd (2nd last game, 2003-2004) - hah - perfect game to show what I mean about Carlo - first he saves a penalty from Ruud, then gifts him a goal by spilling the ball on to his knee! [Still love the Carlo though]

Čech has yet to make a big blunder for Chelsea, in what, over 60 games now.

Argentina don't have much of a defence, do they? They're a bit like Brazil in that respect, although even more so, and without the completely devestating firepower up front. But yeah, they could easily make the semis.
Well Brazil beat them 4-1 in the Confed. final. But their defence is better than Brazil's. At least while Brazil persist with Roqué Junior. He is absolutely ****. Lúcio is world-class though. As for the Argies, Collicini and Milito is strong in the centre, and Heinze is good at left-back (forgotten who the RB is), but it's their defensive mids that are crucial for them. Sorin in particular, then Mascherano and others along with him (forgetting someone important?). They play 3-5-2 as well, and can adapt between systems.

I think France might be on course for another disappointing tournament actually. They didn't really convince in their group, although it was a tough one, and players like Zidane and Viera are past their best in my opinion (definitely for Zidane, more controversially for Viera).
I reckon they'll either not make it out of their group or make it to the semis... It depends on Zidane and Henry largely. Remember what Zidane did to England in Portugal last year???

Holland always look like they should do very well, but tend to disappoint somehow. Their midfield could really set the tournament alight if they get Van der Vaart and Robben going at the same time, although I think they're weaker than in previous tournaments.
I think they're a different prospect this time, with so much youth and a forward-thinking manager in van Basten.

We could win it, based on our team. I'm really happy to say that, but we need to sort out some issues. Particularly in midfield, where I think we have the best central combination in world football, we need to work out how to get the best out of Lampard and Gerrard. I'd really rather we didn't resort to going to experimenting with Ledley King as a holding player, even though he's good there. It would just be a waste of where we're strongest. It would be kind of intersting though to see how we'd work with 3-5-2, although it's too late to try that now.
Yes, you could win it, but I don't think you will. Brazil on their day would beat you 3 or 4 nil. You'd need some luck to make the final, as any game versus Portugal, Argies, France, Holland, Czechs, Italy etc. is going to be a tight one.
///

I'm dissapointed that Cameroon and Nigeria didn't make it. Although it's good to see new African teams in the finals, I think that it would be great to see African teams making it a long way into the tournament, rather than quarter finals at most, and realistically none of the teams in the tournament from Africa can do that. Also, the fact that South Africa are hosting 2010 but aren't 2006 is kind of dissapointing.
Yeah but Côte d'Ivoire could really be the surprise packet. Drogba scored 10 goals in qualifying and Toure's been a rock at the back. This tournament's Senegal. It was amazing how Morocco missed out too - O.G. and a red to draw and go out by a point!

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 01:52 PM

If Brazil picked Edmilson instead of Roqué Jnr., their team'd be awesome:

4-2-1-3 (right-left)

Dida

Cafú
Edmílson
Lùcio
Roberto Carlos

Emerson
Zé Roberto/Gilberto

Kaká

Ronaldo
Adriano
Ronaldinho

With Robinho, Zé Roberto/Gilberto, Juninho Pernambucano, Marcos, Alex, Edu, Cicinho, Gilberto (LB), and Olviera (+ others!) coming off the bench... That's enough to instill fear into any team!

Except Chelsea.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 01:54 PM

Lord Abortion

10-17-2005, 02:14 PM

Britney Diva

10-17-2005, 03:48 PM

I think France might be on course for another disappointing tournament actually. They didn't really convince in their group, although it was a tough one, and players like Zidane and Viera are past their best in my opinion (definitely for Zidane, more controversially for Viera).
France won't advance beyond the group stages.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 04:06 PM

Argentina have a decent defence, One of the best cente halves in the world in Walter Samuel, and Heinze...

It's true about england, the last piece of the puzzle is to get Gerrard and Lampard working well together, then we will be amazing.
Samuel wasn't getting picked on recent form. I don't think he's one of the best anymore. He may become a great CB again, but not in this moment.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 04:18 PM

France won't advance beyond the group stages.
If so, Domenech can be the only plausible reason.

Coupet - Sagnol Thuram Boumsong Gallas - Makélélé Vieira Dhorasoo - Zidane - Henry Trezegeut

^ Quality 1st XI, with Wiltord, Cissé, Govout, Guily and company off the bench. They have all rights to be a force. They just need a better gaffer.

Britney Diva

10-17-2005, 06:15 PM

They're a very ordinary team. Domenech is an awful manager, and he has a huge mouth, but he's not blessed with a great team either. The team doesn't gel well and the back four is absolutely frightful, and I mean that in the sense that I haven't seen a major team with a worse defence in years. Makelele will sure them up, but they still have huge problems.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 06:22 PM

Well personally I can't understand why Thuram is played in the centre ahead of Gallas. Put anyone else of the right, 'cause surely they need Gallas in the centre. Swap with Thuram if need be...

Britney Diva

10-17-2005, 06:42 PM

I don't see why. Thuram doesn't have the legs he used to have, or Gallas currently has, and is a far better defender so I don't think Gallas would be preferrable to him in the centre. Gallas can run, he operates well at full-back.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 06:55 PM

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 06:57 PM

Yeah, that's why I'd pick Gallas at full back too. Pace is important for defenders (although not essential), but if you're going to be playing opposite genuine wingers you want to be fast, otherwise you're going to start running into trouble very fast.

I don't rate Samuel anymore. I thought he was good a few years back, but lost it the year before he moved to Real Madrid. Is Heinze certain to make it? Last I heard he was out for the season, and I don't know if Argentina would want to take the chance if he was gone for that long. I'd be pissed if he missed the season for us and then made the World Cup.
They mightn't take the chance on him, especially if they play 3-5-2 with Collocini, Milito and Samuel in the centre, with Sorin playing as the left-sided wing-back...

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 06:59 PM

...if you're going to be playing opposite genuine wingers you want to be fast, otherwise you're going to start running into trouble very fast...
Or not very fast.

Britney Diva

10-17-2005, 07:07 PM

I don't think Thuram is a "far better defender" than Gallas at all. Thuram has the brain, but is slowly getting past it. They have other options: Givet, Reveillere, Squillaci, or play a different system to accommodate another of their excellent midfielders or attackers (Guily, Wiltord, Cissé etc. etc.). I don't think it's all gloom and doom for Les Bleus. If they get their act together, they have the players to make an impact in Germany.
Well I watched them for the entire WC qualifying campaign, and I was there when they played Ireland here, and they're truly a shell of a team. It was so depressing sitting at a game where you had an Irish team with the best individual talent I've ever seen from this country compete so poorly against an equally talented French side which had no flair, no drive, no will to win. There's little to be positive about the way things stand.

I think Thuram has been consistently one of the best defenders in the world for ten years plus. I don't think Gallas can, or could ever, hold a candle to him. Thuram may be aging, but he's still a phenomenal player.

RandyfromPennywise

10-17-2005, 07:13 PM

They've beaten Brazil recently though remember.

Anyway, speak to you all later, gotta go to Uni!

sting-ray

10-17-2005, 09:01 PM

CL matchday 3 tomorrow :

Man. United 20:45 Lille
Villarreal 20:45 Benfica
Panathinaikos 20:45 Barcelona
Udinese 20:45 Bremen
Ajax 20:45 Thun
Sparta 20:45 Arsenal
Bayern 20:45 Juventus
Rapid 20:45 Club Brugge

Lord Abortion

10-18-2005, 05:37 AM

Home to Lille shouldn't be much hassle.

skateMASTERbater2

10-18-2005, 09:37 AM

predictions:

Man. United 2:0 Lille
Villarreal 1:0 Benfica
Panathinaikos 0:3 Barcelona
Udinese 0:2 Bremen
Ajax 0:1 FC Thun
Sparta 0:5 Arsenal
Bayern 2:3 Juventus
Rapid 0:1 Brugge

Drop The Baby

10-18-2005, 09:40 AM

predictions:

Man. United 2:0 Lille
Villarreal 1:0 Benfica
Panathinaikos 0:3 Barcelona
Udinese 0:2 Bremen
Ajax 0:1 FC Thun
Sparta 0:5 Arsenal
Bayern 2:3 Juventus
Rapid 0:1 Brugge

haha f'ucking hell, you don't hold out much hope for Sparta! Arsenal are missing a lot of players, we won't win that easily, although i'm not sure if Sparta are still in the trouble they were a couple of weeks ago. Still won't be easy with no Campbell, Cole, Hleb, Ljungberg, Bergkamp and Henry not full fit.

Man. United 2:0 Lille
Villarreal 1:1 Benfica
Panathinaikos 0:3 Barcelona
Udinese 1:1 Bremen
Ajax 2:0 FC Thun
Sparta 1:2 Arsenal
Bayern 1:2 Juventus
Rapid 0:2 Brugge

skateMASTERbater2

10-18-2005, 09:47 AM

Well, i wasn't really counting on those players you named missing, but I still seriously don't think Sparta will be much of a problem, judging how they've been playing lately. Don't expect them to score on you haha

upthebracket

10-18-2005, 12:40 PM

Man. United 3:0 Lille
Villarreal 2:0 Benfica
Panathinaikos 0:1 Barcelona
Udinese 1:1 Bremen
Ajax 2:1 FC Thun
Sparta 1:1 Arsenal
Bayern 1:0 Juventus
Rapid 1:1 Brugge

My predictions.... basically going by the classic 'if in doubt it'll be 1 all' theory.

red barchetta

10-18-2005, 01:11 PM

metal-militia

10-18-2005, 02:43 PM

bah Saints losing 2-1 to Leeds at HT, but our 16 year old scored :D

Watched Arsenal's first half. They're 1-0 up with a great goal from Henry

Britney Diva

10-18-2005, 02:54 PM

God, Lille are awful. So are United, somehow. High points so far are the Lille keeper (who's awful) booting the ball out of play when he could comfortably have caught it and Scholes & Ferdinand both making the most pointless challenges ever.

Britney Diva

10-18-2005, 03:46 PM

So Brian Kerr is no longer Ireland manager.

I hear Philip Troussier is interested :-\

red barchetta

10-18-2005, 04:21 PM

Henry's back :cool:

what a pass from Pires for the 2nd goal, though

upthebracket

10-18-2005, 04:31 PM

...and Henry's first goal itself was pretty decent!
What was the record he broke tonight? Didn't catch the specifics.

I heard ROI were looking at Martin O'Neill for manager, but Celtic are still paying him for 'consultancy' :rolleyes:

We can't afford to give McNamara a decent increase yet we pay £1/2m a year for a 'consultant' that we'll never use...

metal-militia

10-18-2005, 04:33 PM

Henry's back :cool:

what a pass from Pires for the 2nd goal, though

yeah, good pass for the second, and a great first goal from Henry :thumb:

Coincidence... just listening to Red Barchetta at the moment :thumb:

Lord Abortion

10-18-2005, 04:40 PM

Christ, we were wretched tonight

Britney Diva

10-18-2005, 05:26 PM

Christ, we were wretched tonight
Oh, you noticed?

RandyfromPennywise

10-18-2005, 06:15 PM

United = terrible performance.

Bayern = looking very hard to beat at home! Conceded first goal at new stadium. Juve missing Vieira.

Barça = didn't look comfortable at all, Eto'o was so wasteful. Pana's home ground advantage is huge.

Didn't see any other matches, only the goals.

Henry = great goal.

Benfica = great goal from Manuel Fernandes (name?)!!!

RandyfromPennywise

10-18-2005, 06:43 PM

Predictions for tomorrow:

Chelsea 2-1 Betis
Artmedia 1-2 Rangers
Lyon 3-1 Olympiacos
Milan 2-1 PSV
Porto 0-3 Inter
Fenerbahçe 1-1 Schalke 04
Anderlecht 0-2 Liverpool
Rosenborg 0-3 Real Madrid

Britney Diva

10-18-2005, 06:53 PM

Lord Abortion

10-18-2005, 06:55 PM

Oh, you noticed?
I had t go out to a play I had to see for Drama class, came in to see highlights of a bloody awful performance.

RandyfromPennywise

10-18-2005, 07:07 PM

Bayern and Juve weren't in full gear tonight. They'll more than likely meet again in the knockouts, and both are virtually guaranteed qualification from the groups, so I think they were just sparring a little. Working out each other's strengths and weaknesses. The real contest will come if and when they face each other after Christmas.
Well I don't think they can meet until the semis.

Bayern could make it that far, largely because of their home ground advantage. They aren't in the top 4-5 teams in Europe away, but at home they'd be close.

Juve are one of the form teams in Europe right now... Along with Chelsea they are the team in Europe.

Britney Diva

10-18-2005, 07:10 PM

I had t go out to a play I had to see for Drama class, came in to see highlights of a bloody awful performance.
Lucky bastard.

Juve are one of the form teams in Europe right now... Along with Chelsea they are the team in Europe.
Chelsea's luck will run out :mad:

RandyfromPennywise

10-18-2005, 07:26 PM

Lucky bastard.

Chelsea's luck will run out :mad:
Do you really think so?

The most luck we've 'ad this season has been from 'keepers setting terrible walls or players moving out of walls! And the Essien decisioon on the week-end was horrible, definitely a red.

We make our own luck, which is unfortunate for those who haven't yet seen the light. (Shining out of Mourin....)

Britney Diva

10-18-2005, 07:34 PM

OK, I didn't mean luck literally. I mean a chink in the armour will develop, be it through an injury or two (remember Duff and Robben last year?) or just a slump in form.

RandyfromPennywise

10-18-2005, 07:49 PM

Yes I do remember Duff and Robben last year. And so did Mourinho. That's why we bought Shaun Wright-Phillips. And I remember the slump of last year, losing to Newcastle in the FA Cup, then Barça four days later in the Champions League. That's as long as it lasted though, 'cause we won the League Cup following game.

I must sound like a typical arrogant Chelsea fan, but - as a completely unbiased pundit - I can't see anyone in England matching Chelsea at all this season. It would not be entirely surprising if they didn't lose a game in the Premier League. And I think that if they find top gear when it's required in Europe that they'll do better than the last two years. I can't see Chelsea's English dominance ending after two Premierships either. I think Mourinho will be around for at least another four years. With that, Chelsea fans should expect at least six or seven trophies.

This season:

Played - 12. Won - 11. Drawn - 1. For - 26. Against - 3.

Lampard - 8 goals, 4 assists.
Drogba - 7 goals, 8 assists.