Euro 2008 (Official Man City LOL Thread) [Archive] - Page 49

RandyfromPennywise

10-02-2006, 03:04 PM

We don't have the Utd match on TV, I thought we had Prem Plus :(

Tottingham 2 Portsmouth 1. Kanu just got a well-deserved goal back for Pompey before half time after Defoe took a dive to win a penalty.

It was Zakora who took the dive. A really disgraceful moment in the match and for Football in general.

Adelaide got pumped 4-1 by Sydney today, I was there and we were rather bad, but I have to say that little Benny Carbone (yes, Benito Carbone) was outstanding. He was in a different class today, backheels, tricks, a great goal and two amazing assists. I think he'll replace Dwight quite well, if not surpass Yorke's input (if they manage to sign him on a permanent basis). On another note, it was great to see the match today sold out, the stadium was packed (except for the couple of hundred dickheads who always come to Hindmarsh and loiter near the entrance, behind the East stand (with no view of the pitch)), over 15,000 there. Good stuff (except for the Football).

Untitled

10-02-2006, 04:47 PM

Pathetic dive by Zokora. When is Fifa gonna do something? They need a fair-play committee for every league that analyses matches and bans cheats like him.

They need to sort the diving issue out properly.

I think they did a crap job of trying to deal with it at the world cup, the booked everyone who went over :rolleyes:

I dont wanna see the Premiership end up like the european leagues in terms of, what is, blatant cheeting.

ChodaBoy

10-02-2006, 05:03 PM

Cheating ruined the WC, because its acceptable in European countries. They dont see a problem with it (the refs dont care), so they do it internationally.

English football is too nice for its own good!

but I have to say that little Benny Carbone (yes, Benito Carbone) was outstanding.

Hes getting on now, surely.

Britney Diva

10-02-2006, 05:24 PM

Um, no. I won't deny that diving and such is more commonplace overseas, but British and Irish players are just as prone to it.

ChodaBoy

10-02-2006, 05:28 PM

I didnt mean individuals, I mean the leagues.

Britney Diva

10-02-2006, 05:51 PM

No, that's not really right either. We always complain about (foreigners) cheating, but nothing's ever been done.

RandyfromPennywise

10-02-2006, 06:39 PM

Couldn't agree with you more Dave, an unbiased Irish view always comes in handy to help get the English down off their high horse.

The English (British) love to think that their league is - to quote from just about every game of Prem ever commentated - the most exciting league in the world, and while it may well be played at a faster pace and be more physical than other leagues, there is no argument that the technique of the Spanish and Italian leagues is of a higher standard. Anyway, slight side issue. I think the thing about England is that the views of the fans are very harsh on divers and people who shun away from hard tackles and don't get stuck in, but this is not necessarily related to the actual actions. I think that because it is condemned in England, there is a perception that it [diving] is less prevalent.

My personal opinion on it all - the amount of diving is probably the same. It is the hardness that is greater in the Prem (and SPL and lower leagues but let's keep it on top-class Football shall we). By this I mean that in Spain (particularly) there are a lot less full-blooded 50/50 tackles where both players dive in for slide-tackles or go in for crazy headers and that. Also, I think that players feign injury or stay down for longer in Spain. I can really only comment properly on Spain because we get four to five matches a week from La Liga which I try to watch. I am willing to bet that most of the British who talk poorly of them con'inenals hardly watch anything from outside the motherland, in'it. So basically I see it as the Prem has a bit more physicality and hardness; not necessarily less diving; and Spain and England both have different qualities making them the two best leagues at the moment.

And to ChodaBoy, Carbone is 35, but still class.

sgrevs

10-03-2006, 11:14 AM

TakeWarning

10-03-2006, 11:37 AM

I think the Spanish and Italian leagues are ahead of the EPL skill-wise, but I prefer watching EPL because it's faster and more physical, which means it stays interesting for longer periods of time.

Lord Abortion

10-03-2006, 11:55 AM

That really was one of the most one-sided United games I've ever seen.

Great to watch, when we really pull a team apart

Minus The Flair

10-03-2006, 11:59 AM

Shame we couldn't score more than 2. Scoreline didn't do justice at all.

RandyfromPennywise

10-03-2006, 01:42 PM

I find myself getting bored too quickly when I watch Spanish and Italian football. Not that I really ever get bored watching soccer, just in comparison to when I watch English soccer. It's really bad, but it's hard to just change my mind, I just find the defensive style of play so damned boring that I can't stand it.

Spain is really not a defensive league. Italy is, but Spain isn't.

Watford v Fulham was one of the best games of the season I reckon, cracking finish.

Well up for Scotland - France this weekend.

Britney Diva

10-03-2006, 02:36 PM

Haha, the third Fulham goal was hilarious. And then the guy got subbed immediately. I couldn't stop laughing when they when they kept putting the camera on him.

RandyfromPennywise

10-03-2006, 05:29 PM

Haha, the third Fulham goal was hilarious. And then the guy got subbed immediately. I couldn't stop laughing when they when they kept putting the camera on him.

Yeah that was classic, the best was when the commentator (Robbie Earle?) said after the last equaliser. "Well he'll be feeling a bit better now" and he looks straight down and shakes his head! Poor fella, O.G.s suck, I scored one this year. (I didn't really feel bad because we were already four goals down and lost nine-zip!)

matt_h

10-03-2006, 05:38 PM

I keep hearing how foreign players are taught to dive. Hoddle and Redknapp were covering the Spurs game, and they said there were opportunities when Defoe could have gone down for a penalty, but didnt because he hasnt been taught to.
Yes, many English and British players do go down easily, but at least there is contact, not a premedatative dive.

Talking about faking, did anyone see the Newcastle defender who got hit in the arm and went down like he had been shot holding his side! Did the same last season and still got sent off! Who was it? Taylor?

poorquality

10-03-2006, 06:18 PM

Talking about faking, did anyone see the Newcastle defender who got hit in the arm and went down like he had been shot holding his side! Did the same last season and still got sent off! Who was it? Taylor?

Wasn't that the miraculous save which should of been a penalty to man utd? Yeah it was Taylor...blatant handball, acted as though he had been shot, and got away with it.

TakeWarning

10-04-2006, 01:27 AM

I don't think the diving in the English game is too bad, most players will stay up when there is some contact in the penalty area, but in Seria A, if there's any contact whatsoever, you can bet the player will go down.

I heard about the Watford-Fulham game, it's a shame I forgot it was on. :(

RandyfromPennywise

10-04-2006, 08:39 PM

Adelaide v Central Coast tomorrow night, I'm going, it'll be my second game in five days, well in for United! Hopefully we can get back on track with a good win.

Australia v Paraguay should be a good watch on Saturday night, if for nothing other than seeing a few legends for the last time.

munky_magik

10-05-2006, 08:22 AM

I find myself getting bored too quickly when I watch Spanish and Italian football. Not that I really ever get bored watching soccer, just in comparison to when I watch English soccer. It's really bad, but it's hard to just change my mind, I just find the defensive style of play so damned boring that I can't stand it.

I think an awful lot of the EPL games are really tedious. I still watch them though, since I can't be bothered leaving the pub.

Well up for Scotland - France this weekend.
Me too
Shame I won't get to see it though :(

And the EPL is really quite bad for diving as well.
Not like the SPL <_<

matt_h

10-05-2006, 12:57 PM

I find most games tenius to watch for some reason. I think it is the effort of sitting through 90 minutes, when I'd rather just watch highlights. I dont bother watching Spanish or Italien football at all because I dont know what is going on, I couldnt name a player for many of the teams. Also, I dont really like the sound of the atmosphere, the crowds sound quite hostile, unlike English grounds. The only teams I always watch the whole game are England and the rare occasions Forest are on TV.

matt_h

10-05-2006, 03:39 PM

Lord Abortion

10-06-2006, 03:31 AM

I think we'll do it with fair ease. Croatia will be a little more difficult, but should still be easy, I mean they're not much of a side.

RandyfromPennywise

10-06-2006, 03:38 AM

They're very dirty too, hand-balls, rugby tackles and all.

eug008

10-06-2006, 09:44 AM

Nice, Aus - Par tommorrow :cool:

Frankie

10-06-2006, 05:17 PM

Don't blam McClaren for omitting downing from the starting XI. Boro have been piss poor in the league and I for one am not a happy smoggie :(

Untitled

10-06-2006, 05:59 PM

Just been looking at the possible England formation for Saturday in the Times.

Robinson

G.Neville Ferdinand Terry

Carrick

WrightPhillips Gerrard Lampard A.Cole

Rooney
Crouch

This is formation I was in favour of when McClaren took over (albeit with Lennon for SWP), and it will be interesting to see it in action, it should allow many players to play as they want whilst being beneficial to the team. While I am not expecting an easy win by no means, I am confident ahead of Macedonia. Whether it can work away in Croatia is another matter.

Robinson

G.Neville Ferdinand Terry

Carrick

P.Nevile Gerrard Lampard A.Cole

Rooney
Crouch

Edited to show what the independant thinks.

I dunno who should play though, i prefer SWP as a player, but he dosnt get as much match time as neville now does he? i dunno.

He should of never of gone to chelsea.

Apocalyptic Raids

10-07-2006, 07:53 AM

Nice, Aus - Par tommorrow :cool:
Aus own goal 2 mins from full-time for a draw :(

eug008

10-07-2006, 08:23 AM

Damn, unlucky :mad:

Britney Diva

10-07-2006, 11:35 AM

Slovakia 5 Wales 1 in Cardiff.

My God, this group is just weird. Slovakia beat Cyprus 6-0 and were then hammered 3-0 at home by a weak Czech side who'd only beaten Wales 2-0.

Lord Abortion

10-07-2006, 12:28 PM

And this game sucks.

Minus The Flair

10-07-2006, 12:59 PM

It sure does

poorquality

10-07-2006, 01:20 PM

Would anyone else not be surprised if England lost this?

Britney Diva

10-07-2006, 01:30 PM

England are a poor side. But you know who's really a poor side? Ireland! And you know who's one of the worst sides in the world? Cyprus!

Ireland 2 Cyprus 2, could easily be Ireland 2 Cyprus 7

Paddy Kenny is like the worst goalkeeper ever. I know we have tonnes of injuries, but there's no excuse for playing Andy O'Brien ever, let alone when he's not played a single match in 6 months. ****ing hell.

Minus The Flair

10-07-2006, 02:03 PM

That sucked. SWP looked good though. His talents really are wasted at Chelsea.

Scotland 1 - 0 France

Frankie

10-07-2006, 02:20 PM

My god the scots won !!!!!!!!!!! (I'm part scottish so I can celebrate this too)

Britney Diva

10-07-2006, 02:25 PM

Congrats to Scotland.

**** to Ireland.

Frankie

10-07-2006, 02:49 PM

Beat by cyprus.

I mean Srsly.

Untitled

10-07-2006, 05:05 PM

Britney Diva

10-07-2006, 05:31 PM

He is, in all honesty, one of the worst goalkeepers I've ever seen at this level. The defence has to share the blame but, Jesus, 2-3 of the goals were solely his fault.

Minus The Flair

10-07-2006, 06:40 PM

Croatia on Wednesday. What'll change? Something has to change.

Untitled

10-07-2006, 07:17 PM

He is, in all honesty, one of the worst goalkeepers I've ever seen at this level. The defence has to share the blame but, Jesus, 2-3 of the goals were solely his fault.

He was good in division 3 :thumb:

Im looking forward to uni somewhat on monday, just to see what the scots say about the match, theres a french lass on the course too (apparently, personaly ive not spoke to her) that could be interesting. haha.

RandyfromPennywise

10-07-2006, 11:21 PM

Aus own goal 2 mins from full-time for a draw :(

God that was terrible.

SCOTLAND! GET IN! Got up specifically for that match at 3.30am last night, was it worth it! Great to see Ferguson back in the navy as well. The atmosphere looked crazy.

DonMancini

10-08-2006, 02:06 AM

Yayy, Italy is sort-of back (2-0 over Ukraine!)

TakeWarning

10-08-2006, 02:44 AM

England game was so dull,I don't even know why I bother watching England games.

The dude who said SWP is wasted at Chelsea was right, he played excellently in the time he was on.

Also, I think Ashley Cole should be replaced by Wayne Bridge.

RandyfromPennywise

10-08-2006, 02:53 AM

Also, I think Ashley Cole should be replaced by Wayne Bridge.
Damn straight brother, couldn't agree with you more. Bridge is quality.

Frankie

10-08-2006, 05:20 AM

I'd prefer Wayne Bridge TBH. Don't like ashley cole hes a treacherous dis-loyal bas'tard.

Minus The Flair

10-08-2006, 08:51 AM

6 clean sheets in a row I just realized. Isn't that a record for England?

TakeWarning

10-08-2006, 09:50 AM

Probably is.

But they're not scoring so freely, so it's not all good.

TakeWarning

10-08-2006, 09:51 AM

Has anyone got any videos of Matt Le Tissier that they would like to share?

I'm having difficulty finding any and it would be greatly appreciated.

Britney Diva

10-08-2006, 10:10 AM

Minus The Flair

10-08-2006, 10:27 AM

I saw that. Cantona definitely got robbed.

matt_h

10-08-2006, 02:18 PM

People say SWP may be too attacking to start in Croatia, well how about if they tried this:

Robinson
G.Neville King Terry
Parker Carrick
SWP Lampard A.Cole
Crouch Rooney

Could work... At least there is no P.Neville, Downing or Beckham in it.

Minus The Flair

10-08-2006, 05:05 PM

I was about to say why no Gerrard? I forgot he got that yellow. I'd start SWP I think.

g°®†

10-08-2006, 05:51 PM

The Eagles had better win!

that's all I have to say on this subject.

edit: ah .. this is a SOCCER thread. pffft!

RandyfromPennywise

10-08-2006, 05:56 PM

I'm afraid I don't. My brother used to have hundreds of Ronaldinho videos.

Did anyone (in the UK) see that "Top 50 Premiership Foreigners" thing on Sky One last night? I dunno if it was new or old, but it was pretty interesting.

10. Paolo Di Canio
9. Claud Makelele
8. David Ginola
7. Patrick Vieira
6. Dennis Bergkamp
5. Roy Keane
4. Peter Schmeichel
3. Zola
2. Eric Cantona
1. Thierry Henry

Cantona got robbed, I must say, as did Dennis. And where the hell was Regi Blinker? Brian Roy? William Prunier?

Quality list that. However, where is Ruud van Nistelrooy? I think he was better than Di Canio, Ginola, and Maka, I mean he won the Golden Boot a number of times and was easily in the top two strikers in the league for four or five years... And although Makélélé is class, I think Marcel Desailly was brilliant for Chelsea, exculding the 2003-4 season. He was probably the best centre-back in the Prem for a while there. I think he should be in there.

And I wouldn't say Cantona was 'robbed', I mean there is a case for him, but Thierry is certainly worthy of heading just about any list in the world.

Gian-fran-co Zo-la, a la la la la la, Gianfranco Zo-la, a la la la la la!

TakeWarning

10-09-2006, 01:15 AM

What about Ryan Giggs?

The fact that people like Viera and Makelele and Di Canio made the list and he didn't is a joke. I mean, he's the top-scoring non-striker in the premiership, he holds the record for Man U's fastest goal, and he's one of two players to score in every Premiership season. He's won the Premiership eight times, the FA cup four times (let's not forget the one in 1999 where he pretty much won it single-handedly by dodging about half of Arsenal's team and putting it past David Seaman) and he's won the Champions League.

What an absolute joke, I am outraged.

munky_magik

10-09-2006, 07:31 AM

Scotland 1 - 0 France

My god the scots won !!!!!!!!!!! (I'm part scottish so I can celebrate this too)

Congrats to Scotland.

SCOTLAND! GET IN! Got up specifically for that match at 3.30am last night, was it worth it! Great to see Ferguson back in the navy as well. The atmosphere looked crazy.
:cool:

If we can beat Ukraine it'll put us in a half decent position.

The England game was very boring. One of the people I was watching it with fell asleep during it.

Minus The Flair

10-09-2006, 10:13 AM

What about Ryan Giggs?

I think they meant outside of Britain. Ireland not being part of Britain eg. Roy Keane, Dennis Irwin.

Dead Star

10-09-2006, 11:32 AM

:cool:

If we can beat Ukraine it'll put us in a half decent position.

We're possibly in the best position I can remember to qualify.

Bring on Euro 2008 :p

matt_h

10-09-2006, 11:46 AM

The Eagles had better win!

that's all I have to say on this subject.

edit: ah .. this is a SOCCER thread. pffft!

er, no. FOOTBALL

TakeWarning

10-09-2006, 12:33 PM

I think they meant outside of Britain. Ireland not being part of Britain eg. Roy Keane, Dennis Irwin.

Oh.

That would still be stupid, since a Welshman would qualify as a foreigner.

matt_h

10-09-2006, 03:18 PM

Well a British man could be Welsh. Also, there are welsh clubs in the football league if that means anything.

Untitled

10-09-2006, 04:32 PM

Swansea and Cardiff are both in the british leauges arnt they?

Britney Diva

10-09-2006, 04:38 PM

Oh.

That would still be stupid, since a Welshman would qualify as a foreigner.
No he wouldn't.

Swansea and Cardiff are both in the british leauges arnt they?
And Wrexham.

Untitled

10-09-2006, 04:46 PM

Wrexham is in wales?

I never knew that.

Dead Star

10-09-2006, 06:24 PM

Berwick plays in the Scottish league too.

Kickflip_Burrito

10-09-2006, 07:40 PM

So England v Croatia?

Croatia have NEVER LOST a competitive match at home. Ever.

The only game they have lost at home was a friendly against France in 2000. Judging by the Macedonia game, I think England should be a little worried, but they have a very gd chance of ending Croatia's run if they play well.

Prediction : 1-1

skateMASTERbater2

10-10-2006, 08:32 AM

Croatia don't really seem to be in great form either. It'll probably be a really boring game, one i wouldn't bother to watch

RandyfromPennywise

10-10-2006, 09:01 AM

Wales isn't a country, Giggo is British by nationality, Welsh by whatever-else-it-is-when-you-are-from-a-country-that-isn't-really-a-country.

Brazil v Ecuador is on tonight, and seeing as I'm going to be up for Uni (3.30am kick-off) I might have a gander.

Scotland have to beat Ukraine otherwise the win against France is effectively void (except for the glory).

matt_h

10-10-2006, 11:37 AM

Wales isn't a country, Giggo is British by nationality, Welsh by whatever-else-it-is-when-you-are-from-a-country-that-isn't-really-a-country.

Er, Wales IS a country. Britain is not a country, it is a group of countries. I would have thought you'd know that. Or are you saying it doesnt deserve to be classed a country?

Dead Star

10-10-2006, 11:43 AM

If you look at Ryan Giggs' passport, its a British one, issued by Britain.

Hence he's British.

Minus The Flair

10-10-2006, 11:46 AM

Splitting hairs ITT

Dead Star

10-10-2006, 11:50 AM

Scotland have to beat Ukraine otherwise the win against France is effectively void (except for the glory).

I predict 2-1 to Scotland, Miller and Hartley scoring.

I would say that though.

And Wales is a country, but the Welsh aren't foreigners.

RandyfromPennywise

10-10-2006, 01:06 PM

Er, Wales IS a country. Britain is not a country, it is a group of countries. I would have thought you'd know that. Or are you saying it doesnt deserve to be classed a country?

I've had this argument many times with several people. My reasoning is:

How can it be considered a country when it has no citizens?
How can it be considered a country when it has no international power or a seat on the UN and many other related things?

On my passport it says United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, not Scotland. And on my real one it says Australia.

So then the question everyone asks me is "what are they then?".

.

The UK itself recognises Scotland, Wales, England and NI as countries, but I don't because 4 does not equal 1. You could say that they are 'constituent countries' but then in my book that makes the UK not a country, and in my book, I'm a citizen of the country of the UK.

And **** it, we never get off-topic in this thread so yeah.

Chelsea Barça next week, well up.

EDIT: You said Britain and I am talking about UK. Britain is Scotland, England and Wales, the UK is Britain + NI. I assume you are talking about the whole of the UK though, but correct me if I'm assuming incorrectly.

Minus The Flair

10-10-2006, 01:22 PM

Britain is Scotland, England and Wales, the UK is Britain + NI.

I didn't actually know this. So in Commonwealth games and such, GBR doesn't have people from NI?

Anyway, yes, football, Barca - Chelsea should be awesome.

Dead Star

10-10-2006, 01:46 PM

Commonwealth Games is each individual country, ie Scotland, England, Wales.

And in major sporting events, Britain is entered as "Great Britain and Northern Ireland"

Barca vs Chelsea will be tough to call.

Minus The Flair

10-10-2006, 01:50 PM

AhIc.

Id bet on Barca. Again.

Frankie

10-10-2006, 04:31 PM

I'll settle for a 1-1 draw.

rik

10-10-2006, 04:59 PM

Walcott scores again for England U21. Pretty well taken goal aswell.

Minus The Flair

10-10-2006, 05:17 PM

I'll settle for no draw! Unless it's a first to draw blood match.

matt_h

10-11-2006, 04:51 AM

I know it is only u21's, but Theo is showing what he could have done if he had come on at the WC. He should have gone leftwing as a sub againtst Portugal, where him and Lennon would have made a dangerous counterattacking force.

DonMancini

10-11-2006, 07:05 AM

Walcott is the new Thierry Henry.

MAN that guy's got pace.

eug008

10-11-2006, 09:28 AM

What a good second goal by Australia :cool: But I expected them to win by more.

matt_h

10-11-2006, 11:59 AM

England vs Croatia tonight. It will be interesting. With 5 defenders on the pictch I think we will get a clean sheet, however going forward... we need to get the tactics right, play it to feet, no long balls to Crouch who is better with his feet. If we dont win then the press'll get on McClarens back. Yes, they will always do even if we won every game, about atm we arent scoring enough or creating enough chances.

Pinhead13

10-11-2006, 02:35 PM

Who is watching the Iceland - Sweden game? it has been great so far.

poorquality

10-11-2006, 03:04 PM

Well....formation was a flop...I didn't think we played with any conviction, and all credit to Robinson for playing decently...I feel so bad for him, that ball bobbled at the exact moment he would of connected with it...

Meh...I can't see England winning a major competition...sure we have the players, but they can't gel together as a team.

EDIT: Plus we lack squad depth

Minus The Flair

10-11-2006, 03:10 PM

I miss Owen. And on-form Rooney. And on-form for England Crouch. And hell, I even miss Beckham. Robinson did not deserve that, he made some decent saves. At least Neville got to score his first England goal.

Frankie

10-11-2006, 03:27 PM

Ashley cole goes forward far too much for my liking. Play wayne bridge

matt_h

10-11-2006, 03:32 PM

That was abysmal.

Formation did not work at all. The center backs couldnt cope going out wide. Whilst we didnt offer anything going forward. Surely this would have been noticed in training. We played everything through the middle where it was crowded out immediately. Neville offered little going forward.

In my other posts I said play Neville at the back with SWP on the right. That would have helped a lot tonight. We would have had a proper fullback at the back with a proper attacking midfielder on the wing.

First goal was Terry's fault, he should have cleared it. All the center backs were made to look ordinary tonight. Second goal is really unfortunate for Robinson, he had a great game and didnt deserve it. However, Neville summed up our performance by playing a stupid pass back to him when we should have been moving up the field. And why did the subs not come on before the second goal??

McClaren has played the formation all wrong. You should have more attacking players at wing backs with the left and right center backs able to cover at fullback. That is what England and Terry Venables had at Euro 96, they had Neville and Pearce at the back with Anderton and McManaman on the wingbacks. It worked. Tonight didnt and it was a very Svennish performance.

Angry Balled Fists!

10-11-2006, 03:34 PM

how did parker play ?

woo ukraine won.

rik

10-11-2006, 04:19 PM

Jesus christ we suck.

Parker played alright, although a bit quiet. Still, i'd rather see him playing instead of Lampard at the moment. To be honest, Gerrard and Parker seem a better option in the centre than Stevie with Lamps in my opinion.

We need Beckham back in our squad I reckon. And definetly to go back to our 4-4-2 formation.

An away game to Croatia is not the time to be experimenting new formations.

ChodaBoy

10-11-2006, 04:23 PM

Didnt like what I saw, quick a bit of dirty play from the defence, and very little attacking

Dead Star

10-11-2006, 05:11 PM

Can I just say lol @ Robinson.

And, although we were on the back foot for all of the game against Ukraine, Schevchenko is a diving wanker.

Britney Diva

10-11-2006, 06:35 PM

Meh...I can't see England winning a major competition...sure we have the players, but they can't gel together as a team.
I don't think you even have the players.

Croatia are an average side, even at home. I have no idea how they've gone twelve years or whatever it is without losing at home, but I suspect it might be something to do with coaches playing stupid formations for no logical reason. The 3-5-2 or whatever it was was a shambles- the England back line functioned perfectly as it was. Ferdinand is always a liability, but Terry is able to cope with more than his fair share. You might still have lost with 4-4-2 because quite frankly it was an atrocious performance from everyone but the goalkeeper, but at least you'd have been able to take some lessons from it.

Parker played alright, although a bit quiet. Still, i'd rather see him playing instead of Lampard at the moment.
You should buy Xabi Alonso. Call him Jack Allen or something, noone will notice.

And, although we were on the back foot for all of the game against Ukraine, Schevchenko is a diving wanker.
Haha, you don't even know the half of it.

I trust you're all familiar with Jan Koller? All seven feet and sixteen stone of him, rolling on the ground anything somebody looked at him. It's funny, the referee gave anything that contained a hint of contact (or anything that didn't, as it turned out) but he still didn't give Koller anything because it was so unbelievable. He took his goal incredibly well though, great finish.

We should have beat the Czechs tonight, I'm gutted. I know we can't expect miracles having been hammered 5-2 by a team that hadn't won in four years, but with a side containing three new caps and not an awful lot of experience besides, we played a really good team off the park. Paul McShane was amazing; I'd never heard of him until yesterday, but apparently Man Utd let him go over the summer and he went to West Brom. He did everything right, and the one time he slipped up Koller scored a cracking goal. Amazing, even John O'Shea played well and that never happens.

DonMancini

10-12-2006, 01:12 AM

So yay, we beat Georgia :cool:

Not a great performance though, but we're in a transitional phase and I'm glad we're starting to see some young talent flourish. Anyone see that DeRossi goal? or that Camoranesi header (doesn't qualify as young talent though)? Absolutely NUTS.

I'm definitely glad Nesta's back also, and I have to give credit to Georgia on their goal, it was very nice.

RandyfromPennywise

10-12-2006, 02:49 AM

Bresciano's goal is goal of the month for me.

And I think he's also elevated himself to my favourite player currently playing, and second of all-time. Big call putting him ahead of Robbie Di, but I just love the Bresc.

EDIT: Just watched the Ireland - Czech game... Interesting game. Go'on the Duffer! I was hoping he and Rosický scored, but neither did.

munky_magik

10-12-2006, 10:51 AM

And, although we were on the back foot for all of the game against Ukraine, Schevchenko is a diving wanker.

I concur. It was a ridiculous red card as well. Bah :(

RandyfromPennywise

10-12-2006, 03:26 PM

Some people are given names just made for Football. Take the famous Brazilian player, Sócrates, for example. His name is:

Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira.

matt_h

10-12-2006, 03:45 PM

Random ^^^

Anyway, Schevchenko played in Italy for years, so its no suprise he dives.

@Splat Out Plath: whilst I dont want to sound like an arrogant englishman, we do have a lot of world class players many of whom play champions league football and have won many trophies and performed well for their country at various times. However, the team has never gelled as well as it could thanks to bad management, tactics, team selection etc etc. I know it sounds like excusses (well they are...) but the areas in need of improvement are clear. Whilst we will always want better players, I think the staff must improve to get the best out of the players and the team, and the team performance must be put first over individuals.

Also, I have heard shouts for Beckham to be recalled even on these pages. He is old news who has failed to contribute much in the last few years, although he did surprise me with his two goals at the WC. I have heard pundits saying how there were calls for former captains like Keegan and Linekar and Shearer and other similar players to be recalled after retirement
(yes I know Becks hasnt retired) and it will happen again. We dont need him.

RandyfromPennywise

10-12-2006, 03:57 PM

Minus The Flair

10-12-2006, 04:06 PM

whilst I dont want to sound like an arrogant englishman

this made me lol. but yeh, i agree with all your points, except for the fact Beckham only scored 1 goal, not 2, twas against Ecuador. and it was a great last england goal. typical beckham, throwing up all over the pitch, being generally not that great, then winning the game.

Rams

10-12-2006, 05:18 PM

The English players simply aren't as great as everyone says they are.

Timm

10-13-2006, 04:28 AM

hehe I can't complain

4:1 :cool:

Frankie

10-13-2006, 11:33 AM

The English players simply aren't as great as everyone says they are.

They are. Doesn't mean they make a good team tho'. Need good team players not just amazing individuals (which is why Real Madrid haven't won anything in about 5 years)

matt_h

10-13-2006, 11:50 AM

I counted the Paraguay OG as one for Beckham.

Hopefully now McClaren will go more on form for both club and country when choosing his team from now on. We need a good team performance and if that means dropping individuals then so be it.

poorquality

10-13-2006, 12:27 PM

The english media sicken me, blaming Robinson when there was nothing he could do, and any keeper would of been made a fool of...he made some brilliant saves throughout the match and if not for him it could of been 4-0.

RandyfromPennywise

10-13-2006, 02:31 PM

Yeah what was with that, I mean it was a bobble was it not? But I guess he could have tacken a touch, or not gone for the massive wind-up, but yeah.

On the Engerlund team, I think they have loads of class players. Gerrard, Lampard, Terry, Owen, Rooney, Joe Cole and some other good defenders like Bridge and Ferdinand.

*Prepares for a shelacking from the Poms in here*

I made a bet with two of my [English] mates last Saturday that Australia will win a World Cup before England does (obviously excluding that win 40 years ago). I stand by that. Australia will win the World Cup before 2040. I don't know about England. The 100-year anniversary in '66 maybe?

:p

poorquality

10-13-2006, 02:52 PM

I reckon England will win the World Cup as soon as C.Ronaldo, T.Henry, R.Giggs and D.Drogba all get English passports :P

'Cos lets face it, so far in the premiership they've all been the most impressive players. (Until Senior Giggsy got injured :()

No ones posted since so I cant post again :o so i edit this:

1-0 to Wigan end of first half :( Now..i'm fairly certain united will do the business in the second half, but all credit to wigan, and that goal was amazing.

FT Wigan 1-3 Man Utd..

Totally different performance from united, well impressed, went back to 4-4-2, which works amazingly for us right now, Rooney had a good game aswell, didn't score but set up the 3rd and played some inch perfect cross passes etc.

Good old olé...scoring our 3rd...93rd minute...he must be loving it.

and where is everyone?

metal-militia

10-14-2006, 07:36 PM

Anyone see Chelsea today?

Both keepers were injured and Terry ended up in goal!

morrissey

10-14-2006, 11:59 PM

It sucks, I've been busy the past few Saturdays and haven't seen a game in a while, so I can't really comment on anything. Still nice to see the table kind of out of balance two months in (save for the top/bottom 2). And Reading, oh my.

rik

10-15-2006, 02:34 PM

Gah, Newcastle lost again at home toady. We were playing really well till we conceded, then it all just fell apart :(

Minus The Flair

10-15-2006, 02:48 PM

I heard Newcastle sucked today big time. And what's happened with the Chelsea keepers, I heard Mouriniho said that Cech could've died, but that is Mourinho. Indented skull or something. What happened, was it an accident?

Kyle

10-15-2006, 02:55 PM

Gah, Newcastle lost again at home toady. We were playing really well till we conceded, then it all just fell apart :(:mad: We really need to start picking up. It's important we get a good start to the Uefa Cup group on Thursday.

Frankie

10-15-2006, 03:04 PM

w00p newcastle lost and the boro won. can't get much better.

rik

10-15-2006, 03:41 PM

:mad: We really need to start picking up. It's important we get a good start to the Uefa Cup group on Thursday.
Yep, Fenerbache is gonna be a tough game.

TakeWarning

10-16-2006, 07:58 AM

Wow, interesting Chelsea game, I was wondering why John Terry was wearing a goalkeeping jersey on the front of today's paper.

Newcastle would have to be the most consistently dissapointing team in the Premier League, srsly.

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2006, 10:54 AM

Absolute bloody disgrace this Hunt cunt, he should be banned for months. What a disgrace. Leading with the knee is not intentional hey? **** off back to the lower leagues where you belong you joke, Čech's got more talent than you've ever had you disgrace. **** off Hunt.

Britney Diva

10-16-2006, 11:52 AM

I think it's pretty obvious it was a fair challenge.

Frankie

10-16-2006, 11:54 AM

It looked like an accident. Oh and randy its chelsea's superior attitude which is why Chelski has become the most hated club in the EPL.

poorquality

10-16-2006, 12:53 PM

I thought until the ball was in both of Cechs hands it was fair game, and once Cech had clamped both hands on the ball Hunt was too close to be able to avoid a collision, it was just a shame what happened really, though I believe it to be accidental.

So did you hear Bolton have offered Chelsea one of thier keepers as a replacement temporarily? Ian Walker ftw :P

EDIT: I have also decided to offer myself as Chelseas replacement keeper, I'll set the EPL record of first keeper to score a hattrick of own goals :P

matt_h

10-16-2006, 01:01 PM

I havent seen any close up angles yet, but it looked like an accident. It look like Cechs head was near the ball and it was there to be one. Accidents happen, if he hadnt been hurt not much would have made of it. Unfortunately though he is out till 2007

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2006, 03:08 PM

I think it's pretty obvious it was a fair challenge.

Obvious to whom? To Steve Coppell? To Stephen Hunt? How can anyone say it's "fair"? Why did he lead with his knee? Anyone who has made a slide-tackle or challenged for a ball with a 'keeper knows that leading with a knee is never going to win possession of the ball. Best case scenario was knocking the ball out of Čech's hands and putting the ball out for a goal kick. Hunt (with an H) didn't mean to fracture his skull, but there is no doubt that he intentionally left his knee there hoping for contact to at least hurt Čech. I'm sure most of you have played Football before and can appreciate that Hunt's challenge is not the way you challenge if you want to win the ball. And he did not "pull out" of the challenge - he never had his foot out, he lead with his knee. Fair challenge? I would struggle to disagree more.

And Frankie - Yes, most of which comes from Mourinho, Kenyon, and to a much lesser extent, Mourinho's back-room staff.

Britney Diva

10-16-2006, 03:17 PM

Anyone who has made a slide-tackle or challenged for a ball with a 'keeper knows that leading with a knee is never going to win possession of the ball.
He wasn't trying to win possession. He knew Cech had beaten him to the ball so he tried to pull out of the challenge. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred there probably wouldn't have been any contact, but if he'd not "led with his knee" he'd probably have ended up putting his foot through the 'keeper's face which is far more likely to result in injury or death.

Frankie

10-16-2006, 03:34 PM

Look randy if that lad Hunt had wanted to hurt Cech then he would've lead with his studs. You want to hurt a player I can tell you from experience and you'll know there isn't anything pretty than being slide tackled and having someone collide wiht your head. But still no concerns for havin a regular unknown Hilario playing against Barca or is Cudi fit after staurday ??

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2006, 03:53 PM

Look I know you are both thinking I am biased because I bleed blue sometimes (most of the time it's green and gold, and sometimes red) but really in my eyes I thought it was pretty bad and he should have been off and received further weeks out.

Is the past tense of lead led? I always thought it was lead. Like read and read I guess. You learn something everyday...

Haven't got any latest on Cudi, he did an interview on CFCTV but I unfortunately don't have that great station but he said "I've only got a headache" so I'd say he's a chance. About Hilario, I didn't know that he used to be first-team at Porto, so that's given me more confidence in him. I don't think we'll need to loan a 'keeper, Carlo should be fit for the weekend at any rate.

Oh and Dave, you say he "pulled out of the challenge", but he went to ground straight on to his knee, in my eyes there was never even any attempt of a challenge for the ball...

Frankie

10-16-2006, 03:57 PM

Well randy your allowed your opinion and TBH I'd be the same if that Hunt did the same to Schwarz so I can understadn where your coming from :thumb:

RandyfromPennywise

10-16-2006, 04:01 PM

And I would be the same if it happened to Schwarz as well!!! What a legend he is.

Love your little message below your name too, classic!

Angry Balled Fists!

10-16-2006, 04:22 PM

no. it was an accident.

poorquality

10-16-2006, 04:28 PM

I agree with Frankie lol, I think it was an accident, but if it had happened to van der Sar i'd be well angry at hunt, I'd know deep down it was an accident, but it wouldn't stop me screaming for his blood :P

rik

10-16-2006, 04:43 PM

I also think it was an accident, though I understand why you're so angry at Hunt. When Harewood injured Given I was sooo pissed off at him, sure it was an accident though it didn't stop my curses towards him.

Reactor158

10-17-2006, 10:40 AM

sorry to go off-topic for a moment, but I'm somewhat of a newbie to football, having only been introduced to it in the past year, since I live in the States and very few people here appreciate it. Anyways, what are the differences in sizes of footballs? Such as size 4, size 5, etc? What do they play with professionally?

Dead Star

10-17-2006, 11:03 AM

The size in football, is well, how big it is. :p

Everyone generally uses size 5 though I think.

Timm

10-17-2006, 01:31 PM

5 is the generell size for adults
maybe women use 4 but I'm not sure

Frankie

10-17-2006, 02:29 PM

Nah women use size 5. TBH all those below size 5 are pretty crap (apart from those small ones which are designed for 5-a-side or tricks).

Britney Diva

10-17-2006, 03:25 PM

Oh and Dave, you say he "pulled out of the challenge", but he went to ground straight on to his knee, in my eyes there was never even any attempt of a challenge for the ball...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWwsET25TZM

It looks to me as if he's trying to pull up. He probably should have tried to jump over Cech, but that still would have had its dangers. He definitely wasn't going for the ball, because if he had he would have blown the keeper's head off.

rik

10-17-2006, 03:54 PM

Arsenal lost to CSK Moscow, 1-0. Can not believe Henry's goal was ruled out though.

poorquality

10-17-2006, 04:52 PM

Winning 3-0 makes me happy...totally strolled through the second half.

Kinda gutting for Arsenal though, perfectly good equaliser ruled out.

But yeah...3-0 :) Scholes, O'Shea, Richardson

Minus The Flair

10-17-2006, 04:52 PM

Yeh, that's as bad a decision as Scholes not getting a penalty in our match. I just don't see how he didn't give one. Ah well, 3-0, Rooney almost scored, played very well.

Britney Diva

10-17-2006, 04:53 PM

Rooney and Carrick both played well. Shock. Also, I can't be the only one who noticed that the defence was error-free in the absence of Rio.

Celtic hammered Benfica too. Woot.

Minus The Flair

10-17-2006, 04:54 PM

Well, they weren't really a team that would give you problems in defence. Yeah, 3-0, awesome for them.

poorquality

10-17-2006, 04:57 PM

I really think Evra and Vidic are going to be great players for United...they already look solid and play very well.

I can't think of a single player who played badly....awesome game, I hope they hold this form for the Liverpool game on Sunday (I think).

And yeah, we should of had an obvious penalty, if we'd lost we'd be complaining so much right now, amazing what 3 goals does for you :P

Oh and i'm also shocked by Real Madrid winning 4-1...after their shocking display against Getafe at the weekend losing 1-0 and not having a shot on goal, I didn't think they could pull together.

Britney Diva

10-17-2006, 05:00 PM

Well, they weren't really a team that would give you problems in defence. Yeah, 3-0, awesome for them.
Their forwards are good, Allback in particular is very highly regarded. The problem United have had the last few years is unforced errors, and even O'Shea made himself look good tonight. I just think Rio is useless, basically.

Minus The Flair

10-17-2006, 05:02 PM

I don't want to believe that, but you're probably right. He can occasionally have a very good game. Silvestre is worse though.

rik

10-17-2006, 06:10 PM

Van Nistelrooy's goal was superb.

munky_magik

10-18-2006, 11:17 AM

Good result for United. Second and third goals were a bit lucky though. Also, I think Scholes should've been captain. Ferguson was probably trying to build Rooney's cofidence, but still.

Great result for Celtic. Kenny Miller scoring two as well. Hopefully he'll keep his form up till Georgia.

Ruling out Henry's equaliser was just stupid, more so him getting booked. Silly ref.

I just think Rio is useless, basically.
I agree with this.

Dead Star

10-18-2006, 12:51 PM

Great result for Celtic. Kenny Miller scoring two as well. Hopefully he'll keep his form up till Georgia.

/crosses fingers

munky_magik

10-18-2006, 04:07 PM

Chelsea 1 - 0 courtesy of Drogba.

Minus The Flair

10-18-2006, 04:47 PM

Not to take anything away from Chelsea, they played well, Drogba scored a great goal, but Barcelona, bar 1 or 2 moves, were seriously average tonight. They really needed Eto'o.

rik

10-18-2006, 06:00 PM

Drogba's goal was really nice, reminded me of his goal against Liverpool.

Anyone see Schweinsteiger's goal? Really amazing.

Timm

10-18-2006, 06:04 PM

It's Schweinsteiger, you left out a c there ;)

unfortunately I missed today's games =/
still got to wait 10 minutes for the news on tv grrrrr

rik

10-18-2006, 06:08 PM

It's Schweinsteiger, you left out a c there ;)

unfortunately I missed today's games =/
still got to wait 10 minutes for the news on tv grrrrr
Ah, knew it didn't look quite right, i'll edit my post.

Cecillianne

10-19-2006, 09:55 AM

watching liverpool play makes me ache. for all the pre season hype they're sure playing like ****.

1 - 0 but not the best of matches. last few minutes were unhealthy for people with high blood pressure. man u is going to trump us :(

Lord Abortion

10-19-2006, 10:30 AM

I'm a fan of Rio Ferdinand for the most part, actually, he doesn't live up to his hype, but he's still a quality defender.
3-0, easy easy easy.

Britney Diva

10-19-2006, 03:35 PM

I'm a fan of Rio Ferdinand for the most part, actually, he doesn't live up to his hype, but he's still a quality defender.
He's really not. He can't even get the basics right half the time, which makes his admittedly good ball skills pretty redundant.

TakeWarning

10-20-2006, 05:22 AM

I find him to be incredibly inconsistent.

Man United and England could both do without him.

poorquality

10-20-2006, 01:36 PM

Anyone keep an eye on their fantasy league teams? Just checked mine and it's bottom of our league lol, made some changes which i feel will better suit it :)

Rooney and C.Ronaldo have been brought in, so I have them and Saha which should be lots o' points :D

Minus The Flair

10-20-2006, 01:38 PM

poorquality

10-20-2006, 03:13 PM

Scholes reaches his 500th game for United on Saturday. And it's against Liverpool, at home. It's great to see people so devoted to the clubs of the cities they were born and brought up in. All hail the ginger king!

The match is Sunday isn't it?

And yeah I know what you mean, pure dedication, even retired from international football to prolong his club career. Can't wait for the match...if we can't beat Liverpool then I don't think we can win the title, because it'd mean we've come across two of the best premiership teams and couldn't beat either.

These are the matches that really stake claim to titles.

RandyfromPennywise

10-20-2006, 03:23 PM

Their forwards are good, Allback in particular is very highly regarded. The problem United have had the last few years is unforced errors, and even O'Shea made himself look good tonight. I just think Rio is useless, basically.

Allbäck was never/isn't really good enough to seriously trouble Manchester United if they are playing to anything near their potential. Rio, strange one. I know you've been saying for pretty much as long as I've been coming to this thread that you don't rate him. For a while there I regarded him in the top few centre-backs going around. However after further analysis, he is not in the top group of centre-backs. In my opinion he is a pretty classy defender, but I'd prefer Terry (who I think is the best defender in the world right now), Puyol, Cannavaro, Carvalho, Nesta and even others like Touré and Gallas over Rio. Still I think he's good enough for the United first team (not a joke from a CFC fan :p).

So very good performance from Chelsea, very professional, even if Ballack has no place/role in the team, and would help the team if he made way for Joseph C, but a vital three points nonetheless. Barça miss Eto'o like Ryan misses Marissa on The O.C.

Britney Diva

10-20-2006, 04:12 PM

Rio is probably on a par with Chris Sutton and Dion Dublin as a defender. He can defend if asked, but that's no reason to actually ask him.

I changed my fantasy team around a bit. I realised I'd got Given as my captain even though he's injured, so I think I missed out on points for that. I transferred out Anton Ferdinand and brought in Micah Richards, put Heinze in for Stefanovic (who's injured) and put Kevin Doyle in for Robbie Keane, who's sucking something hard this season.

RandyfromPennywise

10-21-2006, 08:28 AM

Rio is probably on a par with Chris Sutton and Dion Dublin as a defender. He can defend if asked, but that's no reason to actually ask him.
:lol:

Sydney v Melbourne was tonight, just got home from dinner so I haven't watched it yet or seen the score, should be a cracker. It's the Aussie Superclassico.

Chelsea should get a hard-fought victory over Pompey, who will gradually begin to slide down the table following tonight's loss. Their draw isn't easy from memory, and they are no chance for top 5.

Real Madrid v Barcelona, el grandclassico or something like that in Spanish is tomorrow night, well up for that too.

Splath: So what do you see Rio as, a decent Championship-quality centre-back?

ChodaBoy

10-21-2006, 11:33 AM

Argh, another awful performance for Man City. I dont know what Pearce is thinking these days, constantly leaving Corradi up front on his own - despite only scoring one goal for the club (during pre-season IIRC).

The decent youngsters who have played well so far in the premiership seem to be either on the bench, or not even included, as Mills and Hamann are in the starting line up.

Cecillianne

10-21-2006, 12:10 PM

unless liverpool hit form tomorrow i really don't think the match would mean much. at this point they really don't look like one of the best teams in the premiership. :severely unhappy: benitez is so damn confident that liverpool can win, just because of one questionable away win with bordeaux.

at least we'll have stevie g and agger back. i hope kuyt and crouch starts up front, bellamy and crouch aren't working.

TakeWarning

10-21-2006, 12:12 PM

Man City's defence was pretty pathetic today. Although Wigan played pretty well.

Watched the Chelsea game too, great goal by Ballack, Drogba's in top form. Great to see Scheva score, I could tell he enjoyed it too. He deserves it for all his hard work.

RandyfromPennywise

10-21-2006, 12:15 PM

Good three points for the lads today, Sheva deserved his goal, and yeah TakeWarning how good is Drogs playing at the moment? He's red hot. Overall was a much better attacking performance from Chels today, created a lot of chances, just that Robben can't finish anymore. And Wigan were good value too.

Britney Diva

10-21-2006, 01:24 PM

Splath: So what do you see Rio as, a decent Championship-quality centre-back?
I'm sure Leeds would take him back.

great goal by Ballack

Tell that to Sol Campbell. I couldn't believe what I was seeing; two years ago he was the undisputed best defender in English football. Today he looked, well, like Rio Ferdinand. It was great to see him spin Ferreira towards the end of the game and win a free kick. So unlikely.

Overall was a much better attacking performance from Chels today, created a lot of chances, just that Robben can't finish anymore.
Why was Robben taken off? Both of the goals came about as direct results of his work. After he left the game, Chelsea created little.

Frankie

10-21-2006, 01:54 PM

:lol:

Sydney v Melbourne was tonight, just got home from dinner so I haven't watched it yet or seen the score, should be a cracker. It's the Aussie Superclassico.

Chelsea should get a hard-fought victory over Pompey, who will gradually begin to slide down the table following tonight's loss. Their draw isn't easy from memory, and they are no chance for top 5.

Real Madrid v Barcelona, el grandclassico or something like that in Spanish is tomorrow night, well up for that too.

Splath: So what do you see Rio as, a decent Championship-quality centre-back?

Gots some news which will please you randy. Zola among others like Alan Hansen and Arsene Wenger were put into the footballing hall of fame last night.

RandyfromPennywise

10-21-2006, 03:01 PM

Gots some news which will please you randy. Zola among others like Alan Hansen and Arsene Wenger were put into the footballing hall of fame last night.

What a legend, the greatest. A bit overdue! Love that fella.

ZOLA POWER!

Why was Robben taken off?

Not sure really, but he was on form today, finally actually beating players, as opposed to trying to... His pace was very good today too. However we need to give Joe game time because we need him to be fully fit so he can take Ballack's place in a couple of weeks. We still never should have sold Duff. With Robben playing like he did today, the Duff is the perfect player to put on the other wing. The Duff-Drog-Robb partnership is the best... Even with Sheva there I would find a place for Duff. Poor old Duff, off at Newcastle, never going to win anything.

(But play every week...)

Villa 1 - 1 Fulham. Both sides are much improved this season. Laursen looks good for Villa, quite classy. If Baroš can fit into O'Neill's system and score 15-20 goals, Villa could finish in the top six or seven.

Frankie

10-21-2006, 03:13 PM

T'would seem O'Neill has the midas touch

Corrected ;)

nowhesingsnowhesobs

10-21-2006, 03:43 PM

*midas

munky_magik

10-22-2006, 09:46 AM

Man Utd 2 - 0 Liverpool
Rio Ferdinand extends United's lead with a well-struck left-foot shot on the turn from six yards
Who saw that one coming?

poorquality

10-22-2006, 10:06 AM

After Scholes' goal, United dominated, then Rio scored an excellent goal, any striker would be happy with that, turned Riise and beautiful finish.

Everyone played well, Fletcher really stood out for me though.

Scholes, Saha, Fletcher, Neville, Vidic, Evra, Ferdinand...all were worth noting for their performances.

Britney Diva

10-22-2006, 11:39 AM

Ferdinand's finish was outstanding for any player, let alone a centre half. Liverpool were crap, again. I love how people over-analyse everything Gerrard does, Jamie Redknapp spent ten minutes explaining away his performance because he wasn't in his preferred position, as if playing on the right caused him to be one of the worst players on the pitch.

And oh my God, if Andy Gray and Redknapp didn't spend half an hour running through a replay of the Scholes goal. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Jamie Redknapp is the least knowledgable ex-footballer on the planet, and that's including the senile ones (like Andy Gray).

Britney Diva

10-22-2006, 02:57 PM

Motor mouth Noel Gallagher has launched a tirade of abuse at the Australian national football team.

He is quoted as saying "Stick to the Aussie rules and the tennis and the cricket and the rugby- you are good at that. Football is the game of the intelligentsia and you are **** at it. You will never win anything so give it up.”

Blunt and eloquent as ever Noel went on to single out Everton’s midfield dynamo Tim Cahill for particular abuse, telling AAP: “I would love to kick him right in the bollocks

“He has just got one of those faces. Don't you find his face really slappable? I can assure you, lots of people in England do.”
haha he doesn't need any provocation, does he?

RandyfromPennywise

10-22-2006, 05:12 PM

*Goes to delete every Oasis song on the computer and declare war against Noel "****wit" Gallagher*

If I ever see that person in real life, I may find it hard to resist the urge to punch him in the nose very hard.

-----

What a bunch of matches tonight, Lyon 4 - 1 Marseille, Manure 2 - 0 Liverpool, Real 2 - 0 Barcelona, Sporting 1 -1 Porto (progress score, 70th), Feyenoord 0 - 4 Ajax...

Barcelona looked all out of shape again. Real's work-rate was excellent. Good game to watch.

Gerrard were shyte, Fletcher were impressive.

Milan lost 0-2 to Palermo, and the greatest player - Marco Bresciano - scored yet another goal. All hail King Bresciano. And all tell Noel Gallagher to get ****ed. Meh, who cares, does anyone take anything he says seriously? And West Ham still can't buy a goal.

And Adelaide United beat New Zealand 4 - 2 tonight, was a good game, I went. We got over 11 thousand for a game against the worst team in the league. Adelaide United = great and glorious club.

Ganondorf

10-22-2006, 08:04 PM

Wba 3 Wolves 0

:D

Frankie

10-23-2006, 08:52 AM

Have that you geordie bas'tards :D:D:D

TakeWarning

10-23-2006, 10:30 AM

Like Damian Lovelock said, Noel Gallagher should go and make another album that no one will buy. At least the Socceroos aren't ten years past their prime.

Good result from Spurs, things are starting to pick up.

And what was up with Rio's goal!?!? I didn't know he could do that.

Minus The Flair

10-23-2006, 11:12 AM

They should move him from defence to attack. He might just be more useful.

Britney Diva

10-23-2006, 12:35 PM

They should move him from defence to attack. He might just be more useful.
Noel Gallagher? I doubt he has the legs for it.

Rio played a couple of games in midfield last year and he was woeful, but that was during a really bad period for him so I dunno. I'd always be more confident with him playing in a position where there'd be someone else to pic k up the slack for his mistakes.

Seriously though, United need a new defensive coach. I can't believe that John O'Shea has been playing full back for three years and still turns his back on crosses. I had it drilled into my head not to do that before I was in full-size goals.

RandyfromPennywise

10-24-2006, 05:16 AM

Noel Gallagher? I doubt he has the legs for it.

Rio played a couple of games in midfield last year and he was woeful, but that was during a really bad period for him so I dunno. I'd always be more confident with him playing in a position where there'd be someone else to pic k up the slack for his mistakes.

Seriously though, United need a new defensive coach. I can't believe that John O'Shea has been playing full back for three years and still turns his back on crosses. I had it drilled into my head not to do that before I was in full-size goals.
Yes it is a sign of bravery and gives you more chance of stopping the cross but really positioning is the most important thing for a defender. But I know what you mean, it is really ridiculous when you see Premier League or equivalent-class players not able to do the basics: For me, slide tackling with both legs. Most left-backs cannot slide with their right leg... Ashley Cole and Heinze for starters. Fine on sliding with their left (i.e. right leg on the bottom, leading with the left leg) but can't/will never do a right-leg slide tackle. It's really amateur and if I was a gaffer it wouldn't be acceptable for me. Look at Roy Keane and John Terry for example, both execute(d) slide tackles on both sides time and time again. You wonder how coaches miss this stuff coming through the ranks.

poorquality

10-24-2006, 11:48 AM

Awww. Benitez still thinks Liverpool have a shot at the title...bless :P

Anyway...Carling Cup today and tomorrow...Comeon Luton :P I can't see them beating Everton but you never know.

United tomorrow, I actually considering united losing because we'd put out a weakened side..then I learn, Heinze, Smith, and Solskjaer are involved :P I can't see us losing to be fair.

RandyfromPennywise

10-24-2006, 03:42 PM

Wisey and Poyet take over at Leeds Scum FC. Good move for Wisey and Gus.

If he ever gets good enough it would be good to see The Menace back at Chelsea one day, in some capacity.

Zola is coaching the Italy U21s with Casiraghi I believe. He should be the next coach of Chelsea when Mourinho leaves for Italy, or Spain.

Minus The Flair

10-24-2006, 05:11 PM

So West Ham lost to, Chesterfield is it? 2-1. I think Pardew is on his way out. Maybe, I dunno, but things look really bad for them.

TakeWarning

10-25-2006, 04:54 AM

Haha, my boss supports Leeds. I always wondered where Gus Poyet got to, I guess now I know.

As for defensive stupidity, I don't know why Dunne from Man City went for that free kick (the one he scored an OG from) when I could see clearly the goalkeeper was yelling his lungs out for it.

Minus The Flair

10-25-2006, 04:45 PM

Woohoo, Rossi playing for Newcastle and scoring, Joe Cole back and scoring, Defoe scoring. All good. Oh, except for the fact we're drawing 1-1 with Crewe

Edit: 2-1 to United. Damn that was close, 2 minutes from the end of extra time. Great for that kid, Kieron Lee, but I feel well bad for Crewe.

Frankie

10-25-2006, 06:22 PM

I heard crewe were all over youns

poorquality

10-25-2006, 06:29 PM

4 words...

How. Lucky. Were. We

Angry Balled Fists!

10-26-2006, 06:08 AM

wow sounds like we cained pompey.

Lord Abortion

10-27-2006, 07:32 AM

Hm, the Crewe game was a bit dodgy, but meh, You play unblooded youngsters and the odd first-teamer, ableit second string first-teamer and that's what you get. Since only Heinze would be in my first choice 11, it wasn't much of a surprise.

Never mind, we hammered the scouse scum, so hell yeah.

RandyfromPennywise

10-27-2006, 08:33 AM

INSIPID result tonight, Adelaide United lost to Newcastle 2-1. Bloody Veart missed a penalty and Nick Carle scored one of the goals of the season on the counter-attack in the 88th minute. Insipid. The Jets were the better team but to lose it like that was bloody ****. Melbourne are 11 points clear right now. VEART OUT. Bobby Petta looked good again though, I think a midfield of Dodd-Aloisi-Owens-Petta is very good though.

Frankie

10-27-2006, 09:23 AM

LOL I was watching sky sports news today and that some wigan players and coaches think Emile Heskey should be recalled to the england squad. How'd they support this claim ?? "Because of his fine veign of scoring this season". All 2 goals hes scored :cool:

Seriously tho' if heskey comes back and so does beckham it'd be like Sven had never gone away.

TakeWarning

10-27-2006, 12:36 PM

So Gianfranco Zola is apparently interested in playing for Perth Glory.

/waits for Randy's jealous remarks.

Cecillianne

10-28-2006, 01:50 AM

liverpool need to start ****ing winning already :smoke: i'm tired of waiting for them to get in form. they were good for like the first ten minutes against united then went to hell after scholes goal'd. i'm just glad ronaldo didn't come on.

benitez's rotation policy better start working soon. 4 - 3 with Reading was encouraging enough. it's typical liverpool, to score so many, let their guard down and shoot themselves in the foot.

RandyfromPennywise

10-28-2006, 04:56 AM

So Gianfranco Zola is apparently interested in playing for Perth Glory.

/waits for Randy's jealous remarks.
Where did you hear that? If he does, I won't be jealous, I'm just going to have to raise some funds to fly to Perth and other cities to see the greatest player of all time. Perth are ok, I actually want them to beat Sydney tomorrow.

EDIT: Queensland is the match on now, Reinaldo just scored a header, 1-1 after 50 minutes.

And c'mon Cudicini tonight. I love that fella.

TakeWarning

10-28-2006, 06:29 AM

Where did you hear that?

It was on the back page of The West Australian.

Britney Diva

10-28-2006, 09:16 AM

Paddy Kenny gives goalkeepers everywhere a lesson on how to jump out of the way of a shot.

Cecillianne

10-28-2006, 11:06 AM

now this is the shiznit i'm expecting :cool: 3 - 0 against villa, and it's only halftime baby! kuyt, crouch and luis garcia. i'm hoping after the break stevie g gets one in.

munky_magik

10-28-2006, 11:32 AM

*3-1.

Cecillianne

10-28-2006, 12:15 PM

full time, yes. better to concede 1 than screw up like with galatasaray and reading. i hope they keep it up.

fowler missing just got me dumbfounded.

poorquality

10-28-2006, 01:24 PM

4-0 Gotta love it, Rooney back on scoring form :D

Trust it to be the week after I take him out of my fantasy league team :@

Britney Diva

10-28-2006, 05:05 PM

Ouch. That's nothing though, I drafted Micah Richards alongside Richard Dunne the week they went ahead and conceded four. I got 15 points for all of last week :|

Good week for me this week though: 3 from Rooney, 1 from Ronaldo, 1 from Cahill and 1 from Doyle.

poorquality

10-28-2006, 06:28 PM

Well now Rooney is back in my team :D

Ronaldo is in my team, so that was good...Saha got an assist...that's good...

So the bad points was, I took rooney out last week, cost me 3 goals....and I put Jaaskelainen in....4 conceded.....great week :P

Dead Star

10-28-2006, 06:35 PM

Thats typical, I take Lampard out for Fabregas, and he gets 14 Points

RandyfromPennywise

10-29-2006, 01:57 PM

This is the new Fantasy Footie thread! Haven't checked this week but I got Lamps as Captain (goal + assist), Terry clean sheet, and Cahill and Ronaldo.

Just downloaded a 70 minute documentary on Gianfranco Zola from Gazetto Della Sport, you can get it from torrentspy.com. It's in Italian but it's got crazy highlights of the Parma and Napoli days! GOLD! It's called Mr. Zola. Biggest legend ever. It's got interviews from Ranieri, Di Matteo, the boys!

I wish Rovers had got a second at the death, that'd've been hilarious.

TakeWarning

10-30-2006, 07:10 AM

Aaaaaand Spurs fail to beat Watford.

Pathetic.

Angry Balled Fists!

10-30-2006, 08:35 AM

**** i give up on newcastle.

Frankie

10-30-2006, 01:40 PM

I fancy our chances against Man City altho' they did get quite a beating midweek I think so hmmmmm depends if we play 4-4-2 or not.

Britney Diva

10-31-2006, 03:53 PM

This match is appalling.

Cecillianne

11-01-2006, 11:28 AM

liverpool is through for the 16. 3 - 0 with 2 from luis garcia and 1 from gerrard. finally he scores.

riise got headbutted, but it was kinda gay and not as entertaining as zidane's. above the eye, 3 stitches needed. he's the 2nd to get bloodied up so far besides kuyt.

Frankie

11-01-2006, 12:31 PM

Some great goals last night in the Chelski-Barcac match. Don't think Lamp's meant his goal tho' :p

Minus The Flair

11-01-2006, 01:20 PM

I dunno wether he did, I can't decide. If he did, then it really was an amazing goal, one of the best of the season. But yeh, best Chelsea-Barcelona match so far IMO, had everything but a red card, somehow. And Lamps looked a lot better last night.

Britney Diva

11-01-2006, 01:53 PM

But yeh, best Chelsea-Barcelona match so far IMO
What?! It was one of the worst top level matches I've ever seen.

I think Lampard meant it though.

Minus The Flair

11-01-2006, 02:22 PM

Are you kidding me?! Some of the football was sublime, only slowed down, ironically by a lot of bad tempered tackles, contreversial diving and confusion. Every single goal was fantastic in it's own way, and there was 4 of them, way more than the usual C-B match. And it was seriously entertaining from kick off to the final whistle. If you didn't like watching that, you don't have a pulse.

Britney Diva

11-01-2006, 02:30 PM

Some of the football was sublime
Agreed, for about ten minutes total, and that's being generous.

only slowed down, ironically by a lot of bad tempered tackles, contreversial diving and confusion.
It's not ironic if it's the gameplan

I seriously thought it was boring. Like you said, it was slowed down by deliberate fouls and diving, which went on throughout the match from both sides. The referee was abysmal, he should have gained control of the game early on but instead he indulged players who argued with him, make tonnes of horrible free kick decisions and generally demonstrated he wasn't prepared to take control of the game.

The players were disgraceful on both sides. Barcelona started so well, but within a few minutes had started getting involved in petty fights and theatrics, which is exactly what Chelsea would have wanted. Chelsea came out in the second half and showed what having a little discpline can do, scoring a well-deserved goal, then it was straight back to the old stuff.

If you think that's exciting, you don't like football. If I wanted to see shaved men kick lumps out of each other I'd watch women's wrestling.

rik

11-01-2006, 02:31 PM

I dont think Lampard meant the goal, though if he did then it really is an amazing goal.

RandyfromPennywise

11-01-2006, 02:34 PM

EDIT: To Plath's post up top there: Really? I thought it was quite a good game. There were a lot of turnovers and some of the passing wasn't exactly sharp but generally I thought it was quite entertaining. I don't see how you can say it is one of the worst top-level matches you've seen: what makes you say that?

Knowing Lamps like I do (we are good mates), I believe he meant it. Who remembers his magnificent goal against Bayern two seasons ago when he chested it and turned in one motion then smacked it - left foot - on the volley past Kahn? The build-up play to his goal this week reminded me so much of that, Maka picking up the scraps about 30 yards out, sees Lamps at the back post and stands a beautiful ball up to him. Lamps is King. If you look closely at him just before the goal, he looks up and he sees that Ballack is arriving at the back post but he doesn't aim for him, I'm pretty sure he had eyes only for the goal - like he usually does.

Great drama for the Drogba goal, great finish to a match.

Looks like Guddy will be out for a while, did you see his leg hyper-extend under him when he fell? If he hasn't torn a cruciate, he's certainly strained one. No Eto'o, no Guddy... No Barça?

I guess I'm going to have to stay up and watch some more Champo now, aren't I? Damn time zones. Ah I love it.

AND EDIT: Yeah totally agree about the refereeing (is that even a word?), I thought he was incompetent to say the least. Had no control over the players, tried to set the tone for the game (i.e. ridiculously soft, inconsistent and all round crap) but he had no idea how to do it and he ended up booking half the players on the pitch (almost literally, 10 bookings in total). The game could have been great but the tempo was slowed all the time, which was due to the ref and also both sides wanting to nulify the other and not let them get any rhythm. [God that is such a strange word, rhythm. Look at it. No vowels. It looks like it's a Czech word or something.]

Minus The Flair

11-01-2006, 03:09 PM

The referee was abysmal

I'll agree with you there.

But no, I thought some off the football was fantastic, I don't see how you could of found that boring. I know a lot of it wasn't actually playing football, but it's still football. There's a reason everyone makes a big deal out of these 2 teams playing, and although they both play football very well, it's not just about the playing. It's the drama, and I know you might be all like, 'that's not football' but it kinda is. TBQH I much, much preffered that game to the previous game. And I do like football, but not just the playing side of things. I like the drama and the passion, perfectly exampled by Gudjonsen. It's not just that's it's a well made goal, but that it's a player who was played at Chelsea for six years, scoring what seemed like the winning goal against his former club. People like Moruinho and Drogba do far too much for that side of things, but that side of things exists. I was actually really dissapointed in Drogba, he's in real top form right now, I havn't seen the other side of him much at all lately, then he goes and does that. Sorry if this post sounded stupid, which it probably did, I just wanted to put my point across. But I guess that's football.

And by the way, most Champions League matches are top level, and pretty much most of them have been boring. This was entertaining, even though it could of done without the really unnecessary things eg. stamping/kicking areas not to be stamped/kicked and all the theatrics from Drogba etc. And if that's what you meant by it being a bad game, because of the behaviour, then I can sort of agree with you, the behaviour was abysmal, but that was also down to shoddy refereeing. But boring, I thought definitely not.

E sharp

11-01-2006, 03:46 PM

Britney Diva

11-01-2006, 04:09 PM

There were a lot of turnovers and some of the passing wasn't exactly sharp but generally I thought it was quite entertaining.
Well it would have been entertaining if they'd staged a magic show for 90 minutes with John Terry as "my lovely assistant," but it wouldn't have been good football. Same principle applies.

If you look closely at him just before the goal, he looks up and he sees that Ballack is arriving at the back post but he doesn't aim for him, I'm pretty sure he had eyes only for the goal - like he usually does.
I saw that too, that's why I reckon he was going for goal. I bet he was probably still as surprised as anyone when it went in, but I don't think it was a cross.

he ended up booking half the players on the pitch
As bad as he was, I can't think of one that wasn't deserved.

the tempo was slowed all the time, which was due to the ref and also both sides wanting to nulify the other and not let them get any rhythm.
Again, as bad as he was, he can't be blamed for the ill-discipline. They're professional footballers. I also don't think it was about "nullifying one another," I think they were just caught up in the staged drama of the last few days. Take the last-minute goal for instance, when Essien was running up the line with the ball, a Barca player caught him literally 1.5-2 seconds after the ball. Literally half the tackles made during the match were aiming for the man.

I thought some off the football was fantastic, I don't see how you could of found that boring.
I agree some of it was, and it should have been far more. We missed out on a classic.

TBQH I much, much preffered that game to the previous game.
The first match was crap.

I acknowledge that football isn't just what you do with the ball but everything that surrounds it, but yesterday's game was a farce. I guarantee you, more of this type of thing will happen in future, and you will get bored of it. Forced drama gets old, great football doesn't.

Minus The Flair

11-01-2006, 04:51 PM

I do agree with you, and if I'm being honest with myself, if I saw that match being played between anyone else, I would of probably been dissapointed too. I think my mind has been warped by the press and this whole CHELSEA - BARCELONA DEATH MATCH sort of thing. But Man U, gah, what the hell was up with that. I was lolling at the end, I thought we'd scored. But Copenhagen, that's the sort of thing I'm talking about, a club like that beating Man U in their first ever Champions League win will stay with them forever. And that's the good kind of story football.

rik

11-01-2006, 05:38 PM

Oh my god.. Gunners 0 - 0 Moscow.
Gunners have been playing EXTREMELY well but they lack FINISHING. so many wasted opportunities. Henry, Rosicky, Fabregas and V. Persie all have had clear cut opportunites man. Even im feeling the frustration

anyone else watching?

Yep, the amounts of chances they missed, especially first half, was incredible.

Rosicky's was probably the worse miss.

Timm

11-02-2006, 09:51 AM

since the HSV lost every single game in CL so far and won't even be playing Uefa cup this year I'll root for Werder Bremen from now on.
eventhough that is a big no-no to do for a guy from Hamburg, they're just playing great this season; they won the last three BL games 6:0, 3:1 (against Bayern) and 6:1. all away games. plus they gave Barca and Ronaldhino a freaking hard time.

rik

11-02-2006, 04:58 PM

W00t. A surprise win for Newcastle against Palermo. Young Krul had a fantastic game, and i'm really happy for Luque.

Dead Star

11-02-2006, 05:08 PM

All the british clubs are at the top of their Uefa cup groups.

Good for our Football :)

matt_h

11-03-2006, 05:00 AM

Palermo are still joint top of Serie A, and despite making a few changes it is still a great win for Newcastle. Was it Krul's first ever first team game? If so, not a bad way to start, I hope he's english.... *check* Yes, first ever game, but he is dutch, they bought him a year ago from Den Haag.

Great wins for all the other teams too, Spurs are meant to be bottom seeds and they are top, although their next game away to Leverkusen will be tricky. Nice to see Lennon playing on the left too, could he play there for England if McClaren wants to keep Lampard and Gerrard?

RandyfromPennywise

11-03-2006, 07:41 AM

Well it would have been entertaining if they'd staged a magic show for 90 minutes with John Terry as "my lovely assistant," but it wouldn't have been good football. Same principle applies.

It doesn't have to be champagne football to be entertaining. Anyway yeah the game was scrappy and awful to watch in periods but it was entertaining to watch Lamps score and then Eidur nick one five minutes later. And Deco's strike was great. And Messi had a couple of nice runs. And Drogba's goal was drama plus. So there were some good parts. I enjoyed watching as a Chelsea fan seeing my team earn a draw against the best team in the world in their stadium in front of 91,000 fans, so maybe I got more enjoyment out of it than the neutrals.

Anyway, speaking of neutrals and the enjoyment of watching football, I just watched one of the most entertaining halves of football I've seen for a long time. Melbourne 2 Central Coast 2 after 10 minutes, 2-3 ten minutes later, two red cards, a penalty and just action everywhere. Good stuff. And nine-man Melbourne grabbed an equaliser with 5 minutes to go. 3-3. A-League is quality.

And **** me is Kaká just about the best player in the world right now?

EDIT: And matt, no Joe Cole is still way better than Lennon. I got bashed last year for saying Joe Cole was one of the best players in the Prem. Does everyone still think he isn't? I think he is. He's easily in the top 20.

Kyle

11-03-2006, 08:25 AM

I'm made up for the win against Palermo, really thought that was a guarenteed lost. Uefa Cup quallification is in the bag now.

RandyfromPennywise

11-03-2006, 09:19 PM

So I just spent about an hour making up a list of my top 70 artists, on the review site. So I thought it would be interesting to make a list of your favourite players of all-time, and also the best matches you've ever seen.

ME:

Players:

1. Gianfranco Zola.
2. Marco Bresciano.
3. Roberto Di Matteo.

Matches:

Tough this. I think from an entertainment point of view Arsenal's 5-4 win over Spurs two seasons back was great, as was the 5-3 win, from 3-0 down was it? I remember watching that Queudrue goal thinking there's no way back for the Arse now. From a personal point of view the Australia v Japan match, I was very excited in the final minutes of that match (Australia were 0-1 down in the 85th minute and went on to win 3-1). The Chelsea v Barcelona match in 2004-5 at the Bridge when Chelsea won 4-2 was also phenomenal for me. Chelsea 4-3 Blackburn back in '98 was awesome as well. But I think there can only be one #1, and everything about this match made it perfect. I was there, the reward for winning was huge and the opposition was cheating, diving, arrogant scum.

#1 Best Match of All-Time: Australia v Uruguay, World Cup Play-Off Second Leg, Telstra Stadium, Sydney Australia, November 16 2005, 1-0 (1-1 aggregate), Australia 4-2 on penalties.

That is all.