Euro 2008 (Official Man City LOL Thread)

[rik]

Martins has just missed the chance to put us level before half time with what was apparently an awful, awful penalty. For **** sake.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

as if we lost 3-0 wtf.

[Minus The Flair]

Chelsea suck without Terry and Cech. I mean, they're playing Fulham at home and drawing. Six points ahead though, thanks to Ronaldo, again.

[Frankie]

2-1 and Haven't won away this season. For good reason tho' we've been ****ing dire.

[Endless Obsession]

Cristiano Ronaldo with another brilliant performance netting 2 in a 3-2 victory against Reading. Again, Chelsea taking a hit to their title hopes with a 2-2 draw at home to Fulham. Wow, do they need Cech and Terry or what.

Also Bolton scoots into 3rd spot, and Arsenal once again shows how weak they are away from home with a 1-0 loss to Sheff.

[Knight_Stalker]

Another poor performance by Sunderland, in another all round poor game, with Preston barely deserving to come out on top but thats football. Oh and Dwight Yorke is past it.

Terrible penalty by Martins from seeing it on MoTD. Can't believe Chelsea slipped up again. I didn't realise John Terry actually had that much of an effect on them.

[Frankie]

Course he does. He's not captain for nothing.

[Knight_Stalker]

Course he does. He's not captain for nothing.

Of course he has an effect but the removal of any captain should not have so much of an effect on the defending as his absence has seemed to do. Pretty woeful defending since he's been injured

[angry armadillo]

HE'S BIG, HE'S RED! HIS FEET STICK OUT THE BED! PETER CROUCH! PETER CROUCH!

STE GERRARD! GERRARD! HE'LL PASS THE BALL 40 YARDS! HE'S BIG AND ****ING HARD! STE GERRARD GERRARD!

PUT YOUR HANDS UP FOR DIRK KUYT! HE LOVES THIS CITY!


liverpool 3-0 Bolton :D

[Kyle]

I have a feeling Manu U are gonna slaughter us today :(

[Endless Obsession]

I have a feeling Manu U are gonna slaughter us today :(

Brilliant goal from Milner. 1st of the season, wonderful strike from 20 yards out. VDS had no shot. 1-0.

EDIT: Scholes from 18 yards after he cut up one of the Newcastle defenders. 1-1.

PAULLL SCHOOLLLESS HE SCORES GOALS!

[Frankie]

****ing reeeetttt goooodddd. Vid and Yak scoring and we convincingly beat Sheff Utd 3-1.

[Minus The Flair]

I have a feeling Manu U are gonna slaughter us today :(

Oh ye of little faith. I did actually have a bad feeling we were gonna slip up today, but I think Newcastle did deserve to get something out of it. Ronaldo was no where near his usual self, but Scholes did great. Oh well, still 7 points clear at the top, and Villa away isn't easy for Chelsea.

And what a goal by Milner, actually they were all pretty great. But ffs PJS, last minute of first and last half.


And did anyone see the Reading - WH game. 6 - 0, what the hell happened there!?

[Frankie]

Exactly what I was thinkin'. Oh well even better for boro I suppose.

[rik]

Great result for us today, I think we deserved the draw. Great goal by Milner and i'm so happy for young Edgar, even if his shot did take a massive deflection. You could see how happy he was after.

[Erratic]

Somebody just shot and killed one of the Broncos players after the Broncos lost.

There are some pretty stupid people in this world.

[Frankie]

^ Yeah man tell me about it.

/irony in teh fred

[badtaste]

West ham suck. Really suck.

[Kyle]

Great result for us today, I think we deserved the draw. Great goal by Milner and i'm so happy for young Edgar, even if his shot did take a massive deflection. You could see how happy he was after.123'd.

I really didn't expect anything out of that game, but we were really committed today.

[Frankie]

West ham suck. Really suck.

Their defending yesterday was tragic. Did anyone also Ghaly yesterday ? In the Spurs game Pamarot challenged him kicked him in the face blood everywhere and he knocked some of Ghaly's teeth out !! In the slow motion replay you could see them flying out of his mouth.

[Minus The Flair]

Yeah, I saw that, tbh I did laugh when I saw the slowmo replay, seeing one of his teeth fly out. But did you see the keeper, I think it was Niemi for Fulham, go face first into the ground? That looked horrible, his neck was all like bent up and his body was vertical while his face was at the ground.

[rik]

Both the Niemi and Ghaly injuries made me cringe. Apparently Ghaly lost 4 teeth in that.

Haha, did anyone see in the Portsmouth - Spurs match, when Davis thought Lee had dived to get a foul and imitated the dive? So funny.

[Minus The Flair]

Yeah, that was great, made me lol.

[Frankie]

I did lol @ Ghaly, didn't see Niemi's injury, it was supposed to be nasty 'un.

[Minus The Flair]

So that's three draws on the trot for Chelsea then. At least they didn't let in any goals, though that's hardly any consolation considering it's the first time this season they havn't scored. That match was soo boring.

[poorquality]

Suddenly 2-2 with Newcastle doesn't seem so bad a result :)

Go'wan Villa

[angry armadillo]

i hope liverpool dont buy mascherano from the hammers or whoever has his contract, we have momo and xabi already!

i wouldnt mind seeing crouch go but only if a world class striker was on his way in and there is no speculation for this at all so i would say keep him because Kuyt and Bellamy is not enough imo

[Kyle]

If Newcastle go out and buy more attacking options I think i'll cry. I mean, I love SWP as a player and i'm sure Crouch could do a good job for us, but when will we get the bloody defence sorted.

[Frankie]

The fact that boro beat you to BOTH Woodgate and Huth is lol worthy.

[angry armadillo]

steve bennet could not have been more moronic in the liverpool arsenal game this evening

[Dead Star]

What happened, I missed the game.

[Frankie]

Arsenal were winning 2-0 at half time I think.

[Britney Diva]

steve bennet could not have been more moronic in the liverpool arsenal game this evening
dont you mean jerzy dudek

[rik]

2-2 with Birmingham, to be honest I thought we'd draw the game, though we should beat them at St.James'.

Rosicky's first goal was beautiful.

[TakeWarning]

Crap defending by Liverpool pretty much lost them the game. It's a shame to see it. Haven't seen any particularly good games this round so far.

[poorquality]

Good Debut for Larrson...good goal too...he still has the skill and he showed it today, lovely turn early in the game. Lovely little backflick passing etc.

and of Course...Solskjaer....the greatest Norwegien player lol....

To be fair we should of had the game over by the time Villa equalised...but things never work out how you want them too.

[badtaste]

What the hell, no news in Australia told me about Larsson playing for MU. What a surprise... well, I did hear about it, but i thought it was only a rumour.

[TakeWarning]

Yeah I didn't hear much about it either. I had no idea he'd move so soon. But good debut for him, I thought his goal was alot harder to score than it looked.

[badtaste]

Anyone see the Fabiano vs Diego (Diogo?) fight? Sevilla v some other Italian team. Those two girls had the windmill arms going on.

[Frankie]

Larrsson's only on loan till April when the Swedish league starts up again.

[rik]

Larrsson's only on loan till April when the Swedish league starts up again.
I think the Swedish club he's at have said they will allow him to stay till the end of the season if that is what he wants.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Anyone see the Fabiano vs Diego (Diogo?) fight? Sevilla v some other Italian team. Those two girls had the windmill arms going on.

Haha, Sevilla come from Spain, same as Zaragoza. Yeah, Diogo is Uruguayan, so he deserved anything he got, although from the looks of it he dished out more than he copped.

Chelsea drew Forrest for the 4th round, at the Bridge.

Was it just me, or did anyone else notice Wayne Bridge practically playing centre-mid against Macclesfield on Saturday? Quite strange really, even though I thought he played well (better than A$hley Cole). First hat-trick for Lamps too, what a legend.

[Frankie]

Ahhh trust a Chels supporter to come up with a greatway to have a dig at Ashely Cole using the $ is a stoke of genius. However may I suggest the £ as for the E ?

Anyway I see Cech is back in training good to see him back after such a bad injury, although he may have to wear a skull cap (lets hope those Genius's at the FA dnt make it compulsory for all gola keepers as a matter of 'safety')

[badtaste]

Haha, Sevilla come from Spain, same as Zaragoza. Yeah, Diogo is Uruguayan, so he deserved anything he got, although from the looks of it he dished out more than he copped.


My mistake. I believe one of their shirts looked like Palermo's (with the stripes), so I thought serie a. Plus, their camera work was low quality, so easy mistake.

Speaking of Chelski, there was a rumour that they'd be interested in buying Lucas Neill, but are offering a lower price than Liverpool's offer.

[poorquality]

Oh dear...Liverpool 3-6 Arsenal

Both played young sides...but still.

[rik]

Arsenal just beat Liverpool 6-3 with ease. Baptista got 4 and Aliadiere played great. Paletta for Liverpool was really, really awful.

Arsenal getting 6 at Anfield though, who would've expected that.

[Minus The Flair]

What really pissed me off was when asked wether he (Benitez) would just try and quickly forget this, or seriously start asking some questions and actually look at his defence, he chose to 'forget it as soon as possible'. You don't just 'forget' letting 6 goals in at home, the first time in 100 years, against a youth side.

And what the hell was with putting Carragher on for injured Garcia when they were ****ing 5-2 down?! Crouch was on the bench, use him ffs!

[rik]

Yer I was really expecting to Crouch to come on at that point, certainly not a defender. Quite baffling really.

[badtaste]

So what is the Carling Cup all about? How is it different to the FA cup?

[angry armadillo]

i saw the line up for liverpool before the game and thought 'oh well'

i wasnt even suprised to hear the score.

[Frankie]

So what is the Carling Cup all about? How is it different to the FA cup?

F.A Cup consists of all teams semi-professional to the bigger clubs and is most prestigious straight knockout competition in the world. The Carling cup (or league cup cos the sponsor changes every few years) is only for the teams in the league e.g. Conference to the Premiership. Although some argue it's a crap cup I personally find that bollocks even though bigger teams play 2nd string sides. Plus it's a good way to gain European Football. I also found that last year all the my mates who are Utd fans stopped calling it a crap cup when it was the only thing they could win trophy wise :rolleyes: :lol:

League Cup doesn't have as many rounds as the FA cup and is the same format as single knock out. The Premiership clubs are included in the draw at the 2nd round while they enter the at the 3rd round in the FA cup.

[E sharp]

Anyone see the Fabiano vs Diego (Diogo?) fight? Sevilla v some other Italian team. Those two girls had the windmill arms going on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1VW9PKE7JA

[rik]

Haha, those are some of the worst thrown punches i've ever seen.

[Dead Star]

F.A Cup consists of all teams semi-professional to the bigger clubs and is most prestigious straight knockout competition in the world. The Carling cup (or league cup cos the sponsor changes every few years) is only for the teams in the league e.g. Conference to the Premiership. Although some argue it's a crap cup I personally find that bollocks even though bigger teams play 2nd string sides. Plus it's a good way to gain European Football. I also found that last year all the my mates who are Utd fans stopped calling it a crap cup when it was the only thing they could win trophy wise :rolleyes: :lol:

League Cup doesn't have as many rounds as the FA cup and is the same format as single knock out. The Premiership clubs are included in the draw at the 2nd round while they enter the at the 3rd round in the FA cup.

The semi final is in two legs as well for some reason.

[Frankie]

hahaha 2 brazillian's (I assume Diogo is) stopping for a spot of hardcore dancing, beautiful.

And yeah it is over 2 legs I saw that I left that bit out few minutes ago but I canny be arsed to correct it.

[rik]

Looks like Beckham's gonna sign a deal with LA Galaxys.

That kind of sucks, I would've liked to see him back in the premiership. He deserves better than the crappy US 'soccer' league. I've heard the new deal hes got is worth about £128million.

[ChodaBoy]

I really couldnt see him doing much more in the premiership, he's past his best, the clubs which could afford to pay him wouldnt want to with their current squad.

[Minus The Flair]

I would of still liked to see him back in England, but I guess when someone offers you £128million and all your image rights and sponsorship deals to go directly to you (which he had to share with the club previously, and they'll be huge) you just don't say no to that. Shame, but I know I'd do the same.

That's got to be the biggest deal in football history hasn't it? That's ****ing huge! And it is official now, he'll leave at the end of the season.

[Frankie]

Yeah but hes still only 31. Still got about 4 years in him possibly 6 cos he doesn't do that much running. The italian league I thought would be quite well suited to his style actually, but there ya go.

Also Wycombe Wanderers drew with Chelsea, they played Wayne bridge as a striker/winger. He scored a pretty good goal too.

[Minus The Flair]

One thing that annoys me more than anything else about this, is the fact that other big names are going to see this and the money and fame Beckham will get and want it, and move to the U.S, if that continues to happen, all the big names from Europe that make football so great will be gone.

That is highly unlikely but I can see a few big names going.

[Frankie]

Nah. The MLS is still a crap league considering the economy the U.S has. Players are after money true but they, like a lot of sportsman want to achieve and win. The MLS can't offer a prestige like winning the La Liga, Serie A, the premiership, the FA cup and the Champions League. The Only players MLS can attract are those in their 30's and while not past it are nearing retirement. Still I think it's good that the MLS gets a true star. I'd like it to become established. Of course it can't and I doubt it will compete with the prem, serie a or La Liga.

[rik]

One thing that annoys me more than anything else about this, is the fact that other big names are going to see this and the money and fame Beckham will get and want it, and move to the U.S, if that continues to happen, all the big names from Europe that make football so great will be gone.

That is highly unlikely but I can see a few big names going.
Already seems to be happening....


http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=441084&CPID=8&clid=6&lid=2&title=Davids+in+Dallas+link

[badtaste]

I don't get it, Beckham is crap. What's the big fuss all about? Oh, the money... yeh, ridiculous.

[TakeWarning]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1VW9PKE7JA

That has to be one of the worst fights I've ever seen.

[Frankie]

3-1 boro yesterday nice one. LOL @ Savage yesterday, looked he'd been shot when Gilberto tapped him.

[poorquality]

If Gilberto was sent I think Savage should of been as well....they both did the same sort of thing, Savage was all overhim

[Frankie]

Aye thats what I thought. Fuc'king hate savage anyway.

[rik]

I love Martins!!

What an amazing goal to put us level, and then Butt scoring a very well worked goal a minute later. Happy for Huntington to get a goal aswell. Great win for us.

[Britney Diva]

How did Spurs manage that?

[Angry Balled Fists!]

yo yo yo newcastle banging out the goals right hurrr.

[Kyle]

Toon! Toon!

Given is such a good goalkeeper.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

i can't wait for MOTD 2 tonight to see the game.

[Britney Diva]

I saw it live. In Andy Gray's words, "Tottenham battered Newcastle" and lost.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

awww poor spurs ROFL

[rik]

Yer I saw it live, when we went 2-1 down I thought we had had it. Martins goal really was a stunner.

[Minus The Flair]

Seriously, I didn't even see it leave his foot and then I'm seeing the net ripple, 84mph, that's amazing. Gunpowder in his boots.

[Frankie]

LOL @ Chimbonda as well.

[rik]

Was that a Tool cap I saw Hahnemann wearing?

Also, lol at the goal Sheffield conceded.

[Frankie]

Aye it was indeed.

[rik]

In about 10 years of supporting them, that's the worst i've ever seen Newcastle play. Absolutely shocking, i'm appauled.

[Britney Diva]

hahahaha

[metal-militia]

Newcastle got DICKED :lol:

[badtaste]

Lucas Neill to West Ham! I am very confused.

Perhaps, Neill is hoping for West Ham to be relegated, so he can then go to another club? When does the season end?

Read a sport article about this, and Neill appears to have chosen the cash over Liverpool. West Ham's offer was way more than Liverpools. Also, read that Liverpool fans are happy that the trade hasn't gone through, because of Neill having broken Carragher's leg a few years ago. Funny.

[metal-militia]

Apparently Neil was offered 60k a week by West Ham compared to Liverpool's offer of 30k. To be honest I don't think he's that good really.

[Kyle]

/expresses bewilderment

[badtaste]

Apparently Neil was offered 60k a week by West Ham compared to Liverpool's offer of 30k. To be honest I don't think he's that good really.

Meh, don't know if he is good or not (he's decent in my books), but he's an Aussie and one of our better defenders (if not the best). General consensus, was that he had a good World Cup (apart from THAT incident).

[badtaste]

TRANSFER NEWS:
Arsenal
Out: Anthony Stokes (Sunderland, £2million), Lauren (Portsmouth, undisclosed)

Aston Villa
In: Phil Bardsley (Manchester United, loan)

Out: Peter Whittingham (Cardiff City, undisclosed), Didier Agathe (released), Eric Djemba-Djemba (Burnley, loan)

Blackburn Rovers
In: David Dunn (Birmingham City, undisclosed)

Charlton Athletic
In: Zheng Zhi (Shandong Luneng, loan), Ben Thatcher (Manchester City, £500,000)

Out: Stephan Andersen (Brondby, undisclosed), Djimi Traore (Portsmouth, undisclosed)

Everton
Out: David Weir (Rangers, loan)

Fulham
In: Tony Warner (Leeds United, loan return), Vincenzo Montella (Roma, loan), Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution, £2million)

Out: Luis Boa Morte (West Ham United, undisclosed), Niclas Jensen (FC Copenhagen, undisclosed)

Liverpool
In: Emiliano Insua (Boca Juniors, loan), Daniele Padelli (Sampdoria, loan)

Manchester City
In: Djamel Abdoun (Ajaccio, loan)

Out: Kasper Schmeichel (Falkirk, loan), Ben Thatcher (Charlton Athletic, £500,000)

Manchester United
In: Henrik Larsson (Helsingborgs IF, loan)

Out: David Jones (Derby County, £1million), Jonny Evans (Sunderland, loan), Phil Bardsley (Aston Villa, loan), Giuseppe Rossi (Parma, loan)

Middlesbrough
In: Ugo Ehiogu (Leeds United, loan return)

Newcastle United
Out: Giuseppe Rossi (Manchester United, end of loan)

Wonder if Lauren will get game time. Then again, Johnson is only on loan, so probably will eventually.

[metal-militia]

I can't believe Villa have supposed to have offered £8 million for Ashley Young. Another overated player thats been hyped up, god know's why people are willing to pay silly money for him.

Just seen that Lauren went to Pompey today. It pains me to say it but he's a good signing.

[Britney Diva]

Ashley Young's very talented, but I dunno if I'd pay £8 million for him. He may just look great in comparison to the rest of the Watford team.

[rik]

I'm getting pretty anxious now, the end of the transfer window is fast approaching and Roeder still hasn't bought in any new defenders.

[metal-militia]

Ashley Young's very talented, but I dunno if I'd pay £8 million for him. He may just look great in comparison to the rest of the Watford team.

I love your avatar! I went to see Hanoi Rocks a few months ago and they were good.

I think Young is just another case of a hyped youngste. It's just like us with Gareth Bale. There is no way he is worth the money thats reportedly being offered for him.

[Britney Diva]

With Twisted Sister? They never came to Ireland on that tour (****ers) :(

[metal-militia]

Nah they were supported by Ginger from Wildhearts. It wasn't that long ago actually.

I touched Michael Monroe :lol:

[Britney Diva]

Oh ****, you were at that? :( You touched Mike Monroe? :(

[metal-militia]

Yeah, it was good. Ginger spent more time telling jokes than playing songs :lol:
Haha yeah I did! Also as I was waiting for a taxi after the show he walked past me with 2 women and got into a car. Good lad! :naughty:

[Frankie]

Liverpool V Chelsea
Man Utd V Arsenal

Should be good today :)

Plus I fancy boro to beat bolton.

[Britney Diva]

Plus I fancy boro to beat bolton.
haha understatement

Liverpool beat Chelsea convincingly I thought, but the Reading - Sheff Utd. match was just appalling, both in terms of football quality and the behaviour of Gillespie/Warnock/the Reading coach. Fair play to Reading, they tried to play football.

[Minus The Flair]

hahaha, when I saw Reading coach, I immediately thought Coppell, that really would of been something spectacular.

[Britney Diva]

I think eating his dinner with his fork in his right hand is about as "wild" as Steve Coppell gets.

[Minus The Flair]

:lol: extreme coppell

[Frankie]

5-1 to the smoggies. 'Ave it. Couple of nice assists from Stewie Downing.

[badtaste]

Dukes Viduka is on fire having come back from injury. 6 goals in a few games, right? Quoting my hero Borat: "Niiice".

[JumpTheF**kUp]

Arsenal to beat Man U. Hopefully Henry with a strike from 30+ yards seals the game, but that's not really Henry's style. Hope Rosicky scores.

I support Chelsea as well, hence my wanting Man U to lose. (awaits jeers from chelsea haters)

[Frankie]

/jeers

Yeah Viduka's record is good from coming back. Hope he signs a new contract he wants to stay so thats good. Downing was absolutly fantastic yesterday. Hes got a superd array of crossing ability. Also I'm starting to see a nice partnership with Yak and Viduka.

[metal-militia]

Hope Arsenal win tonight, I think they've got a good chance.

[Frankie]

Van Persie has really perfomed well this season. Good to see aleft winger who can also get 10+ goals a season.

[badtaste]

Also I'm starting to see a nice partnership with Yak and Viduka.

Yeh, finally! :rolleyes:

[poorquality]

Can't say i'm not disapointed to lose to Arsenal - but to be fair I wasn't bothered with the result after Liverpool did Chelsea...but no matter how easy going I was about the United game, a last minute winner still hurts - I mean we've done it enough to opposition throughout the years, but it's not nice when it happens to you :P

Still 6 points clear of Chelsea though, and with both Arsenal games out of the way - I think we can still take something from this weekend to be honest.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Super Franky Lampard!

Thoroughly enjoyed watching that match actually, more than I though I would. Good performance from the lads, into another final. Sheva looked likely tonight like he did in the Charity Shield. His first goal was somewhat like the one he scored against the Scouse in the Charity Shield as well. Still chasing four titles.

[Britney Diva]

Still 6 points clear of Chelsea though, and with both Arsenal games out of the way - I think we can still take something from this weekend to be honest.
Of course. Chelsea's defence is still brittle and they generally look a completely different team from last year, while our downfall was purely tactical.

[RandyfromPennywise]

What ye mean by tactical? Going defensive ya mean like, trying to protect the one goal and then playing for the draw?

Yeah Chelsea's defence is really bad at the moment. For God's sake, we played Lassana Diarra at Right Back - a player being groomed to be the next Makélélé. Ballack, like I've maintained all along, was a superfluous addition to the squad. Our system is terrible. We never should have sold Duff or Gudjohnsen, with Duff we can play the true 4-3-3 that powered us to two titles. With Kalou it doesn't work. We need Joe Cole back. And really, we shouldn't have sold Huth after Gallas cracked the shits. If we had've kept those three we'd be laughing now. As is stands we've got 2 ½ strikers, 2 wingers and 2 ½ centre-backs in the whole squad. Boulahrouz was not an adequate replacement for Gallas and Huth.

[badtaste]

What ye mean by tactical? Going defensive ya mean like, trying to protect the one goal and then playing for the draw?

Yeah Chelsea's defence is really bad at the moment. For God's sake, we played Lassana Diarra at Right Back - a player being groomed to be the next Makélélé. Ballack, like I've maintained all along, was a superfluous addition to the squad. Our system is terrible. We never should have sold Duff or Gudjohnsen, with Duff we can play the true 4-3-3 that powered us to two titles. With Kalou it doesn't work. We need Joe Cole back. And really, we shouldn't have sold Huth after Gallas cracked the shits. If we had've kept those three we'd be laughing now. As is stands we've got 2 ½ strikers, 2 wingers and 2 ½ centre-backs in the whole squad. Boulahrouz was not an adequate replacement for Gallas and Huth.

I wonder what will happen if Hiddink takes the reins of the club? That would be very interesting. Wonder what he would do with the personnel...?

[Britney Diva]

What ye mean by tactical? Going defensive ya mean like, trying to protect the one goal and then playing for the draw?
Yeah, sitting back against Arsenal is the football equivalent of laying down for the Wehrmacht.

I have no idea why Chelsea sold all but two centre-halves. Probably Mourinho and his "we only need eleven players in our squad" nonsense.

[JumpTheF**kUp]

I have no idea why Chelsea sold all but two centre-halves.


It's probably just because Mourinho can.

He really did make some awful trade decisions, especially spending so much money on Sheva instead of keeping Gudjohnsen, who IMO could have developed into one of the famous Chelsea players.

I also think that trading Gallas for Ashley Cole was a really bad decision, I just don't think Ashley Cole is as solid as Gallas in defence.

Boulharouz is far too erattic to be any good, and while he played great against Barca, he's been disappointing since.

It also doesn't help that we have so many injuries.

To be honest, I think Morinhou needs to play the likes of SWP and Wayne Bridge a lot more often to develop the young talent in his team for situations like this, where there a heap of injuries and the first team is not readily available.


EDIT: As much as I'd like to say Sheva's two goals are a sign of things to come, they were against a League 2 side, so there's no certainty that he'll go on a goal rampage. :(

[RandyfromPennywise]

1. Hiddink taking charge at the club could be one of the best things that has ever happened to Chelsea. BUT, it would take time, and Roman doesn't like time very much.

2. Yeah I thought Manure really snuffed out their chance to put one hand on the Prem against the Arse, that game should have been wrapped up.

3. I don't think Mourinho ever intended to sell two CBs and buy one. Gallas cracking the shits really stuffed out transfer wheeling and dealing this year. Mourinho had probably already told Huth he could leave and he was as good as gone when Gallas started being a wanker. But anyway, why wouldn't we try to sign someone in the window now? Apparently Roman's being well tight with the purse strings, but why not go for Lucas Neill? He cost £1.5m and is class, can play adeptly at CB, sweeper or RB. Why not bring someone in? There has to be a major rift between Mourinho and Roman. It ridiculous playing Ferreira and Essien as our CB pairing, that's Sunday Pub League stuff.

And yeah, Gudjohnsen could have gone on to be a great of the club if he stayed. As it is, he was told that his services weren't required, or moreover, that Mourinho would've played him about 20 times a year. In my eyes Guddy is a legend, always will be. Pure class.

[Frankie]

Drogba is firing on all cylinders so theres a plus. Essien is coming into his own adn if it was choice between him and Maka for the DMF position, I'd go for essien at the present moment. 4-3-3 would work for Chels like it always has if mourninho would play 2 winger alongside Drogs up front.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Essien is phenomenal, there's no doubt about it. The guy is as fit as a lion and as strong as a crocodile. But he and Maka are different. Essien is all about giving drive and energy to the midfield and the team in general; Maka is about stability, the system, zonal play and defence. Having them both in the midfield next to Lamps is perfect.

And then Mr Ballack comes along and causes a right kerfuffle. Don't like it.

[JumpTheF**kUp]

he was as good as gone when Gallas started being a wanker

:lol:

I'm going to refrain from talking about Chelsea until I see what happens when Terry returns next week.

[badtaste]

FOOTBALL NEWS, brought to you by tadbaste.

Van Persie's broken a foot, and is out for six weeks.

Ashley Young has gone to Aston Villa from Watford.

Carew has also joined Aston Villa from Lyon. He was traded for Milan Baros (Lyon are kick *** now).

Blackburn have Warnock now.

Traore has joined Portsmouth from Charlton. CHarlton have also loaned in some Chinese player.

Fulham's Boa Morte has joined West Ham.

Liverpool have brought in: Emiliano Insua (Boca Juniors, loan), Daniele Padelli (Sampdoria, loan), Jordy Brouwer (Ajax, undisclosed).

[angry armadillo]

you mean from BBC news ? :p

[badtaste]

you mean from BBC news ? :p

haha, I'm just the messenger. No, from the premiership website. Perhaps, even the BBC get their news from there.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Baroš reckons that there was a deal on that could have seen Shaun Wright Wright Wright-Phillips move to Villa with Milan coming the other way. I wouldn't have been that upset. SWP has not been playing at all, and Baroš is so much better than Kalou. But really it's not a long-term deal, as even though I like Baroš as a player, I can't see him ever holding down a first-team spot at Chelsea. Having said that, he'll probably go on to absolutely rip sh*t up for Lyon, both in France and the Champions League (which they will continue to qualify for until I am an old man).

[RandyfromPennywise]

I watched about 20 minutes of the united - pompey game, didn't see the end reslut... I was going to re-type that but how good does reslut sound compared to result... Seriously. ... So my point was, my don't my team (Chavski) recall Glen Johnson? He would be well useful for us.

[nowhesingsnowhesobs]

Baroš is so much better than Kalounot really

[poorquality]

Now we know how Spurs felt :P Vidic's header was over the line. Larsson was also level when he scored a good goal.

But either way, Rooney saved us, his second goal was pure class.

2-1 FT

[badtaste]

I watched about 20 minutes of the united - pompey game, didn't see the end reslut... I was going to re-type that but how good does reslut sound compared to result... Seriously. ... So my point was, my don't my team (Chavski) recall Glen Johnson? He would be well useful for us.

Yeh, I think so. Plus, Pompey now have Lauren, so no big deal.

Other news: RONALDO has moved to AC MILAN (£4.95m on an 18-month deal)(What's a pound...?)!!! Oliveira should also be heading to Real Madrid on a loan (don't they have enough strikers over there?) Should be interesting as Ronaldo use to torment Milan, when he was playing for Inter. Inter fans should also be angry, cause Ronaldo ditched them for Madrid.

In more other EPL news, (stolen from BBC this time): "West Ham midfielder Javier Mascherano has been given special dispensation by Fifa to join Liverpool from West Ham." Nothing's been put down on paper yet.

Other transfer news:
Everton will be getting Benfica's Manuel Fernandes on loan (was on loan at Pompey before/now).

Man City have "Djamel Abdoun - AKA the new Ronaldo -"

Middlesborough have brought in South Korean striker, Lee Dong-Gook. (Hope he doesn't take Duke's playing time away).

Tottenham: Whoa, Davids has gone back to Ajax. I'll miss his hair.

[Dead Star]

Gareth Bale seems really hyped up, I'm guessing hes pretty good then.

He opted to stay at Southampton instead of Man Utd or Spurs anyway.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah, he and that Curtis Davis or something bloke from West Brom seem to be the hot defensive talent in England at the moment.

[coe]

Is there anyway I can watch football matches free online?

[Dead Star]

so my team, Motherwell, has sold one of our better players to Southend Utd for the fee of £150k.

That is absolutely gutting.

[Britney Diva]

Rooney is on fire right now. His touch for Larsson's goal and his own was inch-perfect. He's been a bit off the pace recently, but ever since that tap-in against Portsmouth he's barely put a foot wrong.

[coe]

Is there anyway I can watch football matches free online?

Please.

[poorquality]

When United have so many people on form as we currently do, it's extremely hard for anyone to play well against us. Our only worry is the lack of clean sheets. (except for last nights game ofcourse), If we had kept clean sheets we'd of beaten Chelsea and Arsenal.

Can't really blame anyone though, because we have one of the best defenses in europe right now.

We need to score more, and with Ronaldo, Giggs, Scholes, Rooney, Larsson, Evra, Vidic and Carrick on form, we will be scoring a lot more.

1 more goal for Ronaldo and he wins his bet against Ferguson in Feb :D good lad

[Britney Diva]

I've been kind of bemused by the praise Giggs is getting this season. He's shown flashes of why he used to be great, but otherwise he's just been ok.

[Lord Abortion]

He has been excellent in flashes, but not consistently.
/returns

heh, we may have won 4-0 last night, but we were actually poor. Thank God Rooney is back to his best, it was worth losing the Arsenal game as he scored and hasn't stopped since...

[mick7]

Just got back from work and found out the might Gunners won against the Spurs! Good work lads bit of practice for the upcoming FA cup (which we will win) ;) haha

[poorquality]

I wouldnt say we were poor, sure we lacked finishing for the first half, but I don't recall Watford having any solid goal scoring opportunities at all. We were all over them, we should of won by a lot more, but football never works out that way.

[Lord Abortion]

That's what I worry about, you see, the main reason we have lost the title these past three seasons has been dominating games against poor quality opposition (anyone remember the 1-1 draw with West Brom a couple of years ago with some of the worst finishing in football history involved?) and not finishing chances.
It has indeed been in evidence in this season, but has cost us to a lesser extent. The Reading and Newcastle draws and the West Ham defeat have been due to not creating chances and another interesting piece of information relating possibly to defensive concentration.

these are the games United have dropped points in this season.

Arsenal (A) 0-1 -Adebayor's goal timed at 85 mins
Arsenal (H) 1-2 - Both Henry and Van Persie scored in the last 10 minutes.
West Ham (A) 0-1 Reo Coker's goal comes in the last 15 minutes
Newcastle (A) 2-2 The Newcastle equaliser came around the 78th Minute
Chelsea (H) 1-1 Carvalho scores in the 72nd minute.
only the Reading game contradicts the fact that united only concede killer goals in the last 20 minutes of a game... is this related to defensive concentration? Not holding on to leads and draws has cost us some points this year...I just thought it was interesting...

[Minus The Flair]

Chelsea seem to do the very opposite and always score in the last 10-15 minutes. And important goals too.

[Lord Abortion]

Yeah, there's a few things I can't understand really.
Hargreaves, for one. He's a good player, and he would maybe be worth getting for a price about 12m less than the price bandied around, but I really can't see where he would play.
We need a striker of quality and an attacking midfielder, of which Owen is neither.

See, we have first choice and cover for every other position.

GK- Van der Sar- Kuzasack
RB- Neville- Brown
LB-Heinze- Evra
RCB-Ferdinand- Silvestre
LCB-Vidic- O'shea.
RM-Ronaldo-Park
LM-Giggs-Richardson
CM- Carrick-Fletcher
ACM-Scholes- Nobody
CF- Saha-Solskjaer
CF-Rooney- Nobody

Obviously I'm discounting Larsson, as he will be gone at the end of his loan or if they choose to extend it, the end of the season.
But, united need a striker or two, given Rossi's inexperience and Fergie's reluctance to play him, and Solskjaer's age and injury Prone nature...and that elusive Attacking Midfielder in the Veron, Ronaldinho and Aimar mould.

The answer?

Rafael Van Der Vaart, David Villa (cheaper than Torres) and Jermain Defoe(always admired his quality, as has Fergie himself). Maybe even Iaquinta from Udinese(Great World cup, mind you, so did Kleberson in '02, and look where that got us...) That would be awesome, and a strong finish to the squad Fergie has built.

[Britney Diva]

the main reason we have lost the title these past three seasons has been dominating games against poor quality opposition (anyone remember the 1-1 draw with West Brom a couple of years ago with some of the worst finishing in football history involved?) and not finishing chances.
I think not being very good had a lot to do with it as well.

[Lord Abortion]

I think not being very good had a lot to do with it as well.

Sure, that too.

[poorquality]

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has suspended all matches indefinitely after a policeman was killed at a Serie A match between Catania and Palermo.


Story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6326513.stm

That's just messed up, it's like the fans didnt even bother to go for the football but to just get violent, bringing the sport down

[badtaste]

Nasty stuff over there in Italy.

http://www.wldcup.com/news/2007/02/20070202_40791_soccer_news.html
Wenger unsure about whether Lehmann will be at Arsenal next season.

I think Joey Barton has been called up to the England squad. Raul is still not in Spain's squad.

Tottenham's King is out for two months with a foot injury.

[Frankie]

Joey Barton, Kieron Dyer, Gareth Barry and Jonathan Woodgate all called up. Woody should start as well.

[Pinhead13]

I find Italian football to be extremely boring.

[Frankie]

I find Italian football to be extremely boring.

QFT

Quite a boring Merseyside derby, Wigan end their run of defeats and John Carew scores for Villa as Upson is strechered off after 30 minutes.

****ING GET IN 1-0. Yakubu pena, Senderos sent off Lehamn booked, ****ing quality

EDIT : Damn you Henry !!!! :upset:

[coe]

I haven't been successful in persuading my parents to get satellite, so now the only thing I can do to watch European matches is use this awful ESPN gamecast. It's like little dots on a pitch... I think. It hasn't started yet.

[poorquality]

SPurs 0-4 Man Utd

good game overall - ref was terrible to both teams I felt, couldn't hack it...I'm a united fan and reckon scholes got away with 4 clear bookable offences haha.

We didnt get given a penalty which we should have, but then got given one where i didnt think there was contact. I guess you could say that's just.

Vidic again, amazing player, we'll score plenty from corners with his ability to find space and head the ball.

And of course...O'Shea for goalkeeper of the year :D

Looks like van der Sarr has a broken nose :( But Sheasy filled in for him :P we'd used up all our subs.

[Minus The Flair]

Vidic has really impressed me this season. I've been skeptical in the past, but I think he's been consistently good this year. One of United's best players.

[Britney Diva]

He's definitely covered up Ferdinand's shortcomings.

[rik]

I went to Craven cottage to see the Newcastle v Fulham match. One of the worst performances of this season. Our new signing Onyewu looks promising though.

[Frankie]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/6333175.stm

:D:D

That's a major coup for the boro.

[poorquality]

Woodgate is an immense signing, such a good player, shame he seems injury prone.

[Frankie]

Hasn't hardly missed a game for us this season so all bodes well.

[badtaste]

Some more news:
- Most of the games in Italy will continue behind closed doors. The games that fans will be given access to are stadiums with video surveillance, a police post inside the stadium, and number tickets.

- http://www.wldcup.com/news/2007/02/20070205_40835_soccer_news.html
Interesting read. Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says "Cristiano Ronaldo should leave Manchester United for the good of his playing career and join Barcelona".

That's about it. Lots of internationals in the next few days.

[Britney Diva]

Brazil - Portugal from the Emirates tomorrow. They're showing it live here, not sure about in England. When's England - Spain on?

[poorquality]

http://www.wldcup.com/news/2007/02/20070205_40835_soccer_news.html
Interesting read. Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says "Cristiano Ronaldo should leave Manchester United for the good of his playing career and join Barcelona".

I'd say he's playing alright at his current club, I think you'd agree. Good of his playing career? You'd think Scolari would recognise that United have as much potential to win things as Barcalona, and United have a much better youth building department, compared to Barca...who sold Fabregas...

...so apparently someone in Barca can't recognise talent when they see it.

The only advantage in a move to spain, is it's closer to home.

But Ronaldos form is showing no signs of home sickness in my opinion.

[Frankie]

So Phil Neville and Kieron Dyer tonight. And you all thought McClaren wasn't goin' to make his bi-weekly idoiotic decision. Still he's playing Woodgate which is fair enough.

[Minus The Flair]

Foster's playing, good. He's been one of Watford's star men in my opinion this season, and he could do with getting a cap. I think hes gonna be England and United's next keeper.

[Frankie]

Foster is indeed a good choice if you ask me.

[poorquality]

im happy with the team he's picked for one reason, champs league starts soon, and it's a stupid time to have a friendly when the prem hangs in the balance...the least England regulars he fields, the better.

[badtaste]

Some news and results:
Northern Ireland 0-0 Wales

Brazil 0-0 Portugal
Both Simao and Carvahlo scored in the last ten minutes to win it for Portugal. Brazil were without their stars Ronnie and Robbie. Read that Cronaldo was constantly booed and faced some hard tackles. Someone correct me if i am wrong but is Cronaldo captain of Portugal? If so, then that's funny.

South Korea 1-0 Greece
Lee Chun Soo kicked a goal from a 20 metre free kick. Heard that this guy failed to move to Wigan before the deadline (Dang! More Korean rep!)

Australia 1-3 Denmark
Australia's injury laden team pretty much got owned.

Ghana 4-1 Nigeria

Cyprus 2-1 Hungary

Bulgaria 2-0 Latvia

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6323037.stm
"American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks have reached an agreement to take over Liverpool."

[badtaste]

I'd say he's playing alright at his current club, I think you'd agree. Good of his playing career? You'd think Scolari would recognise that United have as much potential to win things as Barcalona, and United have a much better youth building department, compared to Barca...who sold Fabregas...

...so apparently someone in Barca can't recognise talent when they see it.

The only advantage in a move to spain, is it's closer to home.

But Ronaldos form is showing no signs of home sickness in my opinion.


yeh, agree with you there. It'd be cool to see Cronaldo play in Barca colours, but I think Barca is the team with most potential to ruin Cronaldo as a player (due to the overwhelming amount of stars. Just look at Thuram for example).

[badtaste]

Sorry for the triple post (I was hoping some people would post after my news post), but more international results and news:
England 0-1 Spain
Iniesta scored as a substitute in the 63rd minute. England played bad, nuff said. Why was Phil neville at LB and Lampard on the left wing? They got totally owned. Surprised Spain didn't score more.

San Marino 1-2 Rep of Ireland

Belgium 0-2 Czech Republic

China PR 2-1 Kazakhstan
Kicked your *** Borat.

Croatia 2-1 Norway

Egypt 2-0 Sweden

France 0-1 Argentina
Saviola scored.

Germany 3-1 Switzerland
21 y.o. Stuttgart striker Gomez scored on debut (I believe this guy is leading the Bundesliga this year). Kuryani and Frings also scored.

Holland 4-1 Russia
Babel, Sneijder, Mathijsen and van der Vaart were all the scorers for Holland (all coming in the second half).

[Minus The Flair]

Both teams last night were pretty awful. Only decent player on the pitch was that Pablo defender for Spain. Really dull match, I'd of demanded my money back if I paid. McClaren now hasn't won in 4 matches, even playing poor sides. Help Sven?

[Frankie]

No matter what McClaren is always ruining one of my 3 teams. The Left-wing situation was horendous, Dyer played crap but I though Carrick and Woody had good games.

[Lord Abortion]

England apalling last night, godawful game in general.

Loved the game at the weekend though, poor refereeing generally, Two penalties denied, one at each end, and some general bemusing booking incidents, and my new favourite player scored a magnificent header.
Who doesn't love massive skinhead Serbians?

Also, I was personally doubtful about Ronaldo's penalty, but after watching about three different replays, his foot was caught...penalty.

[ATM]

USA beat Mexico :)

Man, there was some dirty playing going on.

[rik]

Oh yerrrr. Beating Liverpool feels good. Can't wait to see how we performed tonight.

[badtaste]

- Was Cronaldo injured or just rested for the game against Charlton?

- Beckham returns to the Real Madrid lineup and scores from a freekick. Funny.

- BTW, Martins sure is doing well for Newcastle, having scored against Liverpool today.

- Ronaldo set to start on the bench for Milan's match against Livorno. He is 'short of fitness'. Reading between the lines, Milan thinks he is fat.

[munky_magik]

I think Ronaldo had the flu/cold which is why Park started instead.

Good win for Newcastle today. And Reading are looking pretty good as well.

[badtaste]

Mmmkay, nice to see Park getting some gametime.

[E sharp]

How long will Joe Cole be out for anyone? Same question for Kewell. For some reason I don't bother watching Chelsea/Lpool matches without those two in their respective teams.

[badtaste]

Not sure about both of them. I do recall hearing Kewell was getting closer. I think he's training now.

[Frankie]

Forseeable loss for the boro.

I've lost respect for Henry about the way he acted on sunday as well. Knob 'ed.

[munky_magik]

I've lost respect for Henry about the way he acted on sunday as well. Knob 'ed.
I actually thought that was pretty funny.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

oh shut up he got caught up in the moment in the game.
newcastle just cain.

[badtaste]

What did Henry do?

[E sharp]

Henry picked the ball up after they just scored the winner and offered the ball to Kirkland and had a not so friendly exchange of words to go with it

EDIT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8oAp5mVm2E

[badtaste]

Haha okay. Good old Terry Henry.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Been away for 12 days with extremely minimal coverage of Footie. Almost died. Got about 15 hours of viewing to catch up on.

Man U will lose soon. I can feel it.

Adelaide United, so ****ing pumped.

[poorquality]

Been away for 12 days with extremely minimal coverage of Footie. Almost died. Got about 15 hours of viewing to catch up on.

Man U will lose soon. I can feel it.

Adelaide United, so ****ing pumped.


Well we do have Liverpool away soon, that could be a bad game

EDIT: Oh look 1000 posts :S

[Dead Star]

Henry was a bit of a prick about that.

and I seen Sydney Utd sacked Terry Butcher.

SHouldn't have ****ing left us now should he have :evil:

[badtaste]

Been away for 12 days with extremely minimal coverage of Footie. Almost died. Got about 15 hours of viewing to catch up on.

Man U will lose soon. I can feel it.

Adelaide United, so ****ing pumped.

HELL NO!

Jump for Melbourne Victory ole' ole'
Jump for Melbourne Victory ole' ole'
Jump for Melbourne Victory ole' ole'
Jump for Melbourne Victory ole' ole'
Jump for Melbourne Victory ole' ole'

Couldn't get tix! Dang!

[TakeWarning]

It's all about Perth Glory. Hopefully we won't finish last this season!

[badtaste]

The Duke scores and Schwarzer saves two penalties in the shootout to advance Middlesborough in the FA cup. Good day for Aussie love.

You guys hear about Eto'o lashing out at Rikjaard and Ronnie? Supposedly, the latter two claim that Eto'o is a selfish player. I believe Eto'o didn't go onto the field when he was subbed on or something.

Other news: Owen's running again and RObinho's unhappy at Real MAdrid.

[Frankie]

No surprises there then. Whats all this itlaian business ey ? Catania has to play the remainder of their home games at a neutral venue.

Boro got out passed yesterday, good game none the less and viduka and Schwarz were quality.

[badtaste]

arsenal into fifth round of FA cup. Adebayor scored two and Ljungberg scored to break the equaliser. Meite had scored just before full time to equalise.

[Hamilcar]

Ok, so I'm studying abroad in Preston, England next semester at Central Lancashire and I was wondering other than Liverpool, Man U, and Man City, what football teams are within like, an hour from that school?

[Grondahl]

Preston North End are clearly the only team you'll need :thumb:

Aside from the ones you've mentioned, the other Premiership teams fairly close by are Everton, Bolton and Blackburn.

But hopefully we'll be there next season too.

[Minus The Flair]

Arsenal were lucky last night, though I can't say they didn't deserve to win. But still, missed two penalties and an open goal? Hahaha, Bolton hit the post in extra time while it was still 1-1 too.

[RandyfromPennywise]

HELL NO!

Jump for Melbourne Victory ole' ole'
Jump for Melbourne Victory ole' ole'
Jump for Melbourne Victory ole' ole'
Jump for Melbourne Victory ole' ole'
Jump for Melbourne Victory ole' ole'

Couldn't get tix! Dang!

I'm attempting to keep all communications with fans from other A-League teams civil. I do not like Melbourne Victory and I hope they lose on Sunday.

And that Telstra Dome collapses and kills everyone inside except the Adelaide fans, the team and all the coaching staff, and Kossie is voted in as PM on Monday. But may the best team win.

[badtaste]

I'm attempting to keep all communications with fans from other A-League teams civil. I do not like Melbourne Victory and I hope they lose on Sunday.

And that Telstra Dome collapses and kills everyone inside except the Adelaide fans, the team and all the coaching staff, and Kossie is voted in as PM on Monday. But may the best team win.

VIC-TO-RY, VIC-TO-RY
VIC-TO-RY, VIC-TO-RY
VIC-TO-RY, VIC-TO-RY
VIC-TO-RY, VIC-TO-RY
VIC-TO-RY, VIC-TO-RY
(Repeated many times holding scarves above heads or hands in the air)

To tell you the truth, I can't stand the Blue and White Brigade. They're good at what they do, but I can see it getting ugly in a few years time.

[RandyfromPennywise]

VIC-TO-RY, VIC-TO-RY
VIC-TO-RY, VIC-TO-RY
VIC-TO-RY, VIC-TO-RY
VIC-TO-RY, VIC-TO-RY
VIC-TO-RY, VIC-TO-RY
(Repeated many times holding scarves above heads or hands in the air)

To tell you the truth, I can't stand the Blue and White Brigade. They're good at what they do, but I can see it getting ugly in a few years time.

Well a number of the fans who were over here three weeks ago for the match were out looking for a fair bit of trouble on the town on Saturday night. What has this to do with Victory? Well, many (I'm talking like I'd have seen 12-15 groups of blokes doing this) were singing - f*cking loud mind you - Victory songs down the main streets (yes that is a plural) of Adelaide. And consistently telling anyone who identified as an Adelaide fan to quote **** off unquote and the like. I'm not saying this is just Melbourne fans either, but Melbourne have the most number of fans by far now, and the most number of really dedicated fans. I'd say that unless there is good policeing and segregation there will be fights on Sunday. Regardless of the outcome. There are some Adelaide fans who go the biff as well. I've never seen it at Hindmarsh but it only takes 10 for it to make the papers. Hooliganism is the ugly side of football and we are lucky that such 'support' is not inbred into the Australian culture, but we have to ensure that it doesn't seep in through the A-League, because there are already elements of it. I got into a fight over 'soccer' three weeks ago. I don't reckon I've ever even seen a fight over AFL take place, let alone what the circumstances would be for me to have a fight over AFL. And AFL is about 5 times bigger than the A-League at the moment. Anyway, this has turned in to a massive rant. Apologies. Good luck for Sunday, I hope it's a good match. If it's a sh*t match and we lose I'll be devo - if it's 3-2 or something and we lose I'll be slightly less devo. Catch.

[badtaste]

Yeah. I may sound ignorant here, but the problem derives from European soccer culture. Most of the Blue and White Brigade mainly come from a certain area of ethnicity. I reckon these people are slightly more prone to acting like an idiot within a mob. But yeah, when away team's fans start travelling more, I can see brawls occuring.

On Boxing Day, I attended NBL match between South Dragons and Melbourne, and these ****ers turned up singing their songs and ****. On the train home, they were yelling **** like 'Basketball is for pussies' and there were all these kids around. Not good stuff. Not much I can do though.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah. I may sound ignorant here, but the problem derives from European soccer culture. Most of the Blue and White Brigade mainly come from a certain area of ethnicity. I reckon these people are slightly more prone to acting like an idiot within a mob. But yeah, when away team's fans start travelling more, I can see brawls occuring.

On Boxing Day, I attended NBL match between South Dragons and Melbourne, and these ****ers turned up singing their songs and ****. On the train home, they were yelling **** like 'Basketball is for pussies' and there were all these kids around. Not good stuff. Not much I can do though.

Man have I lost touch with basketball completely... I don't even know who the South Dragons are!

Well I'm the furthest from a racist you'd find, but I'll say what is true for what I know: Most of the trouble makers at Adelaide United are 14-19 year-old second- or third-generation Australians with Italian heritage, who identify as Italian, and revel in it. I'm guessing this is close to what you are saying for the Blue and Shite Brigade? However, most of the ones causing trouble in Adelaide were Anglos, just lubed up on booze.

And you're right, the hooliganism comes from the established European Football cultures were club loyalties run generations back and are like religions. And there are also those who just like causing and getting in biffo because that's what they like to do.

[badtaste]

South Melbourne Dragons are a new franchise to this years NBL, so easy to not know them.

Yeah, basically Euros form the majority. These guys range from teens to adults though. Someone of them were even causing trouble with my friends a few games ago as well. When stupid people and alcohol collide...

Last time when Victory BEAT YOU 2-1 (I WAS THERE! I WAS THERE!!!!), prior to the game the Brigade came walking down the city street, singing their songs, blocking traffic, etc... Some Adelaide fan came out of a hotel - immediately the brigade turns on them, sings abuse and then walks off. I haven't been to many AFL games in my time (TV for me), but even opposing fans don't abuse each other aggressively. Most of its light hearted (when they're not drunk of course).

[RandyfromPennywise]

South Melbourne Dragons are a new franchise to this years NBL, so easy to not know them.

Yeah, basically Euros form the majority. These guys range from teens to adults though. Someone of them were even causing trouble with my friends a few games ago as well. When stupid people and alcohol collide...

Last time when Victory BEAT YOU 2-1 (I WAS THERE! I WAS THERE!!!!), prior to the game the Brigade came walking down the city street, singing their songs, blocking traffic, etc... Some Adelaide fan came out of a hotel - immediately the brigade turns on them, sings abuse and then walks off. I haven't been to many AFL games in my time (TV for me), but even opposing fans don't abuse each other aggressively. Most of its light hearted (when they're not drunk of course).Yeah, there is a lot of aggression in Football. I don't mind two sets of fans singing songs abusing each other, but when the numbers severely favour one side, that is when things can turn ugly very quickly. And it's also really sh*t to chant at a small bunch (or one person like you say, that is just ridiculous (unless it's a funny chant, but generally they aren't and involve the word 'cunt' and "insert name of home city/town here")).

It's actually fun to have a bit of banter, like when I went to see Chelsea v Everton, there was a fair bit of banter. The 3,000 Everton fans were signing a fair few songs giving the Chels sh*t, but they got their own back, and then some... But there wasn't any violence on that night. There is just something about 'soccer', I don't know, it's instinctively tribal. I think Aussie fans are trying to replicate the Euro/South American/Asian fans by being as hardcore as they can get away with, but it's really not the example they should be following.

Anyway dude I gots to get me some shut eye. Bring on Sunday!

[Hamilcar]

Preston North End are clearly the only team you'll need :thumb:

Aside from the ones you've mentioned, the other Premiership teams fairly close by are Everton, Bolton and Blackburn.

But hopefully we'll be there next season too.

Preston North End lol oh how the mighty have fallen. Just did a wiki search on them and they have definitely seen better days, but good group of people and a guiness or two it could still be fun to check out :chug: And dear god Uclan is huge, 33,000 people. That's twice as big as my home town!!

[badtaste]

http://www.wldcup.com/news/2007/02/20070215_41002_soccer_news.html

I wouldn't be surprised if Harry Kewell is sent away. I only hope he remains with a top to middle tier club.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Same here. Kewell is not going to do much at Pool Scum now I'd say. Even at full fitness he'll be in and out of the team. When I heard a move to Spurs was on I was quite optimistic that it could have been a good move for his career. He probably needs to leave Pool this summer if he has any hope of reaching the heights of the early 2000s at Leeds, when he was one of the hottest properties in England.

[badtaste]

Same here. Kewell is not going to do much at Pool Scum now I'd say. Even at full fitness he'll be in and out of the team. When I heard a move to Spurs was on I was quite optimistic that it could have been a good move for his career. He probably needs to leave Pool this summer if he has any hope of reaching the heights of the early 2000s at Leeds, when he was one of the hottest properties in England.

Mmm... the Spurs are massive underachievers in my opinion. But yeah, you ever seen one of Kewell's highlight clips. It's depressing to see how good he was back in the all white.

Some news:
- "Sir Alex Ferguson has said he was "very confident" that Manchester United's American owners, the Glazer family, would not be tempted to accept a 40-million-pound bid for Cristiano Ronaldo." Hmm... Cronaldo's a funny one. He looks like a money hungry kid to me. I also wouldn't mind seeing him in a Barca shirt. Ronnie on one side, Cronaldo on the other....*orgasms...

- "Barcelona's Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard is to quit the team he led to the Champions League only last May, according to "very well informed sources.""

- "Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has said that he is a huge fan of Spanish international striker Raul and would like to sign the Real Madrid captain" Is Raul getting game time at Real Madrid?

Oh, Champions League is back on!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RandyfromPennywise]

It's crazy what's evolved at Barça. I have a feeling that both will stay. Who could afford either? Chelsea, maybe, Manchester United, at a stretch if they sold Cristiano, perhaps Milan, but probably not, and Real. I could see Chelsea bidding for Eto'o. His name's been thrown around a lot with links to Chelsea, but he also hates Chelsea. And the striker talk, well seeing as Drogba is da **** at the moment, and I think Sheva will be given next season, we might not even look for another striker. But **** me wouldn't it be fantastic to see Ronaldinho playing for the home team at the Bridge!!

Kewell's highlight video is up there with some of the best players. Those goals he scored between 2000 and 2002 were crazy. He really was one of the top left-sided players in the world for a short period there.

[Frankie]

Downing's better.

Mint cross from him today and an even better header from Julio. But we really are lop-sided in midfiled. Playing a well rounded central midfielder (what I call a ball winner) Cattermole on the Right Wing is madness. I hope to see a right winger come in next season.

Utd were held by a 2nd string Reading side. I think coppell should really have played his 1st team. Such latent dis-respect for the best cup competition offends me.

[Britney Diva]

I don't see the problem, really. The league is more important than the cup, and his top players needed a rest.

[samthebassman]

LOL, just saw tyrone noonan sing the national anthem at the a league GF, that was hilarious, the worst performance ever!

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yep, that A-League Grand Final was hard to watch for me from start to finish, including the national anthem. Fair play to Melbourne because they were simply outstanding, all over the park. Don't know who of you saw it but for Archie Thompson to score the first 5 goals in the Grand Final is seriously one of the best efforts in Australian sporting history... Too far? I don't reckon - it's an absolutely unbelievable effort. Burns and Costanzo were the only two Adelaide players I thought played well, the rest were just completely outclassed in terms of effort, determination and skill. Diego, Dodd and 'Nando went missing something shocking.

And why does Muscat have to be such a tosser? He really is a wanker.

Looking forward to Asian Champions League which starts in three weeks. Some big Asian nights at Hindmarsh!

And well in for the Chels last night too, those last two goals were very, very unexpected!

*Frankie - yeah Downing is better now, but Kewell back in 2000/01 shat on Downing. Stuey has yet to even come close to reaching what Kewell was back then. And I'm not being at all biased either, I like Downing and would like to see him do well at Boro but he's not at the top level yet.

[Britney Diva]

Talk about leagues I don't know about stops... now.

Keane just scored two identical volleys against Fulham, crackers. Then the referee overreacted to a tussle and sent Montella off for waving his arm about and booked Keane for no apparent reason.

[badtaste]

Yep, that A-League Grand Final was hard to watch for me from start to finish, including the national anthem. Fair play to Melbourne because they were simply outstanding, all over the park. Don't know who of you saw it but for Archie Thompson to score the first 5 goals in the Grand Final is seriously one of the best efforts in Australian sporting history... Too far? I don't reckon - it's an absolutely unbelievable effort. Burns and Costanzo were the only two Adelaide players I thought played well, the rest were just completely outclassed in terms of effort, determination and skill. Diego, Dodd and 'Nando went missing something shocking.

And why does Muscat have to be such a tosser? He really is a wanker.

Looking forward to Asian Champions League which starts in three weeks. Some big Asian nights at Hindmarsh!


I thought it was a pretty bad final (listened on SEN). Was listening to talkback late at night, and callers were ranting about how exciting it was and bagging Mike Sheahan for not liking soccer.

How is a demolition exciting at all? After the third goal, the excitement stops because it becomes predictable! I'd rather much see a tense, tight 2-1 win, rather than a demolishing in any soccer match.

Yeh, Adelaide got owned. Sorry. Melbourne Victory take the double. Oh, Muscat may be a tosser, but he's a Melbourne tosser(so all is forgiven) :thumb:. I heard Kosmina and Veart were being sooks afterwards at the press conference.

I'm a little annoyed that Alessandro wasn't given a run. Actually, I'm very annoyed. Oh well, worse could have happened (Kickett dropped for AFL GF....).

News:
- I hear Liverpool have bought Ukranian striker Voronin.

- Ronaldo scored two for his first start for Milan.

[Frankie]

Kewell at his best was absolutely immense. Theres no doubt he played his best football for leeds (who look set to be relgated to League 1). So did I read correctly and Melbourne beat Adelaide 6-0 ?

Keane scored to good goals yesterday. Altho' not as good as Berbatov's 2nd. Finished with such ease.

[badtaste]

Kewell at his best was absolutely immense. Theres no doubt he played his best football for leeds (who look set to be relgated to League 1). So did I read correctly and Melbourne beat Adelaide 6-0 ?

Keane scored to good goals yesterday. Altho' not as good as Berbatov's 2nd. Finished with such ease.

Rep to participants of the football thread for providing me and others with stimulating discussion.

Yeah, correct about ALeague final result. Blowout. I can't believe Leeds didn't become a top team in the EPL? What happened? I'm assuming they crashed after players wanted to move to bigger teams.

Those Spurs goals were all pretty nice. Powerful drive/volleys.

[Frankie]

So Spurs play chelsea in the cup. If we can get past WBA we have a home tie against Man Utd. I'm happy about this. I'm quitely confident we can beat Utd.

[munky_magik]

If Man Utd beat Reading. It's not guaranteed.

[poorquality]

Reading at Old trafford managed a draw, Reading at their own ground is a completely different game, so it won't be easy at all, Reading are the Premierships surprise package, they started as relegation favourites, and now they are fighting for Europe.

I can see that tie going either way to be honest, though I'm hopeful United can pull through.

Also...yet another Prem club we're drawn against, that's 4 now? While Chelsea finally have their first difficult game in the Competition :P

[badtaste]

Reading at Old trafford managed a draw, Reading at their own ground is a completely different game, so it won't be easy at all, Reading are the Premierships surprise package, they started as relegation favourites, and now they are fighting for Europe.

I can see that tie going either way to be honest, though I'm hopeful United can pull through.

Also...yet another Prem club we're drawn against, that's 4 now? While Chelsea finally have their first difficult game in the Competition :P

Aussie 2nd string keeper, Federici, for Reading helped achieve that draw.

I don't understand how you can be a fan of Chelski right now. They're the new Galacticos (just slightly better).

[Frankie]

^ Randy won't be pleased at that :p

But yeah Utd will beat Reading. No doubt.

[RandyfromPennywise]

HA! Well I must say that I liked Chelsea a lot more in the period of 1997-2003, but I still love 'em, and suspect I always will. (When I say liked them a lot more, I mean they were such a great team to follow: unpredictable, great players, just great! Now we have success and somehow I liked the old days better!! It's more the other things though, which all of you know what I'm talking about.... signing Cashley Cole for one.)

Talk about Australian Football is good, Plath.

Yes, it was 6-0. badtaste, honestly, it was actually a pretty good final from a neutral point of view. The goals didn't stop, and Archie was simply unbelievable. Scoring 5 goals in any game is phenomenal, but when it's against the second best team in the country, in front of more than 55,000 people, in the Grand Final, it's fekking crazy.

And badtaste, Leeds crashed because of finances basically, that's my understanding of it. They splashed the cash, then they had to sell all of their players to raise money, and then the got really shyte. They were semi-finalists in the Champo League. Now look at 'em. Dirty Leeds!

[Britney Diva]

Unbelievable. United pull a goal out completely against the run of play, the Lille coach tells the players to leave (then common sense prevails) and the fans spend the rest of the match hitting Gary Neville with flags. Ahh.

[munky_magik]

United would have been lucky to get one point from that game, let alone three.
I've never even seen a striker go down so easily as Vidic did tonight.

[Britney Diva]

Nah, it was a clear-cut foul. Vidic was off-balance already, which made the guy's decision to push him borderline retarded, but retards are people too. Still, I think Lille could easily have won it.

[Dead Star]

The Celtic game was boring as sin tbh.

[poorquality]

Gotta love controversy.

I thought the Lille goal should of stood, but from a different angle it looked like a clear push, but I'm not sure, as the player himself didn't protest which made me think he knew he'd been caught doing something wrong.

As for the giggs freekick, superb, utd can't be blamed since the ref allowed the quick free kick.

The Lille coach is an idiot, 5 mins left and only 1-0 down, there is a second leg, and he tries to get the players to leave the pitch, which would get them kicked out of the competition.

UEFA might even still make examples of Lille after that incident and the fans throwing stuffs. Especially after everything that's happened in Italy recently in football.

[badtaste]

HA! Well I must say that I liked Chelsea a lot more in the period of 1997-2003, but I still love 'em, and suspect I always will. (When I say liked them a lot more, I mean they were such a great team to follow: unpredictable, great players, just great! Now we have success and somehow I liked the old days better!! It's more the other things though, which all of you know what I'm talking about.... signing Cashley Cole for one.)

Talk about Australian Football is good, Plath.

Yes, it was 6-0. badtaste, honestly, it was actually a pretty good final from a neutral point of view. The goals didn't stop, and Archie was simply unbelievable. Scoring 5 goals in any game is phenomenal, but when it's against the second best team in the country, in front of more than 55,000 people, in the Grand Final, it's fekking crazy.

And badtaste, Leeds crashed because of finances basically, that's my understanding of it. They splashed the cash, then they had to sell all of their players to raise money, and then the got really shyte. They were semi-finalists in the Champo League. Now look at 'em. Dirty Leeds!

Mmmkay. Sounds all good to me. What was the Chelsea line up back before the Russian bought it? I can only remember Duff, Cole, Gudjohnsen, Zola, Desailly. Can't even remember seeing Lamps playing in the blue. Zola was a favourite of mine.

I don't know what to think about Gigg's goal. A bit cheap, but I would have done the same thing (if I was desperate).

PSV 1-0 Arsenal
Edison Mendez scored. Note: 'Koeman took the opportunity to create Champions League history by sending on Xiang Sun - the first Chinese player to appear in the competition.' Awesome.

Celtic 0-0 AC Milan
Kalac played, kept clean sheet. Go australia. Maldini's 100th champions league appearnce.

Real Madrid 3-2 Bayern Munich
Becks played pretty well. Munich have 2 important away goals, so I reckon they'll beat Madrid. Raul had 2, Nistelrooy 1. Lucio and Bommel scored for BM.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Nah Duff and Cole (Joe) came with Abramovich. Lampard's been at Chelsea since 2001. The 2002/3 team was something like:

Cudicini
Melchiot Terry/Desailly Gallas Le Saux
Grønkjær Lampard Petit Zenden/Stanić
Hasselbaink/Gudjohnsen Zola

[badtaste]

Nah Duff and Cole (Joe) came with Abramovich. Lampard's been at Chelsea since 2001. The 2002/3 team was something like:

Cudicini
Melchiot Terry/Desailly Gallas Le Saux
Grønkjær Lampard Petit Zenden/Stanić
Hasselbaink/Gudjohnsen Zola

Hmm mmkay. Hasselbaink was on fire back in the day, and now he's a trading card. Yeh, lots of internationals (especially Frenchies) back in that team. I only discovered Terry and Lampard maybe last year. Playing Pro Evo has helped my knowledge of players immensely.

EDIT: Just read in the paper that Chelsea have lost 750 million over the last three years! HAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHA!!!!!! Oh wait, I mean Chelski has lost all that money. Well, no problem, I guess.

[angry armadillo]

man u are lucky cunts

[JumpTheF**kUp]

man u are lucky cunts

tr00f

If Chelsea don't win the champs league, then I'm going for Lyon. I like Lyon.

But srsly, Chelsea will win. Hopefully.

Nah Duff and Cole (Joe) came with Abramovich. Lampard's been at Chelsea since 2001. The 2002/3 team was something like:

Cudicini
Melchiot Terry/Desailly Gallas Le Saux
Grønkjær Lampard Petit Zenden/Stanić
Hasselbaink/Gudjohnsen Zola

That's an awesome side. I wish Zola had played on, he was magic.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Hmm mmkay. Hasselbaink was on fire back in the day, and now he's a trading card. Yeh, lots of internationals (especially Frenchies) back in that team. I only discovered Terry and Lampard maybe last year. Playing Pro Evo has helped my knowledge of players immensely.

EDIT: Just read in the paper that Chelsea have lost 750 million over the last three years! HAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHA!!!!!! Oh wait, I mean Chelski has lost all that money. Well, no problem, I guess.

Yeah basically all of that money lost is from investing in youth (i.e. the new training facility), and buying players and playing their wages.

Hasslebaink was/is a legend. Maybe he should have retired after Boro. Still, some of the strikes he scored for us were so good. I reckon in his day he hit the ball as fast and hard as anyone I've seen. There was one volley he scored against Man Utd at Old Traf (I think it was there) that was phenomenal. 2001/02 I think. And the hat-trick he scored against Spurs, one left-foot, one right-foot, one header - perfect!

Lampard got ridiculously awesome in 2003/4. Since then he's scored goals for fun, with only occassional drops in form. Before then he was still pretty good, like in and out of the England squad, on the cusp of making the 2002 World Cup squad. But something happened in 2003/4 season. And Terry's been awesome since 2001 when he was Chelsea's Player Of The Season, but he also became crazy good in 2003/4, when Desailly was on the way out. And getting the captaincy was massive for him. Now he's undeniably the best defender in the world.

*Football/Championship Manager is one of the best ways to get good knowledge. But it needs to be relatively recent. The database on FM is HUGE.

[JumpTheF**kUp]

Now he's undeniably the best defender in the world.

I wouldn't go quite that far.

[badtaste]

Yeah basically all of that money lost is from investing in youth (i.e. the new training facility), and buying players and playing their wages.

Hmm, okay then.


*Football/Championship Manager is one of the best ways to get good knowledge. But it needs to be relatively recent. The database on FM is HUGE.

Yeah, played the recent edition for a while. Didn't like the lack of control over the actual soccer game though. But yeah, huge database.

I wouldn't go quite that far.

Maybe not for England, but the few games I have saw him with Chelsea, he was pretty dominating. He's a hard tackler, can set up and also score goals.

Barca v Liverpool in 6 hours. I really should go to sleep.

[poorquality]

Just wondering what you guys thought of the overcrowding/crushing incidents in the Lille v Man U match?

The match itself aside now as it's been discussed (though I dont see how we were lucky seeing as it was a foul on Vidic, and the ref was clearly talking to giggs before the freekick, about taking it quickly, WHICH is a freekick Henry perfected, and Ronaldinho uses, so it wasn't exactly wrong)

But the French police, I thought they were blind and ignorant...how hard was it to see there were issues with crushing, people pressed against the fences, and climbing them to get out of the crush, even in some pictures signalling to the police about the situation...but no....instead the French Police decide to Tear Gas the fans at the front, and beat the fans who climbed over with battons.

And yet Lille will suffer (rightly for the "walk out", and fans throwing stuff) but the Police will get off with nothing, how is that fair?

My opinion anyway, what's yours?

[Britney Diva]

I dont see how we were lucky
I think it's more that a better team would've scored at least once. Utd were atrocious all-round.

[poorquality]

I think it's more that a better team would've scored at least once. Utd were atrocious all-round.

I guess yeah, but we were away from home in the last 16 of the Champs League, I figure the most important thing is not to concede. Also it took us a while to get used to the bobbling dry pitch as our game is mainly a passing one which proved to be harder on the night.

[Surtr]

Notice this too man.

Man Utd. didn't play their best, but that game was just retarded.

The police should have done something without a doubt. And the goal was clearly good, as it's been done many times before.

Lille are just a bunch of French girls.

[badtaste]

Barcelona 1-2 Liverpool
Barcelona played alright. Lots of opportinities, few finishes. Liverpool played pretty well though, defensively in the first half and then more attackingly in the 2nd. Barca will have a hard time at Anfield. I really think Barca need a solid and strong central midfielder. All their players are very offensive minded methinks.

Inter 2-2 Valencia
Well, Valencia got two away goals so probably have the upper hand right now.

Porto 1-1 Chelsea
Gunit.

Roma 0-0 Lyon
Saw highlights. Totti had so many freekick chances. Go Lyon.

Now that I think about it, Gigg's goal was ridiculously cheap. I think every dirty and cheap player will do this from now on. For example, say a striker is on the counter with the defender and GK up ahead. Defender decides to foul the striker professionally. What's to prevent the attacking team to take the FK immediately, when no one is prepared at all?

[JumpTheF**kUp]

Cheap doesn't mean illegal. It's still a goal, as much as I hate to say it. It's not in the spirit of the game but a goal is a goal. Chelsea got a valuable away goal, though the game could've gone either way (as opposed to a draw). The Barca result suprised me. I hope Lyon get through.