Euro 2008 (Official LOL Vidic Thread)

[Dave de Sylvia]

SU threatening legal action against the Premier League for their handling of the West Ham situation. Funny they weren't too bothered about the "cheating" when Wigan were going down, and now Wigan seem to have forgotten all about it again. Good times.

I doubt many SU players will be staying the Premiership. A few of the younger ones, I'm sure: Kasim-Richards, Kilbride, Geary, Quinn maybe. Otherwise, they're just a Championship side. Hasselbaink's already been released by Charlton, I'm sure half their squad will pour out over the summer too.

[angry armadillo]

SU probably deserved to stay up more than wigan

i would have liked wigan to have gone down just because they are being whiny bitches about the WHU thing and it would be funny to see them care so much after a verdict has been given and there is nothing they can do

tevez to get a hat trick against them next season \o/

[talk show host]

I'm not really sure what they're trying to achieve anymore. Nothing will come of any legal action as there's no concrete and universal punishment for what West Ham did, right? They're not going to be docked any points now so it just seems it would be a complete waste of time and money.

[angry armadillo]

well PJ just resigned http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wigan_athletic/6653185.stm

[Dave de Sylvia]

Oh yeah, you call that news? Suck on this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6653803.stm

[talk show host]

lol a Kahn vibrator must be pretty beastly

[Minus The Flair]

Hahahaha, vibrators. Those crazy Germans. Chris Hutchings made new manager, Jewell been having health problems and swears on his kids life he wont be returning to management for a long while. Fair enough, managing a club like Wigan would probably take it out of you.

But Hutchings? Seems a rushed decision.

[Minus The Flair]

And Pearce has been sacked by City, unsurprisingly. Still under 21 England coach though.

[ChodaBoy]

Yet another manager due now, there is no such thing as security at City.

[talk show host]

Jeez, they're dropping like flies. Pearce should take up the under 21's full time.

[angry armadillo]

I might put a bet on Paul Jewell going to Man C if the odds are any good.

It's pretty obvious that the investment in man c will attract him as thats how he did so well with wigan (the rugby money)

[ChodaBoy]

I love how managers say they are going to go on a break for a few months, then sign a contract with a club within a week

[2muchket!]

SU probably deserved to stay up more than wigan

i would have liked wigan to have gone down just because they are being whiny bitches about the WHU thing and it would be funny to see them care so much after a verdict has been given and there is nothing they can do

tevez to get a hat trick against them next season \o/

Still believe Tevez will be there next season cos I don't.

I think it's fair enough that SU seek legal action. Middlesbrough were docked points when we were close to relegation as we broke the rules. Suppose it's on rule for the southern teams and another for the the northern ones ey.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Well that was ten years ago, plus there's no real parallel between the offences.

[RandyfromPennywise]

When does the transfer gossip start?

Alex is coming to Chelsea apparently, as we apparently have owned him since he went to PSV. He's been there on loan apparently. So that means we'll have decent centre-back cover. Can we get him in for the Cup final?!

[Dead Star]

When does the transfer gossip start?

Alex is coming to Chelsea apparently, as we apparently have owned him since he went to PSV. He's been there on loan apparently. So that means we'll have decent centre-back cover. Can we get him in for the Cup final?!

Loads of transfer gossip been about for ages.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/default.stm tbh

[Dave de Sylvia]

Wigan boss Paul Jewell may have saved the club from Premiership relegation but he is considering his future at the club. (Guardian)
lmao

[Dead Star]

Some are lol worthy tbh

Man Utd chasing Samuel Eto lol

[Minus The Flair]

They really are dropping like flies.

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=466690&CPID=8&clid=49&lid=2&title=McCall:+Warnock's+last+match&channel=football_home&

Not too reliable, but I wouldn't be surprised either.

[Lord Abortion]

Well, an excellent finish to the season, wonderfully dramatic game at Bramall Lane. West Ham staying up was fully deserved, and it would be a terrible shame if they had a problem over the Tevez situation, he was incredible for the last few games, and the whole team played well.
As far as United go, I'm looking forward to the cup final, and I think fergie's main decision is whether to use Fletcher to shore up the midfield, or Smith to give Rooney the space and time he needs to be effective, and risk Chelsea overrunning Michael Carrick.

Hmm. My initial thought would be to echo that chant around OT this season, ATTACK!
ATTACK!
ATTACK!

[RandyfromPennywise]

Lampard, Essien and Makélélé will overrun Carrick. Scholes is your main man. If he fires you could win. If he fires, chances are Lampard will do nothing. Also chances are Essien won't be playing in midfield. So chances are Man United will win. But I'm putting money on Chelsea, I don't care for logic.

[2muchket!]

Allardyce confirmed as Newcastle manager.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/6654121.stm

6th mananger in 9 years LOL

[Dead Star]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/6654121.stm

tbh who didnt see it coming

oh god damn it

[ChodaBoy]

So its been up for 1h30m and you both post it at the same time!?

And yeah, its not suprising really. There has always been something about Newcastle though, they have had the money, fans, players, and managers but it has never worked out.

CURSED I TELL YA

[2muchket!]

It's cos their geordies.

[angry armadillo]

When does the transfer gossip start?

Alex is coming to Chelsea apparently, as we apparently have owned him since he went to PSV. He's been there on loan apparently. So that means we'll have decent centre-back cover. Can we get him in for the Cup final?!Alex only had a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea, they have never owned him yet

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah that's what I thought the deal was all along. Anyway, it does look as though he will be coming to the Bridge regardless.

Hear The Special One saying he might play Hilario up front in the Cup Final?

[RedMorningLight]

If Gudjohnson is leaving Barcelona, then I would expect loads of teams to be in for him. He is absolute class, its about time someone realised that and played him reguarly!

[2muchket!]

So any news on darren bent ?

I expect the bidding war to start any time now.

[metal-militia]

Just got back from Derby, did anyone watch the game?

We were so unlucky to lose on penalties. Ah well, Scunthorpe to look forward to next season.

[ATM]

West Ham barely survived today. Fun game, nonetheless.

[angry armadillo]

Yeah that's what I thought the deal was all along. Anyway, it does look as though he will be coming to the Bridge regardless.

Hear The Special One saying he might play Hilario up front in the Cup Final?
i dunno if alex has a eu work permit yet, i heard speculation Mourinho will get rid of him

and i would imagine he is obviously being dramatic when he says hilario is going to potentially be a striker.

[Minus The Flair]

Another one bites the dust...

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=466902&CPID=8&clid=49&lid=2&title=Warnock+departs+from+Blades

and hahahaha.

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=466892&CPID=8&clid=8&lid=2&title=Mourinho+arrested+over+row&channel=football_home&

oh, and Barton was arrested too, for his attack on Dabo.

[Dave de Sylvia]

haha Sammy's wasted no time. First full day in charge and he's axed four defenders- is this a worrying sign that Newcastle may soon have a proper defence? :eek:

[angry armadillo]

Is Man City the only managers job available that Sven Goran Erikson hasnt been linked to yet

[ChodaBoy]

I hope he doesnt get it. Most Man City players need a good screaming as they can be incredibly lazy at times, Sven doesnt look as if he would shout at his dog for fear of it barking back

[RandyfromPennywise]

Essien named Chelsea Player Of The Season. Clearly Drogba was the obvious choice but to be honest I have no complaints with Essien winning it. Actually, I voted for him!

Craig Moore being linked with Queensland Roar (Australia) and Sunderland after being axed by NUFC. And Sydney FC are apparently close to signing John Aloisi.

[rik]

Anyone watch the 50 greatest champions league goals on itv4?

Some ****ing beauties there, a good few I hadn't seen before, like this one.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY8TO_5G6Vs


Zidane's volley was predictably number 1.

[Dave de Sylvia]

This is actually the best goal ever

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

[RandyfromPennywise]

This is actually the best goal ever

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

He was trying to cross it.

This one has to be up there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwdj_DwSbxg

I remember watching that one live with my brother. We both shouted out as soon as we saw it as if we were commentating.

And some awesome commentary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUXzxo0esyQ

Ah those crazy Arabs.

EDIT: And how good is the commentary on the van der Vaart clip too! "Zet is instinct... Oh wat a gol". Dutch, crazy language.

1-all in the UEFA Cup final. My brother's there, he got a ticket in the Sevilla section for 20 quid, 20 minutes before the match.

[rik]

This one has to be up there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwdj_DwSbxg
There was one very similar to that in the top champions league goals, I can't remember who it was. But it was from outside the area and was more controlled.


This is another great goal, so much power on it, its unbelieveable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ5FeWCXVRs

[Dave de Sylvia]

He was trying to cross it.
To who?

[rik]

Sevilla win the UEFA cup. I only really watched from the beginning of extra time, was an exciting last half hour though. Sevilla won on penalties.

[RandyfromPennywise]

To who?

To the guy in red moving towards the goals in a more central position. It was a very bad cross if you look at it that way. If you read the comments below (and we all know how reliable and informative YouTube comments are) it says that in the interview he is actually saying that it was a cross.

Rik - oh my god that is easily the most powerful shot I have ever seen. That is possibly the best free-kick I've ever seen.

EDIT - and while we're on it, can never seen this too many times: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imu5cE3caDw

[Dave de Sylvia]

Well I don't know about that, but he did recreate it for tv news twice the following week. If he was crossing it, I don't see how he could have gotten his foot around the ball to get it close to the forward- he had the space to hit it right-footed.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Well it was quite a bizarre passage of play really. He hardly even looks at the goals, if at all, but then yeah, like why wouldn't he have hit it with his right? But maybe he's left-footed, we see Joe Cole do that type of cross so he can use his right foot. Man I know it's flair but it sh*ts me so much that a professional player won't use both feet!!! Ashley Cole anyone?

Remember Grønkjær's goal against Monaco in the UCL semi-final 2nd leg? That was a cross. But it still sailed in top corner.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Double post yeah. Just read about the Derby - Soton game. Crazy that Rasiak and Idiakez played such big parts in the match against their old team. They were my mate's (who supports Derby, the only reason why I take an interest in their fortunes, because he has been saying for 5 years that Derby will beat Chelsea) two favourite players back when they were in the same team at Pride Park.

[rik]

Rik - oh my god that is easily the most powerful shot I have ever seen. That is possibly the best free-kick I've ever seen.
Hah, same. I can watch it over and over again. I love the sound it makes when he hits it and then when it hits the back of the net.

[metal-militia]

Double post yeah. Just read about the Derby - Soton game. Crazy that Rasiak and Idiakez played such big parts in the match against their old team. They were my mate's (who supports Derby, the only reason why I take an interest in their fortunes, because he has been saying for 5 years that Derby will beat Chelsea) two favourite players back when they were in the same team at Pride Park.

I couldn't believe it when Idiakez missed his penalty. However it was good to see the Derby fans reactions after Rasiak put us 3-2 ahead in the 89th minute. :D

[ATM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi2zjG_d6oQ

Classic goal :)

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi2zjG_d6oQ

Classic goal :)

I always love that goal...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1wd-XN8z00&mode=related&search=

His top 10....and the one you posted didn't hit #1 :o

[RandyfromPennywise]

I always love that goal...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1wd-XN8z00&mode=related&search=

His top 10....and the one you posted didn't hit #1 :o

#1 was a cross as well!

[angry armadillo]

I'm just playing football manager and got an amusing news article:

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/8114/lololologi2.jpg

[RandyfromPennywise]

Scouting Downing hey? Have a look at Nani from Sporting and Anderson from Porto. I haven't played 2007 but have a look at those two players and tell me if they're any good.

[Uwibami]

Gonna drink wine & watch the FA Cup final today. Should be a great match: Chelsea v Man Utd.

[Dead Star]

Scouting Downing hey? Have a look at Nani from Sporting and Anderson from Porto. I haven't played 2007 but have a look at those two players and tell me if they're any good.

Nani is awesome in this game.

I have a database on FM 2007, where no player is attatched to a club at the start of the season, so you can sign pretty much anyone.

It is pretty lol worthy.

http://i13.tinypic.com/638cwwj.jpg = My chelsea team.

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

Very even first half, neither side really creating much more than the other...quite a boring game, but for a fan of either United or Chelsea it is extremely tense.

[Uwibami]

Gonna drink wine & watch the FA Cup final today. Should be a great match: Chelsea v Man Utd.
Great match? Bleh. What a lousy first half. Incredible booooooring.

The wine is yummy, though!

[ChodaBoy]

Finally some action. Rooney did well to beat 3/4 players then

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

Darn United played better in extra time yet Chelsea still managed to create that one late chance as always :(

[Minus The Flair]

As always. I can't believe Giggs missed that though.

I'd prefer to be Premiership champions than FA cup winners anyway, even if it is the new Wembley. Hardly a great match besides.

Edit: Even as a fan of United, I didn't feel the tension until very late on. That's how poor it was.

[ChodaBoy]

Crap game, no-one deserved to win. But good to see the old school trophy hand over

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

As always. I can't believe Giggs missed that though.

I'd prefer to be Premiership champions than FA cup winners anyway, even if it is the new Wembley. Hardly a great match besides.

Edit: Even as a fan of United, I didn't feel the tension until very late on.

I was tense before kick off...first half really calmed me down as nothing happened, but from the 2nd half onwards I was tense as **** :|

And yeah I prefer the Prem tbh i've said that all along, It just would of been nice to pip chelsea to something else this year.

[Minus The Flair]

Which medal did Mourinho throw away last time? Was it the Premiership winners medal? If so, he's a dick, he says he won't throw this medal away because it's important. Just Mourinho I guess.

By the way, that ball was definitely over line although you all know that. Just depends on whether it was a foul, but it was almost impossible to see (whether ball crossed the line).

Crap pitch aswell, for all that money.

[ChodaBoy]

Mourinho threw away his second Prem medal, but I'm pretty sure he kept the first.

The ball 100% did cross the line, there was plenty of grass between the line and the ball. But from the ref's standpoint, it would have been difficult to give either decision.

[Uwibami]

Crap FA Cup final, good attack though and nice touch by Lampard and finally Drogba. However one minute before the goal the referee whistled against Alan Smith which absolutely was a correct tackle.

Oh well, United the title - Chelsea the FA Cup.

[Dave de Sylvia]

As always. I can't believe Giggs missed that though.

I'd prefer to be Premiership champions than FA cup winners anyway, even if it is the new Wembley. Hardly a great match besides.

Edit: Even as a fan of United, I didn't feel the tension until very late on. That's how poor it was.
I didn't feel it at all, it was just a terrible game. To think we could be looking forward to this as the CL final, ugh.

[talk show host]

Boring! Both teams just cancelled each other out and no-one seemed to want to win the thing. I'm pretty sure there was more excitement in the 'reserve' match they played last week or whenever it was.

Also it's bloody typical that I sat through 100+ minutes before deciding to go to the toilet before the inevitable penalty shootout, thus missing the seemingly only piece of nice football of the game! It was a good goal though.

the pitch being ploughed up was quite funny though. get some better grass, guys.

[Minus The Flair]

I don't think they can afford it.

[talk show host]

So it looks like United are finally going to get Hargreaves for 17mil according to Sky and the Beeb. I know Scholes is eventually going to be replaced but he's got the legs to last another season at least; he's fared better than Giggs in the latter part of the season so it'll be interesting to see how they shape up next year. Will it be a Carrick-Hargreaves-Scholes midfield with Rooney, Ronaldo and Giggs/whoever going wherever up front?

I know they're looking for a replacement for Giggs and Nani seemed a certainty but he's apparently signed a new contract with Sporting, and they're also looking for another striker. So will it be a 4-4-2 with one of Hargreaves or Carrick basically replacing Fletcher and being more of a squad player, at least until Scholes retires?

just late night musing.

[Uwibami]

Scholes is my fav. United player. I hope he won't be retiring soon. Yesterday Scholes was the best man on United side, imo. He delivered the ball right on the spot on several occasions, giving immediate chances to the strikers.

[Sanjna]

**** son i used to play some foose ball when i finally got my mama to sign the permission slip you know what im sayin

[Lord Abortion]

Bollocks.

What a crap game, and thew fact that the only non-Scholes or Rooney related bit of skill in the whole game decided it seemed fitting. You got the feeling that on the couple of occasions Rooney had "I'm going to score the first at the new Wembley" in his head and failed to find a pass

[Dave de Sylvia]

Carrick is crap.

You got the feeling that on the couple of occasions Rooney had "I'm going to score the first at the new Wembley" in his head and failed to find a pass
I'm not sure where he'd have got that impression because his finishing was awful!

[JumpTheF**kUp]

Carrick is crap.

[Lord Abortion]

Carrick is crap.


I'm not sure where he'd have got that impression because his finishing was awful!

Yeah, it was, he got away from the defenders three or four times and should have at least got one of them.

Carrick is very underrated.
He's done very stirling work this season.
Hargreaves' fee has been agreed, 17m

[RandyfromPennywise]

**** son i used to play some foose ball when i finally got my mama to sign the permission slip you know what im sayin
Wanker.

I'm happy that we won the Cup. Wearing my Di Matteo 16 shirt last night at my mate's 21st where the game was on a big screen was the deciding factor. And the fact I sang pretty much for the entire match. I must have sung Carefree about 200 times. Yeah I was pissed. Still remember the game though, it was pretty boring so I amused myself with singing many Chelsea songs. The party I was at was a dress-up party, the theme was Heroes & Villans - I went as Di Matteo in full Chelsea kit. That was what won us the cup, no doubt about it.

[JumpTheF**kUp]

Drogba's one-two with Lampard was impressive.

The disallowed goal was clearly not a goal. Well it was, but it shouldn't have been called because it was Giggs' momentum that carried it over. Thank god the refs were decent.

Where would CFC be without you, Tom?

[Dave de Sylvia]

He's done very stirling work this season.
I wouldn't say stirling. I mean he's a decent player, the "crap" bit may have been an exaggeration, but I cannot understand why Ferguson paid £19m for him. Or Hargreaves for that matter. Fergie's turning into Martin Jol, adding feverishly to his possession of similar-type central midfield players. I'm expecting a bid for Matthew Le Tissier any day now.

I'm happy that we won the Cup.
Oh really? :p I really pity the people who watched the match sober.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Where would CFC be without you, Tom?

League One.

Plath - Le Tis would still rip it up!

Fergie's probably planning a raid for Jenas to be honest.

And yes I haven't been able to catch a replay (my digital tv recorder stuffed up and didn't record the match) but it sounds like I've done myself a favour.

[angry armadillo]

The FA Cup final was the most boring thing ever, I suppose i can take it as a good thing that even if we finished 3rd in the prem, if those 2 are meant to be the best, there is hope for us yet. Seeing as that is essentially a 3rd place match for the champions leauge, liverpool will show yous how its done on wednesday :cool:

Scouting Downing hey? Have a look at Nani from Sporting and Anderson from Porto. I haven't played 2007 but have a look at those two players and tell me if they're any good.the scout just scouted him by his own accord, I think he is rubbish

Nani and Anderson are ok but they arent Champions leauge class, at least not yet while they are still young.
I use Gerrard and Andres Guardado (some overated mexican) for L + R wingers in FM2007, If I want someone up the middle I have Wesley Snidjer and still got Luis Garcia to cover all of the attacking midfield.

[Dead Star]

Gerrard is tits on the wing, stick him in central midfield.

Buy another right winger.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I just could not handle Liverscum winning again. Seriously, I will be devo all week. Forza Milan. Forza Kaká.

[angry armadillo]

mascherano is going to snap kaká to pieces

liverpool dont really attack through the middle, so hopefully if we switch flanks we will be able to get around gattuso too

we will probably play something like



Reina

Finnan Carragher Agger Riise

Gerrard Mascherano Xabi Alonso Kewell

Kuyt Crouch


and just play long balls to crouch

later on it might change to 4-5-1 with Pennant on the wing and Gerrard in the middle and one of the strikers off. 4-4-2 is better for us.

[RedMorningLight]

I'd prefer to see Riise at left midfield for the physicality of his play, and also how he is far more direct than Kewell. I always fancy Riise to grab a goal in the big games.

[metal-militia]

I'm expecting a bid for Matthew Le Tissier any day now.


Except Matty is better than Hargeaves and Carrick put together :p

What does everyone think the CL final result will be? I'm going for 2-1 Liverpool.

[rik]

I'll go 3-1 to AC. Though i'm hoping Liverpool will win.

[angry armadillo]

Mourinho threw away his second Prem medal, but I'm pretty sure he kept the first.

The ball 100% did cross the line, there was plenty of grass between the line and the ball. But from the ref's standpoint, it would have been difficult to give either decision.i didnt see this earlier, but it would have been a foul on the keeper, he got slide into the net.

my dad said 'he wasnt in the air its not a foul' but its like if the keeper was stood up and if you just went and pushed him until he went over the line its obviously a foul, he was probably let off because he was sliding so fast if the ref even noticed





anyway

for the Champs leauge final liverpool are tactically favorites for me because they will 90% lineup with 2 defensive midfielders to control Kaká and then if he gets past both of them he has got Carragher and agger next.... have fun

milan play a diamond midfield so gerrard, finnan, riise and kewell should have no difficulty coming central to crunch them out the game

the biggest problem for LFC is getting past gattuso but i think if the attacks are up the wings he should be kept out the game pretty well.

[Dave de Sylvia]

There's no rule on earth that could have deemed that a foul, it was a 50/50.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Mr Plath, there may not be a 'rule', but tell me that would not be given as a foul 100 times out of a 100 week-in, week-out in the Prem. Of course it was a foul. I agree that there is no rule but the way 'keepers are protected there is no doubt that the incident should have resulted in a free-kick to Chelsea. And I am saying this 100% unbiasedly - honestly, that same incident is blown for a free-kick every week in the Prem, and any league in the world. It either had to be given a goal or a foul, those were the only two decisions.

And haha it is bloody funny listening to you Scouse Scum fans talking about how good Liverpool are and that Milan will have nothing. Oh seriously if Milan will I will be almost as happy as if Chelsea won it I reckon. Liverpool losing will be one of the best feelings ever.

The chance that the game will be boring as bat **** is quite high, what with the possibility of both teams playing with two deep-lying central midfielders.

Milan's line-up will be something like this maybe:

Dida
Oddo Maldini Nesta Kaladze
Pirlo Gatusso
Seedorf Ambrosini
Kaká
Inzaghi

Although Jankulovski could play in defence. Seedorf could well be a key player in the game. All the Scousers are focussing on Kaká which could well be to their own detriment if they give Seedorf too much time and space - he's deadly from 25 yards and generally one of the most underrated players in Europe.

[Dave de Sylvia]

No, it's just not possible that it could be a foul. Yes, keepers are given lots of mostly justified protection, but he wasn't challenging the keeper. Cech got in Giggs way, not the other way around. I can't complain that a goal wasn't allowed since it was so hard to see but it's ridiculous to claim it was a foul. If I kick the ball and you run into my foot it's not a foul.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I'm not saying it was a foul, but I'm saying going by what is normally given it should have been whistled for a foul. I agree, Giggo was going for the ball. Besides he's not the type of player who would slide in on the 'keeper if he wasn't going for the ball anyway. He was only carried in to Cech by his momentum. I dunno, it's a hard one. If I was a Mun Utd fan I'd probably be saying it should've been a goal. I agree it's not a foul, but my point is that it should've been given as one, which is like the biggest contradiction ever. I hate those decisions, like when a player just jumps fairly for a header against a 'keeper and a foul is given. But that's what the refs do, so the way I see it that incident would normally result in a free-kick to Chelsea. I dunno, very difficult incident to officiate correctly.

[angry armadillo]

cech saved the ball outside of the goal then got pushed into the goal
which is obviously not a valid way to score
he was pushed into the goal with no intent (momentum) so its not a foul
play did just carry on, its all good.




liverpool vs milan will be a great match, istanbul 2005, 3-3, tell me a champions leauge final that was more exciting...
FA cup 2006 gerrard last minute screamer.... its not going to be boring.

i dont think liverpool will be overly concentrated on kaká, we have mascherano for that, benetiz will make sure we are focussed on milan not kaká

[south_of_heaven 11]

Hey, I was jw, about how many times does this thread get an American who trys to talk about the NFL?

[angry armadillo]

not often, even the yanks recoginise real football as the greater sport

also there is an NFL thread just under this one

[Lord Abortion]

I would suspect a Milan victory... Liverpool can't be that unbelieveably flukey twice surely?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJe9JgzWv4E&mode=related&search=

Check out United's latest mooted signing.
Sod Nani and his new contract

[Dead Star]

That Anderson chappie is pretty awesome.

[ATM]

Milan look like a machine these days.

The match is tomorow, right?

[Dead Star]

yeah 7.45

[ATM]

Cool. I can't wait.

[RedMorningLight]

Sami Hyppia to join Newcastle is a pretty strong rumour at the moment, straight after the final apparently. What other transfer stories have you guys heard recently? The ones that are popping up often, not just random ones...

[ChodaBoy]

I've never taken notice in Steve Sidwell before, is he actually as good as made out? Its not very often Reading players end up at Chelsea

[Dead Star]

Sammy Eto going to Liverpool I've heard a lot about.

[rik]

Ben Haim and Sol Campbell to Newcastle i've been hearing. Bramble probably going to Portsmouth. I've heard Arsenal are very interested in Ribery.

Those are ones off the top of my head, though they are just rumours. I think Ben Haim might be likely, Sol still has a year on his contract at Pompey so i'm not sure.
I think Bramble at Portsmouth is going to happen though.

[RandyfromPennywise]

All I can say about Sidwell is "Why?".

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

Backup for your backups?

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah, but again, why? Like seriously. Is he going to be noticably better than Diarra or Gérémi in midfield? Why not go for a player in the top bracket, rather than an average player? It just seems to further fill up the squad when that's unnecessary.

[angry armadillo]

im not sure what sidwell offers chelsea really

liverpool have been associated with just about every top striker going at the moment, hopefully we will sign one and that would be grand

some genuine wingers would be nice too i guess


we are going to win tonight, we dont let people play their game and we are very good at it, if we get an early goal milan are essentially fooked.

[rik]

I'm so excited about tonight. Can't wait.

Sidwell is a fool for joining Chelsea, he was one of the most important men for Reading, and could've been just as key for another premiership team. Instead he'll spend most his days warming the bench.

[Dead Star]

But think of the money he'll be making!

[rik]

Haha, exactly. No secret why he chose Chelsea.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Sidwell = Scott Parker. No doubt about it. Was it a free transfer by the way?

Gotta get to sleep, 4.15am kick-off is only 6 hours away. See how crazy you have to be to follow European football in Australia? It really would be strange sitting down at 8 o'clock at night watching Champions League matches. Champions League for me is getting up absolutely buggered, having like two jumpers and a beanie on and having some food (breakfast) in the second half.

[angry armadillo]

yeah he is going to chelsea on a free

[rik]

Gotta get to sleep, 4.15am kick-off is only 6 hours away. See how crazy you have to be to follow European football in Australia? It really would be strange sitting down at 8 o'clock at night watching Champions League matches. Champions League for me is getting up absolutely buggered, having like two jumpers and a beanie on and having some food (breakfast) in the second half.
Hah, thats mental. Typically here I will go down the pub to watch the match, or have mates round to watch it. Can't imagine having to set my alarm to wake up for it.

[ChodaBoy]

Haha, I love staying up for things like that (MLB,NFL) but then for the rest of the day you regret it soo much.

3-1 tonight, Kaka getting 2, Inzaghi 1 (if he plays), Crouch 1

[Cecillianne]

i can't imagine Milan knicking 3 goals again this time round. looks to be very tight, a goal for either side i think.

lineup looks okay. Zenden playing :( excellent options on the bench though.

[Cecillianne]

ahh bad luck, better 1 than 3 though. milan looks slightly ragged, we're doing decent. if liverpool kicks it up a gear, bring on Kewell and Crouch, we can push those ol' legs and give the back 4 a little nightmare.

Kaka and Alonso's little spins were ****ing cool.

[E sharp]

Kaka and Alonso's little spins were ****ing cool.

Haha THIS.

Getting up at 4:30am was a hassle and made me sleepy. Kaka's spin opened my eyes. Poor Riise (i think he was the one that got ripped) was left in the dust.

Unlucky way to score a goal for Liverpool though. I hope Kewell goes on - haven't seen him play since the World Cup.

[Echleon]

I was thinking that Liverpool had to hurry up and score, or Milan were going to break through.

I don't support Liverpool, but ofc I want to see the home side win.

[Minus The Flair]

Milan champions then 2 - 1. I know it means almost nothing, but I was a bit pissed at the ref for calling time 30 seconds before the end of extra time, especially when so much time was wasted in that substitution. That was one the worst refereeing displays I've ever seen.

[ChodaBoy]

Yeah it definately was bad, he missed countless free kicks and awarded them for nothing

[Kaleid]

Yeah, you could tell it was getting to them. They just fell away in the second half

[Firecracker]

Wank. Dammit Liverpool didn't have more urgency.

PS I agree the referee was a complete dick. That freekick was a shoulder charge and no way a free kick.
Good second goal by Inzaghi though.

[E sharp]

Ah bad luck Liverpool. I remember Kewell should have had a freekick after Gattuso ran into him - ref said it was a dive.

Sweet pass by Kaka to set Inzaghi to make it 2-0.

[Cecillianne]

agreed, dodgy dodgy ref. blows whistle too frequently, gave too many decisions against Liverpool. not just saying that 'cause I'm a supporter ;)

this game is exactly the reason why Liverpool need a world class, top rate striker. so many chances, none taken. Crouchie came on too late to make an impact, Kewell was a bit of a letdown and why was Arbeloa put on? second goal was poor. defenders looked like they've given up, if they'd held on and Kuyt scored the goal we'd have ET.

they did very very well though, and we can't keep winning them all. better losing to Milan than Man U >_>

edit: at least Kewell didn't get injured teehee

[Dead Star]

Good game to be honest.

bit gutted about Liverpool.

[The_Passenger]

Yay! I wanted Milan to win, but I suppose they didn't deserve it tbh.

Then again you could say that Liverpool got what they deserved for not creating enough chances and wasting the ones they got.

I also don't see what was bad about the refereee's performance. Obviously blowing 20 seconds before time is a pretty stupid thing to do and Liverpool had a rigth to be upset, but otherwise I think he was fine. The free kick that lead to the first Milan goal was definitely a correct desicion.

[angry armadillo]

robbed

when alonso did his spin EVERYONE in the pub cheered that he just matched kaka

first free kick wasnt really justified

mascherano off was a big mistake and gave them the 2nd goal

kewell on was also a mistake, zenden needed to go off but we need a quality left winger, i would have given gonzalez a go

crouch on was too late

ref cut the game short by about 2 minutes as our momentum is about to build

bastard italians, just like the WC

[Surtr]

So some mates called up, and they asked if I wanted to play a game or two of Football, and I agreed.

I'm from Canada, I love Football, but I can't play it for ****. I knew I was going to get my arse handed to me. So we all meet up and walk on down to the pitch not far from my place, make the teams, and they asked me where I wanted to play. I told 'em I suck everywhere, but I'd rather be on Defense. So they play me as Keeper lmao.

I let in a single shot, in a total of two games. :) I was amazed, and so was everyone else lmao.

Discuss the Canadian not doing half bad against a bunch of ****in' Brits at Football :p

[Manticore Guy]

Crouch going on was too late. Zenden, like he typically does, played like crap. However, did anyone else notice Gerrard was playing pretty subpar, such as when he got a pass right outside the 18, let it take a bounce and made it fly way over the goal? Also, when he had a break on the left side and took an average touch low to the corner where if he had had any height it would have been in.

Very fine game for Pennant though, I was impressed.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Pennant played well. Gerrard was good in the first half.

Don't know what you're all on about with the ref, it was like the refereeing is in 90% of European games. To be fair he whistled for some very, very soft free kicks but that went both ways, and he did miss some frees as well, but again I can remember the Kewell ones but also a couple against that Brazilian lad too.

Thank **** the scum didn't win. I empathise with you lads on here who are gutted, but seriously I could not take another Liverpool Euro win.

How bad was Inzaghi, got hit with the ball in the stomach and went down like a pack of spuds, absolute Italian tosser.

[Cecillianne]

let the chavski try and catch up for now. i would've been more inclined to admit defeat if Milan had shown some of the brilliance that everyone was bumming them up the arse about.

i hope fergie chokes on some of that wine

[RandyfromPennywise]

From what I remember Milan deserved to win. Neither side was brilliant, but Milan did what they had to to win.

"Bumming them up the arse about" - What do you think every fking commentator EVER has been doing to STEVIE GEE and Liverpooool since the beginning of time? Jeez, that's certainly a bit rich saying that everyone was crapping on about Milan.

[ATM]

Both teams looked pretty bad, to be honest.

Milan looked so good against Man U but played with barely any flow today. Kaka is still the man, though.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yep. World Footballer of the Year for him I suggest.

[ATM]

Gattuso cracks me up. He lives up to his name every game.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Gattuso cracks me up. He lives up to his name every game.

Yeah he cracked me up when I think it was Zenden and he had a tackle, and I think Bolo caught him in the face, then when he gets up he gives Zenden a sneaky little shoulder barge and mouths the words "**** off". Classic!

[Ganondorf]

Liverpool were unlucky, I didn't think much of Gerrard's performance though.

[rik]

Crouch came on too late, Kewell wasn't great but was better then Zenden (who isn't) so should've started. When Benitez took Mascherano off it should've been Alonso.
Gerrard was pretty good first half, but over the whole game made some silly mistakes which he shouldn't have.

What do you think every fking commentator EVER has been doing to STEVIE GEE and Liverpooool since the beginning of time?

I think Gerrard is a great, great player. But sky sports gave him 9/10 for the CL final, kind of proves this point.The only other player to get 9 was inzaghi.

I was shocked when the ref blew for full time, I think it was around the 92:40 mark, when there shouldve been AT LEAST 3 mins added time. Not that i'm crying over 20 seconds, but for a ref to make a mistake over something as basic as that in a CL final is ridiculous.

Overall it wasn't a great final, the lucky goal just before half time was obviously crucial. I would've liked to see what would've happened in the second half had Milan not scored it. I think it would've made the game a lot more interesting.

[Minus The Flair]

I've said it before, I'll say it again. I hate Clive Tyldesely. I was pissed when Inzaghi scored at 82 minutes, making it 2-0, meaning probably 10 minutes to go, "Inzaghi has won it, it's all over!" I don't know if he remembers, but Liverpool scored 3 goals in 6 minutes against this side. I guess he was right in the end though.

In light of the morning, I'm trying to remember, other than Gerrard's, one clear cut chance Liverpool had and I can't think of any. The amount of balls crossed in that didn't reach Liverpool heads was massive, and tbh, Liverpool were lucky to not have 2 offsides against them making clear cut chances for Kaka. Liverpool played well, but not well enough, they didn't have the cutting edge, even if it was only once, that Milan had.

[angry armadillo]

you are meant to add time on for subs post 90 mins so there should have been more than 20 seconds more

liverpools problem is that kewell, pennant and zenden are not really euro class wingers and we were trying to attack down the wings

rafa could have at least made it easy for them and gave them a 6'7 target to aim for like when we played this formation against arsenal and won 3-0 ffs!

[Minus The Flair]

I don't get what is Benitez's problem with Crouch. He refused to not play him when he had that goal drought when he was first bought to Liverpool, but after he had been on a goal surge for L'pool and England, he plays him less and less. I really don't get Rafa. Crouch is clearly a talented player with a lot of technique, despite being difficult on the eyes. And the neck.

Also, Benitez says he's gonna make loads of changes this summer, so I'm expecting a lot of people to be shown the door and a lot of new faces in. And I'm sure I'll be surprised with the decisions.

[rik]

you are meant to add time on for subs post 90 mins so there should have been more than 20 seconds more
Yer I know, I was saying at least 20 seconds. But either way, teams are always making subs in injury time to run the clock down and refs hardly ever add the time on. If theres 3 mins added on its pretty much going to end on the 93rd minute, unless one of the teams are in a good attacking position. I know thats not the rules, but thats normally what happens.

[ATM]

I agree about Crouch, that was waaay too late for him to come in, especially when Liverpool kept trying to cross it into the box where it was getting easily picked off by the keeper.

[RandyfromPennywise]

you are meant to add time on for subs post 90 mins so there should have been more than 20 seconds more


Would you like a violin?

[Cecillianne]

"Bumming them up the arse about" - What do you think every fking commentator EVER has been doing to STEVIE GEE and Liverpooool since the beginning of time? Jeez, that's certainly a bit rich saying that everyone was crapping on about Milan.
what i can remember was everyone putting Milan as the team to win it with style, and Liverpool to lose it. well it's true, but i didn't see the style that everyone was raving about especially after they did one over Man U.

Kewell's class, but he needs way more than 2 matches as a sub to be in full fitness for a CL final. tbh the left didn't really have a lot of options; Zenden's poor, Gonzalez is too unconfident. Crouch def should've started if with the 4-4-1-1, Kuyt won't work as a lone striker.

i can't wait for the summer. hope we get the whole striker thing sorted with.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah agree about Kewell. I mean it wasn't a terrible idea, but really he needed to have at least a full 90 minutes on top of the sub appearances to have any real impact. The lad just hasn't got the miles in the legs for either the full fitness or the confidence.

You're possibly right about Crouch starting, but then again really you have to look at it from the view that he's not really European-Cup-winning class either though. You do need a gun striker, like Owen was when he was in full flight.

[angry armadillo]

crouch should have started, when pennant and zenden are your wingers, they need that huge target to aim for

kewell should never have played, too lazy, no desire no passion, half injured, useless.

zenden should never have played, good motivator but who needs motivation at this point, get him off!

gonzalez possibly, can get past his man, good pace, good technique on moving the ball, just needs confidents but who isnt up for it on champs leauge final night, he would have been my choice, or even have Kuyt dropping back with Gerrard to supply Crouch.


mascherano was keeping kaka under wraps the whole time, just because he was booked was no reason to take him off, xabi should have gone he wasnt doing _as_ much as mascherano and we needed a striker more


arbeloa on for finnan, i have no idea what that was about, if it was to get us more injury time even that didnt work lmao


never mind, we should have won, with a clinical finisher, "the next robbie fowler" we will be fine next time....

[Dead Star]

Would you like a violin?

I'm sorry.

But after all the moaning from the Australians after getting put out of the World Cup off Italy, this is nothing.

[Echleon]

So Gareth Bale has signed to Spurs.

[angry armadillo]

I'm sorry.

But after all the moaning from the Australians after getting put out of the World Cup off Italy, this is nothing.
it doesnt matter, if you look at it like 1st place, milan, 2nd place, liverpool, 3rd place, chavski, 4th place, man u

[Minus The Flair]

England win B match against Albania 3 - 1. Downing scoring twice after Alan Smith scored the opener. Owen didn't score but apparently looked sharp, was useful, and played well.

Promising signs.

And also, it looks like Beckham is almost definately going to be recalled for the England time. Eat your pride McClaren. I'm not sure whether it's a stupid decision, I still like Beckham and his form has been very good lately. And the soft spot I have for him inside of me would like to see him get his 100 caps so he can stop moaning.

[E sharp]

So Gareth Bale has signed to Spurs.

NO FREAKIN WAY!

What source do you base this on?!?!

This is great news. Finally i can watch a player that is as old as me playing in the Premier League.

EDIT: My spurs RSS didn't update. This is great news!

[ChodaBoy]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/6693839.stm

£5 million for now, maybe £10m later

[RandyfromPennywise]

I'm sorry.

But after all the moaning from the Australians after getting put out of the World Cup off Italy, this is nothing.

Mmm you're right, it's not. Probably because the World Cup is 100 times more important than the Champions League. But yes, this is nothing, and it was just tongue-in-cheek from myself. Remember, I really hate Liverpool FC.

[Echleon]

Wow, he's only 17, that's amazing.

The debut for Southampton at 16 is even more astonishing.

[Minus The Flair]

That reminds me. What's become of Theo Walcott these days? Just another Arsenal sub, a one-minute wonder kid that was caught up in an England team fiasco he never even played for. At the WC anyway.

I think Spurs might be a formidable force next season, as long as they don't start as terribly as they did this one.

[rik]

I'm really not enjoying weekends with no football to look forward to.

[Minus The Flair]

Same, the end of the domestic football season is depressing. No MOTD tonight, or tomorrow night, how sad. And the fact that I've grown physically tired of watching England play doesn't fill me with much enthusiasm.

[Echleon]

If Spurs manage to keep Berbatov, I think they have a great chance of finishing fourth above Aresenal.

Aresenal are having problems at the momeny, with the whole David Dein fiasco and Henrys uncertain future and with a strengthened Spurs side, I think they could take advantage of this.

I'm not sure what happened to Wallcott. He rarely plays for Arsenal which is a shame as he could develop into a great player with some more real match experience.

I think Beckham should return to the side, as he clearly still has the skill and ability, setting up some great goals for Real Madrid.
I can understand why McClaren hasn't called him up though, we need to learn that we can't rely of Beckham forever.
It's also a shame seeing he will likely replace Aaron Lennon to start, and he is a great player when on form.

[Dead Star]

I'm really not enjoying weekends with no football to look forward to.

Watch the Scottish Cup final.

[Cecillianne]

Beckham's officially back. he deserves it, his form has been pretty good since the whole "thy shalt not play for Madrid ever" thing.

i doubt Spurs can hang on to Berbatov. Man U are after him, aren't they? last i heard there was a huge $$ + Louis Saha offer for him.

[Echleon]

Beckham's officially back. he deserves it, his form has been pretty good since the whole "thy shalt not play for Madrid ever" thing.

i doubt Spurs can hang on to Berbatov. Man U are after him, aren't they? last i heard there was a huge $$ + Louis Saha offer for him.

Mmm yeah, Man U have been linked with him, but Berbatov has stated in interview that he's happy at Tottenham and wants to stay, but whether that will happen is another story.
It's extremely doubtfull that Jol will want to sell him aswell. Man U are also linked like Torres, so maybe they won't be too persistant.
The idea of huge $$ + Saha is a great incentive for Spurs, but Berbatov has been such a icon for the club this year.

Yeah, gratz for bringing back Beckham. It'll be great to see him play for England again.
By the way, is the Brazil friendly on BBC/ITV or only on SkySports?

[Minus The Flair]

I don't think that's a good idea on United's front. What we need is more back-up strikers for Saha and Rooney. We have Solskjaer, but he's nearing the end, the only other striker, unless Rossi returns, is Smith. Unless we were to buy another striker, I don't think it's wise to just swap them.

[talk show host]

Shorey's been called up to the senior squad too which is good news. He's deserved it this season and been the most consistent left-back other than Bridge, who hasn't really played much anyway. Hopefully he'll get given a decent chance and not just get left on the bench at the expense of Phil Neville or Carragher.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah right, all this mediocre, sh!t second-rate English transfer news, too be honest real international football fans like me could nay gee a shyte whether Gareth Bale plays for Spurs or noo. Actually that's crap I am actually interested in that move, he's a good player like, innit? Whatever, I'm about 90% intoxicated out of a possible 110%, had about 15 beers tonight. I think I managed to get through this post without making any spelling mistakes. I'm sitting about 2 metres away from the screen with the keyboard and I think it's all right. Fuken pissed aye, it's 2am here in Aus, the country that will win the world cup before too long, YEAH that's right you eard we are a better country than england, shjt players, manager and football culture, yeah tje only good thing about england is Chelsea, the best football club in the world, ever. And liverpool are the sh!ttest cluv on the face of the earth, pure scum sh!tty sh!t sh!t.

[Dave de Sylvia]

um

For my part, I've never seen the big deal with Gareth Bale. The only time I've seen him up-close is for Wales- and yeah, it's practically impossible to be impressive when playing for Wales- but even in the Championship he's just looked like an average player. Good to see Jol signing a non-centre-midfielder though.

[Echleon]

Yeah right, all this mediocre, sh!t second-rate English transfer news, too be honest real international football fans like me could nay gee a shyte whether Gareth Bale plays for Spurs or noo. Actually that's crap I am actually interested in that move, he's a good player like, innit? Whatever, I'm about 90% intoxicated out of a possible 110%, had about 15 beers tonight. I think I managed to get through this post without making any spelling mistakes. I'm sitting about 2 metres away from the screen with the keyboard and I think it's all right. Fuken pissed aye, it's 2am here in Aus, the country that will win the world cup before too long, YEAH that's right you eard we are a better country than england, shjt players, manager and football culture, yeah tje only good thing about england is Chelsea, the best football club in the world, ever. And liverpool are the sh!ttest cluv on the face of the earth, pure scum sh!tty sh!t sh!t.

lol

[RandyfromPennywise]

um

For my part, I've never seen the big deal with Gareth Bale. The only time I've seen him up-close is for Wales- and yeah, it's practically impossible to be impressive when playing for Wales- but even in the Championship he's just looked like an average player. Good to see Jol signing a non-centre-midfielder though.Yeah, Wales are not a good team to watch if you want to judge their players. But Bale is good from the half a dozen games I've seen of him. And Spurs are slowly building a great squad it seems. It looks like they've got their defence sorted, if they can keep Berba then their attack will remain strong and they've got enough midfielders to field three teams, but yeah if they make another couple of good signings they'll be looking pretty strong for next season.

Ugh, hungover, can hardly remember making that post up there last night. But it's still all true :p

[The_Passenger]

That reminds me. What's become of Theo Walcott these days? Just another Arsenal sub, a one-minute wonder kid that was caught up in an England team fiasco he never even played for. At the WC anyway.

I think Spurs might be a formidable force next season, as long as they don't start as terribly as they did this one.

I'm pretty sure Walcott has been out injured with soem kind of shoulder problem for the latter part of the season, that's why he hasn't been playing recently.

I agree abotu Spurs as well. They just need to get their defence sorted, which is incredible because King, Dawson and Chimbonda are all good players yet they somehow still mange to concede fairly cheap goals.

[2muchket!]

I think Beckham should return to the side, as he clearly still has the skill and ability, setting up some great goals for Real Madrid.
I can understand why McClaren hasn't called him up though, we need to learn that we can't rely of Beckham forever.
It's also a shame seeing he will likely replace Aaron Lennon to start, and he is a great player when on form.

Lennon has playd well for england. Why prevent him for playing by re-placing him with geriatric thats more bothered about fame than football.

[Minus The Flair]

Ronaldinho sent off in Barca's win against Getafe for this kick. RIGHT IN THE NADGERS. Ronaldinho has a dark side.

http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/Spain/Barcelona/ronaldinho-kick.jpg

And could someone tell me why, when Real and Barca are on equal points in the La Liga, but Barca have a greater goal difference, Real are first?

[2muchket!]

In Spain if teams are on equal points it's decided on the head to head against each other that decides who is above. Real beat barca I believe, so they're above them.

[angry armadillo]

Ronaldinho has a dark side.
you say it like its something new

[Cecillianne]

In Spain if teams are on equal points it's decided on the head to head against each other that decides who is above. Real beat barca I believe, so they're above them.
that's interesting, i didn't know that. if both matches are drawn, does it come down to GD then?

word is Lampard's contract negotiations crashed. hard to picture him in anything else but blue; interesting to see if he'd actually buy out his contract.

[angry armadillo]

the la liga sorting rules are
1. results between teams
2. goal difference
3. goals scored

[rik]

Derby the final team to be promoted to the Premiership. Watched the play off final today, was an ok match, nothing special though.

[Echleon]

Lampard expressed that he was intent on staying with Chelsea after the FA Cup victory but Chelsea is 'his club' and the fans are 'his people'

If he leaves because of the money after saying that, he's a fool.

[RandyfromPennywise]

If he leaves he can **** off, honestly. It's the same thing that happened with Cashley Cole at the Arsehole. "Oh, boo-****ing-hoo, some other player is getting paid £5,000 a week more than me, that's just not fair." Seriously, I don't give a **** about the arguments saying it's not about money, it's about being on equal terms with the highest earners... **** off. Do these guys even remember what living in the real world was like? Obviously Lampard hasn't lived in the real world for a long time. He is being offered somewhere in the region of £110,000 to £120,000 per week. Honestly do I need to say any more on the topic or are we all in agreeance? If he leaves he will go down as a club legend, for sure, and rightly so, but if he leaves after being offered £115k per week - £6million a year, before bonuses and sponsorship - he is a greedy little cunt who can **** off.

[angry armadillo]

calm down calm down

[E sharp]

Lampard... He is being offered somewhere in the region of £110,000 to £120,000 per week.

My life has been insulted by that pay. :(

[2muchket!]

If he does he will be hated. Don't think lamps wants to be hated like Cashely Cole is. Cos I hate that little ****er.

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

What does everyone think with the Beckham situation?

It was the first bold major thing McClaren did when he became manager, and he's being forced to take it back...not reassuring at all if he can't stick to what he says.

[angry armadillo]

its well funny because when sven was the manager the media was calling for beckham to be dropped (wrongfully so at the time imo)

so McLarens first thing is to drop him to ease media pressure

the only thing i can hope is what i am hearing about him performing in spain is true and its the right choice to bring him back. otherwise i dont really understand why he has brought him back if he isnt playing well.

[talk show host]

If he's playing well i haven't got a problem with Beckham being back. There aren't really any great options on the right at the minute, but it all seems a bit desperate by Mclaren.

It's kinda funny that after all his talk about change and building for the future that we're probably going to have the exact same team as with Sven with Gerrard and Lampard in the middle and Cole and Becks on the wings. Unless he plans to do a 4-5-1 or something.

[Cecillianne]

Beckham deserves the spot on the team, at least. credit to McClaren for swallowing his pride, but can't help thinking it was the media pressure really..

McClaren needs to choose either Lampard or Gerrard for middle if he really wants to 'build for the future'. they were a disaster at WC together, won't be clicking anytime soon based on their recent matches. problem would be who can suck it up enough and stay on the bench.

[ChodaBoy]

For me it would be very easy pick between them - Gerrard. He drives forward alot better than Lamps IMO. Lampard gets alot of people licking his private parts because he always gets the long range goals, but thats simply because he shoots from there so often that hes bound to get them.

As for Beckham, when you are the manager of a team you have to take risks. He risked taking Beckham out and it doesnt seem to have paid off, so bringing him back could possibly make a large improvement

[angry armadillo]

if it was my choice (with no injuries) I would play...

Robbo in goal (or totally call up Cudicini, with his uk passport and no italy caps :cool: )

DL: Cashley Cole
DC: Terry / Rio Ferdinand
DR: Jamie C

Holding midfielder: Owen Hargreaves

Right winger: Lennon

CM: Gerrard and Lampard

Left Wing: Joe Cole

Lone Striker: Crouch

and play chelsea target man style football, i think its probably the best way for england given the options we have.

[The_Passenger]

I've seen a couple of Real's recent games and Beckham is playing pretty well, good enough to earn a recall I suppose. Problem is he's nothing but a short term solution to the problems the England team have.

I also think it's ridiculous that Lampard and Gerrard cannot play together, while we're ont he subject. They're both good players, and thus should be able to work alongside one another. I really don't understand it. But I suppose if one has to be picked then I'd say Gerrard.

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

They're too similar in what they do though that's the problem, at their own clubs they play well because of the support of the other midfielder behind them, they dont get that with england because both like to go forward.

I'd choose Gerrard too, him and Hargreaves or Carrick

[RandyfromPennywise]

So apparently Claudio Pizzaro is coming to Chelsea... :confused: If we want a striker, why not go for a young gun, or a proven world-class striker? Ok, maybe we don't have the cash, so why not go for Nani, Anderson or someone like that? Pizzaro, while he's good, surely he's not going to do anything more than add depth. Ah I guess with the African Nations Cup coming up we probably need depth. Whatever. And I read that we are going to buy Alex for £1. (No I didn't forget to write "million" or anything.)

[angry armadillo]

i have no idea who will end up at liverpool next season, we are linked to just about every world class striker at the moment

luca toni is off to munich though, will be interesting to see him and podolski together

[Dave de Sylvia]

They're too similar in what they do though that's the problem, at their own clubs they play well because of the support of the other midfielder behind them, they dont get that with england because both like to go forward.

I'd choose Gerrard too, him and Hargreaves or Carrick
It's not really that they're too similar it's that they're too selfish.

[ChodaBoy]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6706423.stm

Utd agree in "Principle" to sign Anderson and Nani. Wasnt "in-principle" the agreement between Utd and Mikel?

[Dave de Sylvia]

Fergie's been signing way more players from Portugal since Mourinho arrived in England.

[RandyfromPennywise]

So apparently Claudio Pizzaro is coming to Chelsea... :confused: If we want a striker, why not go for a young gun, or a proven world-class striker? Ok, maybe we don't have the cash, so why not go for Nani, Anderson or someone like that? Pizzaro, while he's good, surely he's not going to do anything more than add depth. Ah I guess with the African Nations Cup coming up we probably need depth. Whatever. And I read that we are going to buy Alex for £1. (No I didn't forget to write "million" or anything.)

Seriously, that's the knowledge. Just a pity they went to the wrong club.

From a football perspective, I'm looking forward to watching the pair, I've seen enough of both to be very impressed so far. It's two massive signings from where I'm standing.

EDIT: Just read on lequipe.fr that the Portuguese media are reporting the transfer figures at €18m for Anderson and €20m for Nani. That's a fair amount of coin.

[rik]

West Ham close to signing Scott Parker apparently, something i'm not happy about.

Parker is a good player and is pretty consistent for Newcastle, also, this just makes a move for Barton to Newcastle all the more probable. And lets be honest, hes an alright player, but no one wants that wanker at their club.

[2muchket!]

Allardyce clearly does tho'

No news on Viduka either. I think he may end up going.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah, Scotty P has really done well at Newcastle, you'd be silly to sell 'im. Well more to the point Big Sam would be a fool if he didn't see how well he played when fully fit last year. Really began to fulfil some of that potential he's had for so long.

Yeah don't know about Big Dukes, if he leaves he should only go to a bigger club, I mean things have been really good for him this season at Boro, so why leave? Unless he gets an offer from someone like Newcastle or Spurs or Italy maybe, then I could understand him going, but going somewhere like West Ham or Rovers or something, why?

PS - I am NOT saying Newcastle and Spurs are big clubs, just bigger than Boro. Sorry Frankie but they are. I like Boro more though :thumb:

EDIT: Frankson, please change your avatar, I'm not liking it. At all!

[Minus The Flair]

United make three signings in 24 hours, now signing Hargreaves, though that one was hardly a surprise.

[rik]

This is off nufc.com....

'Sources close to Marc Viduka claim that the out of contract player has verbally agreed to join Newcastle on a free transfer.

The 31 year-old former Croatia Zagreb, Celtic, Leeds and Smoggy striker has refused offers of a new deal to remain at The Riverside and rebuffed an approach from West Ham as he wishes to remain in his family home near Harrogate.'

Can only be good news.

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

I'm excited as any other united fan over the prospect of a Nani, Anderson, Rooney, Ronaldo attack...but didn't fergie say he was only going for 3 players? Seems like he got all 3 in the space of a week.

I hear Anderson can play upfront? But in the same sort of role that Rooney loves to occupy.

I hope this is true, because last time we got an out-and-out striker, he got us plenty of goals, but the team didn't function well.

Anyone else think it's going to be a case of: Nani, Anderson, Rooney and Ronaldo switching around at the front like Giggs, Rooney, Ronaldo and others did this season?


EDIT: Oh I forgot to mention, it's rumoured that with these 3 transfers United have spent their 50 million summer budget, so why are people saying we're also offering a further 20 million for Tevez? :S

[Minus The Flair]

I wouldn't be surprised if they go after another player. And I wouldn't be surprised if they don't. NOTHING EVER SURPRISES ME.

Except this: I'm actually quite excited about an England game. I havn't had that feeling for ages, I usually get pretty depressed knowing I'm gonna sit through 90 minutes of boredom and failure. But with Cole, Owen and Beckham back things are gonna be!.... back to the way they were. Oh. I'm still quite looking forward to it.

[ChodaBoy]

Hopefully Ronaldinho will pull a Kaka. Get all the expectations, then do f all!

[RandyfromPennywise]

Hopefully Ronaldinho will pull a Kaka. Get all the expectations, then do f all!

Oh shut the **** up :evil:. If Kaká was English he'd be the best player in that country's history. :eek:

[2muchket!]

PS - I am NOT saying Newcastle and Spurs are big clubs, just bigger than Boro. Sorry Frankie but they are. I like Boro more though :thumb:

EDIT: Frankson, please change your avatar, I'm not liking it. At all!

Aye mate I getcha. It won't be decades till the boro can fill a stadium like St James's. I may not like the team but I respect the geordie fans for their passion. If we let Viduka go then we need a replacement of equal quality. If he does then gibson needs to dig deep and buy a good striker Darren Bent, Harewood perhaps?

Oh and no chance on the avatar front ;)

[Lord Abortion]

Ah, three excellent signings, I'm really pleased that we've finally signed long-term replacements for Giggs and Scholes, and we have the sort of creative tricky AMC that I've been wishing for for years.
Champions league here we come!

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah Lord, couldn't agree with you more. The signings for United have been brilliant, exactly the type of players you need. Except Hargreaves, I'm not convinced he's any where near as good as Gatusso or Pirlo or anyone like that... Or Gerrard or Lampard for that matter. Still, United are going to be right up there in the top two for years to come, like they have been for 15 years. Very good signings for the future of the club. And Chelsea sign Steve Sidwell :(

Frankie, agree that you'd need to replace the Dukes, as Yak needs a quality partner. Harewood? Nah, seriously, he's no where near as good as Dukes for my money. Bent, yes, he's quality. Don't really know what other English strikers who are on the market could be a legitimate target for Boro... if you look overseas there could be a few potentially good signings. I think someone like McCarthy or Martins is the type of player you should be looking towards. A very good striker, but - with all due respect - someone that is prepared to go to Boro.

Australia v Uruguay saturday night.

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

Anyone watching England vs Brazil tonight?

I'm more interested to see if Anderson starts and how he does than see how England play with Becks and Owen back, is that wrong? lol

EDIT:

However, attacking midfielder Anderson, who has just signed a deal to join Manchester United, is not in the squad to take on England but is in the squad for the Copa America next month.

:( Oh well....erm...go on Becks and Owen

[rik]

I'll be watching, i'm pretty excited about it actually.

I think Shorey might be starting at left back, could be interesting.

[Minus The Flair]

On the Boro striker front....

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=469725&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=2&title=Boro+move+for+Gunner&channel=football_home&

That looks like it would be a great buy. That kid can be sensational when he's really on his game.

[Cecillianne]

read that Man U are targetting Anelka :amaze: jesus, what's next. Tevez is carrying a 30mill tag, which is a little much considering Liverpool bought Mascherano for practically half of that.

just saw the England lineup. no holding midfielder, Kaka is going to run loose methinks. hopefully Gerrard and Lampard won't make it worse by playing like crap together. Smith over Crouchie up front with Owen, which is kinda odd since he hasn't been scoring much.

[rik]

Heard Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs have all shown interest in Gamst Perdersen.

I've always rated Pederesen, I think hes a great player. If he went to Liverpool they'd have a great left side with Risse at left back and Gamst playing in front of him. They both have mental left foots.

[2muchket!]

Shorey is starting. Should be good, hope england perform tonight.


yae Aliadere looks like a good young player. From what I've seen he has pace which is something our strikers and attack lack.

[angry armadillo]

Pizarro has defo signed for chelsea on a free apprently, i assume he is just a spare target man or something

[Stevie]

so wtf is this england/brazil match for? ima see metallica there in a month..hahahahaha

[angry armadillo]

its just a friendly, i guess its to warm england up for estonia / make money for the promoters

[Stevie]

i hate watching live football

whenever the crowd are shown on the camera it takes 2 seconds before they're waving at the screen of themselves.

[angry armadillo]

completely ruins games for me too, i know what you mean

[Minus The Flair]

The fact I didn't fall asleep while watching the match is a good sign. Victory was cruely snatched in all honesty, I thought we deserved the win, and it's always nice to beat Brazil.

Good performance from Beckham, you could see he was hungry. Good from Gerrard, lively Owen, and Shorey was good too. Good game really.

And Estonia are obviously gonna be a lot easier to play than Brazil, and we're going to want to win even more. So yeah, positive signs.

[2muchket!]

Well I'll eat my words. Beckham played well I thought.

[ChodaBoy]

Another game where Lampard was useless. I can only remember one thing he did all night, and that ended up in the second tier of the stadium.
Alan Smith was useless, he either ran away from the direction of the ball or didnt move. He's never been good enough since he played for Leeds.

Rant over.

Beckham played very well and seemed 3 times a better player than the last time I saw hime play. Owen did alright to say he had only played a few full games. Defensively the team did quite well until the end where they looked a little bored!

[Dave de Sylvia]

I'm an Alan Smith fan. I didn't see the match today, but for United with Rooney, Ronaldo and Giggs behind him, hounding defenders and holding the ball up is a valuable skill.

[ChodaBoy]

I can agree with what you are saying. He likes to get rough with other players, and that can be quite useful. But that isnt alot of use to the England team. The way the ball was being played, the 2 strikers needed to attack the ball not the opposition.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Hey lay off the strikers! I (a professed centre-half or centre-mid (at the best of times)) played as a striker for my club's A team today. (I am normally a centre-half in the Bs) Man being a striker is hard work. Normally playing in midfield or defence, playing with my back to goal was something else. Seriously, I rate myself as a very versatile player, I mean I can play anywhere in defence or midfield with relative confidence, but up front, that is something else. Being a striker is something very different from being any other position on the field.

So Australia lost to Uruguay 1-2 tonight, all because of Middlesbrough 'keeper Brad Jones' error. Poor lad, it was his international debut, he competely effed-up a cross and gave a goal to Recoba. Anyway, good signs for the Asian Cup though.

[2muchket!]

Hes a good 'keeper Jonesy. Lacks a bit of confidence IMO. Kept a clean sheet tho against a very good AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah him was good for the rest of the game, but fked up massively for the goal. Really, it was terrible.

Anyway, the most enjoyable part about playing Football? Apart from scoring a goal, it has to be slide tackling, am I right?

[2muchket!]

Speaking as a person who only either plays right wing, right back and defensive midfield the most enjoyable aspect is the slide tackle. Take the ball as well as the mans legs out. I'd hate to play against me cos for small bloke I really do like through my weight about and rough people up. Plus I'm well ya know a dirty player. Not malicious, just crafty.

[ChodaBoy]

I can see it now. "Oh come on ref, its his own fault if his legs break. Thats what happens when you avoid drinking milk."

On another note - https://shop.mcfc.co.uk/images/0708SSZOOM.jpg
Jesus H. Tapdancing Christ what is that

[rik]

I heard the new Chelsea kit is flourescent (sp?) yellow. Anyone seen it? Is it like the Barca one?

[ChodaBoy]

Haha, Chelsea teasing the kit as if its some sort of highly-anticipated unreleased album by the Beatles. http://www.chelseamegastoreusa.com/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/300/697777.YL.JPG

[2muchket!]

Hahah that is quite pathetic

and the new Man City home what happened there ?

and errr just to set the record straight I've never broken anyones leg. Just noses and jaws.

[RandyfromPennywise]

God there are some aspects of the new Chelsea that just sh*t me. This crap they do with the kits, for one.

[Dave de Sylvia]

So Derby are going down next season. It's a terrible pity West Brom will be broken up this summer because they were clearly the 1 Premiership side to contest the playoffs.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Why do you say that about Derby already? (By the way, I agree, it'd be amazing if they somehow stayed up.)

[ChodaBoy]

They dont seem to be solid all over. Whereas I expect Sunderland to do quite well.

Newcastle probably have the best new kit I've seen so far.
http://shop.nufc.co.uk/sites/newcastle/images/Products/164100_B.jpg

[Cecillianne]

i've seen rumoured pictures. anything with fluorescent yellow on it is awful; chelsea's one no exception. their away's quite crap as well. can't really trust these sites though. i really, really like Fulham's one.

ps was Lampard really asking for 140k/week at Juventus

[Pinhead13]

Did anybody see the Sweden - Denmark game?

[sweboy]

Yeah man, ****ing crazy. Even though I'm Swedish I can't really feel that the decision was entirely fair. I would have prefered if the penalty kick would have been shot.

[metal-militia]

Why do you say that about Derby already? (By the way, I agree, it'd be amazing if they somehow stayed up.)

When I saw them at the play-off game I thought they looked very ordinary. Giles Barnes is thier only player that stands out IMO.

[ChodaBoy]

Joey Barton on his way to Newcastle tomorrow, only if Parker goes to West Ham.

[rik]

Yer, i'm pretty sure Parkers on his way though. I would much rather just keep Parker.

My brother spent about 40 quid on a Newcastle top with Parker on the back only around 4 months ago, so hes pretty pissed.

[Dave de Sylvia]

In other news, the Czechs seem determined to not qualify for Euro 2008 after scraping a lucky draw in Cardiff. Would've been perfect for Giggs to say goodbye with a win (and helpful for us) but we'll take a point. We probably still need 12 points from 15, and that's incredibly unlikely especially with Duff out for probably all of the matches, but it's not looking so terrible anymore.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Duff, seriously, the most injury-prone player in world football just about.

Denmark - Sweden, great match to watch.

[Dave de Sylvia]

haha I think it's more a case that English full-backs are not talented :cool:

[ChodaBoy]

Oh no, the most injury prone player ever has to be Harry Kewell, he pulls a hamstring thinking of what to make for breakfast!

I can see ROI beating Slovakia, but the goal difference between the Czechs and ROI says alot to me, unless CR has played San Marino...

I lol'ed yesterday after hearing "Spain need to win in order to keep the pressure on Northern Ireland." When was the last time a similar phrase like that was said about Northern Ireland?

haha I think it's more a case that English full-backs are not talented I would normally shake my fists towards you for that! But you're right really

[RandyfromPennywise]

Meh, Duff gets soft-tissue injuries all the time. I love the fella, one of my favourite players, altought his stocks are falling after leaving the Chels, but yeah he gets injured heaps, groins, hamstrings, everything, it sucks. And yeah Kewell is injured heaps too. The last two years have been a nightmare for him, hopefully he'll be right now, because if you can remember back 6 years ago he was one of the best left-sided players in the world - hopefully he can be again (just not for Liverpool :p).

[Dave de Sylvia]

Oh no, the most injury prone player ever has to be Harry Kewell, he pulls a hamstring thinking of what to make for breakfast!
Or Dave Beasant, who breaks his foot making a sandwich.

I can see ROI beating Slovakia, but the goal difference between the Czechs and ROI says alot to me, unless CR has played San Marino...
It's the San Marino and Cyprus results - we lost against Cyprus away and only beat SM 2-1 away. They're pretty much all cup-ties now, and if we perform well we can get out of the group. But those Czechs are sneaky ****ers :mad:

[RandyfromPennywise]

Robben's the most injury-prone of the lot. Just his injuries don't last very long - he has brilliant recovery techniques.

[Echleon]

Been confirmed that Parker is on his way West Ham, and Barton seems to be on his way to Newcastle.