Euro 2008 (Official LOL Vidic Thread)

[Pastorius]

I heard old Trent was getting signed by Man City.

[badtaste]

They have the money now, so why not?

Anyway, good news for the Aussies (like me!), Kewell should be returning soon, playing in the reserves (any comments about how Kewell will soon fail will receive nasty thoughts from myself). Cahill should also be back, playing in Everton's UEFA Cup game.

[Pastorius]

I don't think Kewell should get his spot in the team back easily, I think Riise and Babel should be able to hold him off. Babel isn't getting played much at all recently though.

[badtaste]

I don't think Kewell should get his spot in the team back easily, I think Riise and Babel should be able to hold him off. Babel isn't getting played much at all recently though.

I quote:
With Liverpool otherwise engaged in the 2-1 loss to Besiktas in the UEFA Champions League, Kewell was informed by boss Rafa Benitez that he would be playing up front for the second stringers.

Benitez didn’t spell it out, but the inference was that, assuming his progress continues unabated, the 29-year-old could return to the big time against a Gunners outfit that tried to sign him four years ago.

Kewell opted for his boyhood club Liverpool where a succession of injuries have stunted his talent, leaving and him unfulfilled and the Anfield fans frustrated – to put it politely.

He’s in the final year of his contract and acknowledges he must string together a stirring run of performances to convince Benitez to offer him a lifeline. The rest is up to him.

As Kewell said recently: "The boss has been great to me, I couldn’t ask for any more. Now I just want to repay him."

Sauce: http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=st&cid=98313

[Cecillianne]

Kewell can repay him by not getting injured for the next 5 games. past that it would be a blessing.

ps please take away Riise he's so awful

[Dave de Sylvia]

Playing Kewell should be a criminal offence, he's just too injury prone. He's going to die on the pitch one of these days and it will all be Benitez's fault.

[angry armadillo]

i was out last night so i missed the result

i was in a bar where i could see the scores coming through and i got told off for watching football even when i was out but i think it was justified because that was a shocking result that was a must win.

[rik]

Kewell can repay him by not getting injured for the next 5 games. past that it would be a blessing.

ps please take away Riise he's so awful

Riise really has been awful this season, for the past couple of seasons I rated him so highly, not been so great this season though.

[Echleon]

Hahaha Liverpool lost.

I think one of the funniest things I saw today were the Liverpool fans on the BBC board, criticising the Arsenal fans. They were just so bitter.

[Echleon]

Breaking news, Martin Jol has handed in his resignation.

I feel this is really sad, I really like Martin Jol.

I wonder what the future could hold for him now. Maybe Bolton should have held on abit.

[Minus The Flair]

Yeah, that was both shocking and obvious. It was probably for the best though. When your tippped to be in the top 4 and can't get out of the relegation zone that's not good.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2824923,00.html

[Dave de Sylvia]

He's had two years to sort the defence out and he hasn't. It's ridiculous to base your entire defensive strategy around a chronically injured player.

[rustysurf84]

Oh the brilliance, is Ramos coming in now or not?

[The_Passenger]

He's had two years to sort the defence out and he hasn't. It's ridiculous to base your entire defensive strategy around a chronically injured player.

Agreed. This summer Jol needed to spend on improving the defence, not blowing £16 mil on an unnecessary forward. Sure he bought Kaboul, who doesn't seem a bad player, but the guy seems to think he's a playmaker not a centre-half. Spurs need to buy new defenders in January if they're to have any hope of finishing in the UEFA cup spots and it looks very unlikely at the moment. Never thought I'd be saying that at the beginning of the season.

[2muchket!]

I don't think he did that much of a bad job really. Players seem really disinterested these days.

It won't happen but anyway JOL FOR THE BORO !

[badtaste]

**** yeah.

http://www.theworldgame.com.au/media/9180t2.jpg

Kewell scored as well in a reserves match against Newcastle.

[TakeWarning]

I'm glad Jol's gone, Tottenham sorely need a change.

I hope the new manager restructures our midfield. Why Martin Jol bought another striker instead of a left wing is beyond me. And we need to find a replacement for Jermaine Jenas, it's much more obvious how crap he is now that Michael Carrick's left.

[Dave de Sylvia]

I think you mean now that Davids has left.

[2muchket!]

Tottenham need a change ?

You do have a memory which stretches longer than 2 years correct ? Because Jol's secured 2 consecutive 5th place finishes which is a hell of a lot better than other spurs managers in the past few years.

[Ganondorf]

lol I forgot Davids paleyd for Tottenham, when I saw Spurs at the Hawthorns eveyrone was booing him haha

[ChodaBoy]

Home defeat for Chelsea tomorrow! I hope Grant chooses to rest Cech tomorrow, then I can hope for a City goal-flood and it wont have a negative effect on my fantasy team

[rustysurf84]

Home defeat for Chelsea tomorrow! I hope Grant chooses to rest Cech tomorrow, then I can hope for a City goal-flood and it wont have a negative effect on my fantasy team

Also, Derby is the top team in the Premiership.

Oh right, back to reality.

[talk show host]

Chelsea are looking fairly solid again recently. I guess anything's possible though, they're bound to lose at home at some point.

Ramos has resigned from Sevilla so it looks like he'll be taking over at Spurs pretty soon. Better for them to get him in before the transfer window I suppose. Still feel bad for Jol though.

[sgrevs]

My prediction:
Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal

Kewell comes on to score a late double and rescue our season and then we win the title. I'm actually really excited for the game, I reckon it'll be a cracker.

[Dave de Sylvia]

When was the last time Kewell actually scored two goals? Out of interest.

I predict a cagey 1-1, but I'm hoping for a Liverpool win.

[talk show host]

Pennant's out for a couple of months now isn't he? Should give Benayoun a chance unless he sticks Gerrard on the right. I reckon it'll be a draw tomorrow though. Is Torres fit?

I hope Coppell puts Fae in the centre tomorrow. I know I was advocating Gunnarsson last season but it's really not working right now, there's just no urgency in the midfield and it's completely toothless at the moment.

And of course the defence and Hahnemann are a disaster currrently but there isn't really a solution to that at the moment!

[Dave de Sylvia]

Gerrard seems to have forgotten how to play in the middle of the park. It seems like right midfield, unlikely though it seemed a couple of years ago, is his optimum position for Liverpool.

Hahnemman is hilarious. He makes one of the best reaction saves ever during the Portsmouth match and still concedes 7, including at least 3 which were the result of his basic errors.

[talk show host]

He's not number 2 in the goalkeeper opta stats for nothing you know!

[badtaste]

I read that Hargreaves is back in the fold for Manchester United. That's cool.

[2muchket!]

Not really.

Unnecessary buy if you ask me.

And I'm quite confident about today. Boro always seems to be playing poorly then play Utd and manage to either stuff them or out play them.

[Iai]

I think Ferguson's priority this transfer window was to buld a team that would always battle to get the ball back, because that's the one thing they seemed to obviously lack against AC Milan last year. Hence Hargreaves and Tevez. With Tevez around, even the opposition defenders are constantly under pressure.

[2muchket!]

From one boro fan to another whatcha reckon about their situation atm Iai ?

[2muchket!]

1-1 ave it you mancunian cunts

OWAY LADS

[Minus The Flair]

Indeed. I hate/love Sky Sports Soccer Saturday team. Amazing scores though.

[ChodaBoy]

Oh dear. I will no longer discuss City's next games in a positive way

[Dave de Sylvia]

Oh dear, City got a hammering. Boro were seriously lightweight today. I'd fear for their safety on the basis of the last 2 performances.

I think Ferguson's priority this transfer window was to buld a team that would always battle to get the ball back, because that's the one thing they seemed to obviously lack against AC Milan last year. Hence Hargreaves and Tevez. With Tevez around, even the opposition defenders are constantly under pressure.
Well players like Ronaldo and Nani are never going to be ballwinners, although they seem to be trying a little harder in recent weeks. Ferguson's gameplan last year was to put all the defensive responsibility on the defenders, a big risk but it gave the front players the power to really hurt teams over and over. Ironically, the one match where everyone did work tirelessly was the Roma game, and that finished 7-1.

[Cecillianne]

christ. 6 goals? can anyone give a brief summary of the match? missed most of the matches tonight.

[rustysurf84]

Maybe Chelsea are turned around, just maybe.

[Cecillianne]

Chelsea's good enough to do it, but City's solid enough not to let it happen :/

[RandyfromPennywise]

Brief summary of the match? Chelsea played sexy football, like the Gullit and Vialli days, we bossed the midfield comprehensively and their 2 central mids were never a match for the three-man central midfield of Chelsea. Lampard and Essien ran the show, Lampard was very good and Essien was immense, like usual. We controlled possession and never gave Citeh a sniff. Could have been 3- or 4-0 at the break and could have been 7- or 8- at the end. A great performance.

[Surtr]

Utd. have officially let me down.

:( What an awful season this has been :(

[rik]

Nani's goal was amazing, as was Tevez's goal which Rooney set up with the back heel, they look immense together.


Chelsea looked great today, Lampards pass to set up Drogba was top drawer.

[sgrevs]

I'm scared after watching just the first halves of the United and Chelsea game...'Pool can't play football like that. We're in for it tonight...

[badtaste]

Wow, City got owned.

edit: Aussie Scott McDonald scored a hattrick for Celtic against his old club. COOL!

[TakeWarning]

Saw the Chelsea highlights today, and they looked to be playing some great football.

I'm hoping for a Spurs victory under Clive Allen today.

[Cecillianne]

Finnan's pass made me :eek:, Gerrard's freekick made me orgasm.

Liverpool's only hope of anything to gain from this game is to stop Arsenal from playing their slick sexy football and get physical. if they can play bits of genius like that, thats a bonus!

[Dinosawesome]

Finnan's pass made me :eek:, Gerrard's freekick made me orgasm.

Liverpool's only hope of anything to gain from this game is to stop Arsenal from playing their slick sexy football and get physical. if they can play bits of genius like that, thats a bonus!
Any chance of getting you in msn or aim tonight?

[Dave de Sylvia]

Great start for Liverpool, but I really don't see them surviving this one. Arsenal are running the show, picking holes in the defence, and making Liverpool look very ordinary. Gerrard's been living up to his big game reputation by booting the ball to nobody in particular at every available opportunity.

Come on Liverpool :(

[Cecillianne]

conceded a soft goal. ah well, better than a loss. Gerrard's freekicks this season has been suprisingly good, and Liverpool's football isn't so **** anymore. not as much anyway.

Tottenham seriously needs fixing at the back. god knows how many leads they've squandered and gone on to lose.

edit: Xabi Alonso broke his metatarsal again. it's not even mid season yet, he's broken it twice already?

[The_Passenger]

Uh Gerrard's free kick was crap today, which is odd considering they've been pretty good so far. If the Arsenal wall hadn't split that would've never been a goal. I personally thought Arsenal were unlucky today.

Also well done to Chelsea, that's one hell of a result. Even Sheva got in on the act.

And why do Plymouth have to look like they're going to start off on good run then lose to a struggling team :(?

[Dave de Sylvia]

Well it wasn't crap, he stuck it very well but if the wall had kept its discipline it would have rebounded out harmlessly, or at worst Flamini would have had a sore leg for a couple of minutes. Arsenal were the better side for all but the first few minutes of each half, though for long periods they looked like they lacked ideas. Should have been at least 2-1 in the end, and they'll rue that goal.

[rustysurf84]

Blehhhh, Fabregas and Bendtner should've had those rebounds; but Liverpool really looked weak just wacking the ball foward to Torres in the first. Gerrard really should have done better with the beat-down from Crouch, but I'm satisfied with 1-1 from an Arsenal perspective.

[The_Passenger]

Well it wasn't crap, he stuck it very well but if the wall had kept its discipline it would have rebounded out harmlessly, or at worst Flamini would have had a sore leg for a couple of minutes.

I don't know, I mean I agree he struck it hard and true enough but I don't think that constitues a good free kick. I mean, if the wall had kept its shape and Gerrard had hit it in exactly the same way I don't see how it'd be justifiable to say it was a good free kick.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Well isn't the definition of a good free kick one which exploits the opposition's weaknesses? I mean, maybe it was just luck, but I reckon he must have picked out that part of the wall as the vulnerable area.

[badtaste]

The free kick ended up in the back of the net. I'd say that's pretty good.

[rustysurf84]

True, I guess the way your saying it, you mean he just ripped it and got lucky the wall fell apart. I think it was a crack of a shot, but I see your reasoning.

And Spurs lost again :D

[Cecillianne]

and i don't just mean that particular free kick anyway, his set pieces has improved a lot this season as compared to last.

Torres looked really unfit; the whole first half was Liverpool trying to get him the ball but he looked really slow. i feel cheated that Arsenal's goal was a soft one, Reina had a little bad luck on that.. but Liverpool got out lucky a lot of times so yeah, 1-1 is pretty fair.

[TakeWarning]

I fail to see how it was a "bad" free kick. He knew Fabregas would run out, leaving a massive gap in the wall, and Gerrard aimed for that gap.

In other news, I wish Spurs would just lose 3-0 each week rather than getting my hopes up by scoring first and then conceding soft goals.

[The_Passenger]

OK I give in. Chief reason I said it is becuase you see the likes of Ronaldo try that on a regular basis and it just comes back off the wall. I dunno I guess if Gerrard knew Fabregas was going to leave a gap (which I suppose he might've given that Fabregas ran out to close him down when he thought the free kick was to be taken) then it was a pretty intelligent thing to do.

I just prefer free-kicks like the one against Villa.

[sgrevs]

Torres looked really unfit; the whole first half was Liverpool trying to get him the ball but he looked really slow. i feel cheated that Arsenal's goal was a soft one, Reina had a little bad luck on that.. but Liverpool got out lucky a lot of times so yeah, 1-1 is pretty fair.

Torres just came back from injury...and now he's injured again:( So is Alonso, Pennant (10 weeks!!) and Mascherano, so we are down especially in the middle. Luckily we still have Stevie and Momo (who's looked terrible as of late). Voronin has been a waste of time, and I want to see more of Crouch and Benayoun.

[badtaste]

OK I give in. Chief reason I said it is becuase you see the likes of Ronaldo try that on a regular basis and it just comes back off the wall. I dunno I guess if Gerrard knew Fabregas was going to leave a gap (which I suppose he might've given that Fabregas ran out to close him down when he thought the free kick was to be taken) then it was a pretty intelligent thing to do.

I just prefer free-kicks like the one against Villa.

Haha, who doesn't?!

[Dave de Sylvia]

haha bad day for Dutch football. van der Saar announces international retirement after Euro 2008 and Jaap Stam retires effective immediately.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Well isn't the definition of a good free kick one which exploits the opposition's weaknesses?
I wouldn't say that's the definition, but it can be important. Sometimes there aren't any weaknesses and players still score. See Zola. :)

Just got Setanta Sports hooked on today, oh it's gonna be crazy, now I have coverage of English, Australian, Scottish, Champions League, French, German, Dutch and Spanish leagues, plus CFC TV on Setanta quite often, among others. I may have to tell my friends that I am really sick or something, because I don't reckon I'm leaving the house much until I go overseas. PSG v Lyon match was quite good this morning, Benzema is absolute class and gets better every time I see 'im.

[2muchket!]

You lucky bastard randy.

I'm quite liking the coverage of Serie A on channel 5 like. It's a ****ing joke I can't watch any of the prem games on terrestrial tv tho'. ****ing sky and rupert murdoch can suck my dick.

[Echleon]

123.

It's ridiculous how much coverage Sky get. I would love to see some sort of BBC Sports Channel that showed Football matches, I don't even care which league!

I am considering getting Setenta though.

[talk show host]

Yeah, I hate that I can't see any matches on tv except Champions League. Have to resort to crappy internet streams that are normally more hassle than it's worth anyway.

Can't even get Channel 5 here :(

[Pastorius]

123.

It's ridiculous how much coverage Sky get. I would love to see some sort of BBC Sports Channel that showed Football matches, I don't even care which league!

I am considering getting Setenta though.

Not worth it in the slightest. For 99% of the time it's a waste of money, maybe once in 2 months it'll have something good on.

[The_Passenger]

I agree to an extent with Pastorious about Setanta. It's not 99% rubbish but you'd be better off seeing if you can just get Sky Sports by itself or something (I don't know if this possible).

I get both though cause I'm a rich bastard.

[Pastorius]

I get it when I'm at home because it's free with the Virgin large package. You can get just sports I think.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Setanta has 2/3 of the live games here.

[2muchket!]

Well when I move out next autumn hopefully my budget will permit me to get Sky Sports

[rik]

I paid for Pem Plus last season which is sort of the equivalent to Setanta now. I enjoyed having it, but I thought it'd be a waste paying for Setanta this season, if I ever want to watch a match on Setanta every pub in my town shows it.


Anyone else got the new Pro Evo? My brother bought it for his PS3 and its great, but I bought it for the PS2 and it's pretty much the exact same gameplay as Pro Evo 6.

[Dave de Sylvia]

I haven't bought a Pro Evo since 2 but I came home this summer to find my brother had stolen somebody's copy of 6 so hooray

[badtaste]

Anyone else got the new Pro Evo? My brother bought it for his PS3 and its great, but I bought it for the PS2 and it's pretty much the exact same gameplay as Pro Evo 6.

The graphics and engine looks better. Don't know if I'll get it anytime soon though... I like to wait a while until people have created patches and stuff for it.

EDIT: since they were the only nominee, Brazil will be hosting the 2014 world cup. Australia will be putting up their name for the 2018 finals, but I doubt we'll have much of a chance... methinks England is going for it as well..

[Cecillianne]

Torres just came back from injury...and now he's injured again:( So is Alonso, Pennant (10 weeks!!) and Mascherano, so we are down especially in the middle. Luckily we still have Stevie and Momo (who's looked terrible as of late). Voronin has been a waste of time, and I want to see more of Crouch and Benayoun.
Lucas? he's class, i hope he plays against Cardiff.

i hate to say this, but a fit Harry Kewell would really help right now.

[rik]

The graphics and engine looks better. Don't know if I'll get it anytime soon though... I like to wait a while until people have created patches and stuff for it


I don't think the graphics are better at all really, graphics wise I think the PS2 probably reached its full potential with Pro Evo 6.

The PS3 version looks amazing and the gameplay is so different, it's also got a load of extra features within the game, features i'm not too sure why they didn't put in in PS2 version.

Although the PS3 version doesn't have the random match mode, which the PS2 still has, imo a big downside to the PS3 one.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I got Setanta put on because I figure that for the same price as some crappy extra package with Fox that we have currently which includes the Comedy Channel and other crap, well I figured I'd prefer to watch French league and German league than whatever else is on offer for the same price. So now I'm gonna get the other channels cut off, so the only TV I'll watch will be sport, some news and current affairs shows and that's about it. I figure that watching tv that isn't sport or something informative is a waste of time. I watch enough TV as it is with the sport and sport-related shows.

EDIT: And I now get all the Chelsea games that I'd otherwise miss due to Setanta having the rights to Chelsea TV, so I will get to see the League Cup match against Leicester. There was a special on Frank Leboeuf on tonight, what a lad.

[rik]

Frank Lebouf lived next door to my best mate when I was about 12, saw him about a bit.

[Dave de Sylvia]

The dry cool wit of Frank LeBoeuf is legendary in these western worlds we live in.

[Pastorius]

I got Pro for the 360 today. It's pretty good, seems a lot faster when you first start it, but I'm getting used to it, and it seems slower now somehow.

Already started making my homemade dream team. So far, I've got

GK - Alan Scabs
RB - Dan Pratt
CB - Brock Biceps
RMF - Klaus Wanck
CMF - Jimmy Juggles
CF - King Samuel IV
CF - King Samuel V

It's a work in progress.

[VomitStainedCretin]

I wouldn't say that's the definition, but it can be important. Sometimes there aren't any weaknesses and players still score. See Zola. :)Zola is the reason I ever became interested in watching football (that and France '98)

[badtaste]

Brazil confirmed as hosts of the 2014 World Cup finals. Should be interesting, as from what I've read, quite a few of the stadiums that may be put to use don't even have facilities for tv commentating.

[2muchket!]

Yeah FIFA had some fancy ceremony as well. Pointless considering there was only one entrant.

[The_Passenger]

At least they've now got rid of that stupid rotation policy.

[Iai]

RB - Dan Pratt
You name this after one of your friends? I can't believe there are two people in the world with this name.

[Pastorius]

You name this after one of your friends? I can't believe there are two people in the world with this name.

Nope, it's just a funny name! And welcome to the squad,

CB - Nate Banus
LB - Billy Quiver
CMF - Juice Lee
LMF - 'Anne' Gruuntz

Super Sub - Project ManCrab

[2muchket!]

At least they've now got rid of that stupid rotation policy.

Yip.

England really does have some of the best stadia in the world so it makes sense we have it here. I mean he have a lot better stadiums than Germany and they didn't do a bad job of hosting.

[badtaste]

Yip.

England really does have some of the best stadia in the world so it makes sense we have it here. I mean he have a lot better stadiums than Germany and they didn't do a bad job of hosting.

I'm sure your country will find a way of screwing things up. :p

[talk show host]

So are Australia planning to bid as well? Because ugh, the match times would be horrendous.

[Dave de Sylvia]

It'd be no worse than JapanKorea, would it?

[badtaste]

So are Australia planning to bid as well? Because ugh, the match times would be horrendous.

I think we are. I read that the chief of the Asian footballing federation wants Australia to bid for it with China, so that would be interesting.

Match times would be excellent! Would it be equivalent to us Australians waking up at 4:30AM to watch Champions League?

In Aussie footballing news, Cahill scored the winner for Everton in the Carling Cup against Luton. Kewell also came off the bench for Liverpool in their 2-1 win against Cardiff (and Fowler).

And Chelsea just beat Leicester 4-3. Damn.

edit: Gilardino seems to be scoring again. Good for him.

[talk show host]

I don't think so, but 8am for football just isn't right!

Match times would be excellent! Would it be equivalent to us Australians waking up at 4:30AM to watch Champions League?

But you're used to it :p

[badtaste]

haha, I'm very much used to sleeping at 4:30 AM.

[talk show host]

It'll definitely be interesting though. I'd like to think England are the most likely to get it, but bias aside Australia probably deserve a go, and I imagine China would be a pretty attractive and lucrative market too.

[badtaste]

Here's an interesting article regarding the contenders:

http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=feat&cid=98588

[talk show host]

Can't see Canada standing a chance if they're wanting a relatively strong national team to represent them.

And I thought FIFA had leaned away from joint bids after Japan/Korea, at least for the World Cup, which would play against "Benelux."

Either way, I think England, China and Australia will be competing for the next two world cups. Whoever gets it in 2018, it'll be one of the others who gets it in 2022. Hadn't really thought about Russia, but that's possible too. And Spain.

[Ganondorf]

China shouldn't get it, we only had Japan/Korea recently.......

[2muchket!]

Yeah. In terms of stadia and quality of teams it should be either the Aussies or England.

[Ganondorf]

England is better though, so England should get it.

[sgrevs]

But Australia as nicer people, and an awesome track record after the 2000 Olympics and 2003 Rugby World Cup. Hence, Australia should get it. Wooo.

[badtaste]

But Australia as nicer people, and an awesome track record after the 2000 Olympics and 2003 Rugby World Cup. Hence, Australia should get it. Wooo.

You're an Aussie, yeh? You really need to put that in your location - it's a license to being loved by fellow aussies.

Anyway, Ronald Koeman is coach of Valencia now. Hope he can rescue that team.

[RandyfromPennywise]

So are Australia planning to bid as well? Because ugh, the match times would be horrendous.

LISTEN TO THE CHEEK! What have we been living with forever?! EVERY game is like that for us!

Funny thing was, in 2002 it just didn't feel right coming home from school and watching football in the afternoon: it's a late-night thing.

[The_Passenger]

Anyway, Ronald Koeman is coach of Valencia now. Hope he can rescue that team.

He has a lot of work to do, I saw the Valenica-Real Madrid game, thier defending was almost as bad as Man City's against Chelsea.

[sgrevs]

LISTEN TO THE CHEEK! What have we been living with forever?! EVERY game is like that for us!

Funny thing was, in 2002 it just didn't feel right coming home from school and watching football in the afternoon: it's a late-night thing.

This is truth. Still, having 8.30 games would be better than 3.30 games.

[RandyfromPennywise]

If I learnt one thing from that half of football, it's that Anderson is a ****ing twat.

[badtaste]

If I learnt one thing from that half of football, it's that Anderson is a ****ing twat.

Eh, what's wrong with the guy? He has cool hair, and cool hair = :thumb:

[RandyfromPennywise]

Were you watching the game? He's clearly an absolute tosser.

[badtaste]

Were you watching the game? He's clearly an absolute tosser.

I don't have access to EPL soccer.

Free to air for me :( :( :(

[Dave de Sylvia]

He was just rolling around a lot and trying to get players booked.

I was rather looking forward to a game of football until the referee showed up. Oh well, fair result I reckon.

[Cecillianne]

at one point he actually mimicked holding up a card to get the ref to book someone. what a fag.

quite a few spectacular goals today.

[VomitStainedCretin]

Woo, 4-1 to us away at St James'. Excellent.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Chelsea right back up there now, great day for us with Arsehole, Manure and Liverscum all drawing. Scotty Mac scored another two for Celtic, and Rangers won, even though the game was boring as bat shyte for the most part. Same with the Blackburn game, but I was very happy for them that they got the point. Kewell looked lively when he came on. The goals from Pamarot and Luke Young were outstanding, and Belletti's was great too. Sevilla - Real Madrid starts in 90 minutes but I can't stay awake any longer, gonna record it. More good games from Spain tomorrow too with Atletico v Villareal and Barcelona v Betis. Strange that Barça are playing on a Sunday with the Champions League in mid-week. Gers get an extra day.

[rustysurf84]

Good god what happened to Newcastle? 3 goals in 5 minutes?

[The_Passenger]

Good god what happened to Newcastle? 3 goals in 5 minutes?

lol @ Cacapa being subbed after 18 minutes

thoughf rom what I can gather from the MotD highlights he was brushed off the ball for the 2nd and 3rd goals so easily he might as well not have been there, so perhaps it was for the best.

[badtaste]

He was just rolling around a lot and trying to get players booked.

I was rather looking forward to a game of football until the referee showed up. Oh well, fair result I reckon.

at one point he actually mimicked holding up a card to get the ref to book someone. what a fag.

quite a few spectacular goals today.

Eh, he's a Brazilian, it's in their blood as well as dancing and partying.

[rustysurf84]

123

[talk show host]

I didn't see the United-Arsenal match today but from what i've seen so far this season, Nani is a bigger prick than Anderson.


And Reading still can't win away :(

[Cecillianne]

i keep associating Nani-Anderson with Ronaldo, and i just naturally assume both are wankers for some reason.

Liverpool drew with dire football again :( but Harry, Harry Kewell. so much class, fantastic first touch and passing. he just sparked the game for Liverpool, the last 20 minutes or so we looked pretty decent.

[badtaste]

btw, so many awesome goals so far. Luke Young's goal was jizztastic.

btw, Valencia won away from home 2-0. Good sign.

[VomitStainedCretin]

btw, so many awesome goals so far. Luke Young's goal was jizztastic.Pamarot's was pretty sweet too, methinks.

[badtaste]

Pamarot's was pretty sweet too, methinks.

oh yeah, that was sweet as well. My memory is fuzzy now, but there were a few nice goals from Pompey.

[VomitStainedCretin]

Kranjcar's was funny: ball floating gently towards keeper; defender, under no pressure, needlessly deflects it past Harper.

[sgrevs]

Another excellent result for the 'Pool! Get in there! Fabulous finishing from Kuyt and Gerrard earns us an entirely valuable point! Needless to say it was on the same day that United and Arsenal drew. Everything is looking up 'Pool!

[VomitStainedCretin]

Another excellent result for the 'Pool! Get in there! Fabulous finishing from Kuyt and Gerrard earns us an entirely valuable point! Needless to say it was on the same day that United and Arsenal drew. Everything is looking up 'Pool!Do I detect a hint of sarcasm; :lol: at Kuyt's finishing, Gerard had some decent shots an inferior keeper to Friedel would have had trouble saving.

[Echleon]

The Belleti goal was brilliant!

[badtaste]

The Belleti goal was brilliant!

**** yeah, that one as well. So many great long range goals. I just love the sight of a ball rocketing towards the top corner, the goalkeeper making a huge leap while swiping at the ball.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Anyone get a sight of the Atlético Madrid - Villareal match? Absolutely brilliant, ended 3-4 to Villareal after they trailed all day, 2-0 down, then 3-2, Nihat comes on and scores twice, the winner in the 91st minute. Great match. Those two teams are the reasons La Liga is of a better quality than the Prem. The comparative teams are Blackburn, Everton and the like and they don't have the same quality. Atlético did brilliantly from the Torres deal. They lost him, and gained Simão, García, Reyes, and they've got Agüero who is going to be something. Villareal have players like Pires, Nihat, Senna, Rossi (scored his 7th league goal for the season today...) and the like. Good stuff.

Bolton got lucky from what I saw of the match from flicking over during the Spanish match. They look so crap, and about ten times crapper without Anelka. Megson's a Championship manager, for a Championship team. Definitely two points dropped for Ham.

[2muchket!]

Ahhh I remember Nihat from Champ Man 4 days.

Good player.

[The_Passenger]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wigan_athletic/7078772.stm

I always thought it was only a matter of time.

So who's next?

[talk show host]

It's got to be Southgate next surely.

[TakeWarning]

I'd say Billy Davies.

[The_Passenger]

It's got to be Southgate next surely

Yeah I expected him to be sacked before Hutchings actually.

I don't think that many managers would do well with the resources they have at either club though.

[TakeWarning]

I wouldn't say Southgate next. He's doing a pretty average job, but he hasn't got the most talented squad to work with.

And the players seem to respect him, as they showed against Tottenham on Sunday in the second half.

[The_Passenger]

I'm not sure. Southgate has to be pretty high on the list. With Davies I can see where you're coming from given Derby's abysmal start to the season, but they're are almost certainly going down no matter who's in charge.

[Dave de Sylvia]

I'd say Billy Davies.
I think Billy Davies' job is secure no matter what. Next season will be his challenge.

[VomitStainedCretin]

Gareth Southgate is one of the ugliest people on the planet. No matter how good he is at coaching he should be fired merely for that fact.

[Pastorius]

I don't know Lawrie Sanchez has such a big head that his face should be tiny in comparison. But his face just fills up his entire head.

[Dead Star]

Steve Bruce's face just annoys me.

[2muchket!]

It should be southgate next really.

Tbf the reason that we don't have a good squad is his fault because Gibson has and always will back his managers financially, so he can't use that as an excure.

I'd like to see a big name come to the boro attract some big name players.

MOURINHO OR JOL FOR THE BORO :D

[Pastorius]

Apparently Alan Curbishley is looking to sign Adriano...

[2muchket!]

In his dreams.

Inter are fighting it out for the Serie A title this year no chance of him going to a lesser club.

[VomitStainedCretin]

West Ham could always do another dodgy non-transparent transfer deal that sees them getting heavily fined but escaping relegation thanks to their signing's contributions.

[ChodaBoy]

Get innnnnnn! A crap performance, especially defensively, but a win is a win.

[The_Passenger]

In his dreams.

Inter are fighting it out for the Serie A title this year no chance of him going to a lesser club.

It does seem unlikely that Adriano will end up playing for West Ham (or any club not in Europe for that matter) but then again he's nowhere near as good as he used to be, he has 4 strikers above him in the pecking order at Inter and he's apparently fallen out with Mancini again. If he wants regular football then he probably will leave and given all the problems he's had I doubt many title-challenging clubs will be willing to take a risk on him, so maybe a move to a 'lesser' club would be a good idea.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Foreign players often take a step down just to get into the Premiership. Tevez and Mascherano, for instance. It's very difficult to get noticed by the bigger clubs unless you're playing regularly in the Champions League or the Premiership.

[Cecillianne]

i'm very happy at how there's been a serious lack of hoofing. the fullbacks have really made a difference.

[The_Passenger]

Holy crap, well done Liverpool.

[Iai]

Dear Mr. Benetiz,

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

HAHAHAHA

HA

Signed, Peter Crouch Fan.

[Ganondorf]

Greight.

[Echleon]

Damn them pesky scousers :O

[talk show host]

Um, well done Liverpool I guess.

[superpeer]

Haha, 8-0.

[2muchket!]

Maybe now benitez will see sense and Benayoun will get a run of games on the right wing.

[badtaste]

Another Kewell cross, another easy chance missed.

I'm telling you, this is the next resurrection.

So, anyway:
Porto 2-1 Marseille
Valencia 0-2 Rosenborg
Schalke 0-0 Chelsea
Lazio 2-1 Bremen
Olympiacos 0-0 Real Madrid
Celtic 1-0 Benfica
Shakhtar 0-3 Milan

Chelsea were lucky with that, as Schalke had two that came off the post. Porto's first goal was sexy, a beautiful burst of speed after a stepover.

[talk show host]

Jeez, Rosenborg really are doing quite well.

[badtaste]

Yeah, got to love an underdog fighting against the big clubs.

[Pastorius]

LIVERPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

Biggest ever goal deficit in the Champion's League. Babel did well, but he was against pretty much 4 floundering idiots when he came on.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Jesus God, two record Champions League margins in the space of two weeks. The standard some of these teams bring to the table is just appalling. Liverpool won comfortably but I don't think there's much encouragement to be taken from the performance. They were clinical, yes, but it doesn't really tell them much about how they'll perform against better sides.

Celtic were dreadful again and somehow managed a hard-fought win. I think their luck is up too, but a UEFA Cup spot should be pretty much guaranteed now.

[badtaste]

Jesus God, two record Champions League margins in the space of two weeks. The standard some of these teams bring to the table is just appalling. Liverpool won comfortably but I don't think there's much encouragement to be taken from the performance. They were clinical, yes, but it doesn't really tell them much about how they'll perform against better sides.

Eh, sometimes heavy investments do pay off, sometimes they don't (like a fortnight ago). But yeah, as soon as Liverpool start playing some quality again, long ball here we come.

[rustysurf84]

Good to see Celtic pull one out, but how about Rosenburg. They must only need a few more points to see the knockout stages?

[Pastorius]

Eh, sometimes heavy investments do pay off, sometimes they don't (like a fortnight ago). But yeah, as soon as Liverpool start playing some quality again, long ball here we come.

Hopefully this will give them the confidence to expand their game a little more from the long ball game that Crouch encourages. He won't lose his man quite so easily against better teams, but he's proving a massive nuisance.

I definitely rate Benayoun on the right, he's played there a few times and been great each time.

[badtaste]

Hopefully this will give them the confidence to expand their game a little more from the long ball game that Crouch encourages. He won't lose his man quite so easily against better teams, but he's proving a massive nuisance.

I definitely rate Benayoun on the right, he's played there a few times and been great each time.

I don't think its a confidence issue. I think it is Benitez trying to apply his version of a winning strategy. In the first 10 minutes or so, they were playing the long ball to crouch. As soon as they scored the first, and definitely after the second, they stopped that, and started playing down the wings.

Wasn't Pennant playing really well prior to his injury?

I read that Wenger is resting Fabregas and Hleb for their game tomorrow. Methinks Song and Gilberto Silva are coming in.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Did anyone see the "tackle" by the Benfica midfielder on Brown? It was shockingly high, one of the worst tackles I've ever seen. Somehow he managed to escape injury, but it was horrific. He was lucky it wasn't his standing leg that was hit.

[Echleon]

Did anyone see the "tackle" by the Benfica midfielder on Brown? It was shockingly high, one of the worst tackles I've ever seen. Somehow he managed to escape injury, but it was horrific. He was lucky it wasn't his standing leg that was hit.

Yeah that was shocking, made me cringe.

[Pastorius]

Pennant was playing pretty well, yeah. It was more a case of him just having much more passion than the rest of the team, chasing players down, putting in 100% in every game.

[badtaste]

Where is everyone? All the Euros disappeared or something?

Lyon 4-2 Stuttgart
Barcelona 2-0 Rangers
Man. United 4-0 Dynamo Kyiv
Sporting 2-2 Roma
Internazionale 4-2 CSKA Moskva
Fenerbahçe 2-0 PSV
Steaua 0-2 Sevilla
Slavia 0-0 Arsenal

Plenty of goals this morning, though none from Arsenal despite their thrashing of Slavia 2 weeks ago. Rangers were crap; Inter came from 2 goals down, Ibrahimovic had some superb goals. Man United pretty much burnt through Dynamo.

[rustysurf84]

Eh, Arsenal had their b-team out and the weather was garbage. I guess they're through, but they really should qualify above Sevilla. Props to Inter for coming back in style.

[sgrevs]

'Pool back in the goals, its about time really. Glad to see Crouchie got a few, he needs them, Babel too. Hopefully we can do the same to Porto and Marseille.

[rik]

Our last two results have really been ****. I really, really want a win against the mackems on Saturday.

[Dave de Sylvia]

'Pool back in the goals, its about time really. Glad to see Crouchie got a few, he needs them
Yeah this whole being left on the bench for no reason thing seems to have impacted on his ability to score in every game. Oh wait nevermind, rotation works!

[superpeer]

It's a shame, Moskau didn't beat Inter, that would've been cool. I also thought Sporting had beaten the Romans, but I guess they scored at the last second, because I checked the scores when the matches were as good as over.

Bummer!

Now it's UEFA cup time.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Moskau
lmao

[Timm]

bayern is raping bolton wanderers hehe
2-1, could be easily 4-1

2-2! incredible :lol:

[Ganondorf]

What are Bayern Munich doing in the UEFA Cup? hahahahahahaha

[badtaste]

Our last two results have really been ****. I really, really want a win against the mackems on Saturday.

Dukes is back, so that should be good.

bayern is raping bolton wanderers hehe
2-1, could be easily 4-1

2-2! incredible :lol:

Yeh, Davies pulled that out of his aaarse.

Everton won their game 2-0 as well, Arteta and Anichebe scored.

[Pastorius]

Oh my lord, just saw that 'tackle' on Brown, that was brutal. Lengthy ban and big fine I think.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Yeah the guy made some ridiculous comment about it later. "It was a bit high" or something.

[Pastorius]

It was a stamp! There was clearly no intention to play the ball at all. The angle his leg made against Brown's leg was the angle you'd use to snap a piece of wood propped against a wall.

[rik]

Dukes is back, so that should be good.

Yer, i'm hoping Allardyce will start Viduka with Martins. Playing Owen is like playing with ten men except he might nick you a goal.

[Surtr]

Christ just caught the video of it.

****ing rediculous.

I really can't see him getting away with it though.

[badtaste]

http://www.theworldgame.com.au/opinions/index.php?pid=st&cid=99165&ct=37

Interesting article regarding Brazil's hosting of the WC.

[Dave de Sylvia]

haha Sunderland fail to convert dominance into points again

[talk show host]

It must be crap being a Derby fan right now.

[Dave de Sylvia]

I actually know a Derby fan. They were so close to pulling it back to 1-1 though, Miller missed a straightforward header from 6 yards, and West Ham literally went straight down the other end and scored 4 goals.

[Cecillianne]

i want to date rape Torres so bad. Liverpool looked a lot better as of late but they should've killed Fulham earlier.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Women, always wanting to date before the raping :rolleyes:

[badtaste]

How did Liverpool play? Strategy wise?

[Echleon]

Was hoping to watch Inter vs Lazio, but it was cancelled due to one of the Lazio fans being killed by a stray bullet by a Policeman (reports are saying) on the way to the match.

Really terrible, Italian football has had a really bad year; what with all the violence and all.

[2muchket!]

And yet to talk to any person who claims to know a thing about football outside of england and they reckon were terrible for violence.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Well that's mainly because English fans take their violence abroad because it's properly policed at home. It's the opposite in Italy.

[Cecillianne]

Women, always wanting to date before the raping :rolleyes:
they're less willing about accepting spiked drinks otherwise.

How did Liverpool play? Strategy wise?
very narrow play mostly, practically no width except what little that came from the fullbacks. Benayoun didn't look as effective, and Riise... mehhhh. some attacking play involved, but not much in the final third (Voronin fluffed a few). twas only when the subs came on Liverpool stretched Fulham a bit, but goals came from a goal kick and some Torres brilliance; and a pen.

[badtaste]

Cahill, I love you.

[rik]

Benayoun out for Israel - Russia. Very bad news for us England fans.

[Dave de Sylvia]

He's useless for Israel anyway, they'll probably do better with a more honest player.

[Echleon]

I've just decided to accept the idea that we're not going to qualify.

[2muchket!]

Keep the faith mate.

[Echleon]

It's going to be really tense.

I mean, we still have to beat Croatia even if Israel get a result against Russia.

[talk show host]

You know what will happen. Israel will get a result, the hype machine will start back up only for us to bottle it against Croatia.

[The_Passenger]

And yet to talk to any person who claims to know a thing about football outside of england and they reckon were terrible for violence.

This is probably a hang over from the 80s. Although it may seem odd to still judge by those standards I don't really blame people for thinking that way.

Plus weren't the fans of some English team judged to be the 'worst in Europe' by UEFA last season? I can't remember which one it was, although I'm thinking Liverpool.

But yeah things in Italy are pretty bad at the moment. Dead fan, abandoned match etc

Edit: regarding ingerland, I really don't think we're going to qualify. One positive is maybe the media will realise we're actually not that great and not be so demanding of whoever gets the job next.

[Dave de Sylvia]

You know what will happen. Israel will get a result, the hype machine will start back up only for us to bottle it against Croatia.
Setting the scene for a last minute David Beckham free kick!

[2muchket!]

More chance of Robinson keeping a clean sheet than that.

[Echleon]

I think Macca should give Robert Green a go against Austria.

With Rooney injured again and no Heskey, I just hope we dont return to the World Cup tactic of hoofing a long ball up to Crouch and hoping for some sort of outcome.

[talk show host]

Setting the scene for a last minute David Beckham free kick!

Oh god, if England somehow qualify with Mclaren being sacked regardless, a last minute Beckham freekick would be the most beautiful/hilarious way for it to happen.

[Echleon]

Hmm, Arsenal 3-1.

Bares well for my Fantasy team I guess - would have been even better if they hadn't conceeded the late goal :(

[talk show host]

Shorey's goal helped my fantasy team :D

Shame about the result though it wasn't exactly unexpected. I thought Arsenal were going to have one of those games where they can't finish. It was looking good for the first 45 minutes or so :(

[rustysurf84]

Shorey's goal helped my fantasy team :D

Shame about the result though it wasn't exactly unexpected. I thought Arsenal were going to have one of those games where they can't finish. It was looking good for the first 45 minutes or so :(

Arsenal seem to have shook that notion that they can never score. Hopefully Lehmann will move along in January, considering he's being such a pain in the ***.

[2muchket!]

Yep not that great of a keeper tho'.

Adebayor is certainly banging them in this season.

[Cecillianne]

why why why is Arsenal doing so well :(

[badtaste]

btw, Italian football has gone to pieces again.

[TakeWarning]

Yeah, Kaka pointed out all the good players would probably leave Italy if the violence continued.

But as much as I'd like to see Kaka in England, let's hope the Italians get their act together and stamp it out.

[Dead Star]

k guys

Opinions on Scotlands chances at the weekend plz

[Iai]

They'll have to hope one of the other team get shot or something.

[Spiney_Norman]

Defend like crazy and hope they nick something on the break. Can't see it happening though, unfortunately.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Defend like crazy and hope they nick something on the break. Can't see it happening though, unfortunately.
Actually, that's what Italy will do. People are underestimating Scotland, they have some tremendous attacking options and are a decent all-round team, Georgia result aside. I would be very surprised if Italy do anything except enough to secure a draw, but unfortunately I think they'll do it. I have my fingers crossed though, I'd love to see the Scots back at top-level competition.

[rustysurf84]

Bleh, the situation in Italy saddens me. Crazy stuff, and completely out of control.

Serie A going to be shut down?

[2muchket!]

k guys

Opinions on Scotlands chances at the weekend plz

I'm going to be supporting the scots this weekend with me grand pa


I think they might get a result. Hampden will be absolutely offit tho

[munky_magik]

Actually, that's what Italy will do. People are underestimating Scotland, they have some tremendous attacking options and are a decent all-round team, Georgia result aside. I would be very surprised if Italy do anything except enough to secure a draw, but unfortunately I think they'll do it. I have my fingers crossed though, I'd love to see the Scots back at top-level competition.
Ah, you're nice man.

Not optimistic, though :(

[DonMancini]

Bleh, the situation in Italy saddens me. Crazy stuff, and completely out of control.

Serie A going to be shut down?

It's really sad, this whole situation. SOMETHING needs to be done, they need to get rid of the violence now, drastic action must be taken. It really saddens me because this year Serie A was sooooo great to watch, every game I watched was intense and of the highest quality. It's a shame that the game is being ruined by the violence. Again, something needs to be done, and I say this as an Italian.

[VomitStainedCretin]

A consortium headed by Roy Disney apparently is looking into buying Derby.

[Dave de Sylvia]

They'll have to hope one of the other team get shot or something.
It's taken me a full day to actually get this. Well played!

[superpeer]

The cop that shot the supporter is getting tried for murder. That's good.

[Pastorius]

I read a report that said he tried to fire a warning shot into the air, but he shot through a car window instead or something! What was the car doing, jumping over him off a ramp?

[superpeer]

Yeah, that didn't make much sense to me either.

[Pastorius]

Perhaps he was a midget.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Perhaps the car thought it was an airplane.

[superpeer]

Perhaps the car was particularly sky blue.

[rustysurf84]

Yeah that whole story seems odd, was this on a overpass or something like that?

[VomitStainedCretin]

From the sounds of it the guy was not a hooligan involved in the fight so it would make little sense if the policeman shot him deliberately.

[rustysurf84]

I believe he was a DJ of some sorts? Also worked some of the parties for Lazio apparently, so I can't believe the policeman thought he was a hooligan and rioting, but who knows.

[Cecillianne]

or or or it could've been entirely an accident. certainly sounds like one, albeit a pretty freak one, but Italian fans retaliating back so violently against the police is pretty out of order.

[Spiney_Norman]

It just seems to be an excuse for violence, really...
Also, Binya's been banned for six games: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7097971.stm

[Cecillianne]

glass man Owen cracks again! Owen's gonna miss the Croatia match.

watching the friendly made me fall asleep. it was either the dull, dire football or the fact that it was on so late it was early in my timezone.

[rik]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/rikcoe/michael-owen-gallery-03.jpg

[ChodaBoy]

glass man Owen cracks again! Owen's gonna miss the Croatia match.

watching the friendly made me fall asleep. it was either the dull, dire football or the fact that it was on so late it was early in my timezone.

It was just very, very dull. I was sat i the common room watching it, and fell asleep like 3 times during the second half. So I just walked out eventually.

Owen is the new Harry Kewell

[Cecillianne]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/rikcoe/michael-owen-gallery-03.jpg
big sam must be pretty ****ed off heh.

i wouldn't mind England not qualifying tbh, at least that's one less boring football team in Euro 08.

[VomitStainedCretin]

big sam must be pretty ****ed off heh.He has more productive strikers who aren't cripples.

[rik]

Yer, i'd rather see Martins and Viduka starting up front anyway.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Owen's looked the most dangerous in all the matches I've seen. He pretty much carried the entire team against Sunderland, though Viduka was admittedly short of practice.

Ireland v Wales tonight for the title of "shittest team in the British Isles"

hooray!

edit: actually it's in about 20 minutes

[Cecillianne]

He has more productive strikers who aren't cripples.
that particular cripple cost a crapload though.

[rik]

Owen's looked the most dangerous in all the matches I've seen. He pretty much carried the entire team against Sunderland, though Viduka was admittedly short of practice.

Ireland v Wales tonight for the title of "shittest team in the British Isles"

hooray!

edit: actually it's in about 20 minutes
I didn't really notice Owen doing much against Sunderland, he needs to do more when he's on the ball, which isn't much at all. Smith was our main man at sunderland.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Well nobody was your main man against Sunderland, you got schooled by a team of players who are mostly experiencing their first few weeks of top-flight football. With the exception of Owen and Rozenahl, and maybe Smith although I can't say I noticed him, you basically had no players.

Also 1-1 ugh. This Wales team are woeful but they're actually trying.

[rik]

I totally agree, we didn't deserve anything from that game, we were shocking, and they shouldv'e scored more.

No one played well for Newcastle, but Smith for me was good defensively, he played the DM role well I thought.

[Dave de Sylvia]

In a couple of months time, the Sunderland side probably would have put 2 or 3 in, and wouldn't have conceded a silly cross/goal. Your main problem is that the team has no spine, and I can't really see what players are coming back into the side to plug it. Sam's going to need to pull off another one of his dodgy deals to bring in Kaka or Robinho or something.

Another last minute goal, our fourth in this campaign by my reading, gives Wales a well-deserved 2-2 draw. Which is just humiliating beyond words.

Scotland 1-0 within a minute :(

[Cecillianne]

wtf Scotland i switched the game on late and Toni sunk one in already. i would've thought with the rain it'd rattle Italy.

[Spiney_Norman]

Not the best of starts... :(

[Cecillianne]

some decent corners taken though.

[Cecillianne]

on behalf of Scotland:

thx you linesman.

edit: i'm not even Scottish, i like underdog type games

funny how Italy rarely gets forward but they make it count.

[Dead Star]

:(:(

Come on lads

[rik]

Get in Israel 1- 0 up

[talk show host]

go Scotland