Euro 2008 (Official Man City LOL Thread)

[Cecillianne]

Currently injured Wayne Rooney has gone back to studying for his GCSEs. (Daily Mail)
lmfao!

[rik]

I'd welcome Riise to Newcastle.

[Frankie]

Aye riise's still a very good player. Fair cop he hasn't been his usual outstanding self this season.

[Britney Diva]

My brother, the Liverpool fan, hates Riise and thinks he should have been sacked a couple of years ago. From what I've seen this season, the team's looked better with him in it.

[superpeer]

I was not aware of this.

My spirits are lifted slightly

Well, they do have Guðjohnsen, just keep your eyes on him. :p

[talk show host]

and that Gunnarsson chap!

[superpeer]

Son of a Gunnar!

Dunno him. :\

Can someone explain what the point is of South Africa playing qualifications if they quality automatically?

Also, I feel sorry for New Zealand, now they have to play tiny islands all the time and they will win the Oceania Cup every time, it will get boring. I hope they qualify for the World Cup. =')

Wasn't the Oceania winner placed against a South American country before? And now they have to play an Asian country, did they change this? If so what was the point of Australia changing confederation? I'm sure they could've beaten whoever finished 5th in Asia. =(

[talk show host]

Can someone explain what the point is of South Africa playing qualifications if they quality automatically?



I'm not sure but I think it's something to do with the African Nations Cup qualification. The two overlap or something so South Africa are in it to qualify for the ANC not the WC.

I think :confused: Seems a bit odd though.

[VomitStainedCretin]

South Africa better pray MacCarthy decides to play the World Cup 2010 or they're going to embarass themmselves.

[Frankie]

The qualifiers as previously said count for both the African Cup Of Nations in 2010 and the World Cup in 2010.

Plus I'd imagine it would pay to play competitive games rather than just friendlies so it's in SA interest innit/

[superpeer]

I suppose, I suppose!

South Africa's most recent African Nations Cup:

2006 - Round 1

How do they expect to do in the World Cup if they can't even get past round 1 in the Africa Cup.

I do remember them being in the World Cup once, though. I will check when this was and then decide if I have to feel old brb

Okay, 2002, that is acceptable. I'm afraid I also remember the 1998 world cup and even the '94 one. omg old =')

[rik]

I remember the 98 world cup well, I was so devastated going out to the Argies on penaltys.

I don't think I even know who won the 94 world cup.

[talk show host]

Euro 96 is the earliest tournament I remember.

Southgate :angry:

[superpeer]

I remember the 98 world cup well, I was so devastated going out to the Argies on penaltys.

I don't think I even know who won the 94 world cup.

Brasil! I remember they had Taffarel in the goal. =')

[Britney Diva]

I remember Euro 92 and I have a vague recollection of Italia 90 but I may have made it up.

[Britney Diva]

So it looks like this Celtic Cup idea is going ahead, but without England, beginning in 2009. Apparently the FA have been suggesting a one-off home nations tournament for the summer, but they've been denied. Neville Southall and Mickey Thomas went postal on the FA because they dismissed the idea last year when it was suggested, and now suddenly want it to happen.

“Nobody from the FA has contacted the Welsh FA. If they do we’ll listen but I wouldn’t have thought it would happen.

“The Celtic nations are very close to finalising the details of The Celtic Cup tournament and it would be highly unlikely that both tournaments would happen.

“And we’ve worked so hard to make the Celtic Cup dream a reality, it would seem nonsensical to put that in danger now, especially for just a one-off.”

England had their chance to recreate the Home Internationals tournament last year, but FA bosses categorically dismissed the suggestions.

But their home humbling by Croatia 3-2 on Wednesday meant the English failed to qualify for a major tournament for the first time in 14 years.

Asked if England’s sudden desperation of reviving the Home Internationals just because they’ve nothing better to do is demeaning, Rees replied: “Quite.”

Wales greats Mickey Thomas and Neville Southall yesterday backed the Welsh FA’s stance and insisted ‘We do not want the crumbs of England’s table.”

Former Manchester United star Thomas said: “England just want to use us for a year while they’ve got nothing better to do.

“They’re just feeding us the crumbs off their table and thinking ‘It is only little Wales, they’ll bend over backwards to play us’. Who do they think they are?

“Just because they won a World Cup a long time ago, England believe they’re better than everyone else. Why should we bow down to them?

“England can’t just play us when they want to. The FA should show us some respect and I hope the Welsh, Irish and Scottish FAs stand up to them. And after last week’s results Wales are in a good position to tell England ‘We don’t need you.’

“England lost to Croatia at Wembley and we drew in Germany – and it’s Germany who are the world force not Croatia.

“John Toshack is blooding a lot of young players and they don’t need to play second-rate teams like England, we want to play big teams and learn from winners like the Italians, the French, the Brazilians, the Argentines or the Germans.

“England just want a quick-fix, money-making exercise and to cash in from the Welsh, Scots and Irish drinking the Wembley bars dry.

“If they were to commit to the Home Internationals long-term then we should listen, if not then let’s get the Celtic Cup on.”

Welsh goalkeeping legend Southall added: “England are being a bit cheeky – just because they’re not good enough to qualify for the main tournament, they’ll start one of their own.

“England can’t just use us when they want us because I can’t see the FA committing to a Home Internationals long-term.”

The proposed Celtic Cup will be played on international friendly dates while the Home International were pencilled in for the summer.

Welsh FA president Rees, secretary general David Collins and coach John Toshack are in Durban this weekend, along with every other football association, for the qualifying draw for the 2010 World Cup.

“I’m sure we’ll bump into the English delegation at some point,” concluded Rees.
The bolded line is such a great insult.

[VomitStainedCretin]

I suppose, I suppose!

South Africa's most recent African Nations Cup:

2006 - Round 1

How do they expect to do in the World Cup if they can't even get past round 1 in the Africa Cup.

I do remember them being in the World Cup once, though. I will check when this was and then decide if I have to feel old brb

Okay, 2002, that is acceptable. I'm afraid I also remember the 1998 world cup and even the '94 one. omg old =')SA won the African Nations Cup in the mid 90s but have gone downhill since.

[superpeer]

The perfect time to host a World Cup!

[Alf™]

Sydney FC vs. LA Galaxy tonight. It's on prime time TV, with a Beckham interview before hand, which is interesting, to say the least. The hype for this has been good.

Edit: Half an hour in, Sydney up 3-0.

[ChodaBoy]

Is it a good match? I dont claim to know much about either side so I have no idea what it would be like

[big80smullet]

its 3-1 now in the FC - Galaxy game

Also NZ will easily win oceania but they might struggle with the 5th place asian nation. i hope bioth NZ and Australia make the world cup and australia smokes NZ

[badtaste]

Sydney FC vs. LA Galaxy tonight. It's on prime time TV, with a Beckham interview before hand, which is interesting, to say the least. The hype for this has been good.

Edit: Half an hour in, Sydney up 3-0.

It's basically "Channel 10 sucking Beckham's dick".

[Alf™]

Not really, but alright.

[Echleon]

So Alex McLeish has gone - looks like he will be on his way to Birmingham.

[superpeer]

Lyon - Barcelona on TV tonight.

Go Lyon. =)

[rustysurf84]

Bleh, Arsenal lost. Anyone know what happened with Wenger? Apparently, he was sent off but refused to leave?

[Minus The Flair]

haha, Ronaldo's 'I'm pretty good' face. What a goal.

[Pastorius]

What a cocky bastard, got to love him.

[superpeer]

Bleh, Arsenal lost. Anyone know what happened with Wenger? Apparently, he was sent off but refused to leave?

Same happened with Rijkaard in Lyon - Barcelona. Sort of, he got sent off the field and had to watch from somewhere else.

2-2, it was.

Lyon had a lot of control of the ball, but didn't really create chances, they scored two goals with a penalty and a free kick. Barcelona scored on a penalty too. Coupet is a great keeper, btw, he saved Lyon a couple of time.

Still, a shame, I always love to see Barcelona lose.

here are ze scores:


Stuttgart - Glasgow Rangers 3-2
Lyon - Barcelona 2-2
Dinamo Kiev - AS Roma 1-4
Manchester United - Sporting 2-1
CSKA Moskou - PSV 0-1
Inter - Fenerbahçe 3-0
Sevilla - Arsenal 3-1
Steaua Boekarest - Slavia Praag 1-1

[Frankie]

What a goal Ronny :')

Gotta love the bloke.

[badtaste]

What a goal Ronny :')

Gotta love the bloke.

Those floater balls are deadly.

Inter-Fenerbahce game was pretty good. Ibrahimovic's goal was pure class, pure arrogance. btw, anyone know where the Italian in Inter Milan went?

[Britney Diva]

I'm surprised Barcelona haven't conceded before today. Their defence is absolutely woeful?

Also did anybody see Gudjohnsen's great tackle in the second half? He pretty much just threw himself to the ground and cover his head, and that was his attempt to win the ball.

[munky_magik]

Blah McLeish.
Blah Rangers.

[superpeer]

I'm surprised Barcelona haven't conceded before today. Their defence is absolutely woeful?

Also did anybody see Gudjohnsen's great tackle in the second half? He pretty much just threw himself to the ground and cover his head, and that was his attempt to win the ball.

idk puyol is pretty good

I think they should've given him red though for crawling in front of Govou when he could've been in front of an open goal. =(


I think I saw it, he wasn't playing very well. Silly Icelander.

Blah McLeish.
Blah Rangers.

Can you hear the Rangers sing?!

Celtic ftw. Seriously though, UEFA Cup will be much better for the Rangers, anyway.

[Britney Diva]

Rangers only have to draw at home with a Lyon side that could barely score an open goal, so I'd have them down as the favourites right now.

idk puyol is pretty good
He was the worst offender for the first goal. 10 years experience and he still can't head a ball.

[rustysurf84]

Agreed, Rangers have a great chance of going through. All they need is a draw right?

[Frankie]

I predict a Celtic win tonight.

They're home form is excellent and they really should beat Shaktar.

[badtaste]

Rangers only have to draw at home with a Lyon side that could barely score an open goal, so I'd have them down as the favourites right now.

He was the worst offender for the first goal. 10 years experience and he still can't head a ball.

AHaa, nice avatar.

I predict a Celtic win tonight.

They're home form is excellent and they really should beat Shaktar.

Yeh, hopefully Scotty McDonald can deliver, the guy's on fire.

I'm hoping the Liverpool-Porto game will be exciting tomorrow, have to wake up at 6:30am for that stuff.

[Pastorius]

I don't think the Porto game is on TV, which is annoying. I want to watch it but I don't have the money to go down the pub.

[VomitStainedCretin]

Hopefully those dirty stereo-stealers get pwned.

[talk show host]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7116823.stm

haha, if he had any chance of being England manager before, I think it's gone now.

[rik]

Anyone know when Cech's expected back for Chelsea?

[Pastorius]

What a vague article, no information at all!

[ATM]

Wow, Liverpool are having a tough time.

[ChodaBoy]

Anyone know when Cech's expected back for Chelsea?

It looks like will be back this weekend, if not, then the following week seems definate. I could do with him back, not alot of confidence in Robert Green for my fantasy team

[rik]

Torres again, good finish.

[Dead Star]

Celtic you jammy cunts.

[badtaste]

Celtic you jammy cunts.

A win's a win.

I was going for Porto... until Kewell was subbed in. Nice to see him having a role in the matchwinner. Porto sucked for 75% of the match, so fair win I guess.

Chelsea destroyed Rosenborg. Man, SWP has such amazing balance.

[Britney Diva]

hahaha get in Celtic! That's their ninth lucky home point in the Champions League, but a win's a win. In Celtic's defence, they did try to win the match while Shaktar showed absolutely no will to even play football.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7116823.stm

haha, if he had any chance of being England manager before, I think it's gone now.
Actually if Venables is anything to go by it may just secure him the job.

[Frankie]

Get in there celtic. Now all they need to do is steady themselves away to Milan grab a draw and qualifications in the bag. Just hoping there terrible away record doesn't let 'em down

[superpeer]

Haha, gg, Werder Bremen. It's good that the smaller teams are getting some wins.

[sgrevs]

Liverpool back on the way up, I knew we could do it. Now we just need a win at Marseilles and we're through. All this fighting with Hicks and Gillet should blow over when(if) we progress, but if Benitez gets sacked it will be diabolical.

[Britney Diva]

I think Rafa's days are numbered.

[Pastorius]

It seems that if you're the manager and you disagree with the owners these days, you won't be the manager for long. It's a bad thing, because it means you'll get weak willed managers who will just pick the team they think will please the board, rather than the team they think will win.

[Cecillianne]

seems like everything was overblown, and now there's talk that Gillet and Hicks have some personal problems among themselves.

some pretty schocking passing in the Liverpool game, but i'll take the 4-1 thx. the way the whole stadium went mental after Celtic's goal was awesome.

[badtaste]

So a few years ago I thought this Flamini guy was pretty hopeless.

[VomitStainedCretin]

So a few years ago I thought this Flamini guy was pretty hopeless.Yeah, nice goal today, has powerful shot on both feet as evidenced by his second attempt.

Speaking of powerful shots; Bentley=wow!

[rustysurf84]

Flamini's goal was excellent, but Villa really put Arsenal under in the 2nd half.

[Cecillianne]

Bentley scored good goals, but him shouting that's who i am! that's who i am! was pretty lame.

John Terry is a **** sometimes, what he did was completely unnecessary. Chelsea players are turning out to be spoilt, undisciplined players whose managers just keep defending their actions to death

[badtaste]

Bentley scored good goals, but him shouting that's who i am! that's who i am! was pretty lame.

Hey, the guy's got to pump himself up somehow.

Was looking through the premier league website...

http://www.premierleague.com/page/Magazinedettail/0,,12306~1175492,00.html

Those were the days :*|

In other news, Kaka has won the European Player of the Year award with Cronaldo second, and Messi third.

[Spiney_Norman]

Chelsea players are turning out to be spoilt, undisciplined players whose managers just keep defending their actions to death

True, hasn't Chelsea only just been charged with failing to control players? They seem completely unwilling to do anything about it...

Also, draw for Euros: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7123700.stm

Group C looks immense.

[badtaste]

Group C looks immense.

Holland
Italy
Romania
France

DAYUMNNNNNN

btw, how come I don't see England anywhere? :lol:

[Spiney_Norman]

:rolleyes:

Just found out that some people thought England/Scotland might get back into Euro 08 cos of the match-fixing thing, which is rather amusing. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7122881.stm)

:) Desperation, anyone?

[Cecillianne]

Holland
Italy
Romania
France


Italy and France again? :confused: coincidences pile up too much.

[Timm]

haha turkey and switzerland in one group :D

[Britney Diva]

:rolleyes:

Just found out that some people thought England/Scotland might get back into Euro 08 cos of the match-fixing thing, which is rather amusing. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7122881.stm)

:) Desperation, anyone?
haha yeah, The Star ran with that on Saturday despite the fact UEFA denied it was anything to do with Euro 2008 like 10 minutes after the story broke.

Keane just got sent off for "a two footed challenge over the ball," for which to be true he'd need three legs and for the ball to have been underground. I don't understand how referees allow a dozen two footed challenges to go by and then pick one arbitrary challenge to give the red card. In this case it wasn't even worthy of a yellow.

[VomitStainedCretin]

Holland
Italy
Romania
FranceRomania may be regretting winning their group...:lol:

[Pastorius]

Come on Liverpool, we are absolute beasts. Torres has just got pace to burn, with some coaching he's going to be so amazing.

[Spiney_Norman]

Keane just got sent off for "a two footed challenge over the ball,"

That was harsh, especially seeing Diouf's "tackle" on a Liverpool player - basically just stamped on the guy's shin - which he only got a yellow for.

Birmingham's winner was amazing though :thumb:

[sgrevs]

Come on Liverpool, we are absolute beasts. Torres has just got pace to burn, with some coaching he's going to be so amazing.

We bloody well are aren't we. It's a shame though, I wanted to see Crouch on the scorecard. Good to see Torres gunning it though.

[badtaste]

Someone tell me how Kewell went. pretty please.

I want to see Tottenham get relegated. They suck big time.

Larsson's goal = epicccccccccccc

Gerrard's performance = also epicc

[Cecillianne]

Kewell was sex. amazing first touches, was always on the move, created loads as well. he had a really good game, even got into a little scuffle refl.

[Pastorius]

Larsson's goal was unbelievable, it's the kind that just gets better each time you watch it. Mind you, old butterfingers Robinson would have spilled it wherever it went, so top corner is just showing off.

Kewell was good for a returning player, still nowhere near his best though. He seemed lacking in confidence, a little trepidation in taking the ball past defenders, but encouraging.

[Minus The Flair]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2941112,00.html

hahahaha. oh, you boro.

[Britney Diva]

haha Gareth Southgate showing off his transfer market skills again.

[talk show host]

It's worth a try I guess.

[Pastorius]

Not a chance in hell!

[Frankie]

Ravenelli was the top goal scorer in Serie A when we signed him. Juninho was in the Brazilian team when we signed. Never say never. No-one thought tevez would go to West Ham last season.

[Pastorius]

Tevez wasn't moving from Barcelona...

[Frankie]

Good point.

(look man I'm clinging onto some hope here, we've got a prat for a manager and are in the relegation zone for the first time in 3 years)

[Pastorius]

Ha, stranger rumours have circulated, it must be said. Southgate is such a terrible manager, all he says every week is "Well we tried our best, and at the end of the day, we can't ask any more of our players, if we lose we lose."

The man's all nose and no fight.

[Iai]

hahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahaha

As far as I'm concerned that makes our entire season worth it.

[Frankie]

I reckon southy'll be sacked if we lose our next game.

I hope so anyway :(


Gotta love Robbo tho' :D http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A29788627

[Britney Diva]

haha, so Ronaldo gets booked for diving when it was probably the clearest foul committed all season (Stephen Hunt's tackles aside)

[The_Passenger]

Tevez wasn't moving from Barcelona...

Ravenelli did come from Juventus (who I believe had just won the European Cup), so miracles can happen.

But I wouldn't hold out too much hope for Boro, but it would be pretty cool if it did happen.

[VomitStainedCretin]

haha, so Ronaldo gets booked for diving when it was probably the clearest foul committed all season (Stephen Hunt's tackles aside)Such things greatly delight me; that pansy reaps what he sows.

[Iai]

haha, so Ronaldo gets booked for diving when it was probably the clearest foul committed all season (Stephen Hunt's tackles aside)
+ Kuyt's impression of a suicide bomber



wait wtf that image makes no sense whatsoever

imagine the suicide bomber's flying a plane or something

[badtaste]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2941112,00.html

hahahaha. oh, you boro.

This is painfully funny.

In other news, this C. Ronaldo guy scored two goals against Fulham, anyone ever heard of him?

[Iai]

No no, it's pronounced 'Cronaldo'. All one word.

[Pastorius]

Or just C Ron (See. Ron.)

[Britney Diva]

lmao Keane's appeal against his red card has been rejected. Of course it has, he's not English!

[talk show host]

I'm looking very shortly at having some time off. I can't enjoy management. I work all week to win a game. If we win I have an unbeatable high for 20 minutes, but then it's thinking about the next game. If we are beaten, it's a bottomless pit. It goes through my mind when I get beat, do I need this?

please don't go :(

[Britney Diva]

Stemo Coppell.

[Britney Diva]

Benfica are doing Shakhtar a huge favour, winning 2-0 away in Ukraine. Celtic - Milan still 0-0.

[talk show host]

The Milan-Celtic game is really boring at the moment. Looking good for Celtic to get through though.

[badtaste]

I don't understand why my usual football provider didn't show these games this morning.

[Minus The Flair]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2946434,00.html

Tough luck 'Boro.

[badtaste]

Holy shmokes.

Bad move though. I think Abramovich is aiming to get a balance of stars on the pitch and on the bench/.

[rik]

I'm really looking forward to the Arsenal game tonight, even though we'll probably lose.

[Iai]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2946434,00.html

Tough luck 'Boro.
Who cares, we're getting Vassell and Beattie!

:upset:

[Iai]

Also, I would laugh so hard if Allardyce gets sacked before Southgate. Just sayin'.

[Frankie]

Also, I would laugh so hard if Allardyce gets sacked before Southgate. Just sayin'.

As would I.

And I hope to god we don't sign Vassell or Beattie.

They'd be amongst the worst signings southy could make the mug.

[Iai]

To be fair, if we get outbid for Afonso Alves, I'm not sure who else would want to go to Middlesbrough who's any good.

[rustysurf84]

Bleh, Arsenal piss away the game in hand.

[rik]

Really impressed with Newcastle tonight, we were definetly the better of the two sides and could've taken all three points. Though I would've definetly taken a point before the game so i'm happy.

Our next four games are all against 'weaker' sides, so if we play the same as we did today for those matches I think 4 wins in a row could be on the cards.

[badtaste]

Cahill!!!!!!!!!!

[rustysurf84]

That Red Card against Zenit was garbage, the referee completely got that one wrong.

[badtaste]

Arteta missed the penalty anyway, which is about 5% justice returned.

Um... Pim Verbeek is the new coach of the Socceroos.

[sgrevs]

wtf is Pim Verbeek? Should we know this guy? Curses on Advocaat for rejecting us.

[TakeWarning]

Yeah, never heard of him before this week.

Let's hope he does well for the Socceroos.

[badtaste]

He was the last coach of South Korea methinks (at the Asian Cup at least). Has worked with Hiddink, I think he's also coached PSV (or maybe, he was assistant to Hiddink when he was coaching PSV).

[sgrevs]

Yeah he was all of that, so maybe he will turn out alright. SK got to the Asian Cup Semi finals with him (I think? can't remember anymore), which is pretty good.

Also, good to see all the UK teams doing well in Europe, Everton, Spurs, Bolton all going through in UEFA. And Celtic too in Champs.

[rustysurf84]

Bolton going through surprises me, but maybe Megson is working some magic there.

[TakeWarning]

Another defensive error costs Spurs 2 points. :rolleyes:

At least we're through.

[Britney Diva]

Ugh Phil Dowd's screwed up my fantasy team royally. From an almost-certain hat trick by Keane to losing him for three matches and a lousy 9 points for his efforts. It's probably his fault Edwards broke his leg too :mad:

[Echleon]

I'm just pissed that my mate had Gerrard at his Captain, meaning that he gets 34 points just for Gerrard!

I'm also annoyed that I decided to get rid of Adebayor, then he scored twice in a week! Torres did score though, and he was my captain :-)

The annoyance continue, as McShane was all poised to come in as my sub (he had 6 points), but then Keano brings on Miller for 8 minutes! Great!

[talk show host]

I don't think i've had a striker in my fantasy team that's scored yet this season! Every time I bring someone in who's scoring for fun they get injured or rested or just turn crap.

Hopefully have a better week this time. I'd forgotten that I had Fabregas as my captain while he's been injured.

[superpeer]

Yeah he was all of that, so maybe he will turn out alright. SK got to the Asian Cup Semi finals with him (I think? can't remember anymore), which is pretty good.

Also, good to see all the UK teams doing well in Europe, Everton, Spurs, Bolton all going through in UEFA. And Celtic too in Champs.

Yeah, dammit. Anderlecht should've beaten Tottenham. :p

[Cecillianne]

Terry's scum, honestly. if he wanted to be a bully he should've taken up boxing ffs.

[Britney Diva]

What's he done now?

Every time I bring someone in who's scoring for fun they get injured or rested or just turn crap.
haha yeah the day after I brought in Adebayor he picked up a minor injury and he hasn't regained his early form since. Still he got 2 goals last week as captain, Keane got 2 and Stokes 1 so :D Changed Ronaldo to captain this week and he got a superb last-minute dive/goal :D

[talk show host]

Changed Ronaldo to captain this week and he got a superb last-minute dive/goal :D

I did the same :cool:

Speaking of dodgy penalties, Reading shouldn't have had one but we're winning!

3-1 now :D

Unbeaten Liverpool. Pah, they're rubbish!

[Cecillianne]

his usual chest bumping machoism.

referee & Reading 3 - 1 Liverpool. i'm just glad tomorrow's a Sunday. no papers for me tomorrow, i think! no luck at all for Liverpool.

edit: time wasting! awful stuff!

[Britney Diva]

Liverpool were shocking from what I saw. Harper took his goal very well.

[The_Passenger]

his usual chest bumping machoism.

referee & Reading 3 - 1 Liverpool. i'm just glad tomorrow's a Sunday. no papers for me tomorrow, i think! no luck at all for Liverpool.

edit: time wasting! awful stuff!

lol you make it sound like Liverpool would've won without one poor decision.

it just wasn't their night and they seemed lacking in the final 1/3. well done reading

[Cecillianne]

several penalty claims to be honest, and i'm not saying it because i'm desperate. it really wasn't their night, formation was dodgy, lots of fluffed chances and it just felt like Liverpool was slightly dead.

edit: add hitting the post 2/3 times too.

[Britney Diva]

Just saw the Terry/Chelsea incident. Roy Keane summed it up perfectly in the interview: "John Terry's been tackled... sometimes I get the impression you're not allowed tackle these people." Miller deserved to go in fairness, but you have to question whether it'd would've been worth wiping the smile off his face a bit more violently if he's gonna be out for 3 games anyway.

On the Ronaldo incident, I wonder if the referee's seen the decision on Monday and made him think twice about questioning Ronaldo's going over easily. That kind of bit him on the arse.

[The_Passenger]

several penalty claims to be honest, and i'm not saying it because i'm desperate. it really wasn't their night, formation was dodgy, lots of fluffed chances and it just felt like Liverpool was slightly dead.

edit: add hitting the post 2/3 times too.

what penalty claims? Sonko got the ball on both of Torres's one (minimal contact, but he still got the ball) and I didn't see any apart from that.

also on MotD they showed that Gunnarson's foot was inside the penalty area when he was tackled so that actually was a penalty.

to be fair to Liverpool I think the referee got those three decisions right through luck rather than being eagle-eyed.

[badtaste]

Eh, Cecillianne's just angry because her team got owned.

[Cecillianne]

i'm positive they were valid penalty claims. i'll have a look at replays again, it might just be my kneejerk reaction.

Boro are doing suprisingly well against the Arse :eek:

[talk show host]

To be fair, all three penalty claims could've gone either way and it's not like Liverpool haven't had their fair share of luck so far this season. If anyone's to blame it's Rafa, firstly for a bemusing formation and then for throwing in the towel with 30 minutes left.

[badtaste]

No Fabregas, no Arsenal?

United are right on their tails now.

[The_Passenger]

I personally think Arsenal missed Hleb more than Fabregas, but if I were Wenger I'd be worried about Arsenal's performances without the pair. Today was the worst I've seen them play for a long time.

[Frankie]

****IN GET IN THERE

No excuses we outplayed the arsehole today and well deserved the 3 points.

[JumpTheF**kUp]

Looks like it'll be a tight race this year.

[Cecillianne]

Arsenal's never been good with injuries. they're way too dependent on key players.

edit: i mean, yeah a lot of clubs are dependent on certain players, but not a lot fail to perform the way Arsenal does when injuries take their toll.

[ChodaBoy]

FFS, a crap foul with non-existent defending allowing Chimbonda to score. Despite blatantly being offside (and stood directly in front of the keeper) and he used his arm.

[Dead Star]

Mon the boro :D

[rik]

I got 70 points in fantasy football for this gameweek, my highest ever gameweek.

Although they gave Ferdinand 6 points, which is a mistake as he should've just got 2.

[rustysurf84]

Big week for Liverpool. Marseilles for a shocker anyone?

[Britney Diva]

I wouldn't be surprised, they're a pretty poor side.

[sgrevs]

I think L'pool will go through, but we will need a bit of luck still. We do have a tendency to perform on big nights, e.g 06 FA Cup, 05 Champs League final, 05 qualifier against Olympiakos.

[Echleon]

I got 70 points in fantasy football for this gameweek, my highest ever gameweek.

Although they gave Ferdinand 6 points, which is a mistake as he should've just got 2.

Nah, I think he came off before United conceed the goal, so he is entitled to 6 points as he played over 60 minutes, and United didn't conceed a goal whilst he was on the pitch.

[rik]

Oh sweet, I didn't realise he had come off.

[Pastorius]

Liverpool should go through if they play to their potential. They tend to man up for the big challenges and get the job done.

[talk show host]

What a joke, ITV in Scotland have decided against showing the Liverpool game, opting instead to show the completely inconsequential Chelsea game for no apparent reason. So there's the choice of Chelsea on ITV1 or Chelsea on ITV4. Cretins.

[Britney Diva]

You aren't really missing anything. Just David Pleat ranting about how the defender should have been sent off for being the victim of a dive. Marseille are absolutely horrific at the back. If Liverpool had any ambition whatsoever they'd have scored at least 5 by now.

[The_Passenger]

I can't believe that Chelsea didn't win. Kalou is one of the most frustrating players in the league.

Anyone know what happened to Valencia?

Shy of confidence and starved of commitment, Ronald Koeman's side showed all the appetite of a supermodel with an eating disorder
haha, that pretty much sums up the way Valencia played

[badtaste]

Marseille got thumped. Nice work by Kewell, two assists.

Good wins to Olympiacos and Real Madrid as well.

[rustysurf84]

Dear god how did Daucheville miss that chance.

[KKS]

So rangers played piss poor tonight. What the **** was ****ing Darcheville playing at?

[Britney Diva]

He was playing football I think.

Rangers really screwed up. Oh well, at least I don't have to deal with the ideological quandary of supporting them anymore :-D United's reserve team did well today. Probably shouldn't get carried away though, that Roma side is just plain manky.

[Frankie]

Yeah Benzema is also quality.

[badtaste]

Dear god how did Daucheville miss that chance.

Man, that was funny stuff. Cruel AND funny.

Good win by Barca, goals to Giovanni, Eto'o and Ronnie. Nice to see Eto'o back, we'll start seeing some fine attacking with him (maybe Henry can learn a thing or two from him, ha).

[munky_magik]

For **** sake :(

[superpeer]

Hehe, enjoyable game that Rangers - Lyon. :)

Even I wouldn't have missed that chance lolol

btw: Since someone asked what happened to Valencia, does anyone know what happened to Deportivo La Coruña? Didn't they used to be one of the top clubs?

[Pastorius]

liverpooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool

[VomitStainedCretin]

does anyone know what happened to Deportivo La Coruña? Didn't they used to be one of the top clubs?Haven't qualified for Europe for a couple of seasons, currently struggling near the foot of the Spanish League. The QF(I think it was) between them and AC Milan a few years back was amazing (lost 4-1 away, won 4-0 at home).

[The_Passenger]

I don't think that Deportivo have been in the Champions League since the season they knocked out AC (I think it was 03/04) so for them I think they've been slowly getting worse.

With Valencia they seemed to have become a fairly average side in a short space of time. It might just be a bad patch but the 'patch' is getting longer and longer...

Good to see Lyon through, no direspect to Rangers but its probably better for the competition that Lyon are in it as opposed to them, especially if last night is anything to go by.

[badtaste]

How Rangers won 3-0 at Lyon is beyond me.

[Gonads]

I used to be a big 49ers but now I don't even watch sports anymore.

[rik]

Ya the 49ers rule!!!

[The_Passenger]

i'm more of a seahawks man myself

So anyway apparently Capello is the new England manager. If he doesn't have what it takes to get England results then I don't know who does. It won't be pretty but meh, England hardly play 'sexy' football anyway.

[Echleon]

I have no problem with Capello, I think he is the right choice.

I just wish the England had some more games coming up soon, as Capello won't really have a chance to prove himself until the 2010 qualifiers start.

[Britney Diva]

Well he wouldn't be in the job if you had games coming up because McLaren would have qualified for the EC! Possibly the most frightening thing about this whole experience is that if the Croatia game had remained 2-2 half of England would be tipping the team to win the bloody thing.

[Pastorius]

Yeah it's sad, at least the England rugby team gets results by playing ugly boring sport.

[Frankie]

So Capello's been appointed.

I'm quite upbeat about this. Hopefully now the best team will get picked rather than old favorites.

[Britney Diva]

See this is what annoys me about the Capello thing. His name was put around for the Ireland job when it became available. Granted it was never going to happen, but the least we could have done was approach him. Instead we insist upon setting our sights on great achievers like David O'Leary and Terry Venables. It's like, why would anybody want the job when we flatly acknowledge that we only want losers and under-achievers? Ugh.

[VomitStainedCretin]

Good thing England have actually appointed a coach with a decent back catalogue, instead of some loser who managed to get a mediocre Premiership side to finish annually in mid-table, winning the League Cup because no-one better was interested in it and losing in the UEFA Cup final. Capello has actually picked up a few, let's say, more worthy trophies.

Apologies to 'Boro fans, but your team under MacLaren was nothing spectacular

[talk show host]

Pretty chuffed about Capello. Hopefully watching England won't be quite so depressing.

[badtaste]

I hear that Capello won't hesitate in dropping the star players. Hopefully, that'll mean a team capable of working together to produce the results, rather than just a star studded team.

[Spiney_Norman]

I hear that Capello won't hesitate in dropping the star players. Hopefully, that'll mean a team capable of working together to produce the results, rather than just a star studded team.

Let's hope so, get Fat Frank out! If Capello can make a solid team defensively (ie be able to hold the ball for more than 10 seconds), there's loads of players who can create things. Should be a good appointment, methinks. :)

[talk show host]

Damn, I was thinking about having Santa Cruz as captain of my fantasy team this week seeing as the top four are playing each other tomorrow but I didn't and now he's got a hat-trick. :-(

[superpeer]

Haven't qualified for Europe for a couple of seasons, currently struggling near the foot of the Spanish League. The QF(I think it was) between them and AC Milan a few years back was amazing (lost 4-1 away, won 4-0 at home).

Yeah, I know that. Just wondering if there was a reason.

[Spiney_Norman]

Wigan v Blackburn is insane! Another 7-4, anyone? :smoke:

[ChodaBoy]

My friend is a Blackburn fan, and yesterday was talking about how crap Mark Lawrenson is for predicting that Wigan would beat Blackburn 2-0...

A good game in Manchester, both teams really went for the win making it very tense for 93 minutes.

[Frankie]

GO ON TUNCAY SANLI

On a role now :D

[rik]

Fulham - Newcastle was ridiculously boring. Really happy to get the three points though.

[Pastorius]

piss piss piss piss piss piss piss piss piss piss

[talk show host]

It sounds like VDS is having a nightmare so I fancy Liverpool to score yet.

[Britney Diva]

Nah, Liverpool could have gone on all night and not scored. Even after United had left the stadium. Van Der Saar made a couple of unforced errors in the first half, but otherwise he claimed every ball that was lumped at him.

[Cecillianne]

gaahhhhh i quit watching football

Liverpool dominating, not one clear cut chance. woeful defending cost us big time. Riise had the diving tit Ronaldo in his back pocket though, which was rather enjoyable and suprising.

god Terry pisses me off! Sheva has been quite alright though.

[poorquality]

Good game, our defence was solid, couple mistakes by VDS but Pool couldn't capitalise on them.

In the end it's taking chances that wins games, we took ours, they didn't. Good 3 points. Plus it won me some cash.

:chug:

[The_Passenger]

I couldn't believe that Liverpool didn't score. How much posession in Man U's third do you need.

Unbelievable error by Cech for Arsenal's goal. It's unfortunate for them because neither Adebayor or Sheva have seen much of the ball so it looked like 0-0 was the most likely half time score.

[Britney Diva]

Good game
Are you sure? :0

Ref dealt with the Fabregas-Cole thing at the end well.

[Iai]

Van der Sar makes two really bad errors and gets away with it. Cech makes one and it loses his team the game.

On such occasions are titles won and lost.

[Pinhead13]

Anybody watched the Boca Jrs - Milan game?

[badtaste]

Anybody watched the Boca Jrs - Milan game?

Yeh, alright game, a bit feisty at times. Fairly even in the first half, but then Milan blew it open mainly due to Kaka's awesomeness.

[Cecillianne]

it was 2 - 1 halftime. Boca Jrs couldn't crack Milan in the beginning of the 2nd half at all. barely got any of the ball tbh, then Kaka went and made some of his usual magic. cue Kaka worshipping here, he's still young as hell isn't he?

[badtaste]

twas 1-1 halftime no?

And yeah, Kaka is 25.

[rustysurf84]

25? Really? That's rather scary.

Arsenal really should have had 4 against Chelsea, and SWP's miss right before he came off was horrific.

[badtaste]

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/18/xin_01212041808451561150419.jpg

The 25-year-old midfielder received 1,047 points, ahead of Argentine Lionel Messi with 504 and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo with 426 in a vote by national team captains and managers.

"Tonight is a really special night for me," Kaka said after being handed the trophy.

"When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a professional player for Sao Paolo and playing one game for the national team," Kaka said.

For Kaka, it is the third accolade this year. He had already been named European Footballer of the Year and took another award from World Soccer magazine.

Kaka helped AC Milan to the European Champions League title in 2007 as well as the World Club Cup and European Super Cup.

edit:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/18/xin_01212041808452962891520.jpg
How long before Chelsea unites these three players?

[Iai]

lol. As if any of them would go to Chelsea.

[Britney Diva]

damn latinos are taking our jobs

[badtaste]

lol. As if any of them would go to Chelsea.

Haha, was very much kidding.

Can't believe how young these guys are, Messi being 20, Cronaldo 22, and Kaka 25. It's like the first time that the short listed players are all relatively young.

damn latinos are taking our jobs

World footballer of the year jobs?

[Britney Diva]

Yes! I feel like I'm being oppressed.

[The_Passenger]

Arsenal really should have had 4 against Chelsea,
no
and SWP's miss right before he came off was horrific.
yes

[VomitStainedCretin]

edit:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/18/xin_01212041808452962891520.jpg
How long before Chelsea unites these three players?Ronaldo has way too much grease in his hair and Messi looks like he has Down's.

[Pastorius]

Yeah man, I can feel good in the fact that those multi millionaires doing what they love for a living have slight defects!

....:(

[TakeWarning]

And Spurs beat Man City 2-0 away. It gets harder from here, the other teams in the semi's are Everton, Arsenal and Chelsea/Liverpool.

Ronaldo has way too much grease in his hair and Messi looks like he has Down's.

Kaka looks perfect as usual.

He's so dreamy.

[badtaste]

Ronaldo has way too much grease in his hair and Messi looks like he has Down's.

What is this, the school yard or something?

Yeah man, I can feel good in the fact that those multi millionaires doing what they love for a living have slight defects!

....:(

Cronaldo's over use of hair product is a defect? :p

Kaka looks perfect as usual.

He's so dreamy.

man love itt.

[VomitStainedCretin]

Good match last night, Arsenal's kids really shone at first before Blackburn clawed it back. Nice cool finish from Eduardo to claim victory.

[badtaste]

Peter Crouch, what a silly man.

edit: wasn't even a good lunge at Obi

In other news, talk of Adriano going to Sao Paolo on loan. The guy's only 25, he can still get his career going again.

[Echleon]

Shevchenko scored again, I actually like him for some reason so it's good to see him scoring.

Shame about Adriano really, the death of his father really seemed to affect him a great deal, (and why would it not?) but it would've been great to see him in the Premiership.

[TakeWarning]

So this came up the other night at work:

Who do you think is the best player in the world since Maradona?

[badtaste]

Haha, what a question. Throw it up between Zidane and Ronaldo. I'm very tempted to just mention Ronaldinho.

[Frankie]

Kaka or Zidane

[Timm]

good to see ballack back on the pitch. I don't really care how he does in england as long as he isn't injured and doing a good job for us at tournaments :D

best player since maradona: kaka or zidane
ronaldo, ronaldo, ronaldinho are nice to watch but terribly overrated imo
and as a german I just have to at least mention ´00-´03 kahn the titan ;)

[Britney Diva]

Bergkamp, obviously.

[Timm]

lol at first glance that looked like "beckham"

[Britney Diva]

Frank Lampard!

[Pastorius]

Daniel Agger.

[Timm]

Materazzi!

[VomitStainedCretin]

Di Canio purely for entertainment value.

[sgrevs]

Vinnie Jones purely for entertainment value.

But seriously, I have no idea. Maybe one could say Kaka or C.Ronaldo in a few years, but not yet I don't think. In fact I don't see enough Serie A so I don't know much Kaka other than for Brazil.

[The_Passenger]

Shevchenko scored again, I actually like him for some reason so it's good to see him scoring.


Ha, I'm the same and I don't know why I like considering I've found him hugely dissapointing since he moved (not so much recently but at times he's been abysmal). Guess it's because I liek him before his move.

As for the best player since Maradonna really hard to call. Zidane is the first name that comes to mind, but then there are players like Bergkamp who were so important to their team's success yet don't get a mention. It's difficult. I certainly don't think it's a "Ro" like so many people do (Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Romario etc)

[Britney Diva]

Vinnie Jones purely for entertainment value.

But seriously, I have no idea. Maybe one could say Kaka or C.Ronaldo in a few years, but not yet I don't think. In fact I don't see enough Serie A so I don't know much Kaka other than for Brazil.
Kaka has never really delivered for Brazil. The only really great performances I've seen from him were in the Champions League, and a few youtube clips.

[Gonads]

I haven't watched nfl in a while, how are 49ers doing?

[Britney Diva]

Good, thanks for asking. How are you?

[Gonads]

I'm fine

[badtaste]

Kaka has never really delivered for Brazil. The only really great performances I've seen from him were in the Champions League, and a few youtube clips.

That's because the Brazilians play their football on the wings these days.

I haven't watched nfl in a while, how are 49ers doing?

Funny guy.

[Gonads]

I pretty much gave up on the 49ers.

[TakeWarning]

Are you making a joke or something?

GET OUT OF THIS THREAD

[Gonads]

I always make a joke.

[Cecillianne]

pretty bad jokes.

watching the champions league draw now.

edit: Rick Parry UGH

[Britney Diva]

Ouch, tough draws for Celtic and Man Utd. Liverpool have a decent chance against Inter, and Chelsea should overcome Olympiakos without too much trouble. Arsenal vs Milan should be extremely interesting.

[Cecillianne]

Celtic v Barcelona
Lyon v Manchester United
Schalke v Porto
Liverpool v Inter Milan
Roma v Real Madrid
Arsenal v AC Milan
Olympiakos v Chelsea
Fenerbahce v Sevilla

LOL at Arsenal.
:upset: for Liverpool. would be a good challenge though.

[TakeWarning]

A few interesting games there. Lyon vs Man U would be a good one, though Man U should win easily.

[The_Passenger]

I'd expect Chelsea to go through without much trouble, Arsenal and Man U to go through after a tough couple of games but I don't have much hope for Liverpool tbh. Not saying it can't be done but Inter are a great side and are very hard to beat.

[Britney Diva]

Inter are probably the most beatable of the sides Liverpool could have faced, to be honest. They really blew it by not winning their group.

[The_Passenger]

I really don't see how Inter are more beatable than Sevilla or even AC Milan (I'm guessing Liverpool could've faced either of these teams). I'd also say that in terms of quality Inter are on par with most of the other teams who topped their groups.

[Britney Diva]

The Italian sides in general are average this year.

[The_Passenger]

I'd agree regarding Roma and AC but from what I can see Inter have a better squad than Liverpool. Maybe it is just because they're playing in Serie A which isn't the league it used to be, but I doubt it.

In other news, Lawrie Sanchez has been sacked.

[Britney Diva]

Well they're still better than Liverpool, but almost everybody left in the competition is.

[Cecillianne]

i've been under the impression that Inter hasn't been all that great in Europe. the Italian league hasn't been all that great either, so not too worried tbh.

[Frankie]

Inter are doing alrite in Serie A but I fancy Arsenal to beat them.

Liverpool are as good as out I reckon.

[The_Passenger]

Inter are doing alrite in Serie A but I fancy Arsenal to beat them.
I'd be interested to know when Arsenal are playing Inter ;)

Liverpool are as good as out I reckon.
Agreed

[Cecillianne]

meh, that's what people said about Liverpool getting Barca last season :o we'll see.

[Iai]

Inter are top of Serie A by seven points, aren't they?

tbh I still fancy all four English teams to go through.

[badtaste]

Celtic v Barcelona
Lyon v Manchester United
Schalke v Porto
Liverpool v Inter Milan
Roma v Real Madrid
Arsenal v AC Milan
Olympiakos v Chelsea
Fenerbahce v Sevilla

LOL at Arsenal.
:upset: for Liverpool. would be a good challenge though.

Hmm, rather cruel to see Arsenal v AC Milan and Liverpool v Inter Milan straight up. Not sure about the first duel, going for Inter to get above the Pool.

[Mother]

Celtic v Barcelona


LOL at Arsenal.
:upset: for Liverpool.


123'd

[The_Passenger]

I don't Arsenal should be too worried. It won't be two easy games for them but Milan's form this season has been inconsistent this season to say the least (even if they win their 3 games in hand they'll be in 5th place and 13 points behind Inter iirc) and they still haven't found a real replacement for Sheva.

[badtaste]

I don't Arsenal should be too worried. It won't be two easy games for them but Milan's form this season has been inconsistent this season to say the least (even if they win their 3 games in hand they'll be in 5th place and 13 points behind Inter iirc) and they still haven't found a real replacement for Sheva.

Mmm, all depends on Kaka and Pirlo. If they get it right, Milan have won it.

[poorquality]

United have signed a Striker called Manucho, anyone heard anything about him? He's Angolan and 24 years old, that's all I know.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7156290.stm

If he's any good, it'll be yet another signing that Queroz has been key man for, he's done wonders at United.

[Iai]

'He joins Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Loius Saha and Dong Fangzhou in United's striking department.'

lol.

[VomitStainedCretin]

'He joins Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Loius Saha and Dong Fangzhou in United's striking department.'

lol.Not as bad as 'Boro's Lee Dong-Gook. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[badtaste]

Speaking of Asian football players, I reckon Park is just as gone at Man United. Their midfield is packed to the brim, wouldn't mind seeing Park at another Premier League club.

In other news...
The Round of 32 match up's are:

:: Aberdeen v Bayern
:: AEK v Getafe
:: Bolton v Atletico Madrid
:: Zenit v Villarreal
:: Galatasaray v Leverkusen
:: Anderlecht v Bordeaux
:: Brann v Everton
:: Zurich v Hamburg
:: Rangers v Panathinaikos
:: PSV v Helsingborg
:: Slavia Prague v Tottenham
:: Rosenborg v Fiorentina
:: Sporting CP v Basel
:: Bremen v Braga
:: Benfica v Nurnberg
:: Marseille v Spartak Moscow

Looks like it'll be a good comp, some quality teams in there.

[Echleon]

Bolton vs Athletico should be a good match.

[Frankie]

Ohhhhh Aberdeen and Bayern should be good.

Can't believe they drew them tho'.

[Cecillianne]

Keane is bollocks! two golden opportunities and he fluffed them! a goal and a pen!

edit: **** off now Arsenal's scored. what a crazy few minutes it's been.

[Echleon]

Wayyy, 2 assists for Fab, and a goal for Adebayor.

Bares well for my fantasy team =)