Soccer

[Goalie]

Does anyone here like soccer? Or FOOTBALL to all those non-americans, sorry.

[InsaneApache]

What is this 'soccer' of which you speak? I know of no such phenomenon. :wall:

[Craterus]

Frontroom? :trytofly:

[Ianofsmeg16]

I shall refuse to take part in this poll until at least one American says that Soccer is actually football and we (the Brits) invented it.

I like Football, not soccer.

[drone]

What is this 'soccer' of which you speak? I know of no such phenomenon. :wall:
I believe he is talking about Association Football. ~;)

Edit-> Is that better, Ianofsmeg16?

[Duke Malcolm]

Well, to the average right-minded English speaker soccer is gibberish, without meaning, blasphemy and such... along the lines of realize, organize and republic...

[Don Corleone]

Bett, you'd probably find much more support for your topic should you refer to the sport by it's more widely known name, football. Here in the 50, we may refer to it as soccer, but that's the only place that term has any validity (though I suspect InsaneApache is just giving you a hard time).

Maybe BettKicker meant to start some controversy by forcing the soccer terminology... that would explain the choice of the Backroom over the Frontroom.

Please BK, spare us this. If you go there... we're going to get a loooooonggggg lecture from our limey cousins about how what we call football is really rugby played badly, and with sissy-pads to boot. We've been down this road, many, many times. We don't need to go here again. :no:

[Ianofsmeg16]

I believe he is talking about Association Football. ~;)

Edit-> Is that better, Ianofsmeg16?
It's a start :laugh4:

And, going on what Don just said, I Think I was being a bit too harsh aswell. My apologies

[Mikeus Caesar]

Please BK, spare us this. If you go there... we're going to get a loooooonggggg lecture from our limey cousins about how what we call football is really rugby played badly, and with sissy-pads to boot. We've been down this road, many, many times. We don't need to go here again. :no:

Dear God, you can see the future! And thus began us 'limeys' and our ranting.

Bettkicker19, it's football, not this retarded American word 'soccer'. We invented the sport, so we shall enforce it's proper name. You're version of football is a watered down version of rugby, with pads to boot, because you're all wimps. Honestly, the word 'soccer' is almost as retarded as some say GAH! is.

Plus, you forgot GAH! from the poll. Therefore i shan't vote.

[drone]

I shall refuse to take part in this poll until at least one American says that Soccer is actually football and we (the Brits) invented it.
As to the origin of the game, who invented it is still up for dicussion. While the Brits for the most part codified the rules as they exist today, kicking a ball around as a sport goes back a long way. Maybe instead of the Frontroom, we should take this thread to the Monastery. ~D


Hmmmm, I wonder if Just A Girl's ban is over yet. That might liven this debate up some...

[Kanamori]

I only bother to watch Arsenal and Chelsea, the best teams evar. I saw a Fulham match in the frontrow once, that just made it all the more sad a spectacle to watch, though.

And only a buffoon plays a sport to have his teeth knocked out and his bones broken.~;)

[Banquo's Ghost]

To clarify:

Football is a game for gentlemen, played by thugs.
Rugby is a game for thugs, played by gentlemen.

~:)

[JAG]

It is called football...

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

I only bother to watch Arsenal and Chelsea, the best teams evar. I saw a Fulham match in the frontrow once, that just made it all the more sad a spectacle to watch, though.


Fulham are a good team, they did beat chelsea at the cottage this year. Chelsea are not good to watch, they are a bunch of diving motts who have bought there way to success. Arsenal i don't mind but you watched their match last night against Pompey they were far from great. Man U are much more entertaining to watch then Chelsea

[InsaneApache]

I only bother to watch Arsenal and Chelsea, the best teams evar. I saw a Fulham match in the frontrow once, that just made it all the more sad a spectacle to watch, though.

Well I'll grant you this, they do play 'soccer', unfortunately the rest of the English Premier Division play 'footy'.

BTW my last post was intended to be tongue in cheek, please take no offence. :oops:

[Kanamori]

I think some on both sides are just overreacting now; Brits are most usually tongue-in-cheek, which is not to be confused with the outright hostility of other Brits.

Edit:
Fulham's 'moments' are much worse and closer together than are Arsenal's:P


Well I'll grant you this, they do play 'soccer', unfortunately the rest of the English Premier Division play 'footy'.

Only because they win, well that's more than I can say for some of the other London teams. They should be scrapped to maintain the singular glory that is London.

[JAG]

Gah, what rubbish teams you talk of. chelsea and Arsenal?!

HA!

I'm forever blowing bubbles....

West Ham all the way, now thats a team.

[yesdachi]

Soccer = too much running.

[InsaneApache]

Gah, what rubbish teams you talk of. chelsea and Arsenal?!

HA!

I'm forever blowing bubbles....

West Ham all the way, now thats a team.

You really do have an advanced sense of humour! :laugh4:

[GiantMonkeyMan]

yes i do like football i suport my local team Plymouth Argyle who are doing quite well atm, albeit in the championship... i also play for a club (not pro) at the mo and we are doing quite well does anyone else play for a football team? in fact, i used to be a very fanatical football supporter but school ( :furious3: ) ruined that for me and took up more of my time...

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Only because they win, well that's more than I can say for some of the other London teams. They should be scrapped to maintain the singular glory that is London.


Mate what are you talking about? The London clubs have been doing fine this season, thank god you don't live in the Midlands.

[Kanamori]

There are only two teams in London!:smug:

And for the sake of topicality, I shall say that I do infact like soccer, or football, but only how it is represented in London's two teams, Arsenal and Chelsea. I will not continue to listen to the evidence to the contrary. Besides, Premiership is all that matters; the rest is for fairies.~;p

[Ianofsmeg16]

There are only two teams in London!:smug:

How dare you, how dare you!?!:no:

Tottenham Hotspur pwn all!:2thumbsup:
Edit: On a midly related note, anyone seen Green Street? film bout footy hooligans :2thumbsup:

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

How dare you, how dare you!?!:no:

Tottenham Hotspur pwn all!:2thumbsup:
Edit: On a midly related note, anyone seen Green Street? film bout footy hooligans :2thumbsup:


The film is rubbish mate, stay well clear of it and get Football factory or ID for the laugh, instead

[Louis VI the Fat]

What are you guys going on about? The premiership is nothing but a showcase for foreigners to show their superiority over England.

[Ianofsmeg16]

The films sucks arse mate, stay well clear of it and get Football factory or ID for the laugh, instead
I dont know, Football factory is damn good, probably better than Green Street. But i havnt seen it in about a year, and I saw Green Street 4 days ago:2thumbsup:

[Red Peasant]

What are you guys going on about? The premiership is nothing but a showcase for foreigners to show their superiority over England.

So true. Rooney is Scouse/Irish, Owen is Welsh, and Henri is Algerian or something like that.

There is Football, Rugby Football, and some other strange, marginal hybrids such as Gaelic Football, Australian (No) Rules Football and American Football.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

I love soccer. (football for the rest of the world). And I don't know who invented it for sure, but if it was the Brits then HELL YEAH!!:2thumbsup:

[Csargo]

Where's Gah?

GAH

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Gah, what rubbish teams you talk of. chelsea and Arsenal?!

HA!

I'm forever blowing bubbles....

West Ham all the way, now thats a team.


Leeds? Chelsea? Yeah...American knows his soccer...

[JAG]

Up the Irons, wait and see four years time we will be back in the top 6 every year, where we belong.

We shall win the FA Cup this year too, West Ham are the best up and coming team in the country, everyone knows it.

[Goalie]

Sorry, it is offically called football. Here in America we have another type of football. I dont know why we call it that. It is stupid, just like the stupid non-metric system we use. I guess we just like being different.

[Louis VI the Fat]

It is stupid, just like the stupid non-metric system we use. I guess we just like being different.Oh, never mind apologizing. I love desperate and futile attempts by small insignificant nations to resist our global cultural impact. It's cute.

I bet that your president walks out of international meetings when people use the metric system, eh?


(Sorry, you may not get the humour in the above, trust it is all meant tongue-in-cheek) :balloon2:

[Alexanderofmacedon]

I don't like my president:no:

[Louis VI the Fat]

I don't like my president:no:Let's form a club! :jumping:

[Beirut]

:inquisitive: sniff - sniff... politics?

[Ianofsmeg16]

AOM and Louis, word of advice, Run before the axe falls upon your lowly heads

[Goalie]

I dont know, Bush might not be able to find the exit. lol. Just kidding, Bush is alright.

[Justiciar]

Football is overrated tbh. Should be playing proper, manly sports.. like darts. :2thumbsup:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Darn, busted. :help:

https://img47.imageshack.us/img47/9772/vertkrowbarap0lq.jpg

[The Black Ship]

Bettkicker19, it's football, not this retarded American word 'soccer'. We invented the sport, so we shall enforce it's proper name. You're version of football is a watered down version of rugby, with pads to boot, because you're all wimps. Honestly, the word 'soccer' is almost as retarded as some say GAH! is.

Plus, you forgot GAH! from the poll. Therefore i shan't vote.

You do realize that you Brits invented the word Soccer!

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

You do realize that you Brits invented the word Soccer!
The plot thickens. :book:

[Goalie]

Wait when people are talking about football is it British Football or American football.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

On this thread, REAL football. :2thumbsup:

[spmetla]

I've always enjoyed football . It was the best sport around because all you need is the ball, some friends, and areas to be designated goals. I'd enjoy American football more if it wasn't so equipment intensive. I hate just playing catch, two hand touch is too pansy and most people refuse to play tackle football without pads from some reason.

Soccer kicks ass. Have to say one of the most comical things I saw in Iraq was the evening when the Iraqi football team beat Syria and suddenly the sky all around Baghdad filled with tracers as celebratory fire was shot. Next day an Iraqi who worked for us came in with an X ray from Baghdad hospital showing the bullet that was lodged in his skull. Even the US doctors refused to remove it because it was far enough in that they might kill him or cause brain damage removing it. Hope he doesn't trip wrong or bump his head into something!

[LeftEyeNine]

When it is about football, I'm the most ordinary guy from the point of view of a girl :2thumbsup:

No Turkey in WC '06. So NETHERLANDS NETHERLANDS NETHERLANDS !!! HUZZAAAAH !!! :netherlands: :balloon2: :netherlands: :balloon2: :netherlands:

[Taurus]

I love Football.

[The_Doctor]

The word soccer is short for association football.

I don't really watch it or play it much.

However, Liverpool is the greatest team in Europe.

[Dutch_guy]

Yes of course I like soccer / footbal I am Dutch you know....

Go Ajax go !

:balloon2:

[Duke Malcolm]

Psh, Dundee is by far the best -- recently relegated and defeated 3-0 by Gretna...

[Mikeus Caesar]

It is stupid, just like the stupid non-metric system we use. I guess we just like being different.

I'm sorry, but our metric/imperial system is more stupid and superior than yours, which makes us more different. After all, we use miles but measure things in metres, and people still weigh themselves in stones and pounds but weigh food in kilos.

We're more backwards than you Americans can ever hope to be!

Plus we drive on the right hand side of the road.

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

The word soccer is short for association football.

I don't really watch it or play it much.

However, Liverpool is the greatest team in Europe.


When they lost to Benfica they ceased to be mate, and i believe the next champions of Europe are Arsenal or Barcelona

[GiantMonkeyMan]

i think its gonna definately be Barcelona... Arsenal have a good team but only Henri is up to the quality of most of the Barce team imo

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

i think its gonna definately be Barcelona... Arsenal have a good team but only Henri is up to the quality of most of the Barce team imo


If arsenal play as well as they can they a capable of beating anyone. It depends if they can get their best team out but then again that make up defence of Senderos, Flamini, Eboue and Toure has been magnificient for them recently and Fabregas has become dynamite and one of the best passers of the ball in the premiership. Barce may lose to AC or maybe Villereal might beat arsenal but for the latter i think it would take a miracle tbh

[LeftEyeNine]

Liverpool has my favorite player- Djibril Cissé. So that's why I'm a Liverpool fan for now. By the way, the final match in Istanbul was a really brilliant cornerstone for Champion's Cup history. Defeating an Italian team that has 3 goals advantage is simply insane -and Benitez 's tactics had just made it.

I have to agree with Dutch Guy about Ajax. Ajax pwns, rulez and grows the best players on earth. Watch out for Mitea and Babel very soon.


The word soccer is short for association football.

Uh, even this rational excuse can't save the word from being pity. Football is football which is a footy game indeed.

[Ianofsmeg16]

So who's everyone going for in WC 2006 Germany?

[GiantMonkeyMan]

i was going to actually go to the berlin world cup and i would have gotten free accomadation at an army base where my sister is currently posted... but then she has to go and start up at Sandhurst... :laugh4: how annoying was that

[Duke Malcolm]

Plus we drive on the right hand side of the road.

You might, but the rest of the Islanders drive on the left...
America is backwards in that it drives on the right-hand side, unlike the proper and more logical left-hand side...

[Dutch_guy]

When they lost to Benfica they ceased to be mate, and i believe the next champions of Europe are Arsenal or Barcelona

I'm putting my money on Barca.

I think Barca 'll beat AC and that Arsenal will devastate Villareal, Arsenal is just the better team - by far.

The Final match "ll definatly be interesting to watch, more so if Ronaldinho 'll stop showing of and just play his best, which tbh he hasn't been doing this CL tournament.

:balloon2:

[Divine Wind]

I used to be pretty good at 'Football' as a teenager, i played for my county and district team as a centre back for 4 years in a row, then played for the senior adult team as the youngest player in their history, i was 16, but got out muscled pretty easily as i was a skinny chap then.

I won lots of awards and stuff, but the odd thing is i never remember the trophies or the winning of games, its mostly the praise i used to get from people who knew the game that really humbled me. I remember a chap who was once a coach for the Leeds United youth team came upto me and said he hasnt seen anyone as quick and techniquely gifted as me since Scott Sellers (80's and early 90's footballer), and gave me a big slap on the back, still makes me smile now.

On a similar occasion we were playing the number one school in the area (we always came second) and my rival nemisis, a lad called Darren, who was the best striker id ever played against as a youth. He was tall, exceptionally quick, strong, good in the air, just a very very good player. I always played centre back for the school team and before the game the lads decided i should man mark him on the theory that if he cant play, their team cant play. So i did, and it was possibly the best performance i can recall, he hardly got a touch, and ended up cursing all his teammates(by then we were a couple of goals up) and then i knew it was all over. His dad, and the manager of the opposition came up to me and both congratulated me, and even a very angry darren, came upto me and asked me to join his saturday league team, and best of all i got a bucket of water thrown over me too by my manager!

I never got the chance to be a pro, never had a trail, or even a scout come upto me and ask my name, but everyone that i still see these days, dads, ex teammates etc, cant believe i never got the chance. The weird thing is a lad who lived down my road, who always used to get hammered by me at football is now playing for Shrewsbury Town!!! GAH! Getting paid £2'000 a week! I gave up playing for my education in the end, but theres always that part in the back of your brain that says "If only.."

Oh well.....im a Blackburn fan btw! Born and bred!

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Oh well.....im a Blackburn fan btw! Born and bred!


My sympathies mate:laugh4:


I'm a Newcastle fan and i wish we hadn't sold Bellamy to you, his goals last weekend were world class finishes and his pace is incredible. Reckon you might make the CL spot?

[Goalie]

You might, but the rest of the Islanders drive on the left...
America is backwards in that it drives on the right-hand side, unlike the proper and more logical left-hand side...
I cant drive yet, but how is driving on the left-hand side more logical.

[InsaneApache]

I cant drive yet, but how is driving on the left-hand side more logical.

It keeps your sword arm free. Honest.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

So who's everyone going for in WC 2006 Germany?

Cheering for Germany. We won't win, but meh.

[Ianofsmeg16]

My sympathies mate:laugh4:


I'm a Newcastle fan and i wish we hadn't sold Bellamy to you, his goals last weekend were world class finishes and his pace is incredible. Reckon you might make the CL spot?
I will die before Blackburn Take Spurs' CL spot away from them!

Spurs have had too good a season not to get rewards!

[Divine Wind]

On the contrary Ian, my friend who lives with me in Oxford has a season ticket at the spuds and he thinks you dont deserve to be in such a high position, with some of your performances. Then again i suppose Blackburn have also been lucky in that category!

BKB i think the best thing that ever happened to Rovers was Souness joining you. Not only do we have a great manager now, but we also poached your best player who seems to be working miracles with us now, i just hope we can hold onto Mr.Bellamy. I hear Liverpoo and Chelski are moving in for him...id be gutted if we lost him! Best player ive seen at Ewood since Shearer.

I think Arsenal will probably get that 4th spot now, as theyve seemed to hit form of late, while Rovers having been getting points we havent been playing so well. And the Spuds...well there spuds..they never succeed..no matter how hard they try :laugh4:

Whats the situation with Newcastle now BKB? Losing Shearer at the end of the season and technically managerless, any ideas of whos coming in?

[InsaneApache]

I heard O'Neil was going to the 'barcode' army at the end of the season.

:book:

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

On the contrary Ian, my friend who lives with me in Oxford has a season ticket at the spuds and he thinks you dont deserve to be in such a high position, with some of your performances. Then again i suppose Blackburn have also been lucky in that category!

BKB i think the best thing that ever happened to Rovers was Souness joining you. Not only do we have a great manager now, but we also poached your best player who seems to be working miracles with us now, i just hope we can hold onto Mr.Bellamy. I hear Liverpoo and Chelski are moving in for him...id be gutted if we lost him! Best player ive seen at Ewood since Shearer.

I think Arsenal will probably get that 4th spot now, as theyve seemed to hit form of late, while Rovers having been getting points we havent been playing so well. And the Spuds...well there spuds..they never succeed..no matter how hard they try :laugh4:

Whats the situation with Newcastle now BKB? Losing Shearer at the end of the season and technically managerless, any ideas of whos coming in?


I would like O'Neil but i'm glad to Shearer retiring now, he should have retired last season imo. I would like to see Owen and Luque given a chance together

[LeftEyeNine]

Newcastle has to invest in good defenders and a solid anchorman before expecting any success. They look like the little Real Madrid who splashes cash for the front part of the field in order to attract attention, but pathetically fail to reach any success since they get stunned when they are on defence.

[-ThundeR]

onlt the best sport in teh UNIVERSE

[Alexanderofmacedon]

onlt the best sport in teh UNIVERSE

Two posts in and I love you already!:2thumbsup:

[BigTex]

There's no Gah, weres the Gah? How can I properly show my concern about soccer without Gah?

Soccer, Gah. Back to debating who will win the superbowl in 07, Gah.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

There's no Gah, weres the Gah? How can I properly show my concern about soccer without Gah?

Soccer, Gah. Back to debating who will win the superbowl in 07, Gah.

Who will win the superbowl? Dallas?:laugh4:

NO!

[Divine Wind]

Two posts in and I love you already!:2thumbsup:

Plus, he owns noobs!

He just gives and gives :laugh4:

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Plus, he owns noobs!

He just gives and gives :laugh4:

Don't insult yourself then!

:laugh4:

[Axeknight]

When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm is a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone

[LeftEyeNine]

One of the hottest derbies watched by major football scenes all over Europe -Fenerbahçe vs. Galatasaray will kick off at 19.00 GMT+2.

Life stops in Turkey when it is about a FB - GS match. And it already did.

Hooray for Fenerbahçe! Anelka will score against Galatasaray and thus he'll be "capped" as Fenerbahçe "national" tonight !

" We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world -"

[Divine Wind]

Talking of derbys, Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal on this lunchtime (kick off 12:45).

Im off down the pub with around 5 Arsenal fans and one poor lonely spuds fan hehe.

Important game as both clubs are fighting for a champions league spot.

[Craterus]

When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm is a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone

I like your thinking :2thumbsup:

[Ianofsmeg16]

Talking of derbys, Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal on this lunchtime (kick off 12:45).

Im off down the pub with around 5 Arsenal fans and one poor lonely spuds fan hehe.

Important game as both clubs are fighting for a champions league spot.
C'mon you Spurs!!:balloon2:

I was thinking if dragging my spurs shirt out of my closet, but it doesnt fit me, and no-one wants to see that do we?:laugh4:

[Red Peasant]

**********


Ugggh!!!!

Wash yer mouth out lad!

They put that awful song on as the bride and groom's dance tune on my wedding night. Needless to say, as dyed-in-the-wool fourth generation Evertonian, I objected vociferously, then I fell over (I was ever so slightly tipsy by that time), banged my head on a stool and only came too several minutes later. However, I'd made my point. :laugh4:

Of course, one of my kopite mates was to blame. Always causing bloody trouble those gobshites.

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Newcastle has to invest in good defenders and a solid anchorman before expecting any success. They look like the little Real Madrid who splashes cash for the front part of the field in order to attract attention, but pathetically fail to reach any success since they get stunned when they are on defence.


Yes we haven't spend well on the defence but the "pathetically fail to reach any success" is garbage imo. Yes we haven't won anything for ages but have reached semi finals and finals alot in the last decade more than some teams. I will admit my team has sucked the first part of the season but i have no dounts that last UEFA cup space is going to be ours

[The Stranger]

i like FOOTBALL and when i played it i became champ 6 time in a row

[Red Peasant]

Yes, I bet that you are very good at blow football, Stranger.
It requires a lot of puff.

[Ianofsmeg16]

GAH! Arsenal! GAH!

anyone see the game?

[The Stranger]

agains Tottenham

did they loose?

[The Stranger]

Yes, I bet that you are very good at blow football, Stranger.
It requires a lot of puff.

yeah...very...very...very....funny...:no: :shame: :sweatdrop:

if you dont believe me...come to holland and challenge me. ive played with the best street football pro's in the country and holland has one of the best street players in the world. and im good in the field 2 ;)

:2thumbsup:

[Red Peasant]

You can come and play on our local swamp. But, if you try to run past me I'll break yer legs. ~;) Hey, I'm an old guy, so I have to even up the odds.

[Ianofsmeg16]

agains Tottenham

did they loose?
No it was a draw...Spurs shouldve won though!

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

No it was a draw...Spurs shouldve won though!


Jol should have battered Wenger. What a knob he looked squaring up to the spurs manager and later branded spurs cheats. Confirms every reason why i hate him

[Ianofsmeg16]

He really did, did he really think he could take our manager down?
Did you watch the match? Arsenal's goal shouldve been dissallowed seeing as we deserved a free kick!

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

He really did, did he really think he could take our manager down?
Did you watch the match? Arsenal's goal shouldve been dissallowed seeing as we deserved a free kick!


I saw the first half, nothing much in it but i heard about the arsenal goal and the fact that they were spiting about spurs didn't put the ball out after two gunner players collided. It was there own fault and spurs didn't have to put the ball in touch and as we all know arsenal wouldn't have done it either. I only wish when davids was sent off he would have decked the arsenal keeper as the whole of britain hates him

Wenger couldn't beat up dario gardi the manager of crewe and he's about 90, we all love Jol and would love to see him smack wenger all over the place

[Ianofsmeg16]

You have no idea, When Davids walked passed wenger I was willing him to smack the complaining ******* :D

lol ah well, we're still within spitting distance of Champions league, so I spose i should be happy

[Craterus]

Pffft... Spurs. And I'm not an Arsenal fan.

In other news, who saw Chelski toppled? :2thumbsup:

[Goalie]

It keeps your sword arm free. Honest.

What if you are left handed?

[InsaneApache]

What if you are left handed?

Ahhh..the old sinister, we leave that to the continentals. :laugh4:

[Scurvy]

You have no idea, When Davids walked passed wenger I was willing him to smack the complaining ******* :D

lol ah well, we're still within spitting distance of Champions league, so I spose i should be happy

we'l win the champions league so we dont need 4th place ~D

i have no complaints about the spurs goal though, although in wengers defense it was much easier to see what happened on tv, although i missed it because i was sitting behind some giant flag waving maniac :( :juggle2:

[Avicenna]

ARSENAL WIN A PLACE IN THE CHAMPIONS' FINAL AT LONG LAST!!!

Balloons for all!! :balloon: :balloon2: :balloon:

[Dutch_guy]

Hmm I didn't like last nights game a lot, had a few good moments, but as said those moments were few and far apart.

Although tonights match is going to be great, Barca - AC ... soccer doesn't get any better than that !

Just know it !

:balloon2:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Zinedine Zidane has announced his retirement. He will quit football after the world cup.

No more Zizou (http://www.video-foot.net/but_zidane_mondial.htm)... ~:mecry:

[Red Peasant]

Hmm I didn't like last nights game a lot, had a few good moments, but as said those moments were few and far apart.

Although tonights match is going to be great, Barca - AC ... soccer doesn't get any better than that !

Just know it !

:balloon2:

I'm sorry, but AC are pretty dire. I hope Barcelona thrash them, but the Milanese will try to strangle the life out of the game in typical Italian style.

[Dutch_guy]

I'm sorry, but AC are pretty dire. I hope Barcelona thrash them, but the Milanese will try to strangle the life out of the game in typical Italian style.

Well actually that was minimised since they had to score a goal, it was an ok match though the one in Milan was better.

Go Barca !

:balloon2:

[Ianofsmeg16]

Getting Close to the World cup fellas!

Who's your money on?

[Dutch_guy]

I hope we'll do ok, though I doubt we'll win.

Brazil obviously, and maybe the Czech republic, if Nedved's playing.

Spain and Italy have great players, but they tend not to do great in the big tournaments, read WC and EC, though player wise they are one of the best.

:balloon2:

[Louis VI the Fat]

The one question is: who can stop the boys from Brazil? I give them more chance to win than everybody else combined.

Argentina could win also. Great players, as usual.

Contrary to what I've said before, England does have a good chance too. With most of their key players at the peak of their career, it's going to be now or never.

The germans. For no other reason than that they're German.

Italy. They have a quality side, but it's a long shot.

France maybe maybe maybe. Half of the side is too old, half too young and inexperienced. The right mix hasn't been found. But maybe Henry will finally be as decisive for France as he is for Arsenal. :furious3:

Spain and the Netherlands will not pull it off. There are several dark horses too (Ivory Coast!) but I think the winner will come from anyone of the top teams, as it always does.

[Dutch_guy]

Yeah I totally forgot Argentina, they'll probably get far, though I don't know if they've got what it takes to win the cup.

Have to see them play to know more, obviously.

I agree with your view on Italy Louis, great players but they always seem to disappoint when the pressure's on them.

And no, I don't think Germany 'll win, they'll get past the group fase - since their group is easily the weakest of them all - but then they'll hopefully get massacred by us or by any other team.

:balloon2:

[Avicenna]

Portugal, anyone? Perhaps Holland?

[Ianofsmeg16]

Gotta Agree with my French friend, It's going to be now or never for England, In My opinion though, theyll get to the semis and do what they always do, play awesome for the first half, then bottle out during the second.

Brazil will win, in a final with either Argentina or England (the Semi WILL be those two teams)

[naut]

:jumping: ARSENAL, ARSENAL, ARSENAL ... Got to suport your local team!!!! :jumping:

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINALS YAY!!!

As for the world cup, i really feel sorry for Australia ... in a group with Brazil, Croatia and Japan.

I think Englands got a good chance ... but as always Brazil is CRAZY

[English assassin]

Although Louis is right that is time for this England side to **** or get off the pot, nothing I've seen persuades me they've got what it takes mentally to win the big tournaments. Sorry, but there it is.

For a country that imagines it's part of football royalty our performance in the big ones has been dire for decades. I'd love this time to be different but, honestly, who in the current side do you think really believes he's going to be going home with a world cup winners medal? Wayne Rooney and that's it IMHO.

[naut]

Unlike the rest of you, I believe the current England squad has potential. With players like Gerrad, Lampard, Rooney, Carragher ... I think they have at least a chance. However, I think Sven-Goran Eriksson should go burn in hell, because basicly he is a terrible coach! And as for David Beckham ... well hes just crap .period. He should be watching the matches from the stands let alone be playing in them.

Germany ... Because they have Lehmann :balloon:

[Avicenna]

You've got to be kidding. You don't think Lehmann is any good do you?

[naut]

Can't you sense the sarcasim !

[Avicenna]

Well, they've got Kahn as well.

[Divine Wind]

Chelsea win the premiership again....

Wayne Rooney injured....could be out of the world cup...

:no:

[InsaneApache]

first word is it's not serious. :sweatdrop:

[Scurvy]

sad news about rooney :( ...but well done chelsea

i think both Italy, Brazil and England all have a good chance in World Cup, but in honestly any of maybe 10 teams have half a chance..

watching the arsenal game almost killed me (when they got the penalty i think my hearts missed a few beats) but we got there eventually (paris here i come)

.....o yeah, and i think Beckhams actually a fairly good player (and well worth having in the team)

[Avicenna]

I'd say six weeks off isn't minor...

EDIT: sorry bout double posting, I lagged. Can an admin take off 4 from my postcount? Lagging seems to be quite common.. sorry.

[Avicenna]

Not as skipper though.

"Now chaps, this is the proper way to put on makeup..."

Italy's never performed well in these tournies, have they?

Does S Korea stand a chance or was it just a fluke last time?

[Louis VI the Fat]

England does have a good chance too. Meh, forget it. No Rooney = no World Cup.

England and Eriksson have trouble facing the reality of it, but he really isn't going to be fit in time for the world cup.

Shame. But it also highlights how narrow England's selction is. There are no alternatives for the position next to Owen. That is, not unless you fancy 84 year old Sheringham or think Peter Crouch has 'world champion' writen all over his face.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Italy's never performed well in these tournies, have they?

Does S Korea stand a chance or was it just a fluke last time?Italy underperformers? They always have a great team. Twice champions, they hold as many titles as France and England combined. :embarassed:

They won in 1982, made the semi's in 1990, lost the final in 1994, were this close to winning Euro 2000. They are always right up there. Plus they always wear the most fashionable outfits.

They could have won in Korea, were it not for that bribed referee. Bringing us automatically to your second question, Korea. They were fine, but some downright nasty refereeing made them beat Spain and Italy. So no, they won't make the same impact this tournament.

[Dutch_guy]

I have to side with Tiberius on this matter.

I too find the Italians underperformers, remember last EC ?

I believe they didn't even survive the group fase - that's how bad they performed. Even though they have so many great players.

Now you have a point with euro 2000, though even that wasn't that impressive, they beat us in the semi's - with penalties. But then lost in a very boring final against Germany (?)

I don't think Korea 'll do great like they did last time, that was due to - as said by Louis - a ''bribed'' referee and a great deal of luck, and maybe Hiddink's influence as coach.

:balloon2:

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Meh, forget it. No Rooney = no World Cup.

England and Eriksson have trouble facing the reality of it, but he really isn't going to be fit in time for the world cup.

Shame. But it also highlights how narrow England's selction is. There are no alternatives for the position next to Owen. That is, not unless you fancy 84 year old Sheringham or think Peter Crouch has 'world champion' writen all over his face.


Mate we all know England don't have a chance without Rooney, there's no need to go on about it. Yes its bad but we have to take him to the WC in the squad at least. He might make the later rounds, nothing is certain yet. If rooney isn't fit we should revert to a 5-4-1 formation, with campbell, Terry and Rio with Neville and A. Cole as wing backs. A midfield of beckham, lamps and Stevie G with joe cole playing a wide right to support owen. No other striker is good enough for the wc imo. Crouch is trash, bent is arse and Ashton although i like isn't good enough

[Louis VI the Fat]

I too find the Italians underperformers, remember last EC ?

I believe they didn't even survive the group fase - that's how bad they performed. Even though they have so many great players.

Now you have a point with euro 2000, though even that wasn't that impressive, they beat us in the semi's - with penalties. But then lost in a very boring final against Germany (?)I don't get that underperformers thingy. Yes they sucked in Portugal, but the squadra azzurri is the world's third most succesful team, behind Brazil and Germany. Three times world champions, (not twice as I stated before). That's more than all the other European countries minus Germany combined.

Maybe it is the way they play, their perennial catenaccio that makes people believe they can't play a decent game of football. We've all been pwned by them: your team has 90% ball possession, you know you're going to beat them, it's just a matter of by how much. But when the final whistle blows you've lost 1-0 and you just don't understand why. They do it all the time. Gotta respect them for it.

And look at their defenders. They all finish the game with clean shirts and their hair in pixel perfect condition, yet during the game they destroyed your strikers. Sheer perfection.

BTW, they lost the Euro 2000 final to France, but Italy was better, leading 1-0 'till the last minute. :sweatdrop:



Mate we all know England don't have a chance without Rooney, there's no need to go on about itHey, I wasn't rubbing it in. I'm a football fan, I take no delight in this tournament being robbed of one of its most promising stars.

[Dutch_guy]

I don't get that underperformers thingy. Yes they sucked in Portugal, but the squadra azzurri is the world's third most succesful team, behind Brazil and Germany. Three times world champions, (not twice as I stated before). That's more than all the other European countries minus Germany combined.

Maybe it is the way they play, their perennial catenaccio that makes people believe they can't play a decent game of football. We've all been pwned by them: your team has 90% ball possession, you know you're going to beat them, it's just a matter of by how much. But when the final whistle blows you've lost 1-0 and you just don't understand why. They do it all the time. Gotta respect them for it.

And look at their defenders. They all finish the game with clean shirts and their hair in pixel perfect condition, yet during the game they destroyed your strikers. Sheer perfection.

BTW, they lost the Euro 2000 final to France, but Italy was better, leading 1-0 'till the last minute. :sweatdrop:



Well people including me find them underperforming because we know how good each and every individual players is, but they haven't been doing great every tournament. Like one would expect from a team with those players. And yes I guess the way they play only enforces the idea that they are underperformers.

However what you said about how they always manage to win despite not being dominant in a game I find counts more for their national competition, not really for their international team - although I won't deny they've had some close wins in ECs or WCs.

And yes I do respect them, really, that's all the more reason why I expect them to do well every tournament, just like I expect my country to do so - and for that matter Brazil, Argentina. France and England.

Oh yeah, I totally forgot they played france that time - was confusing the WC en EC finals.

:balloon2:

[LeftEyeNine]

A belated one but...

https://img392.imageshack.us/img392/395/gs2278ow.jpg

What's more to say ? ~:)

[Dutch_guy]

Congrats LEN ~:)

So how did Fenerbahce do this season, in the Turkish national competition ?

Judging from the pic. they did al right

:balloon2:

[LeftEyeNine]

Well the media predicted Fenerbahçe to have already won the competition by now. However, losing a series of points encouraged "pennyless" Galatasaray players and they caught up for the title. They were even 3 points upfront before that last match above. Any loss of point during that match would mean a legendary championship declaration of Galatasaray. However as Fenerbahçe always did to their all-time rival, we beat them with a score so hard that I was unable to make a sound after the match ~:)

Anelka scored the last goal against GS, making him a Fenerbahce national. He seems to be leaving after a probable shine in the World Cup. I personally prefer Djibril Cissé arriving at Kadıköy. Such a talented and charismatic striker would be really welcome by Fenerbahçe fans, easily adopting here.

https://img392.imageshack.us/img392/3543/cisse4kv.jpg

And Andoni Iraola would be whom I'd prefer for our ill right wing.

https://img392.imageshack.us/img392/8674/iraola29dic2os.jpg

[Divine Wind]

Blackburn Rovers 1 Chelsea 0

I was the only rovers supporter in the pub, surrounded by around 30 chelski supporters. I can only present my feelings after the final whistle in a matter of smilies.

:duel: ~:cheers: :charge: ~:eek: :hide: ~:smoking: ~;p :jawdrop: :jumping: ~:flirt: ~:thumb: :scared: ~:shock: :eeeek: :fainting: :trytofly: :eyebrows: :elephant: :bounce: :horn:

As you can see, im quite delighted :laugh4:

Uefa cup here we come!!

[English assassin]

Moving away from teams and matches and stuff, onto the important issue, I see from posters on the tube that the official beer of the world cup is Budweiser. Not the original czech budweiser, the revolting ****y brew that is the worst "beer" in America, which is to say, the worst beer in the world.

And this when the world cup is held in Germany, which I understand is noted for brewing fine beers (admittedly, the cold fizzy type, but still recognisably beer)

FIFA should burn in hell for this and it seems I'm not the only one to think so: http://www.washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040421-063135-3943r.htm


""I wouldn’t wash my car in it," said Ottmar Riesing, a Bavarian Beer Club member."

"We have a duty to public welfare and must not poison visitors to World Cup venues," said Franz Maget, leader of the Bavarian Social Democratic Party, said of what some Germans have called "beer censorship."

(Yes I know Budweiser have been the official sponsor before. But in Germany for the love of all that's holy?)

[Louis VI the Fat]

Not to worry, EA! Budweiser has some legal issues, so the beer that is actually served during the tournament is not Budweiser.

Budweiser can not sell under the name of Budweiser in most central European countries, because of that Czech brewery by the same name ('Budweis' simply being the German name for a Chech village). So they have to market their beer under the name of 'Bud'. Which in turn creates a legal problem with Bittburg in Germany. Bittburg, a German beer, is known from 'Bitte ein Bit!''. And 'Bit' is too similar to 'Bud'.

A total mess as you can see. The matter was resolved by allowing Budweiser to advertise at the world cup, in return for Bittburg being served.

[English assassin]

Not to worry, EA! Budweiser has some legal issues, so the beer that is actually served during the tournament is not Budweiser.

Budweiser can not sell under the name of Budweiser in most central European countries, because of that Czech brewery by the same name ('Budweis' simply being the German name for a Chech village). So they have to market their beer under the name of 'Bud'. Which in turn creates a legal problem with Bittburg in Germany. Bittburg, a German beer, is known from 'Bitte ein Bit!''. And 'Bit' is too similar to 'Bud'.

A total mess as you can see. The matter was resolved by allowing Budweiser to advertise at the world cup, in return for Bittburg being served.

Err...right. well I'm glad I asked...:inquisitive: poor Bittburg though

Its probably not very European to admit that I shall be drinking Spitfire bitter during all the England games, as usual...

[drone]

Moving away from teams and matches and stuff, onto the important issue, I see from posters on the tube that the official beer of the world cup is Budweiser. Not the original czech budweiser, the revolting ****y brew that is the worst "beer" in America, which is to say, the worst beer in the world.
Oh come on now. Budweiser is not the worst beer in America, we can make beer a lot worse than that. ~D

[Ser Clegane]

Oh come on now. Budweiser is not the worst beer in America, we can make beer a lot worse than that. ~D

I actually thought Miller's was much worse (the only beer I ever decided to pour into the toilet after tasting it).
"Bitburger" is certainly a much better choice than Budweiser though

[Louis VI the Fat]

I just don't understand American beer. The problem is not so much that it is downright distasteful, but that it is too watery. It tastes as if they got the basics right and managed to brew a fine beer, then somehow thought it would be a good idea to mix it with plenty of water afterwards.

A bit like American pizza's. Americans grasp the basics, understand about the right ingredients and all that. But then in their enthusiasm they lose control. Their pizza's are too thick, with too many ingredients thrown in at the same time, leading to abominations like Pizza garlicpineappletunapepperonitomatomozarellachestnutpaprika.

[drone]

I just don't understand American beer. The problem is not so much that it is downright distasteful, but that it is too watery. It tastes as if they got the basics right and managed to brew a fine beer, then somehow thought it would be a good idea to mix it with plenty of water afterwards.Blame Prohibition. Prior to that abomination, US breweries made several varieties of quality beer. Prohibition put most of the breweries out of business, those that survived did so by selling malt for other uses. With fewer players in the market, the surviving brewers were more interested in selling en masse, and wanted beers that could appeal to a wider range of people (including women). Less variety + lowest common denominator marketing = bad beer. The micro-brew craze in the 90s has helped some, but the big players haven't changed.

Even Bud has a role to play though. When you've been working outside in 100 degree weather, a Euro-style beer is not going to be as refreshing as an ice cold American beer.


A bit like American pizza's. Americans grasp the basics, understand about the right ingredients and all that. But then in their enthusiasm they lose control. Their pizza's are too thick, with too many ingredients thrown in at the same time, leading to abominations like Pizza garlicpineappletunapepperonitomatomozarellachestnutpaprika.
Have you been trying California Pizza Kitchen pizza? That stuff is crap. Papa John's pepperoni, mushroom, and green pepper is the only way to go. :2thumbsup:

Back on topic, I heard today that the US is 4th in the FIFA rankings. Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot?!? :dizzy2:

[LeftEyeNine]

Back on topic, I heard today that the US is 4th in the FIFA rankings. Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot?!?

Easy federation over there. It was rather surprising that USA was that much late on soccer with such a population..(I know I know, baseball and basketball had higher priorities)

However this does not change the fact that I am eagerly waiting to see how Freddy Adu will perform in that shirt. Is he in the national team or still junior ones ?

[Avicenna]

Italy underperformers? They always have a great team. Twice champions, they hold as many titles as France and England combined. :embarassed:

They won in 1982, made the semi's in 1990, lost the final in 1994, were this close to winning Euro 2000. They are always right up there. Plus they always wear the most fashionable outfits.

They could have won in Korea, were it not for that bribed referee. Bringing us automatically to your second question, Korea. They were fine, but some downright nasty refereeing made them beat Spain and Italy. So no, they won't make the same impact this tournament.

1982. That means none of that team that won will still be there. France still has some World-cup winning players though.

Anyway, no offense to the English, but they always go on about how they have a chance of winning whatever tourney they're in. In the end, they only managed to win one world cup.

[drone]

Easy federation over there. It was rather surprising that USA was that much late on soccer with such a population..(I know I know, baseball and basketball had higher priorities)

However this does not change the fact that I am eagerly waiting to see how Freddy Adu will perform in that shirt. Is he in the national team or still junior ones ?
Adu did not get picked for the World Cup roster, and is not one of the alternates. Arena probably wants him to get a little more experience.
US Roster here:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=366677&cc=5901

[LeftEyeNine]

Adu did not get picked for the World Cup roster, and is not one of the alternates. Arena probably wants him to get a little more experience.
US Roster here:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=366677&cc=5901

Gah, I'm disappointed..

Quality midfield and keepers, good strikers and crap defenders = USA.. So it seems to me from what I know about the players.

[English assassin]

Anyway, no offense to the English, but they always go on about how they have a chance of winning whatever tourney they're in. In the end, they only managed to win one world cup.

No offence taken, but we DO usually have a chance of winning, where chance means "its a bit more possible than finding Elvis playing at left back in the Cameroon side, but not as likely as David Beckham hoofing a penalty 50 feet over the crossbar at some point in the tournament."

The fact that we only managed to win one world cup is a fair comment. Just as in a football game, you can make all the excuses you like, but in the end it comes down to who scored more goals, and if you look at England's international record you just have to say we are not as good as Brazil, Germany, Italy, and bubble along somewhere about on a par with France. (Though not recently)

Just as I have to accept my club side's natural level is in what I will persist in calling the third division, so I accept that England will always get booted out of the world cup and European cup either in the quarter or the semi finals. But hope is free, isn't it?

[LeftEyeNine]

The only way England can win another world cup : Organizing it.

Take a look at how hosts perform in tournaments. There are some won it for once at home but never succeeded abroad.

[Divine Wind]

Provisional England squad:

Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), David James (Manchester City), Robert Green (Norwich City)

Defenders: Gary Neville (Manchester Utd), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester Utd), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Sol Campbell (Arsenal), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea)

Midfielders: David Beckham (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Carrick (Tottenham), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich/GER), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)

Forwards: Michael Owen (Newcastle), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester Utd), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

This is the most ludicrous squad I’ve ever seen from an England manager.

He’s only taking four strikers, but two of them aren’t even fit. One of them has never played in the Premier League and the other isn’t exactly prolific. He knows he’s taking a huge gamble with both Owen and Rooney and yet then only takes two other strikers. Baffling.

How Owen Hargreaves keeps getting a place is beyond me. If he isn’t going to take King because of his injury, why take Jenas? If he isn’t going to take SWP because he hasn’t played enough games, why take Walcott? There are stupid, reckless decisions right the way through the squad with double standards all the way through it.

Any chance England had in the World Cup has now gone. I’m sure the Scots and Welsh are rolling around on the floor laughing at that.

:no:

[ShadesPanther]

Any chance England had in the World Cup has now gone. I’m sure the Scots and Welsh are rolling around on the floor laughing at that.

:no:

and Northern Ireland 1-0

Although to be fair Thro would of played against Sunderland but got injured. HE has scored an amazing amount of goals for Southampton and the Arsenal Reserves but hasn't played in the Premiership.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Theo Walcott (Arsenal)Wot!? Not only has Walcott yet to debut in the premiership, that slick Swede has never even seen him play.

With the exception of Domenech deciding to play Fabian 'sorry, glasses would ruin my appearance' Barthez as goalkeeper again, this must rank as the most desperate decision ever by a world cup coach.

[InsaneApache]

If you think 'myopia' Barthez is bad, 'calamity' James somehow keeps getting picked. :no: :wall:

I agree though, we now have little chance of progressing. I think I'll book some holidays when the tournys on. :embarassed:

[Divine Wind]

and Northern Ireland 1-0

Although to be fair Thro would of played against Sunderland but got injured. HE has scored an amazing amount of goals for Southampton and the Arsenal Reserves but hasn't played in the Premiership.

Hehe! Sorry, should have given credit to the irish too!

Theo had made 23 appearances for Southampton, 10 off the subs bench, scoring 5 goals and assisting 2. Its good but not exactly prolific, especially in the championship.

If this guy is supposed to be Englands greatest next talent since Rooney (for which Wenger has been grooming him since signing him), why oh why does England insist in throwing him at the deepend? With the whole countries expectations on his shoulders this could literally ruin his career if he was to have a bad tournament. Hes never made a Premiership start, and Sven has never watched him in a game....dear god!

But....

The optimist in me says, this could be exactly what the kid needs..

Another Michael Owen goal against Argentina?
A Rooney esk Euro '04.

I just hope we dont have to watch an 8 foot daddy long legs Crouch start up front everygame.

[Goalie]

wow, you brits like your football/ american soccer

[Red Peasant]

My reaction was mixed upon seeing the squad, after the depression of losing Rooney. He and Owen must not go, they are not, and will not be, fit. However, I can see the point of including Lennon and this young fella from Arsenal. They both have that crucial element for international tournament (especially World Cup) football: PACE. Plus, they are almost completely unknown quantities to our competitors and you have to keep the opposition guessing and off-balance. Too often England have gone to these tournaments with slow, old, injured players who are completely predictable, no matter how experienced they may be. I think the selection in these cases is inspired by Ericsson, though a gamble certainly, but he must not take injured players. We have been caught out like this so many times (e.g. Kevin Keegan '82, Bryan Robson '86, Beckham '02 etc.).

[Dutch_guy]

wow, you brits like your football/ american soccer

We Dutchies like it too you know, and I know a certain Turk does also.

:2thumbsup:

:balloon2:

[LeftEyeNine]

We Dutchies like it too you know, and I know a certain Turk does also.

:2thumbsup:

:balloon2:

Uh??..Somebody calls out my name?..Ah yes..FOOTBALL..:2thumbsup:

[Louis VI the Fat]

I think I'll book some holidays when the tournys on. :embarassed:But there is yet hope for England!

Until last year, I tought England seriously overestimated the England squad, as they traditionally do. There were some excellent players, but not a whole lot of them, and even fewer outstanding ones.

Then upon closer inspection, it suddenly dawned on me that what England did have, was in fact a fantastic team. One can only field eleven players anyway, and there was a good player for most every position, each complementing each other's abilities, and most at the peak of their career. Everything could in theory fit perfectly.

The weakness of England again became painfully clear with the injury of Rooney: England has to draw it's players from too narrow a top. There are no alternatives. The loss of Ronaldinho would be a blow too, but then Brazil will still play with Adriano, Ronaldo and Kaka up front. If Henry is out, France can choose between Trezeguet, Cisse, Wiltord or even Anelka. If Van Nistelrooy is out, the Dutch can take their pick from about 235 world-class strikers.

I still find it shocking that a country the size of England only has two decent strikers. Selecting Crouch is a joke, Rooney wishfull thinking, Walcott a sign of despair.

The hope for England is that Eriksson will finally show why he is considered a tactical genius, and will come up with some brilliant solution that will avoid playing playing anyone up front next to Owen. One does not need two strikers in the end. England's defence is strong, it's midfield fantastic, possibly the best in the tournament. Players like Gerrard and Lampard know how to score too. All is yet possible.

France in 1998 faced an even worse dilemma: she had only one single half-decent striker, Djorkaeff. As it turned out, the defence and midfield were so solid it didn't matter in the end. All the goals from the first round onwards were scored by defenders and midfielders.

[InsaneApache]

Djorkaeff-le God. :2thumbsup:

Probably the best player ever to adorn the fabled BWFC shirt. :jumping:

Back on topic.

You might have a point there Louis. It was accepted at the time that France won the WC in 98 without a recognised striker and we probably do have the best midfield in the competition.


If Van Nistelrooy is out, the Dutch can take their pick from about 235 world-class strikers.

hahahaha very good. :laugh4:

[LeftEyeNine]

Uh??..Somebody calls out my name?..Ah yes..FOOTBALL..:2thumbsup:

Does it make you get the idea that my name is Football as well ? Uh, well.. :fishbowl:

Theo Walcott ?? Hmm, let me look him up in FM '06...Well impressive stats for a 17-year-old kid..Looks fast as lightning.

However this does not change the fact that England is suffering Striker Scarcity Sydnrome again. Nothing new for England in this WC I guess -especially after Rooney's highly likely missing being capped.


Djorkaeff-le God.

Ah yes he had talented feet indeed. However it was his pathetic manner refusing to come to Turkey for a national match long before, IIRC. He is Armenian, you know.. Sports and arts reject all kinds of distinction among people. That's why they have their specialty.

[Mouzafphaerre]

.
No more. :no: I used to though. :yes:
.

[LeftEyeNine]

.
No more. :no: I used to though. :yes:
.

Woot! Football is a temple to us as it is a world wonder to the Brazilians. woot woot, bring it on, shall the tournament begin, woot! :balloon2:

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Any chance England had in the World Cup has now gone. I’m sure the Scots and Welsh are rolling around on the floor laughing at that.

:no:

They can laugh mate but if they ever make the World Cup again in the next 100 years i'd be surprised

[InsaneApache]

Talking of Dutch footballers, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been spotted leaving the MUFC training ground.

https://img143.imageshack.us/img143/697/ruudleaves5ff.th.jpg (https://img143.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ruudleaves5ff.jpg)

:laugh4:

[Mouzafphaerre]

Woot! Football is a temple to us as it is a world wonder to the Brazilians. woot woot, bring it on, shall the tournament begin, woot! :balloon2:
.
You've caught an infidel. :whip: ~D

Seriously though... What they call football over here made me loath it. Oh the days of Mexico '86 and Italy '90! Hey, I still look at European matches now and then. :yes:
.

[Dutch_guy]

Talking of Dutch footballers, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been spotted leaving the MUFC training ground.

https://img143.imageshack.us/img143/697/ruudleaves5ff.th.jpg (https://img143.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ruudleaves5ff.jpg)

:laugh4:

Wow that's a nice car !

:balloon2:

[LeftEyeNine]

OT:

Mouza, is that a Murat 124 or am I havin' a hallucination ~:eek: :dizzy2: :balloon:

https://img143.imageshack.us/img143/697/ruudleaves5ff.jpg

P.S. For other friends: Murat 124 is an old and infamous car model that was quite popular in its period.

[x-dANGEr]

Does anyone here like soccer? Or FOOTBALL to all those non-americans, sorry.
I adore soccer, and I'm very good at it. :)

[InsaneApache]

OT:

Mouza, is that a Murat 124 or am I havin' a hallucination ~:eek: :dizzy2: :balloon:

https://img143.imageshack.us/img143/697/ruudleaves5ff.jpg

P.S. For other friends: Murat 124 is an old and infamous car model that was quite popular in its period.

I believe it's a Lada (http://www.beardmorebros.co.uk/website%20pages/lada.htm)

[LeftEyeNine]

Dad still drives a Lada Samara the Russian Less-Oil Wonder :2thumbsup:

[KrooK]

BETTICKER
FOOTBALL NOT SOCCER :wall: :wall: :wall:
THIS GAME IS CALLED FOOTBALL.
AMERICANS JUST STOLE NAME

[Red Peasant]

Dad still drives a Lada Samara the Russian Less-Oil Wonder :2thumbsup:

Then your dad is a brave man sir!

[Divine Wind]

The new Tottenham Hotspur chef was regarded very highly.

https://img162.imageshack.us/img162/5715/arsene5ub.jpg

[Goalie]

Cars and chefs in a soccer thread, wow that isnt off topic

[LeftEyeNine]

Cars and chefs in a soccer thread, wow that isnt off topic

Pure masculinity :2thumbsup: :laugh4:


Then your dad is a brave man sir!

He should have purchased a new one by now..:sweatdrop:

[Divine Wind]

Cars and chefs in a soccer thread, wow that isnt off topic

:wall:

Wow...

The car is in reference too Ruud Van Nistelrooy, one of the best strikers in the world, who looks like a horse.

The chef is Arsene Wenger, one of the best managers in the world, dressed like that after a food poisoning incident involving two rival clubs.

Its called tongue in cheek humour...

A joke

Dont reply if you dont know what your talking about, perhaps you may learn something.

[drone]

The new Tottenham Hotspur chef was regarded very highly.

https://img162.imageshack.us/img162/5715/arsene5ub.jpg
Is that photoshopped, or did Arsene actually pose for that? I can definitely see him doing that, anything to rile up the opposition. :laugh4:

[Divine Wind]

Its great isnt it :laugh4:

I found it on one of the Blackburn fan sites i like to browse, and im guessing its photoshopped! Top marks to the guy if its real though...how funny! :laugh4:

[Louis VI the Fat]

:laugh4: The Van Nistelrooy and Arsenic Wenger pictures are both instant classics. :laugh4:

I heard the Spurs are pushing for a replay. I hope they get one and win it only to see Arsenal win the Champions League. :laugh4:

[Craterus]

I was really hoping Spurs would make 4th, but lose out because Arsenal win the Champion's League.

[Dutch_guy]

The car is in reference too Ruud Van Nistelrooy, one of the best strikers in the world, who looks like a horse.



Why does everyone say that all of a sudden ? Never thought that myself... oh wel, still funny though.

And I hope the Spurs make it, they've done great this season and deserve their CL ticket. Arsenal is not going to beat Barca, Barca is just better....

:balloon2:

[Craterus]

Dutch_guy,

Liverpool were not going to beat Juventus.
Liverpool were not going to beat Chelsea.
Liverpool were not going to beat Milan.

Guess who Liverpool beat in last year's Champion's League?

[InsaneApache]

I'd love to post, but I'm too busy laughing at the response.:laugh4:

+1 :embarassed:

[English assassin]

Spurs fans are all miseryguts so I can't bring myself to hope they get their replay. Even if it was bad luck.

Also, I think we are overlooking what an incredible send off the Spurs debacle gave Arsenal at their last ever match at Highbury. Arsenal winning, Spurs losing, and Arsenal pipping Spurs to the Champions league as a result. Classic.

As for Ruud Van Nistelrooy, poor lad, what WILL he do when his looks fade...?

[Dutch_guy]

Dutch_guy,

Liverpool were not going to beat Juventus.
Liverpool were not going to beat Chelsea.
Liverpool were not going to beat Milan.

Guess who Liverpool beat in last year's Champion's League?

All right, all right , point taken :laugh4:

Anything is possible of course, though I still favor Barca !

:balloon2:

[Ianofsmeg16]

Spurs fans are all miseryguts so I can't bring myself to hope they get their replay. Even if it was bad luck.

Also, I think we are overlooking what an incredible send off the Spurs debacle gave Arsenal at their last ever match at Highbury. Arsenal winning, Spurs losing, and Arsenal pipping Spurs to the Champions league as a result. Classic.

As for Ruud Van Nistelrooy, poor lad, what WILL he do when his looks fade...?
*NEWSFLASH*
Dedicated Spurs supporter Ianofsmeg16 is the prime suspect in the murder of English Assasin just two hours ago, Police officials state that the body of EA was found in a garbage can outside white hart lane, dressed as a spurs fan with the words "SPURS FTW!" engraved onto his chest
:2thumbsup:

[Goalie]

:wall:

Wow...

The car is in reference too Ruud Van Nistelrooy, one of the best strikers in the world, who looks like a horse.

The chef is Arsene Wenger, one of the best managers in the world, dressed like that after a food poisoning incident involving two rival clubs.

Its called tongue in cheek humour...

A joke

Dont reply if you dont know what your talking about, perhaps you may learn something.

Yea, i do know a thing or two about soccer. I was just scanning through the thread and saw the pictures. I definatley know what i am talking about because if you didnt notice i was the one who started this whole thread. Do you even play soccer?

[Divine Wind]

I used to be pretty good at 'Football' as a teenager, i played for my county and district team as a centre back for 4 years in a row, then played for the senior adult team as the youngest player in their history, i was 16, but got out muscled pretty easily as i was a skinny chap then.

I won lots of awards and stuff, but the odd thing is i never remember the trophies or the winning of games, its mostly the praise i used to get from people who knew the game that really humbled me. I remember a chap who was once a coach for the Leeds United youth team came upto me and said he hasnt seen anyone as quick and techniquely gifted as me since Scott Sellers (80's and early 90's footballer), and gave me a big slap on the back, still makes me smile now.

On a similar occasion we were playing the number one school in the area (we always came second) and my rival nemisis, a lad called Darren, who was the best striker id ever played against as a youth. He was tall, exceptionally quick, strong, good in the air, just a very very good player. I always played centre back for the school team and before the game the lads decided i should man mark him on the theory that if he cant play, their team cant play. So i did, and it was possibly the best performance i can recall, he hardly got a touch, and ended up cursing all his teammates(by then we were a couple of goals up) and then i knew it was all over. His dad, and the manager of the opposition came up to me and both congratulated me, and even a very angry darren, came upto me and asked me to join his saturday league team, and best of all i got a bucket of water thrown over me too by my manager!

I never got the chance to be a pro, never had a trail, or even a scout come upto me and ask my name, but everyone that i still see these days, dads, ex teammates etc, cant believe i never got the chance. The weird thing is a lad who lived down my road, who always used to get hammered by me at football is now playing for Shrewsbury Town!!! GAH! Getting paid £2'000 a week! I gave up playing for my education in the end, but theres always that part in the back of your brain that says "If only.."

Oh well.....im a Blackburn fan btw! Born and bred!

Seriously..

Page 2 of your thread.

Try reading, and again you might learn something. ~:rolleyes:

[Goalie]

sorry but i cant read every post of this thread. I have more important things to do. And i am sure you were the great soccer player you were.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Play nice, fellas.

[InsaneApache]

sorry but i cant read every post of this thread. I have more important things to do. And i am sure you were the great soccer player you were.

So let's get this clear. You start a thread and then can't be bothered to read the responses? :inquisitive:

[LeftEyeNine]

Please friends, let's congratulate Sevilla on their superb 4-0 UEFA final win over M'boro and forget about the rest. ~:grouphug:

[Goalie]

So let's get this clear. You start a thread and then can't be bothered to read the responses? :inquisitive:

Sorry, but i cant read through all of these some 200 posts. I post in other threads and come here periodically, if i read all the posts in every forum i started or posted then i wouldnt have time to do anything else. Maybe some of you can do that, but i have too many other things to take care of.

[Mouzafphaerre]

.

OT:

Mouza, is that a Murat 124 or am I havin' a hallucination ~:eek: :dizzy2: :balloon:

https://img143.imageshack.us/img143/697/ruudleaves5ff.jpg

P.S. For other friends: Murat 124 is an old and infamous car model that was quite popular in its period.


I believe it's a Lada (http://www.beardmorebros.co.uk/website%20pages/lada.htm)
All the same cheap Fiat remakes. :coffeenews:
.

[Divine Wind]

Ah bettkicker, has far too many butts too kick :laugh4:

Oh well, ill be the first to apoligise BKS, im sorry i brought myself down to his level. I cant help myself having a go at trolls. There just too tempting to have a pop at ~;)

Well done too Sevilla tonight. They completely outclassed Boro in all departments.

Hopefully England can learn a thing or two!

[Goalie]

Ah bettkicker, has far too many butts too kick :laugh4:

Oh well, ill be the first to apoligise BKS, im sorry i brought myself down to his level. I cant help myself having a go at trolls. There just too tempting to have a pop at ~;)

Well done too Sevilla tonight. They completely outclassed Boro in all departments.

Hopefully England can learn a thing or two!

O my god thats is hilarious, i have never heard that one before. It is so original, did u think of that all on your own? Lmao. You are funnier than Dane Cook. You should be on comedy central you are so funny!

[LeftEyeNine]

Gentlemen, I have a useless dagger here, which I can swing like a cruel pirate threatening the all in the tavern, however make sure that this level has bosses.

Please.

Edit: Oh and being a M'boro and Juninho fan, I was disappointed to see them getting crashed and burnt by Sevilla. Gah, if only Juninho was still young enough to play for M'Boro..

[English assassin]

Notwithstanding my murder at the hands of spurs fans (reports of my death being greatly exaggerated etc etc) I'm back to say I DO have a soft spot for Middlesbrough, ever since Priestfield stadium (home of the not too mighty Gillingham FC, my team and home town) was voted the worst football ground in the country, and the Observer sent a journalist to investigate. His opening remark in his report was the classic:

"Gillingham makes Middlesbrough look like Monte Carlo".

I want that on a T shirt.

We crap towns need to stick together. Even if they are bunch of northern monkeys.

[InsaneApache]

Hell fire Gillingham must be bad if it makes 'boro look like the Riviera!!!! :sweatdrop:

My best mate (also best man to my first marriage) was born in Gillingham (service family) and he supports Kent in cricket, however he does have some sense as he supports Bolton at footy.

I'd love to congratulate Savilla for winning the waffa cup. I'd like to commiserate with 'boro, unfortunately I can't as I'm still too busy laughing at them getting a 4-0 drubbing. I hate them with a passion. :laugh4:

Northern monkey throws bananas at EA the southern poof....:laugh4:

[LeftEyeNine]

Maresca was on a show indeed. After his tremendously-timed 2nd goal, in a position where his teammates were in much mroe comfortable position, he tried another strike that would make him a remarkable figure in UEFA Cup finals history. He failed though.

[Dutch_guy]

Dutch tv had some great shots of a man - a Sevilla fan - who completely broke down after they scored the first goal, seriously I wouldn't have been that happy had Ajax won the CL !

Also congrats Sevilla, they played well and deserved the win.

:balloon2:

[LeftEyeNine]

Dutch tv had some great shots of a man - a Sevilla fan - who completely broke down after they scored the first goal, seriously I wouldn't have been that happy had Ajax won the CL !

Yeah I saw him too..He was shedding tears after Sevilla 's second goal. He was on air on every other goal afterwards. Football is the modern day battle in which no blood or life is sacrificed and that you rejoice in every ways of expression after your men's victory ~:)

[Dutch_guy]

Yeah I saw him too..He was shedding tears after Sevilla 's second goal. He was on air on every other goal afterwards. Football is the modern day battle in which no blood or life is sacrificed and that you rejoice in every ways of expression after your men's victory ~:)

Well said LEN, well said.

So did the guy faint afterwards ? Or suffer from a heart attack ?

:balloon2:

[Louis VI the Fat]

So did the guy faint afterwards ? Or suffer from a heart attack ?Nah. Those hot blooded Andalusians get all excited like that over anything. :balloon2:

[Viking]

Yay, Chelsea is teh champions. :2thumbsup:

[InsaneApache]

Yay, Chelsea is teh champions. :2thumbsup:

Sorry mate; this thread is about football. (sorry soccer, whatever that is?) :laugh4:

[Louis VI the Fat]

No more jokes about 'soccer', guys. Teh Americans have got it down!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6Di8QT98Zk&dpos=2

[Viking]

Sorry mate; this thread is about football. (sorry soccer, whatever that is?) :laugh4:

Nope. This thread is about money and rich sponsors; football died ages ago. :2thumbsup:

[LeftEyeNine]

Nope. This thread is about money and rich sponsors; football died ages ago. :2thumbsup:

Gah, that modern day rhetoric about football..

I have friends who are not football fans at all but waiting eagerly for that gigantic fest called "World Cup". Football is bloody alive. :2thumbsup: Russian kingpins can't change that.

[Viking]

Gah, that modern day rhetoric about football..

I have friends who are not football fans at all but waiting eagerly for that gigantic fest called "World Cup". Football is bloody alive. :2thumbsup: Russian kingpins can't change that.


Hehe. It`s not only Chelsea, but every team. I mean: half of a team these days are made up of foreign players, and almost no players from the city it represents. And where does a club end up without money? Nowhere.

Football has died. :inquisitive:

[Divine Wind]

Looks like Ballack and Shevchenko are joining Chelsea.

I guess we can safely say theyve already won next season then. :shame:

[Dutch_guy]

Looks like Ballack and Shevchenko are joining Chelsea.

I guess we can safely say theyve already won next season then. :shame:

You sure aobut Shevchenko ?

I thought he wanted to finish in Milan, no matter what...

It was something I respected him for, declining money just to be able to end his carreer with Milan.

:balloon2:

[Divine Wind]

:sweatdrop: I really hope he doesnt goto Chelsea, but then again if he joins, it will leave Eidur Gudjonsson to join Blackburn.

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=386885&CPID=21&clid=120&lid=4161&title=Sheva+considers+Milan+exit

[InsaneApache]

:sweatdrop: I really hope he doesnt goto Chelsea, but then again if he joins, it will leave Eidur Gudjonsson to join Blackburn.

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=386885&CPID=21&clid=120&lid=4161&title=Sheva+considers+Milan+exit


Nooooo!!!!!!...he'll get one hell of reception At the Reebok if he does.

[Divine Wind]

I wouldnt worry too much InsaneApache! I doubt Eidur would leave the comforts of London to move upto a small coal mining town in Lancashire :laugh4:

Id like to dedicate this video to my friends from Bolton and Burnley.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2whm_U-si2Q

[LeftEyeNine]

Aah, Viking, I don't refuse that footbal has turned into an industry. We already know that Arsenal had bought Junichi Inamoto to make some Far Eastern fame -just like Real Madrid does. However this does not mean that football has turned into a money-fed zombie. I am still amazed at Greece 's wonderful teamwork in Euro '04. Still it is Calais that deserves the respect for their France Cup runner-up position some year ago while they were competing in 3rd league.

..I can only be closer to your conclusion in case Sheva leaves for Chelsea..And I don't believe he will.:2thumbsup:

For Eidur, he can't be as good as Solskjær who was the best bench player in the world, however he surely is a runner-up ~:)

[Craterus]

For Eidur, he can't be as good as Solskjær who was the best bench player in the world, however he surely is a runner-up ~:)

That shouldn't even be an issue. Players shouldn't be playing for teams where they're only a bench player.

Getting paid £30,000 per week to sit on a bench. Footballers aren't overpaid at all... :laugh4:

[LeftEyeNine]

That shouldn't even be an issue. Players shouldn't be playing for teams where they're only a bench player.

Getting paid £30,000 per week to sit on a bench. Footballers aren't overpaid at all... :laugh4:

98-99 UEFA Champions Cup winners ? Man Utd..

Scorers ? Substitutes Sheringham and Solskjær..~;)

Edit : That was a wonderful final that was won in injury time with 2 goals by the way..Wow..

[Red Peasant]

Well, I put a tenner on the Hammers at 6-1, great odds for a cup final!

Up The Irons!!

:2thumbsup:

[Louis VI the Fat]

My money's on the Reds, but at 6-1 I would've backed West Ham too.

[Divine Wind]

Jamie Carragher own goal!

Come on you hammers!

[Red Peasant]

I don't believe it, the jammy gobshites! Robbed of my winnings! West Ham were easily better, can't watch it now.

[Divine Wind]

West Ham were very unlucky.

Best final ive seen for years though.

[Craterus]

Today's game was great. Haha, stupid West Ham. There was never any doubt.


98-99 UEFA Champions Cup winners ? Man Utd..

Scorers ? Substitutes Sheringham and Solskjær..

Edit : That was a wonderful final that was won in injury time with 2 goals by the way..Wow..


I know all about that final. I'm contesting the fact that players have a specific role of "bench player". I'm not suggesting substitutes are abolished, everyone has time on the bench at some point. I don't like the way players are paid so much money, and their only role is to play 5 mins per game, if that.

[JAG]

I am deflated, gutted and most of all miserable. It doesn't matter that people tell me it was the greatest final they had ever seen and one of the greatest games played in England, it doesn't matter that everyone tells me we were the better side, were unlucky and deserved to win.

It doesn't make a blind bit of difference because we didn't win the cup and that is all that mattered, especially to a team like ours who has a real team ethic and real, loyal and damn right great fans. It means nothing to Liverpool fans in contrast to what the win would have meant to us, nothing at all and for that it is a huge shame and I am simply distraught.

It isn't just a game it meant so, so much, I am miserable like all my fellow Hammers, absolutely gutted.

[InsaneApache]

As much as I don't like 'were a big club' West Ham, you have my commiserations as a fellow Orgah.

I know what it's like to get to a final and lose.

Still, there's always next year.

and we (BWFC) look forwards to doing the double on you.
:laugh4:

[Viking]

Aah, Viking, I don't refuse that footbal has turned into an industry. We already know that Arsenal had bought Junichi Inamoto to make some Far Eastern fame -just like Real Madrid does. However this does not mean that football has turned into a money-fed zombie. I am still amazed at Greece 's wonderful teamwork in Euro '04. Still it is Calais that deserves the respect for their France Cup runner-up position some year ago while they were competing in 3rd league.

In the old (yes, you`ll have to go all the way back to the early 20th century), a football player represented it`s citycity. Today, the football players represents the team that gave the most money for their contract. That`s what I dislike about domestic football; which isn`t really domestic at all.
It`s matches between nations that now matters for me. :2thumbsup:

[Dutch_guy]

West Ham were very unlucky.

Best final ive seen for years though.

Which final is everyone so exited about, what did I miss ?

Explain please...

:balloon2:

[Craterus]

The FA Cup final.

West Ham vs Liverpool

[Louis VI the Fat]

What a cracker of a game! Only in England. It reminded me of why I'm into English football so much. And what's with Liverpool and finals? Or for that matter, Stevie G. and finals? Unbelievable.

[LeftEyeNine]

What a cracker of a game! Only in England. It reminded me of why I'm into English football so much. And what's with Liverpool and finals? Or for that matter, Stevie G. and finals? Unbelievable.

For the finals, he can be called Stevie Wonder. :2thumbsup: I Just Scored To Say I Pwn You..

[Louis VI the Fat]

Gentlemen, time to place our bets on Arsenal - Barcelona


Arsenal - Barcelona 1-1. Arsenal win on penalties AET.

[Kanamori]

Arsenal. No doubts about it. Okay, given former performances demonstrating how badly they can suck it up on occasion, I have some doubts.

[LeftEyeNine]

Through finals, experience matters..

Barça will smack them.

[Kanamori]

Oh, he's just being contrary now.~D

[ShadesPanther]

1 more day to go!

I predict Arsenal 2 Barca 1

[drone]

Old school Arsenal, 1-0. :laugh4:

[Dutch_guy]

Arsenal 0 - Barca 2

Putting my money on the Catalonians.

:balloon2:

[ShadesPanther]

Old school Arsenal, 1-0. :laugh4:

It is funny when that happens in some games and the fans start the old chant :laugh4:

[drone]

So, where these guys Arsenal or Barca supporters? :inquisitive:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368196&cc=5901

[Sjakihata]

barca will easily woop british butt

[Justiciar]

Methinks you'll have to buy your tickets like the rest of us, Louis. Nice try though.

[InsaneApache]

Arsenal to win on pens. :2thumbsup:

[Louis VI the Fat]

So, where these guys Arsenal or Barca supporters? :inquisitive:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368196&cc=5901
'PARIS -- Two masked gunmen burst into a suburban city hall, demanding tickets for the Champions League final and pointing a gun at one man's head.

"They said to us, 'Where are the tickets. ... Where is the mayor?'''

Saint-Denis Mayor Didier Paillard usually receives extra guest tickets to events. '
Wot!? Me an' me mate made US headlines too?'

[Louis VI the Fat]

Methinks you'll have to buy your tickets like the rest of us, Louis. Nice try though.Oi, I've got to see Henry thrash Barca, eh. :book:

[Avicenna]

That's the spirit :2thumbsup:

Half an hour to go..

[Craterus]

GUNNERS! GUNNERS! 1-0 at half time!

[drone]

Looks like the Gunners are up against the refs as well. 1 red card (Lehmann, 17') and 2 yellows (Henry, Eboue) already, none for Barca. Time to implement the 8-1-0 formation and go 1-nil for the win! :laugh4:

[Craterus]

This game is pretty intense. Henry just (5 mins ago) had the chance to make it 2-0. I really thought he'd score there.

EDIT: 1-1 :sad:
EDIT2: 2-1 to Barca. I don't believe it ~:mecry:

[Taurus]

Barcelona, 2006 Champions League Winners ~:confused::shame: ~:(

Ah well, congrats. ~:thumb:

[Moros]

me neither, me neither. 11 vs 10 but still If Henry only could have put the ball in the goal. :no:

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Well, it didn't help that their keeper got a red card in the 17th minute!:wall:

Eh, congrats Barcelona, I guess...

[LeftEyeNine]

w00t w00t ! :2thumbsup:

[Louis VI the Fat]

:shame:
Henry just (5 mins ago) had the chance to make it 2-0. ~:mecry:

Same old, same old. When it really, really, really matters Henry just doesn't deliver. Never has, never will. Shame. He would be the best in the world otherwise. :shame:

[Louis VI the Fat]

w00t w00t ! :2thumbsup::furious3:



BTW:

Pray, do tell us about Fenerbace's last game and the conclusion of the Turkish championship....

[Kanamori]

I lose.:book:

Edit: I think that it's funny that all the europeans, well most of them are europeans, are still posting regularly about football in a thread called 'soccer'.:laugh4: