LEN Teh Footy God's Footballodium [Archive] - Page 15

Afonso I of Portugal

10-12-2009, 21:09

Bah, many great players missed the world cup because their team didn't qualify. In fact, there hasn't been a world cup where it didn't happen, that's what WC is all about - who is the best, not who is the most popular.

We won't see some star players but some new stars would emerge. Pathetic. Teams like Argentina, France, Portugal... were already first seeded, they already had it easier in the groups. Those other teams had more difficult road cross and now they're penalized again???

I know that's how it works but I don't like it one bit... Big teams already have everything going for them, and even when they do poorly, there's FIFA to provide a needed "boost" for that one final step.

That's right, glad you agree with me, Messi and Ronaldo are the best...and also the most popular!

Seeded/unseeded teams and fifa ranking sistem is for a long debate. For minor teams it's probably unfair but for fifa/tournament organizations it's the best way to have the best teams (and players) in the tournament...

In fact, i would prefer to turn my tv to see a friendly between Portugal vs Argentina rather than a world cup match between Andorra vs Burkina Faso...if they manage to qualify...:beam:

The fact is, fans wants to see the big teams playing...and Fifa know it quite well...

Regarding Portugal, our boost wasn't Fifa rankings but Denmark who beat Sweden saturday night. Without that result we were history...but in order to move to the playoffs we must beat Malta first!

Jolt

10-14-2009, 13:34

That's right, glad you agree with me, Messi and Ronaldo are the best...and also the most popular!

Seeded/unseeded teams and fifa ranking sistem is for a long debate. For minor teams it's probably unfair but for fifa/tournament organizations it's the best way to have the best teams (and players) in the tournament...

In fact, i would prefer to turn my tv to see a friendly between Portugal vs Argentina rather than a world cup match between Andorra vs Burkina Faso...if they manage to qualify...:beam:

The fact is, fans wants to see the big teams playing...and Fifa know it quite well...

Regarding Portugal, our boost wasn't Fifa rankings but Denmark who beat Sweden saturday night. Without that result we were history...but in order to move to the playoffs we must beat Malta first!we're already in the play-offs so we don't care! :D

There, fixed.

scotchedpommes

10-14-2009, 21:41

And Slovakia qualify [in blizzard conditions] thanks to an early own-goal from Poland.

:rolleyes:

Afonso I of Portugal

10-14-2009, 21:50

Yeah!

Portugal 4 - Malta 0! and we move to the playoffs...:yes::beam:

Sweden is out of the WC

scotchedpommes

10-15-2009, 03:57

Today seemed strangely deflating, in a football sense. Up to a point, [Yurop] I can't really say the matches went in a way that caused me any great hurt as it were, as much of the real damage was already done. Then however, we look to South America, and we see that hideous little blob stalking nervously along a touchline, surely now made to look astute by those who take a couple of meaningless, flailing tactical gestures to heart. [Palermo, and the boy who scored tonight.]

Yes, you could say "but rdeče, he will fail miserably in Seth Efrica, and you'll be able to enjoy it even more." and perhaps you'd be right, aye. But the little fat man should not be there. No.

Trivial aside; I assess European qualifying [focusing on those teams I have interest in] as follows, in an unstructured and altogether bollocky manner:

Scotland were ****, no redeeming points. We should have had a play-off place, but everything that could go wrong undeniably did, to Chris Iwelumo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqCK9Wa6rM0#t=0m36s)-an proportions. Can't even bring myself to hate the Dutch in retaliation. [Well, maybe Dirk Kuyt.] But other than that, just ****.
England are ****, yet once again in a group where they can mosey on through - cue ridiculous levels of hype and the same stunningly insular / arrogant punditry.
Toikey are- yes, the pattern is apparent. Disappointed because they were a great source of entertainment at Euro 2008.
France can still qualify for tournaments despite being relatively poor since Euro 2000 [and in terminal decline since 2006] and somehow even with Astroboy still in place.
Bosnia are really quite good, but because of this flawed system we see teams as poor as Switzerland [a home loss to Luxembourg? You know it's absurd that they've managed to get through.] somehow grabbing automatic qualification whilst the Bosnians are left to contend with FIFA's late decision to move play-off goal posts as and when it suits for the sake of the sponsors and maintaining the convivial ambiance at their cuddly canapé-heavy get-togethers.
Oireland can also show themselves to be a reasonably good team when organised well, but will fail for the above reason.
Slovenia, well, almost did the unthinkable thanks in part to the complete collapse of both Poland and the Czechs as footballing powers of any description. I am torn. Part of me wanted them to qualify today, and yet I won't be too displeased when they're eviscerated in the play-offs.

Additional Euro-centric observations? Germany and Italy, still the forces of darkness. Must be stopped.

Serbia look tasty again, but they have done before, and we know where they've ended up.

drone

10-15-2009, 04:17

The US sends Costa Rica (2-2) to the playoffs against Uruguay, and wins CONCACAF outright. Yeah for us! :balloon2: Awaiting the usual finals grouping with Brazil, Italy, and Iran (mandatory FIFA rules state the US must have 2 powerhouses and a country in we're in conflict with).

naut

10-15-2009, 04:44

scotchedpommes

10-15-2009, 04:48

Awaiting the usual finals grouping with Brazil, Italy, and Iran (mandatory FIFA rules state the US must have 2 powerhouses and a country in we're in conflict with).
*obligatory drumroll and gasp as door slides back and your blind date is revealed*

That's right, after all these years, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is waiting (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup#List_of_qualified_teams) especially for you all!

drone

10-15-2009, 05:07

*obligatory drumroll and gasp as door slides back and your blind date is revealed*

That's right, after all these years, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is waiting (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup#List_of_qualified_teams) especially for you all!

Even better!

Banquo's Ghost

10-19-2009, 13:29

Ah, Louis. It seems Fate entwines us (http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2009/1019/1224257019590.html)again.

Afonso I of Portugal

10-19-2009, 13:54

European Play-offs:

Rep of Ireland v France

Portugal v Bosnia-Herzgovina

Greece v Ukraine

Russia v Slovenia

Interesting clashes i must say...

Louis VI the Fat

10-19-2009, 13:55

Ah, Louis. It seems Fate entwines us (http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2009/1019/1224257019590.html)again.Oi. The Irish gave the Italians a major headache. And considering the current state of the Bleus, any team that puts its heart and soul in a match, as the Irish are wont to do, could well overcome our sulking, overpaid 'let's underestimate the opponent' princesses.

Anyway, I would like to say 'best of luck to my Irish friends!', but I wouldn't really mean that so may the Gods curse your football shoes and plunge Ireland into mourning while Gourcuff or the Fifa get us into the World Cup. :sweatdrop:

naut

10-19-2009, 15:05

Would I be jumping the gun to say Russia and Ukraine are sure-fire fixtures for the World Cup.

Sarmatian

10-19-2009, 15:42

Afonso I of Portugal

10-19-2009, 16:29

I'd say Russia and France, rather than Ukraine. Ukraine didn't impress me and Slovenia isn't that bad. Portugal's in a very bad position.

I must admit I'll be cheering for Bosnia there, mostly because of our Alfonso I here. Since he "can't imagine" the world cup without Ronaldo, maybe seeing it will make it easier to imagine next time. :laugh4:

Edit: Hehe, what a goal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLdAQVbgu9s) by Stankovic

My name is Afonso, Alfonso is Spanish...and Bosnia is a good side enough to beat us!

don't tell me ... but if so, because of you I might want to see Serbia eliminated in group stage...as i can't imagine you to go further...~D

as the saying goes ... the last laugh is the best who laughs ...:laugh4:

scotchedpommes

10-19-2009, 16:32

Forgot the draw was today.

Disappointing one, in that neither side from Greece - Ukraine should qualify. As good as both Bosnia and Slovenia are, I can't see them coming through. Both are good teams facing opponents with supremely talented individuals, and it'll be enough of a task for those sides to stop them imposing their inflated selves on the ties, nevermind beating the teams built around them.

There's no doubt Ireland can beat France, but will they? Already I foresee a hatful of typically painful missed chances: Robbie Keane skying a sitter, or a chance for glory in the 94th minute of the second leg falling to John O'Shea... In reality, that boy Gignac will probably score a couple of scuffed, early away goals to kill it.

Sarmatian

10-19-2009, 16:55

My name is Afonso, Alfonso is Spanish...and Bosnia is a good side enough to beat us!

don't tell me ... but if so, because of you I might want to see Serbia eliminated in group stage...as i can't imagine you to go further...~D

as the saying goes ... the last laugh is the best who laughs ...:laugh4:

typing mistake, sorry about that.

It's your prerogative my good friend. Nothing personal against Portugal or you, I just simply dislike the notion (that you cherish) that FIFA must aid expensive teams to qualify. That's not what WC is about. Groups were already seeded, if you aren't good enough to qualify - good riddance. Having seeded games again in the play-offs is one big disgrace to FIFA.

Forgot the draw was today.

Disappointing one, in that neither side from Greece - Ukraine should qualify. As good as both Bosnia and Slovenia are, I can't see them coming through. Both are good teams facing opponents with supremely talented individuals, and it'll be enough of a task for those sides to stop them imposing their inflated selves on the ties, nevermind beating the teams built around them.

There's no doubt Ireland can beat France, but will they? Already I foresee a hatful of typically painful missed chances: Robbie Keane skying a sitter, or a chance for glory in the 94th minute of the second leg falling to John O'Shea... In reality, that boy Gignac will probably score a couple of scuffed, early away goals to kill it.

I don't know, I have a feeling that France will really trounce Ireland. Portugal will have a hard time and Slovenia will make it hard for Ukraine. Russia's pretty much a given, for me.

scotchedpommes

10-19-2009, 17:36

I don't know, I have a feeling that France will really trounce Ireland.So do I, but I had a feeling France would waste Scotland twice over, and yet they were dealt out what could only be described as incredible ownage in return. Whatever happens, I hope the Irish take 50,000 plus to Paris, and squeeze over 20,000 into that stadium. [Ok, so it might not have the same effect it would at the Parc des Princes, but it's amazing to hear what sounds like a home game on foreign soil.]

...Slovenia will make it hard for Ukraine. Russia's pretty much a given, for me.
Slovenia play Russia. Ukraine play Greece. The more I try to put a positive spin on Russia - Slovenia, the more reality bites at me, really. Assess a handful of the second-placed teams entering these play-offs - we find that most have had real difficulty up until this point:

France are a wreck, floating across the Irish Sea on astrological autopilot. [but as we know, this may well be enough.]

Ukraine were an utter shambles in the critical game in Zagreb. Although they took the lead [comedic defending] they were dominated by Croatia, who hit the post and bar two or three times, including one last-minute shot which would have won them the game and effectively eliminated Ukraine from qualifying.

Greece toiled in an extremely weak group, in which the leaders suffered a home loss to Luxembourg.

Even our Iberian contingent would recognise the fact that Portugal had significant problems negotiating their way to second place.

But Russia, well... the only thing that stopped Arshavin and co. from cruising through their group was the very presence of the forces of darkness. ~:(

Jolt

10-19-2009, 19:40

So do I, but I had a feeling France would waste Scotland twice over, and yet they were dealt out what could only be described as incredible ownage in return. Whatever happens, I hope the Irish take 50,000 plus to Paris, and squeeze over 20,000 into that stadium. [Ok, so it might not have the same effect it would at the Parc des Princes, but it's amazing to hear what sounds like a home game on foreign soil.]

Slovenia play Russia. Ukraine play Greece. The more I try to put a positive spin on Russia - Slovenia, the more reality bites at me, really. Assess a handful of the second-placed teams entering these play-offs - we find that most have had real difficulty up until this point:

France are a wreck, floating across the Irish Sea on astrological autopilot. [but as we know, this may well be enough.]

Ukraine were an utter shambles in the critical game in Zagreb. Although they took the lead [comedic defending] they were dominated by Croatia, who hit the post and bar two or three times, including one last-minute shot which would have won them the game and effectively eliminated Ukraine from qualifying.

Greece toiled in an extremely weak group, in which the leaders suffered a home loss to Luxembourg.

Even our Iberian contingent would recognise the fact that Portugal had significant problems negotiating their way to second place.

But Russia, well... the only thing that stopped Arshavin and co. from cruising through their group was the very presence of the forces of darkness. ~:(

Poor Bosnia. I really wanted them to go to the WC. Bad draw for them. :no:

EDIT: With Liedson, and comparing both teams, Portugal clearly has better players on every section. Provided they play with a minimum of teamplay, we'll sail through easily.

Afonso I of Portugal

10-19-2009, 21:32

Poor Bosnia. I really wanted them to go to the WC. Bad draw for them. :no:

EDIT: With Liedson, and comparing both teams, Portugal clearly has better players on every section. Provided they play with a minimum of teamplay, we'll sail through easily.

Well, we play first leg home thus i bet Bosnia will put the bus in front of the net and try to hit us in the counter-attack...like Denmark, Sweden and Albania did. Therefor, if we manage to beat them, (1-0 couldn't be that bad), in the second leg they must play more open, increasing our chances...we also have fast wingers for the counter-attack...Simão, Nani, Quaresma.

scotchedpommes

10-19-2009, 22:09

Well, we play first leg home thus i bet Bosnia will put the bus in front of the net and try to hit us in the counter-attack...like Denmark, Sweden and Albania did. Therefor, if we manage to beat them, (1-0 couldn't be that bad), in the second leg they must play more open, increasing our chances...we also have fast wingers for the counter-attack...Simão, Nani, Quaresma.Bosnia don't have a bus to park, only an attack. [Which could well be their downfall, yes.]

Afonso I of Portugal

10-19-2009, 22:51

Bosnia don't have a bus to park, only an attack. [Which could well be their downfall, yes.]

Are you sure? They did it playing away with Spain!

Afonso I of Portugal

10-19-2009, 23:00

Unbelievable!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsRvLG8PDjE

:jawdrop::laugh4:

Afonso I of Portugal

10-19-2009, 23:02

Maradona strike Argentinian media..."Keep sucking..." :laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHl9l2KgmWk

scotchedpommes

10-20-2009, 00:47

Are you sure? They did it playing away with Spain!They have exceptional attacking players, but I'd imagine if you go to Spain, the chances of getting any kind of significant period of possession are limited, no matter who you are. I'd put it down to that rather than a concerted effort. In any case, I can only hope they have a go in Portugal.

Just as an aside, the offending ball at Sunderland was part of the Liverpool "Beach Set". I looked it up on their store, but it's sadly no longer available. ~:(

Jolt

10-20-2009, 02:08

Dzeko vs Ricardo Carvalho? Err...

I only hope for the love of god that Bruno Alves doesn't play in such vital games.

The only chance they'll get is through the flanks or long shots or set pieces.

Bosingwa isn't exactly the best Right Defender around, and he can't go too deep to support the attack or Bosnia might hit the counter-attack. We don't have any Left-Defender. If Duda is supposed to go play Left Defender, I'd rather much more be me doing it as I'm an actual left-footed Left Defender. Although I suck, I can't possibly do much worse than him. Miguel Veloso isn't really a Left Defender. But I suppose he will be the best thing we have for that position. He can go forward a little bit and organize play in his flank from our own half with long passes.

Long shots is how sucky and lucky teams score against us. Perfect example. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSGKaVh8WoQ&feature=related)

Set pieces. Everyone knows we suck in them. Noone's special fault. Curiously we haven't suffered a set piece goal in this qualification that I remember of, despite playing against Denmark & Sweden.

Also, from what I heard, Bosnia plays with 3 defenders? Plus they are slow? Oh boy, Liedson is going to do damage there.

EDIT: Oh and there's penalties. But Bosnia isn't France, so we don't have to worry about that.

scotchedpommes

10-20-2009, 02:30

Džeko, Misimović, and Ibišević [if he's back on form, I don't know.] are the main threats. If you can nullify them, you'd obviously be well on your way, though I wouldn't bet against them getting an away goal.

Just out of curiosity, what's your keeper situation like? Yes, it's taken me the length of this campaign to fully realise that Ricardo isn't around.

Jolt

10-20-2009, 03:41

We got Eduardo as keeper. He plays for Braga. He's good, but nothing out of the ordinary. Substitute goal keepers are Quim, who is now benched at Benfica, and Rui Patricio, which plays for Sporting but is yet young and makes some childish mistakes (However, he has never suffered a goal through penalty. And he's playing as starting goal-keeper since 2008/2009). He is currently one of Man Utd's target to replace Van der Sar.

Eduardo is good enough I suppose. Ricardo is the benched keeper for the second Spanish league team Betis nowadays. :x Traded Sporting for that. Good ridance.

Sarmatian

10-20-2009, 06:00

I don't know why's everyone so quick to write off Bosnia. Sure Portugal are favourites but...

Džeko, Misimović, and Ibišević

Pjanic deserves more than an honourable mention. That's enough to concern any defense in the world. Bosnia scored 25 goals in the qualifications, and had a much harder group than Portugal. Their coach is quite good, he got Croatia to the semis of the WC in 1998, only to be defeated by the eventual winners France.

They have nothing to lose, getting to the play-offs is a success for them. Portugal, on the other hand, will be feeling pressure. Not nearly as straightforward match as many would like to think.

scotchedpommes

10-20-2009, 17:59

Pjanic deserves more than an honourable mention.Yes, you're right - for some obscure reason I thought he wasn't getting much time in the team. [Hadn't bothered following the last match.]

I've certainly not written them off, and I hope they do come through. I think it's unlikely that Portugal will 'sail through', but we just don't know until we see how it unfolds on the pitch.

Ferret

10-20-2009, 18:12

Ricardo is the benched keeper for the second Spanish league team Betis nowadays.

He doesn't even deserve that, Goitia and Casto are both better...

I think Bosnia have a decent chance, Dzeko is a bit of a beast and Misimovic has had plenty of practice at passing to him. As for Ibisevic, 18 goals in 17 league games last season says it all really.

johnhughthom

10-20-2009, 19:12

Sevilla can become the first team ever to qualify from the groups stages of the Champions League after only three matchs tonight. Would be a nice achievement even if their group is probably one of the weakest in Champions League history.

Mannone keeps his place for Arsenal and the Liverpool team (Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun, Ngog) looks like one that could very well lose tonight. Rafa in trouble if they do?

scotchedpommes

10-20-2009, 21:04

Currently Rangers 1-3 Unirea.

Rangers had a penalty saved at 1-1. Oh, and they've scored two own goals.
I believe Rhy might be at that game. :grin2:

Edit: Lyon have won at Anfield. Before the game I thought they would, but it was looking as though Liverpool would hold on. Benitez will be gone if they lose to rednose.

Just saw Rubin won - slightly greater achievement, I'd think.

edyzmedieval

10-20-2009, 22:19

I was literally jumping up and down like a ball in my room after seeing the final score, yelling ROMANIA and UNIREA URZICENI out loud. :romania:

Glasgow Rangers 1 - 4 UNIREA URZICENI

naut

10-20-2009, 22:57

Some interesting results all round. Inter just can't do Europe can they. Liverpool, well, implosion, not often that Benitez gets tactically outclassed. A season to forget for them already.

Credit to AZ, who actually attacked and didn't park the bus.

Mannone keeps his place for Arsenal
Interesting stats on the subject:

Almunia

5 shots – own goal, 2 saves — Man City 4-2 Arsenal
3 shots – own goal, 2 saves — Man U 2-1 Arsenal
3 shots – 2 saves — Arsenal 4-1 Pompey
5 shots – 4 saves — Everton 1-6 Arsenal
——————————————————–
16 shots – 10 saves — 8 goals (2 o.g.)

62.5% Save Percentage — .5 goals/shot

Vito

5 shots – 5 saves CLEAN SHEET — Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
8 shots – 8 saves CLEAN SHEET — Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
5 shots – 3 saves — Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn
3 shots – 1 save — Arsenal 3-1 Birmingham
——————————————————–
21 shots — 17 saves, 2 CS — 4 goals

81% Save Percentage — .2 goals/shot
Additionally if you throw in the Olympiakos result, with a clean sheet, 2 saves, 2 shots; and the Liege result with 2 conceded, 1 save, 3 shots. Mannone ends up with a 77% save percentage (0.23 goals per shot). On top of that he has kept 3 clean sheets, most notably the MotM performance at Fulham.

So there's a bit of a selection dilemma. Almunia is the most experienced keeper in the squad, but his form especially in those two games in Manchester hasn't been great. And in Mannone's favour he hasn't really put a foot wrong; as Blackburn's second goal was a defensive lapse, as were Liege's two goals and Birmingham's goal was a foul on Mannone:

Watch the footage of that goal and you will see a blatant foul on the Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone by Sebastian Larsson. The giveaway is when Larsson looks over his shoulder to spot Mannone in order to impede him.

My only criticism against him is that he often doesn't come off his line either quick enough or at all in cross, corner and free-kick situations. Or he is caught in two minds in what to do, as seen in Blackburn's first goal and AZ's goal tonight. That will come with time though. But, most surprisingly is that he seems to have a better understanding with his back four than Almunia ever did. Bodes well for the future. And maybe the Italian media's labelling him the next Buffon when he was still at Atalanta in the early 2000s was warranted.

scotchedpommes

10-20-2009, 23:30

So there's a bit of a selection dilemma.Don't think so, myself. Likeable, valued character by all accounts, [other than Jens Lehmann's] but never been an outstanding goalkeeper. Almunia's place was never going to be safe.

Rhyfelwyr

10-21-2009, 00:05

I believe Rhy might be at that game. :grin2:

Yep. :shame:

Oh dear, oh dear....

Oh dear

scotchedpommes

10-21-2009, 01:48

Yep. :shame:

Oh dear, oh dear....

Oh dearWere you one of the faithful leaving at the third Unirea goal?

No bother though, eh. You lot can now concentrate on winning the league your suits don't want you to be in.

Rhyfelwyr

10-21-2009, 02:28

Were you one of the faithful leaving at the third Unirea goal?

No bother though, eh. You lot can now concentrate on winning the league your suits don't want you to be in.

Nah, I stuck it to the end.

Missed the rush that way.

naut

10-22-2009, 07:50

I enjoyed the Bordeaux game's stats. 17 shots to Bayern's 3. Awesome.

Louis VI the Fat

10-22-2009, 12:28

I enjoyed the Bordeaux game's stats. 17 shots to Bayern's 3. Awesome.Awesome game. Very eventful.

We had a score to settle with Bayern too. They beat us in the one European final we ever played. (!996 UEFA Cup. Zidane's last games for Bordeaux). The Lederhosen army made sure to remind us by bringing along plenty of cardboard UEFA cups to taunt us with.

Three Bordeaux goals, of which two in the right goal. Ciani scored a rubbish own goal. Then made the equalizer with a phenomenal backheel straight from a corner. Genius. Two red cards for Bayern after some bone-crunching fouls. Two Bordeaux penalties missed. (Come on guys, I take penalties better than that).
And a 2-1 victory. Great stuff. :2thumbsup:

Franck Ribéry is out for the matches against Ireland. I have a bad feeling about this...
The Irish have a good side, and will give it all they've got. :help:

Sarmatian

10-22-2009, 13:40

Forza Milan!!! I enjoy when Galacticos lose, don't know why exactly.

Non CL related but funny - who said coaches can't score (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQPW2jC_URY&feature=player_embedded) :laugh4:

Afonso I of Portugal

10-22-2009, 22:24

Benfica 5 - Everton 0

Everton crushed :skull: at Lisbon...

scotchedpommes

10-28-2009, 22:59

Alcorcón 4-0 Real Madrid

[Goals (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOnPI4FLjMA).] Egos, superstars... alternate celestial bodies? Whatever you want to call them, Real have been thrashed by a third tier side again. The Copa del Rey being geared towards the big sides as it is, with two-legged ties, Real will have a decent chance of coming back at the Bernabéu. Though they won't if they defend like that - against anyone.

naut

10-28-2009, 23:54

Unbelievable. Oh, Pellegrini what has happened to you!

johnhughthom

10-29-2009, 00:09

The Arsenal conveyor belt continues it seems, very impressed with young Eastmond tonight. Great performance in the holding midfield role, didn't look out of place beside Nasri and Ramsey. Can't believe I'd never even heard of him before tonight. Also, is Bendtner the most frustrating footballer around at the minute? Every time I see him play he looks like he has the ability to become a great player, just doesn't seem to have the attitude or concentration to do so.

naut

10-29-2009, 01:09

very impressed with young Eastmond tonight. Great performance in the holding midfield role, didn't look out of place beside Nasri and Ramsey. Can't believe I'd never even heard of him before tonight.
He was a key member of the double winning youth team last year. Although he played right back mostly. He was very tidy, showing great versatility. Interesting and promising that there is now a lot of competition in the youth ranks for the holding role. As Coquelin, Frimpong, JET and Aneke all also look promising there. Good to see Eastmond stake his claim as Coquelin and the even younger Aneke will almost certainly make the Premier League grade (whether with us or elsewhere).

naut

11-01-2009, 02:07

Clattenburg is a rubbish referee.

Full marks to the crowd. When Wenger can't yell instructions to his players because of the amount of noise in the stadium something is being done right!

Afonso I of Portugal

11-07-2009, 21:23

Logo presentation for seeding World Cup 2018-2022 Portugal & Spain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIBdxAnHfxU

InsaneApache

11-10-2009, 12:27

Breaking news!

Fergie sacked by United. (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2721212/Darren-Ferguson-sacked-as-Peterborough-manager.html)

Shocking.

Sarmatian

11-10-2009, 16:49

Breaking news!

Fergie sacked by United. (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2721212/Darren-Ferguson-sacked-as-Peterborough-manager.html)

Shocking.

:laugh4::laugh4:

naut

11-11-2009, 12:21

I'm sure most of you have read about this (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=697123&sec=europe&cc=3436). But if you haven't.

R.I.P. Robert Enke. Condolences to his family and friends.

InsaneApache

11-11-2009, 14:56

Indeed. The man obviously had serious problems. He lost a child a year or two back and it seems to have affected him badly. Been there done that, it doesn't get better with time, you just get used to living with it.

His family will be heartbroken. My thoughts are with them.

Subedei

11-11-2009, 16:27

Rest in Peace Robert Enke! A silent yet great goalie has left!

Keep your goal free of scores wherever you are now!

What a sad loss!

Louis VI the Fat

11-12-2009, 13:18

That's so sad.

There is something eerily unnerving about a man like him feeling so desperate he sees no way out. He's young, succesful, wealthy, fit. Then his daughter is taken away from him, and he can't cope with it. Poor lad. :embarassed:

Rest in peace, mate.

edyzmedieval

11-12-2009, 14:04

Wow, shocking...

It just feels so...eerie. A man just played against Hamburger SV on Sunday and on Tuesday he's dead. It just seems so incredible. I feel very very bad for the poor guy, just as Louis said, he couldn't cope with the loss of his daughter.

R.I.P. Enke.
You are in a better world.

Afonso I of Portugal

11-12-2009, 16:10

I remember him playing for Benfica a few years ago, he was a good goalkeeper... and it's sad he's gone...i'm sorry for his daughter as well...:skull::shame:

scotchedpommes

11-14-2009, 21:40

mon Ireland.

Edit: for those of you looking for play-off upsets, Nejc Pečnik's goal in the last few minutes for Slovenia could yet haunt the Russians. Maribor isn't an easy place to get a result.

Edit2: Bosnia just hit the post and the bar. Lucky, lucky Portugal.

Afonso I of Portugal

11-14-2009, 23:43

Edit2: Bosnia just hit the post and the bar. Lucky, lucky Portugal.

True, but it was their's only dangerous shot to goal in the second half...has i had predicted, in the first half they parked a very very large bus in front of their nets...it was only after our goal that they moved the bus away...too many fools, stupid tackles and yellow cards put 3 of their starting elevens out of business for the second leg...in the end our better experience can make the difference...

Anyway, they show a good side and we must prepare for a hard night next wednesday...

Louis VI the Fat

11-15-2009, 01:34

Meh. A rather boring game. If somewhat tense. 0-1 is a good result though.

Les Bleus were dreadful. Clueless, idealess, motionless, no sense of urgency. Two shots didn't even make it past the byline, went over the side-line instead. :wall:

Les Verts were a bit disappointing too. For most of the game, I thought Trappatoni was being his usual cunning self. Played Ireland very defensively, trying to keep that clean sheet, and then travel to Paris where a draw would suffice.
However, it played into our cards. France under Domenech always plays the same game: do not, under any circumstance, get exited or try to play actual football. Instead, sit back and wait for one the names up front to somehow manage a goal. Which is indeed what happened in the seventeeth minute.

I think Ireland would've had a better chance if they simply had tried to overpower France. Let's see what they come up with Wednesday.

naut

11-15-2009, 09:35

Congrats New Zealand!

Sarmatian

11-15-2009, 20:01

Jolt

11-17-2009, 15:51

Dzeko vs Ricardo Carvalho? Err...

Who's awesome? I'm awesome.

Poor, poor Dzeko.

Portugal (almost) completely dominated Bosnia. We should have won by more.

Anyhow, we'll win in Bosnia as well.

EDIT: My spider sense senses Russia losing 1-0 next game.

scotchedpommes

11-17-2009, 20:18

As expected pretty much.

France and Russia will go through. Portugal will have a hard time in Bosnia. Portugal was better in the first half, in the second half Bosnians showed their teeth. As for Greece-Ukraine, well, I don't really care. I find both teams equally uninteresting.

We'll have New Zealand on WC! That's rather unexpected.Would have been more surprised to see Bahrain, myself. Pleased that the Kiwis qualified though, if only as I feel it's good to see another non-footballing country take notice of the sport. Doubtful that they'll even threaten to escape a group.

As for Bosnia, they needed the away goal. Ireland are finished. And I feel reasonably sure in myself that Slovenia will beat Russia - so they're unquestionably doomed.

Other points worth noting: Algeria and Egypt are heading into a cuddly lovely friendly one match play-off in Sudan, and Uruguay have a 1-0 lead over Costa Rica going into their home leg.

Edit: For those of you enthralled by my domestic trivia, George Burley has finally been sacked. Now I just have to hope that Jimmy Calderwood doesn't get the job.

Louis VI the Fat

11-18-2009, 13:53

And the world's most badass defender is:

A tattooed Scotsman with missing front teeth
An Italian whith tackles are as sharp as his looks
A 1.95 meter Nigerian packing 120 kilos of shear muscle and power

A nineteen year old, blond all-American soccer girl:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LPIUI_CY44&feature=related

https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8402/articleinline.jpg (https://img12.imageshack.us/i/articleinline.jpg/)

Awesome. :laugh4:

naut

11-18-2009, 14:35

Defends like a couple of teams my team plays against. What a mean :daisy:.

drone

11-18-2009, 16:10

That one was on the news quite a bit a couple weeks ago. She only got a yellow card the whole game, even though a few of those happened on the ball. The tackle at 0:19 :smash:

Louis VI the Fat

11-18-2009, 16:24

That one was on the news quite a bit a couple weeks ago. She only got a yellow card the whole game, even though a few of those happened on the ball. The tackle at 0:19 :smash:My favourite action is at 00:38 in the video below. She kicks the ball upfield, and while in mid-air, manages both a left and a right hook. Genius.

Check the hotness of that number seven near the end! :sweatdrop: I bet she's pointing at the score board.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUTPISPJMjo&feature=related

scotchedpommes

11-18-2009, 22:17

Slovenia 1-0 up against Russia, who are now down to 10 men.
Ireland need to keep it together.

Edit: Duff should've finished them.
And Slovenia have qualified. [Portugal and Greece there too, yes. Ireland on the verge of extra time.]

Afonso I of Portugal

11-18-2009, 22:57

Bosnia 0 - Portugal 1

Here we go...Here we go...Here we go...to the WC Here we go...

:charge::thrasher::medievalcheers:

We show our superiority, Bosnian "wolves" were totally unable to do something...and one single shot was enought to them...we missed several opportunities to increase the score...once more.

PS 1: I hope Bosnia don't come to Portugal in the next few years...their national anthem will be totally muted with our boos...shame on them!

PS 2: Can you now "imagine" both Messi and Ronaldo in the WC Sarmatian?

scotchedpommes

11-18-2009, 23:19

And Henry cheats to win the game for France. What a shocking, shocking decision.

Jolt

11-18-2009, 23:33

Who's awesome? I'm awesome.

Poor, poor Dzeko.

Portugal (almost) completely dominated Bosnia. We should have won by more.

Anyhow, we'll win in Bosnia as well.

EDIT: My spider sense senses Russia losing 1-0 next game.

Who's awesome??? I'm awesome! :D

Jolt

11-19-2009, 00:03

LOL

https://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu150/Joltie/LOLWIKI.jpg

gaelic cowboy

11-19-2009, 00:57

I will keep my comments to myself as I might get banned :furious3: However overall France were poor tonight qualifying by the skin of a baguette. Massive performance by the lads heroes all

naut

11-19-2009, 03:53

Slovenia 1-0 up against Russia, who are now down to 10 men.
Must say that was never a red. If anything it should have been a red the other direction. Seems tonight's theme is downright shocking referee decisions.

Not a fan of Ukraine, glad Greece did the hard work and beat them in Ukraine, not the easiest of propositions.

The whole of FIFA is French, they aren't going to let Ireland beat them, even if it means they have to resort to cheating. :wink2:

scotchedpommes

11-19-2009, 04:06

Must say that was never a red. If anything it should have been a red the other direction.Didn't really see what happened as my stream was... unstable. Saw him slide in but didn't see anyone injured. From then on the picture just about completely failed and I had to go by sound [the repeated screams of overexcited Slovenes "commentating".]

naut

11-19-2009, 04:27

Didn't really see what happened as my stream was... unstable. Saw him slide in but didn't see anyone injured. From then on the picture just about completely failed and I had to go by sound [the repeated screams of overexcited Slovenes "commentating".]
The keeper had a bit of retaliation, punched him in the stomach. A clear punch. The ref didn't really get a clear view, and was swayed by the crowd, but if anything was overeager to send the Russian off, when the keeper should have been the one to get a red.

And the media storm that has stirred is hilarious. You'd think Henry had killed someone and ate their brains.

Edit: Finally got to see a replay of it. It's nowhere as bad as it's being made out to be. A handball yes. But, not the injustice of century.

Eboue's first international goal. (http://imgs.sapo.pt/sapovideo/swf/flvplayer-sapo.swf?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/n1V72VKcqFhsPB3gqNeo/mov/1)

Sarmatian

11-19-2009, 06:47

Can't believe Russia's out. Great job Slovenians! It seems Russia is a first rate team by quality and second rate team by mentality.

What a disgracing handball by Henry. I can't believe that goal was allowed.

PS 2: Can you now "imagine" both Messi and Ronaldo in the WC Sarmatian?

You phrase the question as if I don't like Portugal or something, which isn't true. I just don't like your attitude.

Strike For The South

11-19-2009, 06:50

What is this I'm hearing about a handball?

scotchedpommes

11-19-2009, 07:35

Edit: Finally got to see a replay of it. It's nowhere as bad as it's being made out to be. A handball yes. But, not the injustice of century.Hm. I'd say given the occasion and the context [and a poor French performance] it just about scrapes into the seismic injustice category. No, France is not the new Italy to me yet, but I'm not looking forward to seeing a Domenech side at a tournament again, especially when we could and arguably should have had an Irish side in their place.

Sarmatian

11-19-2009, 10:12

What is this I'm hearing about a handball?

This (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qZJrOcgkYM). Not just a handball but two French players were offside, including Gallas.

naut

11-19-2009, 10:19

Basically SFTS:

There is only one thing to learn from this whole debacle: Never, ever wrong a British or Irish team. The crying will never stop.

:wink2: :clown:

two French players were offside, including Gallas.
Hmm. It only looks like Squillaci is offside, and he's pulled to the ground, playing no part in the move.

The press do love a team of gritty players taking on someone of pedigree, ala the FA Cup.

But, Robbie Keane aside they certainly didn't deserve it. If that'd been someone like England in Ireland's place, then yes they would have deserved it; a team of Rooneys/Fatty Lamps/JTs/Cashleys/Rios/Defoes would have been getting their just deserts for being dislikeable. On the other hand Ireland had at least 5 chances where they should have scored, but they didn't. And if you don't take your chances then you aren't going to win, regardless of any other aggravating circumstances.

Edit: OK! Let's put that behind us all. Quick question, if it had gone to penalties, who would have won? My bet France, Lloris and Given both would have saved a few for sure.

el_slapper

11-19-2009, 13:15

well, with a fair referee, obviously this ugliness would not have been allowed..... but Anelka would have got a penalty at the 98th minute. 80% chances of scoring. Would have been a cleaner win(yet still undeserved).

Sarmatian

11-19-2009, 14:03

Hmm. It only looks like Squillaci is offside, and he's pulled to the ground, playing no part in the move.

The press do love a team of gritty players taking on someone of pedigree, ala the FA Cup.

But, Robbie Keane aside they certainly didn't deserve it. If that'd been someone like England in Ireland's place, then yes they would have deserved it; a team of Rooneys/Fatty Lamps/JTs/Cashleys/Rios/Defoes would have been getting their just deserts for being dislikeable. On the other hand Ireland had at least 5 chances where they should have scored, but they didn't. And if you don't take your chances then you aren't going to win, regardless of any other aggravating circumstances.

Edit: OK! Let's put that behind us all. Quick question, if it had gone to penalties, who would have won? My bet France, Lloris and Given both would have saved a few for sure.

No, it's clear the Gallas was offside, even if only for a few centimetres. That aside, the handball is a disgrace. That's not allowed even in volleyball!

gaelic cowboy

11-19-2009, 17:41

Its a blatant handball as Henry has already mentioned and we were the best team on the night by far no if's no buts.

The French are lucky it was not England in Paris last night or the riots in the banlieue would have seemed like an arguement over the tv remote.

We Irish shall hold our heads high confident that we could only be beaten through trickery.

scotchedpommes

11-19-2009, 19:56

Any excuses made for the French so far have merely constituted a load of mince, frankly. Duff should have put them away, and he clearly realised as much mid-blubbery at the final whistle, but it doesn't alter the fact that the team were cheated out of the tie.

[No idea what kind of record Lloris has when it comes to shootouts, and in the only recent one I've seen Given play in I believe he saved three.]

Louis VI the Fat

11-19-2009, 21:21

Well that was :daisy:. Games ought not to be decided like this. Happy as I am to go to South Africa, the story will always be about the 'Hand of Henry'.

It doesn't pay to play unfairly. Even if you win, the fun is gone. How can I possibly post taunts and otherwise irritate our Irish posters now. Dammit.

Louis VI the Fat

11-19-2009, 22:08

Ireland should've played like they did last night already on Saturday. I didn't understand the tactics of Trapp last Saturday. Sitting back, trying to avoid goals, plays into our hands. Ireland should've done from the start what I feared, and that is to just get at this weak French team. These girls are easily overpowered.

A few months ago, I had resigned myself to Domenech. Now I just long for his departure again. In two matches France was clueless, idealess. No fluidity, no two consecutive good passes. (Take a look at that Irish goal, Domenech. That's how it's done. Simple and effective) It was all a just a big underwhelming peformance again. I understand that France is not the team of ten years ago. Just a good European team. But the talent is there to play better than this.

~~-~~-<<o>>-~~-~~

Wuz Ireland robbed? Yes. Painfully so.

But...let's not get too carried away. Other teams throughout history have had poor refereeing decisions, cheating. These things happen. We've all benefitted from it at some point, or lost because of it. Without the goal, Ireland would not have gone to SA, Ireland would've had a fairly good shot at going to SA, with the score standing at 1-1 aggregate and twenty minutes of play left.

Also, penalties have been awarded for less than for that Anelka/Given clash in the 98th minute. Anelka didn't protest much, so to be fair this would indicate no penalty.
I am also not sure whether Gourcuff's volley in the 68th minute wasn't blocked by an Irish elbow, moving the arm to the ball.

~~-~~-<<o>>-~~-~~

Sarmatian:
At the free kick before the goal, Gallas and Squillaci did not commit an offside offence, even if both were standing offside.

Gallas later was in an onside position when he received the ball from Henry. Squillaci is more complicated. If he would've touched the ball, then he would've commited an offside offense. He didn't. He did interfere with the game, which is also an offside offence. Which would mean a free kick to Ireland. But he was fouled, pulled down. Which means a penalty to France. I can not work out whether a foul commited against a player in offside position means a free kick for Ireland or a penalty for France.

That's three possible penalties for France, plus a disallowed goal. Which gives the lie to conspiracy theories or biased refs.

However all of that may be, Ireland should've just scored their goals. The chances were there and this game was theirs for the taking. Which is both a criticism of les Bleus and of les Verts.

Sarmatian

11-20-2009, 20:38

Sarmatian:
At the free kick before the goal, Gallas and Squillaci did not commit an offside offence, even if both were standing offside.

Gallas later was in an onside position when he received the ball from Henry. Squillaci is more complicated. If he would've touched the ball, then he would've commited an offside offense. He didn't. He did interfere with the game, which is also an offside offence. Which would mean a free kick to Ireland. But he was fouled, pulled down. Which means a penalty to France. I can not work out whether a foul commited against a player in offside position means a free kick for Ireland or a penalty for France.

That's three possible penalties for France, plus a disallowed goal. Which gives the lie to conspiracy theories or biased refs.

However all of that may be, Ireland should've just scored their goals. The chances were there and this game was theirs for the taking. Which is both a criticism of les Bleus and of les Verts.

If they were offside at the moment the ball was played they can't do anything until the attack was followed through and that includes if the ball goes to another player first and then back to one of them. Even if they don't touch the ball later on but it is clear that the ball is supposed to go to one of them it is still offside and the game is stopped. Squillaci didn't do anything so he's okay but Gallas scored later on. It doesn't matter if he was onside when he scored, he was offside before during the same team move. Basically, if a player is offside, he doesn't exist until that team move is finished.

I don't think it's a conspiracy, I think it's a case of poor refereeing. Unfortunately, it's not the first and it won't be the last.

I don't agree with you that France is "just a good side". France is still one of the best teams in Europe and I don't understand how Domenech can get those players to play that poorly. He should be sacked before WC, otherwise there's a great chance that WC campaign will be one big embarrassment.

Rhyfelwyr

11-22-2009, 19:25

I almost feel this belongs more in the "News of the Weird" thread, but:

Tottenham 9 - 1 Wigan (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8365091.stm)

8 of Tottenham's goals were in the second half. :sweatdrop:

InsaneApache

11-25-2009, 12:23

Invite to end of season party! (http://www.lfc-endofseasonparty.com/)

:laugh4:

naut

11-26-2009, 03:44

Ouch.

Pool will still finish 4th. I predict it. Why am I so confident? Well last season it was in Villa's hands to finish fourth, but they lacked the experience to finish the job and bottled it at the end. Villa aren't mentally stronger this season. Everton are too far behind despite having a good squad. Sp*rs wont pick up enough points from the teams above and around them. City have 11 egos on the pitch. Sunderland have a chance, but do they have the oomph to make the final push (remember how fragile Bent was a Sp*rs?).

But, that's not why I stopped by. I came to see how Loius is feeling after Bordeaux topped their (tough) group tonight.

Louis VI the Fat

11-26-2009, 05:02

I came to see how Loius is feeling after Bordeaux topped their (tough) group tonight.Extremely excited about it! It's not often one gets to see Bordeaux ahead of Munchen and Juventus. I didn't think we could pull it off. No hands this time either!

We had qualified already, but needed to secure first place. The result would also decide whether Bayern or Juventus would be second. You just can't lose with a prospect like that. You know it is going to be an exiting game in its own right, AND you are guaranteed to see either crying Germans or Italians at the end. Sheer bliss.

Bayern Munchen, I should add, defeated Bordeaux in the UEFA Cup final during Zidane's final season at Bordeaux. A fact our dear lederhosen-clad friends reminded us of by bringing along thousands of UEFA Vase copies with them last month. Then we defeated them twice. Tonight, they were dependent on a Bordeaux win just to stay in the race for next round. They came grovelling to us to please please play with our A team so that we would beat Italian giants Juventus. Juventus pleaded otherwise.

There is something in my mind that is deeply satisfied by the view of pleading Italians and grovelling Bavarians. :smash:

These are great times, rivalling the spells in the eighties and the period of Zidane. Bordeaux is doing better financially, there is some more spending power in French football in recent years, us and Marseille have got our act together so it's not just Lyon alone anymore.
Most importantly, Blanc is an absolute genius coach. Fantastic results, great football. Bordeaux is a big club, wealthy compared to the champions of most countries and all that, but we're not Man Utd or Madrid. So these are thoroughly exciting times.

scotchedpommes

11-26-2009, 17:52

Louis: Auxerre, lolwut?

Louis VI the Fat

11-26-2009, 19:19

Let 'em dream a bit. They're cute.

L'OL, L'OM and Bordeaux have to play midweeks in the Champions League. The internationals are from these clubs too, who've played qualification matches throughout the world.
Auxerre will float back to mid-table later in the season.

Lol @ 'pool's November end of season party. :laugh4:

edyzmedieval

11-27-2009, 10:13

Invite to end of season party! (http://www.lfc-endofseasonparty.com/)

:laugh4:

That was bloody brilliant. :laugh4:

scotchedpommes

11-28-2009, 17:49

Those on the continent aware that some hideous approximation of football matches do indeed still take place in far-flung outposts of humanity will know what Rangers are. Not just that they are Scotland's shame, but ever proponents of an agonising form of the game. To this typically reactionary one, it is undoubtedly an indicator of the continued decline of the SPL into farce that they had managed to remain unbeaten domestically for 25 matches. 25. [Cue laughter from Romania.]

No more. And I feel it fitting not only that they were reminded that they are a sorry excuse for a Champions League team by the right side, but such an undeniably poor side.

10 men of a shocking Aberdeen 1-0 Filth, previously unbeaten domestically (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8382027.stm)

naut

11-28-2009, 19:35

Jimmy Bullard you crafty sod you! :laugh4:

naut

11-29-2009, 17:56

Jimmy Bullard you crafty sod you! :laugh4:
Link. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awZfw4abXng) For those who haven't seen it. (But, no doubt everyone has by now.) :beam:

So, looks like we've joined the end of season party with the Liverpuddlians; ah well always next season. :shrug:

As an aside, I wish our fans were more like Sunderland's or Wolves'; none of this booing rubbish, just 100% support all game long.

Afonso I of Portugal

12-01-2009, 17:30

The miss of the century...:laugh4:...and an amazing goal...:2thumbsup:...all the same guy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvYOA4BXIqk

scotchedpommes

12-01-2009, 19:03

Ilija Sivonjić 'miss' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIa8UZ1S7yM).

drone

12-02-2009, 19:02

World Cup seeds are picked:
England
South Africa
Brazil
Spain
Netherlands
Italy
Germany
Argentina

Looking at the pots, the US will likely get grouped with Brazil, Nigeria, and Portugal if all goes per usual. We're in the same pot as North Korea, so no luck there. :rolleyes:

Strike For The South

12-02-2009, 20:14

Louis VI the Fat

12-02-2009, 23:39

That would be a crap draw, We would be skull dragged.Yeah, god forbid. Just when I mortgaged my house and betted it all on America winning this World Cup. ~;)

I want France to draw the US. We'll beat you anytime at football - both sorts with Henry playing.

:shame:

drone

12-03-2009, 00:17

Yeah, god forbid. Just when I mortgaged my house and betted it all on America winning this World Cup. ~;)

Hey, we were promised the World Cup trophy in 2010 by the USSF! Don't give up now! ~;) At some point we have to best our 1930 WC result...

naut

12-03-2009, 04:51

Argentina are seeded?! Well I guess that'll make one group an easy one.

scotchedpommes

12-03-2009, 05:49

Craterus

12-03-2009, 19:48

Argentina are my pick to win it... it's destiny ~D

Strike For The South

12-03-2009, 21:20

Yeah, god forbid. Just when I mortgaged my house and betted it all on America winning this World Cup. ~;)

I want France to draw the US. We'll beat you anytime at football - both sorts with Henry playing.

:shame:

Im just saying, with a good draw we could probably advance to the next round.

Do I think the US could beat those 3 teams? Not likely

Do I think the US could lose to the same 3? More likely

It's just a tough draw like we got in 06.

Jolt

12-03-2009, 22:29

Portugal's group:

Brasil
Aussieland
Nigeria
Portugal

Sarmatian

12-03-2009, 22:56

The little fat man will see his country grind out a couple of 1-0's in the same manner they did against Uruguay. It won't be pretty, and can only hope one of their matches is against Serbia, so we can see a proper vengeance thrashing.

I seriosly doubt the thrashing part. It's still Argentina, little fat man or no. But, on the plus side, we can only improve from the last time we've played :laugh4:.

That's the good thing about hitting rock bottom, you can go only up.

Afonso I of Portugal

12-04-2009, 01:27

Portugal's group:

Brasil
Aussieland
Nigeria
Portugal

I can live with that...but instead Brasil i would prefer England or the Netherlands...:grin2:

scotchedpommes

12-04-2009, 04:55

I seriosly doubt the thrashing part. It's still Argentina,Yes, as I'd tend to think as well, but then my mind wanders back to that disgrace that scraped past Peru... and I begin to dream.

In other trivial news, Dan Petrescu has applied to be the next Scotland manager. [Along with a few drunken neds.] Quite why you'd jump for that when you can get a decent club job after [almost] taking the might of Unirea Urziceni to the knockout stages of the cashcow, I don't know.

Louis VI the Fat

12-04-2009, 14:21

The World Cup draw is in!!

Our group:

France
Harlem Globetrotters
Leinster Rugby
San Francisco 49'ers

InsaneApache

12-04-2009, 14:56

:laugh4:

Ronin

12-04-2009, 16:52

I can live with that...but instead Brasil i would prefer England or the Netherlands...:grin2:

The last time Portugal played the Netherlands it ended up being more like full contact kickboxing than football.

I wouldn´t mind seeing that again actually! :laugh4:

Jolt

12-04-2009, 18:01

Behold the epic marvel! :D

Compare this intro (http://www.gillettechampions.com/index.aspx?locale=fr_fr) (French ad) with this intro (http://gillettechampions.com/index.aspx?locale=en_uk) (UK & Irish ad)
xDDDDDD

naut

12-04-2009, 18:33

Jolt

12-04-2009, 19:26

Brazil - North Korea - Ivory Coast - Portugal.

Damn.

naut

12-04-2009, 19:32

Brazil - North Korea - Ivory Coast - Portugal.

Damn.
I'll be surprised if DPR can even score a goal. :laugh4:

Sarmatian

12-04-2009, 21:21

Brazil - North Korea - Ivory Coast - Portugal.

Damn.

Ouch, probably the hardest group. Three good sides. Brazil and easily the best African nation. Good luck Jolty.

Germany - Serbia - Australia - Ghana.

Could've been better, could've been worse. I believe we're second best and have decent chance to qualify to knockout stage, with all due respect to Aussies and Ghana? (how does one call inhabitants of Ghana anyway?)

Group A is also tough - Uruguay, Mexico, South Africa and France. Mexico and France as two really good teams, Uruguay's got decent potential and the host.... Never underestimate the host.

On the fun side, US finally has got decent chance to progress to knockout stage

drone

12-04-2009, 21:27

On the fun side, US finally has got decent chance to progress to knockout stage

England, US, Algeria and Slovenia. Fairly tame, which is why we will blow it. Be nice to beat England though. :thinking:

scotchedpommes

12-04-2009, 21:38

Was desperately hoping for Holland - Portugal [before Fragony appears with his Wild Boys video] but it was not to be.

Tempted to say the US can get out of that group if they put in the same effort they did in the summer, but I really don't know enough about how Algeria play. Egypt were a very tasty attacking side at times, and they came out ahead of them in the Matches of Hate.

Germany, Serbia, Australia, Ghana. Should be some good watches there.

Afonso I of Portugal

12-05-2009, 00:55

Was desperately hoping for Holland - Portugal...

Gah! me too...but i hope to drink a good orange juice in the knockout stage... anyway it will be showtime with Brasil, not that easy with Ivory Coast and easy with the Koreans, in the end we should go through.
Unbelievable...for Spain it will be a walk in the park...

Beefy187

12-05-2009, 02:04

:laugh4: Classic.

YES! Australia has a group of death!!!

Portugal tough group too.

Yea, Nigeria and Australia are both excellent teams.. Brazil and Portugal obviously..

I'm rooting for the Aussies though. Hoping for Brazil, then Australia. :yes:

Our group has the Dutch, Danes, Cameroon and us. This should be fun:sweatdrop:

Strike For The South

12-06-2009, 20:30

What do I need to know about the Slovenians? I remain unimpressed by Algeria and know a fair bit about the Limey's

If anyone wants to know anything about the American team, we are all 6'4 and kick the futbol clear across the pitch, have the ball go through the keeper and slam into the back of the net.

I seenz it, wit dees eyez

:ekk:

Louis VI the Fat

12-06-2009, 20:51

What do I need to know about the Slovenians? I remain unimpressed by Algeria and know a fair bit about the Limey's Slovenia? A wee little country of no relevance. They will never defeat any big country like the US or Russia. No need for Team USA to prepare in earnest. Just go back to sleep now.

Strike For The South

12-06-2009, 20:57

Slovenia? A wee little country of no relevance. They will never defeat any big country like the US or Russia. No need for Team USA to prepare in earnest. Just go back to sleep now.

::dozey:

Ferret

12-07-2009, 01:25

yeah you guys should get second place fairly easily, obviously there's no chance of you winning the group though... :clown:

naut

12-07-2009, 08:21

Slovenia? A wee little country of no relevance. They will never defeat any big country like the US or Russia. No need for Team USA to prepare in earnest. Just go back to sleep now.
Hehe. That's what Guus Hiddink thought. :beam:

Beefy187

12-07-2009, 09:12

Didn't the Italians get smashed by USA recently?
Same thing could happen to England if they underestimate USA.

naut

12-07-2009, 09:39

Stoke not only throw punches on the pitch, but in the dressing room too. (http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/news/story?id=709637&sec=england&cc=3888)

drone

12-07-2009, 16:45

Didn't the Italians get smashed by USA recently?
Same thing could happen to England if they underestimate USA.

No, that was Spain.

The history of US v Italy is a bit one-sided. And not very polite either.

Louis VI the Fat

12-07-2009, 21:36

Terrible injury for Coupet. Goalie of PSG, and possibly France. His career might be over. :embarassed:

He breaks his leg, bone sticking out through his sock, so don't click this video if that's not what you want to see.

NSFweakstomachs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkTeXJF5yNk

scotchedpommes

12-08-2009, 10:50

Didn't know Coupet had moved to PSG. Would've thought of that as bad news enough.

Slovenia? A wee little country of no relevance. They will never defeat any big country like the US or Russia.delayed <3 [and have a nice little play-off goal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKrgZtvypLI) from 2001, too. Though we know how well that team did in Korea and Japan.]

Fragony

12-08-2009, 10:55

Ronin

12-14-2009, 19:14

Louis VI the Fat

12-14-2009, 21:05

Portuguese Goalkeeper displays mad full contact football skills (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM1SPwPbcDc)

wow....that hurt just from looking at it! :help::sweatdrop:

and he complains to the referee afterwards :DQue?

He ought to be send to gaol for that. What's that all about anymore? :wall:

Edit: Lyon - Bordeaux 0-1. Eight points clear of the club that occasionaly won titles back when the Romans still ruled Gaul.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIk60xZ4T6g

scotchedpommes

12-17-2009, 20:31

Somehow missed that one, [here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gITt3MoC09w)'s a video that's up as of writing] still enjoy watching Lyon taste any kind of defeat.

Just wandered in here as I thought Ajax 0-3 Anderlecht was an interesting scoreline, Mickey Mouse League or not. Poor ol' Jol, if he's still there.

naut

12-18-2009, 02:54

Edit: Lyon - Bordeaux 0-1. Eight points clear of the club that occasionaly won titles back when the Romans still ruled Gaul.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIk60xZ4T6g
Very good result considering Ludovic Sané was on his league debut, with Ciani out.

naut

12-19-2009, 01:29

Champions League Draw:

VfB Stuttgart v Barcelona
Olympiakos v Bordeaux
Internazionale v Chelsea
Bayern Munich v Fiorentina
CSKA Moscow v Sevilla FC
Lyon v Real Madrid
FC Porto v Arsenal
AC Milan v Manchester United

Intriguing draw. This one could throw up some unexpected results. You have to say that Barca should progress, along with Bordeaux. Depending which Real Madrid side turns up they should see off the challenge of Lyon. I can't see Inter, even with Mourinho, beating Chelsea. Arsenal and Man U have slightly more challenging draws. Porto are very strong at home, a clean sheet home and away is a must. While AC Milan despite having an old squad still possess very good players, Beckham may just get to play at OT once more. Red Nose will feel confident though. Bayern Munich v Fiorentina is one I am very much looking forward to, no matter what this'll be a good game. CSKA Moscow v Sevilla --- well I hope to all the deities in the Universe that Sevilla knocks out the Russians, because if they don't and Arsenal go through the next round we will draw CSKA --- Moscow in winter will be an advantage though.

Europa League Draw:

Rubin Kazan v Hapoel Tel-Aviv
Athletic Bilbao v Anderlecht
FC Copenhagen v Marseille
Panathinaikos v AS Roma
Atlético Madrid v Galatasaray
Ajax v Juventus
Club Brugge v Valencia
Fulham v Shakhtar Donetsk
Liverpool v Unirea Urziceni
Hamburg v PSV Eindhoven
Villarreal v VfL Wolfsburg
Standard Liège v Salzburg
FC Twente v Werder Bremen
Lille v Fenerbahçe
Everton v Sporting Lisbon
Hertha Berlin v Benfica

Some very tasty games here. Pana v Roma has all the right ingredients. Ajax v Juve will be a though one --- Ajax have every chance, Melo and Diego combo at Juve is a bit of a flop. Fulham v Shakhtar is a must watch, Shakhtar should win though. Liverpool v Unirea, well it'll be interesting if Unirea can continue their form from the CL group stages to these knock-out rounds, if so this will be a tough set of games. In my mind Villarreal v VfL Wolfsburg will be the best viewing, two teams a bit under the weather domestically, but good teams regardless. Werder should see of the challenge off Twente (:2thumbsup:). Both Everton v Sporting Lisbon and Hertha Berlin v Benfica will be tight ones.

All-in-all some good matches to look forward to.

Louis VI the Fat

12-19-2009, 02:26

Obviously, no complaints from me. While Olympiakos is a big club, it's clearly a level below some of the other clubs. Olympiakos is still unbeaten in the Greek league, and did well in the Big Cup, so it could go either way.

Internationale - Chelsea should be good. I think that game should've been the final.

naut

12-19-2009, 19:26

Mancini to take over at Mercenary Citeh.

In other news somebody swapped Diaby's water with red bull and magic dust that has turned him into a match-winning box-to-box midfielder overnight. :yes: :2thumbsup:

naut

12-21-2009, 17:50

Bump.

Top Ten: Managers' Letters to Santa (http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/31725/Top_Ten_Managers_Letters_to_Santa.aspx)

Dear Santa,

Can you please get me a brand new scapegoat for Christmas? I already have three beautiful goats called Money, Injuries and The Referee, but I have used them so much that they are almost completely worn out.

Muchas gracias,
Rafael ‘Fact Hunt’ Benitez

Dear Santa,

Please can you make Ray Wilkins go away? I can speak English now and I don’t need him any more.

Grazie,
Carlo Ancelotti

Dear Santa,

I’ll swap you Berbatov for a reindeer.

Och,
Sir Alex ‘Sir Alex’ Ferguson

naut

01-01-2010, 13:05

InsaneApache

01-01-2010, 13:58

IA you'd be glad to see Megson removed no doubt? He was never very popular really though?

ESPN ran an interesting piece (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=716860&sec=reviewofthedecade&root=reviewofthedecade&cc=3436) on the best football quotes of the decade. Most are pretty well-known regardless, but interesting read nonetheless.

Aye. Although quite who we're going to get is anyone's guess. Just goes to show that you shouldn't appoint a manc to manage us. That's coming from a manc who supports us an awl. :laugh4:

scotchedpommes

01-05-2010, 11:47

Coyle's about to take over at the Stade de Reebok. He's a good manager [as we've known here for years when he was getting notable results even before going down to Burnley] but he looks to have made a poor decision here.

Edit: Just to clarify, he's gone for the transfer budget, [assuming he didn't somehow... fall in love... with Bolton... or Gartside] which seems misguided. Don't believe he can do much more for Bolton and it surely would have been better for his reputation and job prospects if he'd kept Burnley up.

Edit2: Dempsey goal against Stoke (http://rutube.ru/tracks/2791613.html?v=fe3bcf33cc12df30b1ce66c19ab1d58a).

naut

01-08-2010, 14:36

Good luck to Coyle, he's a good manager. Interesting to see how Burnley does without him.

Viera signs for Mancini's Man Citeh, he's too slow for the Serie A, how's he going to keep up in the EPL, let alone get in the team infront of Barry, Ireland or De Jong? Ah well, best of luck to him too. The joys of silly season.

Edit2: Dempsey goal against Stoke (http://rutube.ru/tracks/2791613.html?v=fe3bcf33cc12df30b1ce66c19ab1d58a).
Hodgson is fantastic, he's turned Laurie Sanchez's mess into a well oiled machine that plays some nice stuff and is efficient at the back. So unlucky not to win at Stamford Bridge the other week.

naut

01-09-2010, 16:07

Tragedy in Angola. I hope the death toll does not rise any higher. Seems the calls for the tournament to be called off are gaining momentum.

Afonso I of Portugal

01-11-2010, 23:31

Yeah! too bad cause Togo (and Adebayor) quits and went home...

Anyway, the tournment started with a lot of goals, amazing comeback for Mali against Angola, 4 - 4 draw and 1 - 1 for Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso...:stunned: one of the weakest sides on earth...maybe IC is not that strong and having Drogba is not enough...let's see the following games.

naut

01-12-2010, 01:06

Mali - Angola was fantastic!

Cote d'Ivoire's problems probably stem from having excellent forwards and good central midfielders, but somewhat average defenders and goalkeepers. Regardless, for B-Faso to even score a goal is surprising.

InsaneApache

01-12-2010, 01:08

When the manager shouted 'shoot', did they all duck? :inquisitive:

Craterus

01-12-2010, 03:10

It was actually Ivory Coast 0-0 Burkina Faso.

Hopefully they will learn that pass-to-Drogba-and-hope-for-the best isn't really a workable tactic. Plus, they seem better suited to being the 'smaller' team in a contest (see their match against Germany). When being forced to run the game and attack, they're less confident.

Ferret

01-12-2010, 17:15

^ wise words, ever considered a management career Crate? :clown:

naut

01-12-2010, 17:25

^ wise words, ever considered a management career Crate? :clown:
960 hours of FM08 will do that! :balloon2:

Arsenal re-sign Sol Campbell (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1242609/Sol-Campbell-signs-Arsenal-free-transfer.html?ITO=1490). Very strange indeed, is he better than Senderos? He's 35/6? Strange if true.

scotchedpommes

01-12-2010, 19:57

Craterus

01-13-2010, 01:20

Heard about that :laugh4: no such thing as a sure thing.

L.C. SVLLA

01-13-2010, 02:42

lets go miami dolphins!

naut

01-14-2010, 03:58

Tutorial on how to dive. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOSVVrj0WZo&feature=player_embedded)

drone

01-14-2010, 05:48

Tutorial on how to dive. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOSVVrj0WZo&feature=player_embedded)

:2thumbsup: Ronaldo 3 ftw!

Louis VI the Fat

01-14-2010, 15:42

Tutorial on how to dive. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOSVVrj0WZo&feature=player_embedded):laugh4::laugh4:

Genius. I love the 'put in a bit extra' part, especially the 'Italian finger' and the 'You're wrong' finger.

Those lads are hysterical. :2thumbsup:

naut

01-17-2010, 21:47

Cameroon lose again. So they're out. Surprising, but good for Arsenal as Song comes home early.

ESPN put the score up wrong for a few minutes, so I thought it was Zambia 3 - 2 Cameroon. But, not to be.

Rhyfelwyr

01-18-2010, 00:17

Of course he's better than Senderos.

[In other news, my ability to check previous pages has abandoned me, so unsure if anyone's posted about that student betting £4400 on Angola to win whilst they were 4-0 up. With 12 minutes to go, no less. He'd miscalculated the odds, thinking he would get £440 instead of £44 - and to him it was seemingly worth it. Of course, we know the collapse / comeback started with 11 minutes to go. Can't post a link to the forum where I saw it, for reasons you might be able to guess.]

I looked that up, but it seems to have been a hoax (http://forum.fm-view.com/topic/10912-i-admit-it/page__st__200__p__261977&#entry261977).

There's a guy I know at Uni that puts 4-figure sums on matches involving the likes of San Marino, Andorra etc.. one day something like the above will happen to him. :laugh4:

scotchedpommes

01-18-2010, 18:39

I looked that up, but it seems to have been a hoax (http://forum.fm-view.com/topic/10912-i-admit-it/page__st__200__p__261977&#entry261977)Well, that's a depressing development. Obviously given the circumstances, I was open to the very real possibility that it was a hoax - nevertheless, it's such tales of soul-crushingly epic fail that tend to make my day.

[Also let me be the first to openly declare that Arsenal need to nick Marouane Fellaini before Chelsea - or anyone else - does.]

Strike For The South

01-19-2010, 23:22

Our players are dropping like Flies. :sad:

Louis VI the Fat

01-20-2010, 14:01

Lord knows I'm not a United supported (Go Arsenal!), but I am absolutely appalled, enraged even, by the continuing revelations about Man Utd.

In the end, Man Utd is a real club, with real fans and a history of great triumph and tragedy. An authentic football intitution, one of the greatest in Europe, one must respect that.

I can't believe a bunch of parasites managed to gain control and plunder this club for all it's worth.

:furious3:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/19/manchester-united-finance-the-glazers

naut

01-20-2010, 15:30

Well like Liverpool they're in deep water financially. They have a two main debts that require re-financing, a £518,695,008 bank loan at 7.5% interest and a £175,479,008 Payment-in-Kind at 14.5% interest. The issue is that the terms state that the loan interest must be paid off before the PIK can be cleared. And at 14.5% the PIK is growing at £25+ million a year, with the total interest bill at £41.9 million for the current financial year. And on top of it all the current revenue barely pays off the interest bill. In fact they would have made a £30+ million loss last season had it not been for the sale of Ronaldo. A bond issue and the sale, then re-leasing of the the training facilities would free up enough money to pay off a significant portion of the loan debt and clear the PIK. Thus putting them on much more balanced footing, as the bonds would be at a reasonable rate of 8.5% or so. This £130 million figure is misleading. What it actually is is the resulting cash from said bond issue and sale of training grounds used pay off a significant portion of the PIK debt, which is in the Glazer's name but secured over the assets of the club.

Liverpool similarly are in strife as they have three main debts, a £359,000,000 Bank loan at 10% interest, a second Bank loan of £58,200,000 at 5.5% and £2,400,000 at a Cayman Trust at 5%. The £359 million loan is largely a debt incurred as a result of the new stadium currently being planned. While the other two debts are more miscellaneous. Now the issue is that Liverpool currently does not produce enough revenue to cover its interest payments. Last financial year saw a £41 million loss, mainly due to interest payments totalling £36.5m, despite highest ever turnover at £161 million. As a result Liverpool have no money available for the purchasing of players, other than what can be raised through selling fringe members of the squad.

The main issue for both of the above clubs is the levels of interest, over huge debts.
Now compare with Arsenal's debts. A long-term bond of £244,900,000 at a fixed rate of 5.3% (secured over the stadium), a £47,000,000 bank loan at Libor + 2-2.5% and £26,400,000 loan debentures at 2.5%. These are all manageable debts at low rates, that will be cleared in the next decade or so. Additionally the Highbury Square project generated £88,287,000 last year and there are still some 75-100 apartments still to be sold which should potentially generate £40-60 million. And the board had the foresight to create a fund which the banks are not allowed to access for interest or other payments, into which goes 70% of the value of transfer fees from sold players. And this fund is to be used for future transfer fees and contracts of new/current players.

All in all it makes me glad to support the club I do. Lucky to have a money-wise board and manager, and have a share-price and debt level that makes a takeover very unlikely. (Each share trades for £8,500 avg. price, thus £528,844,500 in equity and the £318,300,000 in debt would mean that any potential buyer would need to raise at least £100 million and then saddle the club with another £400 million in debt, which simply is not feasible for almost anyone out there as they would likely be unable to clear £700 million in debt in the foreseeable future.)

drone

01-20-2010, 20:50

Lord knows I'm not a United supported (Go Arsenal!), but I am absolutely appalled, enraged even, by the continuing revelations about Man Utd.

In the end, Man Utd is a real club, with real fans and a history of great triumph and tragedy. An authentic football intitution, one of the greatest in Europe, one must respect that.

I can't believe a bunch of parasites managed to gain control and plunder this club for all it's worth.

Their kit has AIG on it, I don't know what else you could expect. :beam:

Go Gunners!

naut

01-20-2010, 23:01

We are top of the league, I say we are top of the league!

How's this for a scoreline: Aston Villa 6 - 4 Blackburn Rovers! Glad I recorded that one.

Hilarious snippet from the Guardian's official text commentary of Liverpool - Spurs:

88 min: Spurs might not be getting the result they're after tonight, but at least their fans can console themselves with the news that Arsenal came from 2-0 down against Bolton to win 4-2. It's not all doom and gloom in North London, eh? And it's always nice to see the neighbours do well.

Good old fashioned wind-up. :laugh4:

Louis VI the Fat

01-23-2010, 00:24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXVsJbeJaPY&feature=related

Magical moment of goalkeeping calamity at the African Cup. wtfwtfwtf? :laugh4:

naut

01-23-2010, 15:27

Werder Bremen against Bayern tonight. Got me all excited. I'm predicting a 2 - 2 scoreline. Bremen are in a patch of poor form, but they'll be up for this. And Bayern's style isn't the most efficient way to break down Werder.

Juventus v. Roma also should be a good match, both don't have a good record this season of keeping out goals. It'll be tight, but the form team is Roma. 1 - 2 to Roma for me.

InsaneApache

01-25-2010, 20:09

I got this off a site I visit. Written by a disgruntled QPR fan...

I take more pleasure in seeing Chelsea lose than I do in seeing QPR win at the moment.

I sat through so many matches when we were absolute dog(swear) under the likes of Ray Harford and with people like Paul Bruce, Matthew Brazier and Mark Perry in the squad and I never felt like this.

The club isn't ours anymore but more so than that - football is just properly gash these days.

I mean really gash.

Football generally.

I hate nearly everything about it these days....

I hate the Prem and the myth that it is exciting this year. Man City breaking into the top four isn't exciting. They spent loads of money. It's no more exciting that Nameless (swear) getting to number 1 in the charts after winning the X-Factor.

I hate the myth of Arsene's kids. Buying some French kid when he's 17, playing him in the League Cup and then selling him when he's 20 after about 3 appearances in the league is NOTHING SPECIAL.

I hate hearing about Liverpool/Man Utd's debt but nothing ever happening about it. A club needs to go to the wall for the money thing to change but it doesn't happen. Why the (swear) are Charlton, Leeds and Southampton still in business?

I hate Frank Lampard's stupid (swear) face. I hate that Joe Cole's tongue is never in his mouth, the (swear, swear). I hate John Terry being England captain when he's CLEARLY AN OAF.

I hate the England team.

I hate young exciting wingers who have nothing but pace. Tony Scully had nothing but pace.

I hate the FA Cup. There may be little shocks like last night but for the most part you know who's going to win it. Unless a team throws away all their financial security to win it a la Pompey.

I hate Harry (swear) Redknapp. And Jamie Redknapp. And Louise Redknapp. And the Wii...and Thomas Cook

I hate James Nesbitt, Eammon Holmes and (swear) everyone.

I hate Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.

I hate Garth Crooks.

I hate Garth Brooks for that matter.

I hate Sky Sports.

I hate that when a lower league player beats 10 players and chips the keeper it doesn't matter but if Rooney scores from more than 20 yards it's amazing.

I hate that everything football related has to have 'Club Foot' playing behind it.

I hate that female sports journos are now mandatory.

I hate Mark Lawrensen for not coming out. 'I do like a big man at the back'. I bet you do.

I hate any advert that portrays football to be about anything other than pain and disappointment.

I hate any advert that mentions pies at football.

I hate Lee Hughes and the fact that he makes a living from the game. I hate Marlon King and any team that signs him when he gets out. I hate that it'll probably be us.

I hate Phil Brown.

I hate 'well the ball is a lot lighter now and will cause goalkeepers real problems this summer' before EVERY (SWEAR) TOURNAMENT.

I hate that Kieron Dyer earned more in the time I took to write this post than I'll earn this month.

I hate Adrian Durham, Ian Wright and Alan Brazil.

I hate Gazza. Either die or shut up. Stop (swear) lingering.

I hate hearing about Hillsborough more than I hear about Heysel or Bradford.

I hate that a comeback from 4-0 down at half time (TWICE) means nothing because we aren't (swear) scouse.

I hate Leeds.

I hate Roy Keane.

I hate grown men wearing football shirts of their team whilst shopping on a saturday when their team is playing at home.

I hate that I don't hate Roy Hodgson.

I hate Jermaine Beckford and any player who has neck tattoos.

I hate songs being inappropriately taken as club anthems and then sung in a manly way. 'I'm forever blowing bubbles....'. (swear).

I hate Danny Dyer and anyone he's ever interviewed.

I hate the book 'Cass' by Cass Pennant. It is honestly the stupidest thing I've ever read. Chapter 1: Millwall. 'Yeah we took 50 to Millwall. They had 1000 in their mob but we ran 'em up and down the street'. Chapter 2: Liverpool. 'Yeah we took 50 to Liverpool. They had 2000 in their mob but we ran 'em up and down the street'. (swear)me... Jade Goody's autobiography is probably better. Even her non-ghost written one.

I hate that all good youngsters end their careers at Spurs before they start.

Priceless. :laugh4:

naut

01-26-2010, 14:52

Why does Jermaine Defoe have a tattoo of a cock on his hand?

http://i49.tinypic.com/11821oo.jpg

Ronin

01-26-2010, 16:34

Friendly Game last night in Lisbon to raise money for the Haiti relief fund.

Benfica All Stars 3 - 3 Zidane XI

Teams:

Benfica All Stars: Humberto Coelho, Dimas, Luisao, Paneira, Katsouranis, Rui Costa, Quim, Nuno Gomes, Miguel, Karagounis, Miccoli.

Benfica All Stars Bench: Moreira, Abel Xavier, Abel Silva, Pedro Valido, Mozer, Poborsky, Nené, Cardozo, Ramires, Rui Aguas, Valdo, Chalana, Schwarz, Quim, Miguel Vitor, Saviola, Éder Luís, Manuel Fernandes, Magnusson.

Zidane XI: Dani Alves, Fernando Couto, Figo, Kaká, Zidane, Henry, Márquez, Barthez, Pauleta, Jean Sony, Davids.

Zidane XI Bench: Lehman, Hierro, Popescu, Kluivert, Hagi, Le Saux, Pires, Cocu, Pauleta, Laudrup, Dugarry, Nedved, Akwá, Amer, Olic, Ricardo Pereira, Bhutia, Alfredo Esteves, Solveig, Obikwelu, Tymoshchuk

Match Highlights (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuPTYkGWm9s)

Match Highlights 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-tzZP30aQA)

scotchedpommes

01-29-2010, 00:25

I got this off a site I visit. Written by a disgruntled QPR fan...

Priceless. :laugh4:

I hate that I don't hate Roy Hodgson.There's no reason to hate not hating Woy. He's so often declared to be underrated it seems as though he may soon be rated... accordingly. The Scouse [or any other vaguely significant team, preferably with more backing] should sign him. They never will, because it would be the sensible thing to do. The man must have won more silverware in his exile than any of your lot in recent times - and yes, it would seem he is actually likeable.

Craterus

01-29-2010, 02:49

Nice to see Algeria exit the ACN gracefully...

naut

01-30-2010, 14:57

Wow. I never realised how much of a retard Martin O’Neill is. Wenger praises his tactical approach to the game, saying it's effective with good counter-attack moves. Then he goes nuts and reveals that he's a complete fool.

O’Neill’s protesting has the feeling about it of the teenager who feels the need to tell everyone he is not gay, because he is.

In fact let's compare. Wenger post-match:

“It was a very difficult game, because they stopped us from playing when we had the ball and when they had the ball, because they played a very long-ball game and closed us down.

“We didn't always find our passing game and we know when we come here what you get and we were not disappointed.

“They play a very efficient English game with long balls and are very physical and they did do that very well and they are a good side on the counter-attack.

“I hope they have a good run now against all the other teams because they are quality, are well organised, have a strong spirit, and are very strong physically.

“The midfield four of Milner, Young, Downing and Petrov don't stop running and all these players can score goals so I think they have a good chance.

“Although Villa were physical, it was not a dirty game. It was a committed game. It was a fair game but not dirty at all. For me, it was physical in a positive way.

They were committed, go for the balls and it is part of football.”

O'Neill's response:

It is interesting, the point he makes, that nobody can play football in the manner that they do. If he believes that, good luck to him.

What we are doing here, and I don’t care what anybody says, we have flair players picking the ball up, attacking. :laugh4:

He has an opinion on everything. There is not a subject in this world at this minute, political, religious, anything, that he does not have an opinion on. I really don’t mind, I just don’t want it shoved down my throat. :inquisitive:

When he talks about this particular Arsenal side, and teams going out deliberately to kick them, nobody does that. Manchester United wouldn’t do that. :laugh4:

You can get carried away with your own importance, you really can. Sometimes he does. He has made a great contribution to the game here, but he is not on a different planet. :inquisitive:

He is a very skilful manager – well done him, but he has another record, like he has had something like 99 sendings-off this year, and 98 of them weren’t his fault. That is the problem. :huh:

What he wants to do is try and point out to everyone who is under his spell that Arsenal are the only delightful team around. When you are looking for that, you can spot a weakness. You are trying to get an excuse ready if you cannot compete with Manchester United and Chelsea. That is the point. :huh:

Methinks O'Neill is trying to disguise the fact that Villa haven't won in four EPL games, and also haven't scored in four EPL games. And have yet again imploded at the turn of the year throwing away a golden opportunity to finish fourth. :idea2:

naut

01-31-2010, 16:44

johnhughthom

01-31-2010, 18:52

Psycho. Uh. Care to explain how Arsenal have been so shambolically pathetic both times they have played a decent side at home this season?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

naut

01-31-2010, 19:07

A mix of injuries and poor form. Tonight with Diaby out there was a missing physical edge, similairly up front with no Bendtner or Van Persie. Also Almunia is one of the worst keepers in the EPL, if not the worst. And when you do not have a good keeper your defence doesn't have confidence and you concede sloppy goals (like Nani's first/Almunia's own goal). Man U weren't overly impressive tonight. What they were was tactically well organised, exploiting the weaknesses of Denilson and Clichy who are back from long injuries and look rusty and mentally slow. Additionally, Almunia has decided that goal kicks should be taken long to a 5'4" Arshavin, which gives possession to the other team and they can apply more pressure.

No it wasn't "shambolically pathetic", it was just not committed enough. There wasn't enough desire. United had the desire tonight, Park showed that with his pressing, Rooney showed that with his goal. Other than Cesc, Song and TV5 none of the Arsenal lads really looked up for it. Admitedly half of them are short of match fitness, but a game like that should bring out the best in a player. I also feel Chris Foy helped United a bucket load by carding Song in the early stages of the game. Refs love doing that to Arsenal, Song never makes overly malicious tackles, especially compared with other teams, but he always receives early yellows. This essentially takes him out of the game and allows the other team to play with more time in the middle of the park. It happened both tonight and in the reverse fixture, and yet when lads like Darren Fletcher do it it's fine, because he's British.

I ask you this john if United or Chelsea had had the sheer number of injuries that Arsenal have had over the season would they be doing anywhere near as well?

Also, you probably have mentioned it before, but I can't be bothered to search the thread, who do you follow?

Personally I feel I've grown up a lot over the past few years. I'm enjoying the ride so far, Wenger isn't going to be around for ever, so I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts. Wengerball is awesome spectacle, and even in a loss you get a spectacular goal or piece of skill. Like Vermaelen's goal tonight! What other centre-back out there can place a volley like that!

johnhughthom

01-31-2010, 21:55

I ask you this john if United or Chelsea had had the sheer number of injuries that Arsenal have had over the season would they be doing anywhere near as well?

To be fair look at the crippling problems in defence United have had recently. Not sure about Chelsea's injuries, however many it was wasn't enough.

Also, you probably have mentioned it before, but I can't be bothered to search the thread, who do you follow?

I'm a Sunderland fan, was hoping for a chance at a UEFA Cup spot (nearly called it the EURO Cup there, too much FM!). looking down with worry toward the relegation zone now. I really enjoy watching Arsenal play though and have enormous respect for Wenger, I just think his failure (stubborness?) to buy (even loan) a striker to cover Van Persie may cost them dear. I don't think Bendtner will cut it, he just doesn't seem to have the attitude to be a top player, though I think he has the ability. I'm kinda frustrated it's going to be Chelsea or United again, that's why Arsenals performances in the games against United and Chelsea annoyed me. And I stick by shambolically pathetic, a nonsensical pairing of words is good football punditry in my books.

On that note, does anybody else find the grammar of ex-footballers on tv funny, surely some tv executive should be taking them aside and telling them when to use "was" and "were" etc.

Louis VI the Fat

02-01-2010, 00:53

Louis. Uh. Care to explain how Bordeaux were held by Boulogne, 2nd last?

I haven't really been following the Bundesliga this season. But, how have Hertha Berlin ended up last? Last season they were doing well?Because we were bollox at finishing. :shame:

On the upside, this son proudly announces to his dad that he is now a fan of PSG: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xa9oip_annoncer-a-son-pere-quyon-supporte_fun

naut

02-01-2010, 04:19

On that note, does anybody else find the grammar of ex-footballers on tv funny, surely some tv executive should be taking them aside and telling them when to use "was" and "were" etc.
Paul Merson always does that. Every time.. He also does that thing we're he just sort of agrees with whatever the other person has said and doesn't really add anything. At least they aren't as annoying as the hosts of pundit events, the one who does the Sky FA Cup/Carling Cup coverage is this fat pompous git.

Sarmatian

02-02-2010, 16:50

I haven't really been following the Bundesliga this season. But, how have Hertha Berlin ended up last? Last season they were doing well?

They lack offensive muscle. They've lost Voronin and Pantelic. I've seen a few games, usually it's waiting for Kacar to score a longshot.

scotchedpommes

02-04-2010, 04:38

as far as I was aware, Hertha lived off the 1-0 last season, without having an exceptional defence by most accounts. It's not really a major surprise that they're down there.

[Aside: some of the formatting here is terrible since the switch. I'm guessing it's just me?]

naut

02-04-2010, 06:02

Speaking of defensive issues. john do you lot have any fit centre-backs yet? I know against Chelsea you had Cana playing there. :undecided:

johnhughthom

02-04-2010, 06:52

Yeah, Turner is back and we bought Kilgallon so we should be pretty solid.

Ferret

02-05-2010, 00:23

Not that Cana is a bad centre back, just a little off with his positioning...

Ferret

02-13-2010, 14:04

How predictable, Ashley Cole out injured for months leaving Bridge as the best replacement as England's left back. Of course this had to happen right after the Terry scandal. I just hope Baines or Warnock get picked instead, I rate them higher than Bridge anyway.

naut

02-15-2010, 12:09

Torres didn't have the best Christmas. :clown:

https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/1893/18854331589435773723490.jpg

Ferret

02-15-2010, 15:25

:laugh4:

naut

02-16-2010, 05:15

Zizou.

http://video.google.com.au/googleplayer.swf?docid=3065048138021773770&hl=en&fs=true

Edit: Video embed doesn't want to work.

Afonso I of Portugal

02-18-2010, 00:38

FC Porto 2 - Arsenal 1

Porto's second goal it's just hilarious...how can they be so dumb?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvAv1Izz8yg

johnhughthom

02-18-2010, 00:45

What is it with Wenger and goalkeepers? Has he ever bought a solid, reliable keeper? While I think Lehmann was a fine goalkeeper, reliable is not a word I would associate with him. As for Almunia, the guy just doesn't seem to have any presence in the box at all, it's no wonder the defence seem to be nervous.

Louis VI the Fat

02-18-2010, 01:17

What goalkeeping howlers. Incredible. :wall:

I'm still not sure what to make of that second goal.

Jolt

02-18-2010, 06:12

Izi4Porto.

johnhughthom

02-18-2010, 07:04

I'm still not sure what to make of that second goal.

I'm not sure about the referee on that one, should he have given the ball to Porto like that? Also does it matter if a backpass is accidental?

naut

02-18-2010, 17:18

The ref was rubbish on the second one. He essentially gave them what is better than a penalty-kick. It is the ref that gave us "Hand of Frog" though, so what can you expect. Fabianski was hopeless on the first. And schoolboy like on the second.

Not worried at all though. Last time we played Porto at Ems we won 4 - 0. And by then Song, Gallas and Arshavin will all be fit.

Campbell was immense though. His reaction to the second goal was classic too. Basically: "WTF Fabianski!?!?!?"

I'm not sure about the referee on that one, should he have given the ball to Porto like that? Also does it matter if a backpass is accidental?
The ref is completely wrong on that call. A back-pass has to be with intent. There is no way Campbell intentionally brushed it with his ankle. And on the quick free-kick, that's more debatable. But, what Campbell/Vermaelen/Fabicrapski should be doing is either not giving the ball back and take the yellow card, or standing in front of the free-kick taker so he can't take it quickly, or marking Falcao, or asking the ref for the whistle.

drone

02-18-2010, 17:23

I'm not sure about the referee on that one, should he have given the ball to Porto like that? Also does it matter if a backpass is accidental?

It's the keeper's fault. He should not have tossed the ball to the ref until his defenders were back in position. That's just Free Kick Defending 101. :no: After this shocking display, if Fabianski plays again in any game more important than an early round Carling Cup tie, Wenger has officially lost it.

Nice header combo on the Arsenal goal though.

johnhughthom

02-18-2010, 17:26

The ref is completely wrong on that call

That's what I thought, none of the pundits brought it up though.

It's the keeper's fault .

No doubt, still poor refereeing though.

naut

02-18-2010, 17:34

After this shocking display, if Fabianski plays again in any game more important than an early round Carling Cup tie, Wenger has officially lost it.
Not really. The lad is what 24? In the life of a 'keeper that is very, very young. Most keepers hit their peak 28-36 and start playing consistently well. There are exceptions like Casillas and Lloris, but they are just insane.

Personally I'd like to see Szczesny (try pronounce that) given a go. He's huge and from his interviews has massive self confidence, he will be Arsenal's future No 1. Almunia has reflexes, that's all. Fabicrapski has good aerial ability, but poor judgement. Mannone has bravery/reflexes, but lacks experience. I'd really like to see Wenger bring in someone like Sorenson, not great but consistent, and then off-load Almunia and loan out Fabianski to give him the experience in a less critical atmosphere.

That's what I thought, none of the pundits brought it up though.
Pundits are too busy having a field day bashing Wenger.

drone

02-18-2010, 17:58

No doubt, still poor refereeing though.

Indeed, the ref called it after the Porto player tossed his arms in the air. But still, Fabianski can not give up that ball like that. Stall by arguing with the ref, back up with the ball, toss the ball halfway down the field, whatever. Take a yellow, who cares. You cannot give the opponent an uncontested free kick inside the box like that.

@ Psychonaut: Arsenal's keeper needs to have a 70's pr0n mustache. :yes:

Afonso I of Portugal

02-19-2010, 14:18

Mourinho already provoking...:laugh4: i guess it's something on his blood...anyway next season he will be training at Madrid.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2859722/Im-still-so-shocking-says-Jose-Mourinho.html

Louis VI the Fat

02-22-2010, 04:59

I was watching some old skool footy. Was reminded of an ancient hero of mine:

https://img713.imageshack.us/img713/1658/batistutad.jpg

Gabriel Batistuta. Still the awesomest looking player ever.

johnhughthom

02-22-2010, 11:38

Hardly call Batigol ancient...

naut

02-22-2010, 12:23

https://img24.imageshack.us/img24/5184/19239340382645008522310.jpg

Hull better stay up. Making fun of Brown is just too much fun.

naut

02-24-2010, 08:17

Can someone explain Montpellier for me please?

Also, check out the comment:

https://img684.imageshack.us/img684/9642/140yvxt.jpg

Also, Forever young: Nigerian football's age-old problem. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/21/nigerian-football-age-old-problem)

johnhughthom

02-24-2010, 12:00

Nice! I still wonder why on earth people pay the likes of Collymore to write for newspapers. I guess I should be thankful he isn't on tv, Paul I used to be a party animal now I'm a depressing old bore Merson & Jamie Oh look at my shiny suit and ignore the guff I spout Redknapp are bad enough.

naut

02-25-2010, 12:24

Back of the Net (http://backofthenet.wikia.com/wiki/Back_of_the_Net_Wiki).

@ Psychonaut: Arsenal's keeper needs to have a 70's pr0n mustache. :yes:

“That Seaman is a handsome young man but he spends too much time looking in his mirror rather than at the ball. You can't keep goal with hair like that.”

InsaneApache

02-26-2010, 14:25

Looks like pompey are buggered then.

naut

02-27-2010, 03:48

Looks like pompey are buggered then.
I never did like the points deductions for administration, it means they have even less chance of making the cash back due to relegation. But, really I hope old Twitchy gets nailed for his role in that mess.

https://img186.imageshack.us/img186/3922/25436325930670939544280.jpg

Thanks Citeh for doing the job tonight. Much appreciated on the correct side of London. (and in Salford) :bow:

And Bellamy's comment on JT was hilarious: "I know what John Terry is like and nothing he does surprises me, everyone knows what he is like." You know you are scum if Craig 'Golf Clubs' Bellamy looks down on you. :grin:

naut

02-27-2010, 19:58

Those three points are for Rambo. I hope the lad heals soon and Shawcross is haunted by soul devouring demons.

That's the third of those I have seen in five years. One is too many. Why is it always a promising lad, like Diaby, like Dudu, and now Rambo getting hacked down by some clogger? I had to fight back tears during the game, I can hardly imagine what the lads went through. Some for the first time, some for the second. And in the case of the older lads, the third time. I'm just glad warriors like Sol, Cesc and Verminator were on hand to dig deep and play through the emotion.

I just hope they can dig deep for the last 10 games and overhaul the 3 point gap at the top and win this for Rambo. It'd be the best way to give a nice big middle-finger to the pundits, to the media, to the Wenger detractors and mostly to advocates of 'Route 1 Football (http://backofthenet.wikia.com/wiki/Route_One_Football)'.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, check the image. Warning disturbing image, and not safe for weak stomachs.
https://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6932/aaronramseyinjury201002.jpg

johnhughthom

02-27-2010, 21:33

I hope the lad heals soon and Shawcross is haunted by soul devouring demons.

Bit harsh, the guy was clearly distraught to have caused such an injury.

I just hope they can dig deep for the last 10 games and overhaul the 3 point gap at the top and win this for Rambo. It'd be the best way to give a nice big middle-finger to the pundits, to the media, to the Wenger detractors and mostly to advocates of 'Route 1 Football (http://backofthenet.wikia.com/wiki/Route_One_Football)'.

It's a pity such a ggod day for Arsenal has been ruined by the injury, have to say that I would make them favourites now considering the run ins of the three challengers.

naut

02-27-2010, 21:36

Bit harsh, the guy was clearly distraught to have caused such an injury.
So he's the victim is he? I guess Rambo's leg was inconveniently in the way of his high lunging tackle then.

In honesty he probably didn't mean to 'rough him up' like Martin Taylor did to Dudu. But all the remorse in the world doesn't absolve him. If anything in those last 10 minutes it hit the Stoke lads harder, most sane people don't like seeing anyone hurt.

Not angry at you. Just last time when Dudu's leg was broken that was the way the media put it. "Oh Martin Taylor is not that type of player", etc, etc. And it just gets tiring having seen it happen again.

What ever happens it's been an interesting season. Pompey in administration. Liverpool doing a belly-up. Citeh spending. Scandals galore. Chelsea imploding. Another horror injury. Some good football, some terrible football.

johnhughthom

02-27-2010, 21:44

Where on earth did I suggest Shawcross was a victim, he was sent off and will be banned for at least three games and deservedly so. Does that even compare to what Ramsey is going through? Of course not, but it doesn't mean Shawcross should be hounded. A game played at the speed and with the commitment of Premier League football will inevitably see these injuries. I bet you love to see your team's players making crunching tackles, I know I do, there is a fine line between a perfect tackle and a career ending tackle. When it comes down to it football will only see the end of injuries like Eduardo's and Ramsey's when it becomes no contact.

naut

02-27-2010, 21:49

When it comes down to it football will only see the end of injuries like Eduardo's and Ramsey's when it becomes no contact.
I don't really agree that you'd have to outlaw contact to stop the really bad challenges. I blame the ref. If Walton had taken a stronger stance at the start and called up some of those Stoke fouls at the beginning then the Stoke lads wouldn't have been 'toeing the line' and the challenge would not have happened. Because in his head he'd have thought, "Wait a minute he's handed out a card or two already, I better pull out of this one."

johnhughthom

02-27-2010, 21:54

I don't really agree that you'd have to outlaw contact to stop the really bad challenges. I blame the ref. If Walton had taken a stronger stance at the start and called up some of those Stoke fouls at the beginning then the Stoke lads wouldn't have been 'toeing the line' and the challenge would not have happened. Because in his head he'd have thought, "Wait a minute he's handed out a card or two already, I better pull out of this one."

Ask yourself how many times a referee has been criticised for ruining a game with early cards? What is it the commentaters always say, "He's made a rod for his own back"? Had he given a few early bookings Pulis would have ranted about it and the Stoke fans would have too, refereeing Premier League football is a thankless task and the guys who do it do not deserve the grief they get.

Louis VI the Fat

02-27-2010, 21:59

https://img692.imageshack.us/img692/8292/ryanshawcross001.jpg
What's his name again, after the tackle. Obviously distraught.

Arsenal plays fluid football, its game is based on technical superiority. Wenger's teams are made up of moslty young players, relying on skills, not physics.

All of which means the opponent often decides to turn it into a 'manly' game, to stop Arsenal physically. If I were manager of Stoke, I'd too tell my players to get at those of Arsenal. To make it a physical game. How else does one stop a players who's faster, more skilled and more agily, but by physical means?
It all descents too easily in bone-crunching tackles. If not deliberately, then simply as a consequence of all of the above. This is not the first time Arsenal faces some horrific injury because of it.

Arsenal needs players like Henry and Bergkamp - behind their great skills, both are sneaky bastards who know how to defend themselves.

johnhughthom

02-27-2010, 22:04

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8541108.stm

What timing...

Arsenal needs players like Henry and Bergkamp - behind their great skills, both are sneaky bastards who know how to defend themselves.

Van Persie would probably fall into that category, injured too unfortunately.

Louis VI the Fat

02-27-2010, 22:07

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8541108.stm

What timing...Wha...?

That's not...opportune, shall we say.

naut

02-27-2010, 22:12

Ask yourself how many times a referee has been criticised for ruining a game with early cards? What is it the commentaters always say, "He's made a rod for his own back"? Had he given a few early bookings Pulis would have ranted about it and the Stoke fans would have too, refereeing Premier League football is a thankless task and the guys who do it do not deserve the grief they get.
Again I disagree. They don't even need to show cards, simply bring over the player and say, "Right, that was a poor challenge, I'm watching and I've noted it, do it again and it's a card". The ref needs to assert his influence. I couldn't careless about the hack commentators, I watch on mute to avoid their bollox, likewise which Pulis and his 'Crazy Gang MK. II'

Secondly, the only good refs in the EPL are Alan Wiley and Phil Dowd. The rest are inconsistent.

Wha...?

That's not...opportune, shall we say.
And there's Capello saying he wants to avoid scandal.

Arsenal needs players like Henry and Bergkamp - behind their great skills, both are sneaky bastards who know how to defend themselves.
What Arsenal needs is players like Sol, Song, Verminator and Gallas to give some back and say. "Guess what, we aren't going away easily". Two players who are very good at that are actually Cesc and Nasri (he is a Marseilles street kid afterall).

And that crying nonsense, that's no comfort to his victim. No comfort at all. Ramsey will miss the season and probably all of next. Hopefully not longer. Shawcross won't be crying when he's back playing in four games time and again for England. His tears are meaningless. And all the media reports are making him look like a victim. Sorry john, but I simply do not agree. :bow:

And guess what it isn't the first time either. Shawcross busted one Francis Jeffers' (remember him) ankle two seasons ago with a two-footed lunge. So my sympathy for him is zero. And the bad challenge on Adebayor in 2008, that was a horrible challenge that was lucky it didn't result in a serious injury. No Shawcross is not a nice lad, whatsoever, and I wish the FA would hand out harsher punishments, like the Belgian FA do. Perhaps a ban for as long as the other person is out? Yes that'd do nicely.

This (http://arsenalstation.wordpress.com/2010/02/28/malice-is-not-the-issue/) explains how I feel much better than I ever could.

Ferret

02-28-2010, 14:10

naut

02-28-2010, 15:18

Shawcross is not some clogger, he went in for the ball and very nearly got hit, Ramsey did the same and either of their legs could have been broken. Shawcross was unlucky but obviously Ramsay much more so.
Shawcross unlucky? If he'd done that to Mr. Rooney you'd all be vilifying him and hanging him out to dry. Have you watched the close-up angle? His boot is high and halfway up Ramsey's shin. And secondly: he's done it before (http://content.thisis.co.uk/sentinel07/homepage/ad_panel/sentinel_backpage.pdf). He is a clogger, simple as that. Ramsey did the same?! The mind boggles? His foot was planted on the ground and next to the ball

Listen to yourselves. Football is clouding your judgement. It was reckless, reckless and clumsy. Want me to prove it's an awful, awful challenge? Here:

Ramsey was already at the ball. Note Shawcross' posture, his legs are party off the ground. He is lunging in with his lead foot:
https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2194/horrifictackle1.jpg

Shawcross catches Ramsey high and late:
https://img251.imageshack.us/img251/4702/horrifictackle2.jpg

He's not unlucky, he knew exactly what he was doing. No doubt at the instruction of Pulis. He certainly didn't mean to break his leg. But, he certainly wanted to 'rough 'im up'.

So EF if he isn't a clogger? What about this one, that led to Ade missing a month:

https://i.imagehost.org/0709/ShawcrossXAdebayor.jpg

A must read perspective (http://beta.oleole.com/blogs/arseblog). (F-bomb Warning).

Edit:
he went in for the ball and very nearly got hit, Ramsey did the same and either of their legs could have been broken.
Not at all true. Shawcross went in at a speed and with a recklessness that was entirely unnecessary. If he had managed to get the ball it would have ended up in the stands, such was the force of his lunge. No it was premeditated, with a technique designed to get the man.

It is a tactic that is too often employed against skilled teams, it is a premeditated tactic. How, many times have I read opposition players comment before the game that they'd be out there to 'rough 'em up'. In a court of law that is premeditation, which means INTENT. Managers like Allardyce, McLeish and Pulis instruct their players to go in to 'rough 'em up'. And they and the media peddle the bollox that we don't like getting kicked. Well guess what, nobody likes being kicked. Especially when it results in getting kicked into the ER.

The root of the issue is that: “…they didn’t care enough about the consequences of getting it wrong…”

The blame for that lies squarely at the door of the manager who tells his team when playing Arsenal to “get amongst them”, “give them one early doors” & “they don’t like it up ‘em” at the expense of actually bothering to pick any football tactics.

[...]

So what you are hearing from Arsenal fans, on here, on the other blogs, on the news websites and on Twitter is an outpouring of emotion following yet another example of a team who can’t live with Arsenal’s superior football skill being directly instructed to use unreasonable force to try and counter it. And that appalling injury is what happens; asking Gooners to calm down and/or have a bit of perspective is just a little bit late in the day.

And his crying. It's reminiscent of a drunk-driver crying when he realises he's just run-over some poor kid. He realises he’s done something horrible, and fair play to him for that, but that doesn’t excuse his recklessness.

Get well soon Rambo. We'll go and win it for you! And I know I’ll cry if on May 22nd I see a young Welshman on crutches struggling to lift the trophy above his head. :bow:

Ferret

03-01-2010, 16:56

A few milliseconds late and a few centimetres too high. And yes he put far more power into it than was needed but that's what you get in a tight game when your young and relatively inexperienced. Ramsay was too quick for him and yeah I take back about Ramsay doing the same as Shawcross, I thought they both went to kick it but those pictures show otherwise. I accept that Shawcross is in the wrong here for using so much power but I know how easy it is to understimate your own strength. Imo it is clear he went for the ball and had no intent of hurting Ramsey and so is not some clogger, even if it has happened before. As you said yourself it was reckless and clumsy, which isn't something you are when try to hurt someone.

And please do win the title for him, ABU.

johnhughthom

03-01-2010, 17:10

I think something that needs mentioned is the response of Glenn Whelan, the way he spoke to Ramsey and helped him through the immediate aftermath of the tackle was good to see. Conversely I don't think Pulis' comment about Arsene Wenger after the match were necessary, though I believe those two have previous.

Talking about post match interviews Craig Bellamy has gone way up in my estimation this weekend! https://www.youtube.com/watch#v=pjhbv1UxjjU&feature=related

naut

03-01-2010, 17:35

I think something that needs mentioned is the response of Glenn Whelan, the way he spoke to Ramsey and helped him through the immediate aftermath of the tackle was good to see.
Indeed. :bow:

Conversely I don't think Pulis' comment about Arsene Wenger after the match were necessary, though I believe those two have previous.
He's just covering his tracks, he would have told his players to go in hard and play rough. So he's subtly diverting any attention (and thus responsibility) away from himself.

Talking about post match interviews Craig Bellamy has gone way up in my estimation this weekend! https://www.youtube.com/watch#v=pjhbv1UxjjU&feature=related
Benitez's were perfect too (regarding Allardyce):

It doesn't matter - we won. It is really important (the way to play) but sometimes we cannot play football. We try to do our talking on the pitch. If they are pleased with the way they play under this manager it is their decision.

"They have a style and they are a team that plays this way under this manager. We won so we they have to be thinking about whether the style is good or not. Some people have to talk before the press conference or after because it is more difficult for them to do a football job.

"I think it is a model for all the managers around the world, their style of football, his behaviour. It is the perfect model for all the kids and I'm sure all parents will enjoy this model and encourage their kids to be the same.

"The style of football, I think, Barcelona are thinking of copying.''

johnhughthom

03-01-2010, 23:04

And his crying. It's reminiscent of a drunk-driver crying when he realises he's just run-over some poor kid. He realises he’s done something horrible, and fair play to him for that, but that doesn’t excuse his recklessness.

Personally I think that is a grossly unfair comparison, a drunk driver running over a kid is the result of a number of concious decisions, I will go to the pub in the car so I will have to take it home, I will have another and another and another, I know I am incapable of driving but I will do so anyway etc etc. Comparing that to a split second decision in a game played at the speed of Premier League football is ridiculous in my opinion. I understand you are emotional about the incident so I hope your judgement has just been clouded for the moment.

naut

03-02-2010, 12:06

I can't be bothered to debate this with you any-more. Instead I'll let Arseblogger do so for me, and I'll move on from the injury in this thread. :bow:

If there's one thing this incident has confirmed it is that the vast majority of people involved in English football, as players, managers, pundits or whatever, have their priorities entirely wrong. You could barely move yesterday for all the people coming out in defence of 'poor Ryan Shawcross'. He died for our sins so that the sins of all might be forgiven, you know. Body of Ryan, amen.

Wayne Rooney said he was sure Ryan would be "all right" after his dreadful trauma. Alex Ferguson, English football's most high profile manager, rang Shawcross to offer him his support. Paul Parker said Arsene Wenger should apologise to Shawcross, the man who hasn't yet apologised publicly for breaking Ramsey's leg. Alan Curbishley blamed Ramsey, saying he should have pulled out of the tackle. There are even people of such unfathomable ignorance out there that they suggest Ramsey broke his own leg before Shawcross even had the chance do it. And the usual suspects were out in force broadcasting their cretinous opinions to the world.

And how much did we hear about Aaron Ramsey? How much did we hear about the young man whose career has been put on hold due to a horrific injury? How much did we hear about the obvious problem with the FA's disciplinary procedures? How much did we hear about what football can do to stop this kind of injury happening again? How much did we hear about players having to take responsibility for their actions? Not much at all, if anything. A couple of articles and the chaps on the Guardian's Football Weekly podcast had a sensible discussion about it without the jingoistic bollocks on display almost everywhere else.

Instead Arsenal are accused of paranoia, Arsene Wenger is castigated for having the temerity to be upset that yet another of his players has been brutalised out of the game for a long period of time, and the real victim in all this is poor Ryan Shawcross who is going to struggle to get his head together in time to play for England. The poor chap. Give me a break. And, all the while, the evidence against Shawcross mounts. This video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JImCLHKXTOs) from his time on loan at Royal Antwerp (one of United's feeder clubs, I believe) shows what kind of a player he is. This young man's career so far makes an outright liar of every single person who claims he's not that kind of player.

He might be a nice chap, who loves kittens and fluffy bunny rabbits and is nice to his mum and whatever else, but on the pitch he has a serious problem. He injures people. And as time goes by those injuries are getting worse. Making excuses for him means somebody else is going to be a victim in the future because nobody is telling him the way he plays is wrong. I've watched the Ramsey thing over and over again and he goes in too hard. He is not trying to just win the ball, he is trying to hit the ball as hard as he possibly can. He is swinging through like a golf shot, it's utterly reckless and that's what broke Ramsey's leg. Yes, you want players to be committed but they also have a responsibility to tackle in a way which does not put another player at risk. That's why two-footed challenges are no longer acceptable, because the risk of injury is too great.

Unless you're 100% sure you can get the ball you cannot go in with the kind of force that Shawcross did. You want proof? Aaron Ramsey's leg is your proof. Maybe 9 times out of 10 nothing happens but the 1 time out of 10 is what you want to avoid. I struggle to see how anybody can defend it as 'just one of those things'.

Let me challenge any of these people now, the Collymores, the Talksports, the halfwit pundits like Parker and the columnists who back the Stoke man - would your reaction be the same if a foreign player had put Wayne Rooney out of the game for a year? If an Arsenal player hacked Steven Gerrard's leg in two just months before the World Cup? No chance. Whoever that player was would be relentlessly criticised and hounded. Look at how Cristiano Ronaldo was treated over a wink, a bit of gamesmanship. Remember when Beckham broke his metatarsal before the 2002 World Cup in a challenge with Deportivo's Aldo Duscher? Here's what Duscher had to say:

Maybe the worst thing is that seven or eight English journalists appeared at my house. I was chased by them and they gave me the impression I had done something terrible. It's very hard when all of the press of one country is attacking you.

And he was public enemy number 1. The English press went to town on him. Teams of journalists sent to La Coruña to follow a man whose tackle was reckless but compared to Ramsey's the injury to Beckham was relatively minor. A tiny little bone in his foot broken. But then Duscher was a filthy Argie and Beckham at that time England's golden boy. They chased him. Think about that for a minute.

Yet Aaron Ramsey is just a young Welshman playing for a 'French' team. Shawcross is supported because he is English. The hypocrisy is staggering.

Former Arsenal legend Bob Wilson:

The game has moved forward but the Football Association and the Premier League are content to have a brutal side to the game. In my opinion this is born out of most managers and coaches facing Arsenal, plus media pundits and even ex-players, instructing their players to get in their faces. Opposing players are told to shake them up, get in their faces, tackle hard, bully them. I would defy coaches and managers to deny that is the case.

We keep hearing about how there was no 'intent' or 'malice' in the challenge, which misses the point entirely. You don't have to have intent or malice to hurt somebody but let me ask this. If Ramsey had been left on the ground with a bruised shin and a sore leg what would Shawcross have done? Walked away, happy that he'd got 'stuck in' and shown he was the big man.

Goodplaya made a very good point yesterday, one which I noted during the game but forgot about in the light of Ramsey's injury. In the first half Cesc slid in on Shawcross, admittedly a little from behind, but he got the ball and hardly any of the man. Shawcross went beserk, moaning at the referee about the tackle. This is a big, hard centre-half who doesn't like to be tackled yet is more than happy to dish it out. More than happy to put his laces through the ball ... oh, ball's gone ... and now it's somebody's shin. He's a coward and a bully and unfortunately for Aaron Ramsey he bore the brunt of both those despicable characteristics.

johnhughthom

03-02-2010, 14:33

I'll move on from the injury in this thread. :bow:

Good idea, let's leave it that.:bow:

Tried the new FM patch?

Louis VI the Fat

03-02-2010, 15:23

Personally I think that is a grossly unfair comparison, a drunk driver running over a kid is the result of a number of concious decisions, I will go to the pub in the car so I will have to take it home, I will have another and another and another, I know I am incapable of driving but I will do so anyway etc etc. Comparing that to a split second decision in a game played at the speed of Premier League football is ridiculous in my opinion. I understand you are emotional about the incident so I hope your judgement has just been clouded for the moment.One makes a conscious decision before the game. Makes the decision as a general playing style. There are few split second decisions on a pitch, all those reflexes are trained, are ingrained in the mind. If you tell yourself that you will not ever make a tackle that could end your opponents career, you will not make it.

Gary Lineker never received so much as a yellow card. Zidane repeatedly went wrong. One can decide what kind of player one wants to be.

naut

03-04-2010, 12:29

The Welsh FA copied the list of former Swedish Managers from wikipedia for their match program last night. To bad someone had edited the list and put in "Hugo Penis Licker" as one of them.

https://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4677/penis1148270b.jpg

Louis VI the Fat

03-04-2010, 12:51

Meh, me I suspect all Swedes of using their pr0n names abroad, as a secret joke between them.

'Sven Störe Pölse' - how are we to know what that means.

Louis VI the Fat

03-04-2010, 13:36

Has roughing up Arsenal become part of the plan?

Not for the first time Arsène Wenger (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/arsene-wenger) finds himself at the heated centre of a debate about aggression and modern football. On one side stand those who believe occasional broken bones remain an unfortunate but inevitable by-product of the game's enduring appeal as a contact sport. Across the divide, there are others, Wenger included, who feel the extreme pace of 21st-century football demands increased cleansing and rule tightening.

More contentiously, Arsenal (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/arsenal)'s manager claims opponents are routinely instructed to rough up his players by managers bellowing "get in their faces" before issuing reminders that "Wenger's boys don't like it up 'em". The issue has been brought into uncomfortably stark focus by the broken leg suffered by Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey last Saturday following a tackle from Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross. "Horrendous and unacceptable," said Wenger of the challenge. After bone pinning surgery the 19-year-old Wales midfielder is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of eight months.

The Frenchman arguably weakens his case by maintaining that Arsenal are systematically targeted by teams hellbent on physical intimidation. In reality, with one or two notable exceptions – step forward Sam Allardyce – many sides appear to exercise unusual restraint when confronted by English football's answer to Barcelona. After all, the latest Opta statistics reveal that Stoke City, generally no shrinking violets when games turn a little physical, have committed fewer fouls against Arsenal than any other Premier League (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/premierleague) team in recent seasons.

"I think most managers will tell their players to be very careful with Arsenal," said Howard Wilkinson, the former title winning Leeds United manager turned influential chairman of the League Managers' Association. "Wenger has created one of the world's best passing sides whose game is all about repeatedly asking defenders very difficult questions. Playing them, your decision-making needs to remain extremely calm. If a defender goes to ground needlessly he could conceivably end up red-carded or easily concede a free-kick in a dangerous position.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/mar/02/roughing-up-arsenal-plan

Wha...? :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0DtoxBo9sg&