Soccer 2011-2012

[KT2000]

Ongoing thread for discussion of the new season...

Champions League qualifying well underway and the big teams are on the cusp...

[pied]

Liverpool might be purchased by the Chinese government.

Weird stuff, can I back a team that is owned by the reds? SHould the EPL let them in?

[pied]

Ongoing thread for discussion of the new season...

Champions League qualifying well underway and the big teams are on the cusp...

Europa league is as well, as is the Concacaf Champions League.


Puerto Rico Islanders ousted Donovan/Buddle and the LA Galaxy last night despite losing at home on the strength of a 4-1 win in LA last week.

[toonman]

Watch out for Real Madrid now that they have "The Great One" as Manager.

[the_phoenix612]

As much as the MLS sucks, it's at least better than the Irish League...

[KT2000]

Watch out for Real Madrid now that they have "The Great One" as Manager.

He needs to sign defenders if he wants a shot at my team (Barca). Khedira is a smart signing, but he is more distributor than destroyer even though he starts play from deep.

The worst part of the team is easily the defense, but the signings have all been attack oriented so far.

[the_phoenix612]

He needs to sign defenders if he wants a shot at my team (Barca). Khedira is a smart signing, but he is more distributor than destroyer even though he starts play from deep.

The worst part of the team is easily the defense, but the signings have all been attack oriented so far.
*cough* BANDWAGONER *cough*

Citeh and Madrid will continue to win nothing and prove that you can't win without a team organically built.

[pied]

Liverpool-Rabotnicki underway.

Liverpool with the 2-0 aggregate lead heading into the game at Anfield.

[pied]

Liverpool witht he score, this series is over.

[the_phoenix612]

Liverpool witht he score, this series is over.
What league is that in? And who is Rabotnicki? Are they some huge Lithuanian team or something? That's some impressive opposition you're playing :rolleyes:

Yes, I'm going to make fun of you all season for this.

[thestud]

What league is that in? And who is Rabotnicki? Are they some huge Lithuanian team or something? That's some impressive opposition you're playing :rolleyes:

Yes, I'm going to make fun of you all season for this.

Macedonian. Just for you- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FK_Rabotni%C4%8Dki

[KT2000]

*cough* BANDWAGONER *cough*

I've been following Barca since Guardiola played. Since 97.

[pied]

What league is that in? And who is Rabotnicki? Are they some huge Lithuanian team or something? That's some impressive opposition you're playing

Yes, I'm going to make fun of you all season for this.



Fair enough, I need to brush up my Mandarin.

BTW, Gerrard just scored.

Get used to that.

[jrock210]

Well I had the privilege of going to the Manchester United vs MLS All Star game a week ago. I hate Man U so I went for the all Stars. We sat 5 rows up from where they walked out and warmed up so we had great seats. I made a sign that says Smells Like Bandwagon. LOL I loved it though.


In other news, Bayern Munchen baby! Anyone else excited about their upcoming season.

[the_phoenix612]

Well I had the privilege of going to the Manchester United vs MLS All Star game a week ago. I hate Man U so I went for the all Stars. We sat 5 rows up from where they walked out and warmed up so we had great seats. I made a sign that says Smells Like Bandwagon. LOL I loved it though.


In other news, Bayern Munchen baby! Anyone else excited about their upcoming season.
The Bundesliga have been on fire so far this preseason. I think Bayern will run away with the league and have an advantage over the English clubs who will be slugging their way through the most open title race in the history of the league.

How did you like that game? I had seats right on the 50 up in the "club section" (didnt know they were "club" seats when we bought them and there wasn't anything special for being club seats :() and it was fantastic! Amazing how much faster sports look live than on TV, and Macheda scoring so quick just set it up for a perfect game. I couldn't believe how loud it got once the wave got going.

[the_phoenix612]

I've been following Barca since Guardiola played. Since 97.
mhm.;)

If I have to put up with ridicule for supporting United even though I picked them up in 98, I can poke fun at you, too :p

[pied]

Yes, I'm going to make fun of you all season for this.


Liverpool advances!

[KT2000]

mhm.;)

If I have to put up with ridicule for supporting United even though I picked them up in 98, I can poke fun at you, too :p

:D

I planned to be at the MLS match, but decided against it since it was middle of the week. I went to the USA-Mexico match in 2007 and that was probably the closest thing I will experience to a Super Bowl type event. We were outnumbered about 99 to 1 by the Mexican fans, but the only people who had problems were the ones who were looking for them. We went through the Mexican tailgate before the match with no problems and everyone was having a great time.

[KT2000]

I did anger a couple of Mexican fans though when I tackled champ onto them after we thought Dempsey had scored the third goal (ruled out offside).

[the_phoenix612]

Liverpool advances!
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/BleepingBeauty/Misc%20-%20Gif%20Images/Applause.gif
Would you like a cookie, or a real football team to support?

What is this, the third qualifying round of the Europa League? When do you start playing real teams from real countries?

[the_phoenix612]

:D

I planned to be at the MLS match, but decided against it since it was middle of the week. I went to the USA-Mexico match in 2007 and that was probably the closest thing I will experience to a Super Bowl type event. We were outnumbered about 99 to 1 by the Mexican fans, but the only people who had problems were the ones who were looking for them. We went through the Mexican tailgate before the match with no problems and everyone was having a great time.
I was really not expecting there to be much of an atmosphere, but it was quite electric for most of the game. I was pleasantly surprised.

[pied]

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/BleepingBeauty/Misc%20-%20Gif%20Images/Applause.gif
Would you like a cookie, or a real football team to support?

What is this, the third qualifying round of the Europa League? When do you start playing real teams from real countries?

May need to make that a fortune cookie.

[the_phoenix612]

May need to make that a fortune cookie.
:rofl:

clever

[jrock210]

The Bundesliga have been on fire so far this preseason. I think Bayern will run away with the league and have an advantage over the English clubs who will be slugging their way through the most open title race in the history of the league.

How did you like that game? I had seats right on the 50 up in the "club section" (didnt know they were "club" seats when we bought them and there wasn't anything special for being club seats :() and it was fantastic! Amazing how much faster sports look live than on TV, and Macheda scoring so quick just set it up for a perfect game. I couldn't believe how loud it got once the wave got going.

LOL ya I know. Well a lot of Man U fans were pissed at me for wearing my Bayern Munchen jersey (I rocked my old school one before they went to the red and white stripes). I liked the game a lot. I play and love to watch. I'm a big Dynamo supporter so when Ching scored and then De Rosario (both right in front of my goal) I went crazy.

The wave was pretty awesome. I saw the people trying to start it and when it kept going I watched and was kinda surprised. It was a great crowd. I wish the Texian Army and El Batalion had a chance to be louder. Not a lot had tickets and they were kinda scattered so ya.


The only problem I had was the people in front of us and us were true soccer fans and stood the whole game. They are big Man U fans and flew in from San Diego just to watch Man U. We had a family behind us throw stuff at us and yell at us but we just ignored them. We had a good laugh after the game.

[pied]

Hoops Nation gets a 2-2 draw with Inter Milan last night before 19,435 people.

FRISCO – They were no longer just images beamed through satellites across time zones, a constellation of stars far from reach. On Thursday evening, they were here at Pizza Hut Park, in flesh and blood. Standing next to the likes of FC Dallas starters Heath Pearce, Brek Shea and Dario Sala were Eto’o, Cambiasso and Milito – players who need only be identified by one name and who all are members of European champion Inter Milan.

On this night, it would have been forgivable if FC Dallas was overwhelmed by its opponent. But it wasn’t, forging a 2-2 draw against Inter.

“Nobody expected us,” FC Dallas defender George John said, “to pull out a victory or a tie.”

But FC Dallas proved resilient, maintaining the form that has helped it stay undefeated since May 20 and provoked Inter Milan coach Rafael Benitez to call the MLS team “sharp.”

FC Dallas didn’t back down after Diego Milito scored the first goal of the match in the 25th minute on a header, redirecting a pass from Goran Pandev. It didn’t recoil when Philippe Coutinho chipped a shot that Sala deflected with the tips of his fingers or Samuel Eto’o smashed a ball off the left post.

Instead, it regrouped, regaining composure before the equalizer materialized in the 42nd minute when Eric Avila lofted a beautiful cross over Inter’s defense that George John headed past the lunging Luca Castellazzi.

The 19,435 spectators in attendance that oohed and aahed during every Inter Milan attack seemed stunned by FC Dallas’ counterstrike and the audacity it took to execute it.

After halftime, they seemed relieved the storyline everybody expected to transpire was restored in the 64th minute, when Eto’o created space and fired a shot from 25 yards out that eluded Sala and spilled into the goal. But FC Dallas would author yet another response 10 minutes later when Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi tackled Jeff Cunningham in the penalty box.

Materazzi, who once provoked Zinedine Zidane to deliver that famous head butt in the 2006 World Cup final, seemed incredulous when he was assessed the foul. So, too, were the fans after they watched David Ferreira slide the penalty kick past Inter keeper Julio Cesar to tie the score, 2-2.

“The happiest moment of my life,” Ferreira said.

Fifteen minutes later, when the final whistle sounded, Inter Milan quickly retreated to the locker room like a team that had been defeated. FC Dallas’ players, meanwhile, stayed on the field, basking in the glory of a night when they played even with one of the best clubs in the world




Cunningham sold that PK, but it was Materazzi, so I say screw him.


http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/photos/080610fcdallas/images/fcdallasMILAN032.jpg

[pied]

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/BleepingBeauty/Misc%20-%20Gif%20Images/Applause.gif
Would you like a cookie, or a real football team to support?

What is this, the third qualifying round of the Europa League? When do you start playing real teams from real countries?

Does Turkey count?

Liverpool will play the Turkish side Trabzonspor in the Europa League play-off after the draw in Nyon this afternoon. Manchester City received probably the most straight-forward draw of all the British sides when they were picked to face Timisoara, who finished fifth in the Romanian top flight last season.


Open up the EPL play with Arsenal at home, then Europa league gme mid week, before going to play at Man City and going to Turkey for the second leg. All in eleven days.


Good stuff.

[the_phoenix612]

Does Turkey count?




Open up the EPL play with Arsenal at home, then Europa league gme mid week, before going to play at Man City and going to Turkey for the second leg. All in eleven days.


Good stuff.

No, it doesn't.

And that's what you get for finishing SEVENTH in the league.

[jrock210]

Hoops Nation gets a 2-2 draw with Inter Milan last night before 19,435 people.






Cunningham sold that PK, but it was Materazzi, so I say screw him.


http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/photos/080610fcdallas/images/fcdallasMILAN032.jpg

As much as I'm not a fan of FC Dallas, I'm glad for them. Milan had it's starters in it seems and Dallas played great. Congrats guys!

In other news, Dynamo lost 1-0 last night at home. Onstad wasn't between the pipes though. Is he hurt?

[jrock210]

Well Bayern Munchen signed Mueller for 5 more years
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=812189&sec=europe&cc=5901

Bayern Munich have announced that Thomas Muller has signed a new contract extension until 2015.

Thomas Muller slots the ball past Fernando Muslera

GettyImages

Thomas Muller was a star performer at the World Cup

Muller, 20, was a revelation at the World Cup, which he ended as the tournament's joint-top goalscorer with five goals and with the Best Young Player award, and he has now committed his future to the Bundesliga champions.

''FC Bayern rewards performances and the performances of Thomas Muller last season were extraordinary,'' said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. ''Thomas has given a lot of pleasure to us and to football fans. He won the league, the DFB-Pokal, reached the Champions League final with the team and was the top goalscorer and Best Young Player at the World Cup in South Africa. We are delighted that his long-term future lies with FC Bayern.''

Very few had even heard of Muller just 12 months ago when he was fished out of Bayern's reserve team on the recommendation of Hermann Gerland, who worked alongside coach Louis van Gaal last season after having been in charge of the reserves for eight years.

Van Gaal was suitably impressed and made him a regular in his first team, fielding him 38 times last season.

Muller paid him back with 13 goals which also earned him a late call-up to the Germany national team, with whom he shone in South Africa. He is now ready to embark on only his second season as a senior professional footballer having already achieved more than many do throughout their entire careers.

''Last season, a dream came true for me,'' said the 20-year-old. ''Bavaria is my home, FC Bayern is my club. I am delighted that I will continue to wear the FC Bayern shirt for the next five years.''

[yankee]

US national team vs. Brazil tonight on ESPN2.






*gulp*

[KT2000]

Brazil's kids play most of US World Cup team off the park 2-0, should have been 4 or 5 for Brazil.

USA Man of the Match= right goalpost

Neither team really had their legs based on the quick turnaround from club duty, but Brazil made a promising start to life under new coach Mano Menezes. I predicted Brazil 4-2 before the match. Gave our guys too much credit.

[the_phoenix612]

Anybody want to join an EPL fantasy league?

[yankee]

Anybody want to join an EPL fantasy league?

yesh, i would be interested. however, i have never done one.

[the_phoenix612]

yesh, i would be interested. however, i have never done one.
Nor have I. ESPN is offering one, I just signed up. I'll create a 5ATF league if we want.

[jrock210]

So the MLS is looking to bring a 20th club to the league in the next few seasons.

SA's mayor is a soccer fan and says he's interested in bring a pro soccer team to the city. Also, I hear an organization that is highly involved with the Spurs [or something of that sort] is interested in working on Alamo Stadium so that it can be played as a professional soccer facility. I'm a member of the Crocketeers which is an official support group for bring a team into San Antonio. What are your thoughts?

I know SA has been thrown around and I heard New York wants another one. The two teams in one city thing is pretty crappy in my opinion. LA already has Chivas USA and LA Galaxy. Share the love to better markets instead of splitting up fan bases over a soccer team. What do yall think?

[the_phoenix612]

anyone who thinks scoreless football is dull and boring did NOT watch the first half of citeh-spuds this morning.



WOW :eek: :eek: :eek:

[toonman]

I have just watched Aston Villa destroy West Ham with a score of 3-0 and it could have been 6 or 7. West Ham were completely out-played and look relegation candidates even at this early stage of the season. Aston Villa look as if that can compete with the big 4.

Also newly promoted Blackpool beat Wigan 4-0. That was the only shock result with all the others going as expected.

I am just about to watch Chelsea play WBA.

Tomorrow we have Liverpool vs. Arsenal and then on Monday Manchester United vs. Newcastle.

So many great games today and this is just Day 1 of the EPL.

[the_phoenix612]

btw, the 5ATF.com league on ESPN's fantasy soccer is named 5ATF.com and the pw is epl (no caps)

[pied]

bad luck. A man down a whole half and a fluke goal gets in. Would have been a great win, but a tie given the red card situation isn't bad I guess.

Dempsey looked good in his limited role.

Man City/Tottenham was a good battle.

[the_phoenix612]

bad luck. A man down a whole half and a fluke goal gets in. Would have been a great win, but a tie given the red card situation isn't bad I guess.

Dempsey looked good in his limited role.

Man City/Tottenham was a good battle.
What fluke? Reina is a joke and it was only a matter of time before he got confused enough to throw a ball backwards :D

[KT2000]

What fluke? Reina is a joke and it was only a matter of time before he got confused enough to throw a ball backwards :D

Reina is a solid keeper. I'm surprised he didn't just hoof the ball down the line instead of trying to grab it. I think some keepers forget they are allowed to use their feet. He'd bailed out Pool a couple times before that happened.

[the_phoenix612]

Reina is a solid keeper. I'm surprised he didn't just hoof the ball down the line instead of trying to grab it. I think some keepers forget they are allowed to use their feet. He'd bailed out Pool a couple times before that happened.
dude, I was kidding. Reina is an excellent 'keeper, and it sucks that this happened to him, but it happens to every goalie occasionally.

[the_phoenix612]

http://www.studs-up.com/comics/2010-08-16.jpg

[pied]

facing the dreaded Trabzonspor squad today at Anfiled.

[pied]

manu scores one goal and gets the point after an own goal and a missed PK.

They are more lucky than good.

[toonman]

WOW. Three games with a 6-0 score in the same weekend. I guess that must be some kind of record.

Aston Villa are not a good as I gave credit for last weekend. Or are Newcastle a force to be reckoned with this season.

West Ham lost at home which supports my thoughts of last week that they are a relegation candidate and welcome back to earth for Blackpool - sorry Blackpool but along with West Ham you are going to be relegated this season.

Chelsea and Arsenal looked good but Man U slipped up.

Man City and Liverpool this afternoon should be interesting.

[the_phoenix612]

WOW. Three games with a 6-0 score in the same weekend. I guess that must be some kind of record.

Aston Villa are not a good as I gave credit for last weekend. Or are Newcastle a force to be reckoned with this season.

West Ham lost at home which supports my thoughts of last week that they are a relegation candidate and welcome back to earth for Blackpool - sorry Blackpool but along with West Ham you are going to be relegated this season.

Chelsea and Arsenal looked good but Man U slipped up.

Man City and Liverpool this afternoon should be interesting.
Fulham away is United's trickiest fixture. We'd lost two in a row prior to this, and we should have won, but Nani took the penalty that Giggs should have taken.

[pied]

WOW. Three games with a 6-0 score in the same weekend. I guess that must be some kind of record.

Aston Villa are not a good as I gave credit for last weekend. Or are Newcastle a force to be reckoned with this season.

West Ham lost at home which supports my thoughts of last week that they are a relegation candidate and welcome back to earth for Blackpool - sorry Blackpool but along with West Ham you are going to be relegated this season.

Chelsea and Arsenal looked good but Man U slipped up.

Man City and Liverpool this afternoon should be interesting.

recording this for later tonight. Not sure if I have enough discipline to keep from seeing the score.

[the_phoenix612]

recording this for later tonight. Not sure if I have enough discipline to keep from seeing the score.
Balotelli with a hatrick and Torres' leg falls off.

[pied]

Balotelli with a hatrick and Torres' leg falls off.

Weird, we lost two points on an own goal, and manu has won two points on one.

[the_phoenix612]

Weird, we lost two points on an own goal, and manu has won two points on one.
Ooh, new prediction. Balotelli with a hat trick then Torres AND Balotelli's legs fall off :)

[the_phoenix612]

http://www.smiteahippie.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/simpsons_nelson_haha2.jpg

[pied]

Looks like it will be an exciting season...

[the_phoenix612]

Looks like it will be an exciting season...
lol how's the view from 17th on the table?

[pied]

Second leg of the Europa League match with hated Trabonspor up today.

YNWA

[the_phoenix612]

Second leg of the Europa League match with hated Trabonspor up today.

YNWA

Congrats to LFC on their impressive victory over Turkish fifth place team Trabzonspor. Meanwhile, the Champions League group draw was announced.

http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt218/the_phoenix612/0a826ca7.png

Barcelona with an absurdly easy draw, probably the easiest for any team in recent history, while AC Milan, Real Madrid, Ajax, and Auxerre comprise the "Group of Death" this season. Tottenham face a very stiff test in their quest to succeed in European football, as they face Inter Milan and Werder Bremen in Group A.

Predictions:

A
Inter Milan
Tottenham
B
Benfica
Lyon
C
Manchester United
Rangers
D
Barcelona
Rubin Kazan
E
Bayern Munich
Basel
F
Chelsea
Spartak Moscow
G
AC Milan
Real Madrid
H
Shaktar Donetsk
Arsenal

[jrock210]

Bayern Munchen has an easy time of getting by and man Barcelona.....talk about easy lol

[the_phoenix612]

1-0 United at half against the scouser scum.

Will Liverpool ever be good again? Will they get wiped off the pitch against every big team this season? Will they continue to beat up on Champions from Romania and Macedonia, and mid-table teams from Turkey and Italy? Will Fernando Torres burst into tears, stamp his feet, take his ball and go home after he fails to score in YET another week?

It remains to be seen....

[the_phoenix612]

FFS Howard Webb, you suck!

Nailed on red cards both ways, a blown penalty call on Liverpool, and now he's shafting United at every chance to make up for blowing two red card chances on United.

[the_phoenix612]

Dimitar Berbatov http://images.redcafe.net/images/smilies/drool.gif

What a hat-trick.

[jrock210]

1-0 united at half against the scouser scum.

Will liverpool ever be good again? Will they get wiped off the pitch against every big team this season? Will they continue to beat up on champions from romania and macedonia, and mid-table teams from turkey and italy? will fernando torres burst into tears, stamp his feet, take his ball and go home after he fails to score in yet another week?

it remains to be seen....

this

[the_phoenix612]

http://therepublikofmancunia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/berba2nd.gif

[pied]

http://therepublikofmancunia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/berba2nd.gif


What is the definition of a dangerous play?

[pied]

FFS Howard Webb, you suck!

Nailed on red cards both ways, a blown penalty call on Liverpool, and now he's shafting United at every chance to make up for blowing two red card chances on United.

Don't have FCS+. bummer, sounds like an entertaining match.

[the_phoenix612]

What is the definition of a dangerous play?
Bicycle kicks are explicitly allowable in the Laws of the Game, provided that they are judged by the referee to not be dangerous. Berbatov's touch of brilliance was performed with his back to all near players, and his legs never approached the heads of opposition.

[the_phoenix612]

Don't have FCS+. bummer, sounds like an entertaining match.
Well, you should definitely not go to http://www.myp2p.eu/index.php?part=sports if you want to view streams, as that would just be naughty, and morally wrong. So definitely don't check for streams from that site, and DEFINITELY don't pm me if you have questions about how to work it.

[pied]

Bicycle kicks are explicitly allowable in the Laws of the Game, provided that they are judged by the referee to not be dangerous. Berbatov's touch of brilliance was performed with his back to all near players, and his legs never approached the heads of opposition.

I do not agree with the manu league rules and will not spend one more dollar nor attend any Liverpool games until rectified.

[the_phoenix612]

I do not agree with the manu league rules and will not spend one more dollar nor attend any Liverpool games until rectified.
I'm sure Liverpudlians have never disliked their American contingent quite so much as they do now...

[the_phoenix612]

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3370/jacklaugh.gif

Can pools season get ANY worse? They lose today to League Two (2!) side Northampton Town in the League Cup.

Coupled with a 5-2 romp by United at Scunthorpe, my day has been made.

[pied]

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3370/jacklaugh.gif

Can pools season get ANY worse? They lose today to League Two (2!) side Northampton Town in the League Cup.

Coupled with a 5-2 romp by United at Scunthorpe, my day has been made.

That's like losing to Arkansas State or worse.

Holy ****, i'm a soccer a$m fan.

[the_phoenix612]

That's like losing to Arkansas State or worse.

Holy ****, i'm a soccer a$m fan.
worse. It's like losing to a Division III team.

[the_phoenix612]

Breaking News:

Liverpool move up to 15th place in the league, after bravely fighting to a draw with mighty Sunderland.

Also, Chelsea lose to Citeh, Arsenal lose to newly-promoted West Brom, and Tottenham give West Ham their first win of the season.

[jrock210]

In German news:
Bayern Munchen lost at home today 2-1 to FSV Mainz.

[the_phoenix612]

Pied, I'm interested to see what you think about this:

http://i54.tinypic.com/2emefmh.gif

And maybe your thoughts on the controversial first goal as well?

[jrock210]

Anyone watch Man U's game today?
I hate the Red Devils but it's not very often I get to watch soccer on TV [no Fox Soccer Channel].

[pied]

At least Pool won at Anfield.

Kind of an exciting game.

[KT2000]

How much longer does Hodgson have before he's run out?

I'm thinking he is gone if Everton takes the derby after the international break. The pressure will be too much if they lose that match.

[patient1019]

Bit of good news for 'Pool: A British judge has essentially ended Gillett and Hicks' reign as Worst Owners Ever today.

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5680185/court-rules-liverpool-owners-clears-path-sale-boston-red-sox-owners

[the_phoenix612]

Bit of good news for 'Pool: A British judge has essentially ended Gillett and Hicks' reign as Worst Owners Ever today.

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5680185/court-rules-liverpool-owners-clears-path-sale-boston-red-sox-owners

Meh, not really. Now you're dealing with turnover while sitting just barely above relegation, and you haven't solved any of the real issues facing the club. Debt is still there, a stadium still needs built, and you only have 2 decent players in your squad and one looks like a sad, lost puppy playing up front with no service.

[pied]

Meh, not really. Now you're dealing with turnover while sitting just barely above relegation, and you haven't solved any of the real issues facing the club. Debt is still there, a stadium still needs built, and you only have 2 decent players in your squad and one looks like a sad, lost puppy playing up front with no service.

Getting the current ownership out has to be considered a good thing.

[the_phoenix612]

Getting the current ownership out has to be considered a good thing.
Not so fast, Scouse. Hicks got a restraining order signed here in Texas.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=832083&sec=england&cc=5901

[pied]

Not so fast, Scouse. Hicks got a restraining order signed here in Texas.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=832083&sec=england&cc=5901

Curious as to the jurisdiction questions.

[the_phoenix612]

Curious as to the jurisdiction questions.
This is texas. We don't need no jurisdiction.

[patient1019]

Meh, not really. Now you're dealing with turnover while sitting just barely above relegation, and you haven't solved any of the real issues facing the club. Debt is still there, a stadium still needs built, and you only have 2 decent players in your squad and one looks like a sad, lost puppy playing up front with no service.

It doesn't solve the negatives facing the club, but it gets Hicks and Gillett out of the driver's seat and turns the club over to the ownership team that turned the Red Sox around at the start of the decade. That right there is a positive. Will the NESV fix everything financially? Remains to be seen, of course, but the approval of the takeover means keeping Liverpool out of bankruptcy protection which would have been the nail in the coffin for the Reds in regards to relegation. Hicks may appeal but I doubt he'll make any headway. Anything other than a takeover at this point will doom Liverpool and Hicks is only making things worse if he continues to fight the Royal Bank. He's already nearly half a billion dollars in debt with 'Pool on his hands, it's time he walked (alone, HA HA!) from this and let Liverpool get a fresh start.

The Singaporean bidder might have dumped more money into signing new players but I feel comfortable with the NESV being in control of the club. It's a long road uphill for Liverpool but this is the best start they could have asked for.

[the_phoenix612]

It doesn't solve the negatives facing the club, but it gets Hicks and Gillett out of the driver's seat and turns the club over to the ownership team that turned the Red Sox around at the start of the decade. That right there is a positive. Lol not so fast. Hicks and Gillette are far from out of this, and a very likely scenario is Liverpool enter administration and are docked 9 points. Who wants to buy a Championship club?

Will the NESV fix everything financially? Remains to be seen, of course, but the approval of the takeover means keeping Liverpool out of bankruptcy protection which would have been the nail in the coffin for the Reds in regards to relegation. Hicks may appeal but I doubt he'll make any headway. Anything other than a takeover at this point will doom Liverpool and Hicks is only making things worse if he continues to fight the Royal Bank. Hicks is right. As owner of the club he should get to decide to whom it is sold. NESV's bid is lower than others that have been submitted, and the board is so set on screwing Mssr.s Hicks and Gillette that they have made it a requirement for a bid to be accepted that H&G do not get even enough money to cover their losses, let alone make any profit whatsoever.

He's already nearly half a billion dollars in debt with 'Pool on his hands, it's time he walked (alone, HA HA!) from this and let Liverpool get a fresh start. I love the irony in this whole deal and I'll laugh all of next year if pool get relegated.

The Singaporean bidder might have dumped more money into signing new players but I feel comfortable with the NESV being in control of the club. It's a long road uphill for Liverpool but this is the best start they could have asked for.
interesting what H&G have done in the texas court, and the scenario is much further from what the media, especially in GB, is portraying than you might think.

[patient1019]

interesting what H&G have done in the texas court, and the scenario is much further from what the media, especially in GB, is portraying than you might think.

Interesting, the news of the Texas restraining order must have come out as I was posting or shortly before I posted.

I get that the RBS and Liverpool's board of directors are trying very, very hard to get the club sold immediately and at the cost of a potentially superior bid. It would seem that they're that adamant about ousting H&G (Who wouldn't be), but at the same time LFC is facing a deadline on its debt repayment and the sooner Liverpool can divorce itself from H&G's debt to the Royal Bank of Scotland the better. The NESV's proposed bid takes care of all of the club's financial burdens but leaves H&G out in the cold on their multi-million dollar loans originally made to Liverpool. Naturally H&G want to halt the NESV takeover, not because it "undermines the value of the club" (H&G obviously haven't a care in the world about what Liverpool is worth) but because it doesn't reimburse them for their financial contributions. Understandable from a private ownership perspective, though the lawsuit they're bringing against the board is delaying Liverpool's ability to meet RBS' deadline which will ultimately doom the club. H&G want their investment returned, despite the fact that they pretty effectively drove the club into the ground. I don't understand the circumstances of their "investment", but it seems to me that they mismanaged it and are rightfully out their 144 million pounds. That, however, may not be the case. H&G weren't going to win their loans back with any of the proposed bids

Regardless, the lawsuit will almost certainly result in Liverpool's relegation.

[the_phoenix612]

Interesting, the news of the Texas restraining order must have come out as I was posting or shortly before I posted.

I get that the RBS and Liverpool's board of directors are trying very, very hard to get the club sold immediately and at the cost of a potentially superior bid. It would seem that they're that adamant about ousting H&G (Who wouldn't be), but at the same time LFC is facing a deadline on its debt repayment and the sooner Liverpool can divorce itself from H&G's debt to the Royal Bank of Scotland the better. The NESV's proposed bid takes care of all of the club's financial burdens but leaves H&G out in the cold on their multi-million dollar loans originally made to Liverpool. Naturally H&G want to halt the NESV takeover, not because it "undermines the value of the club" (H&G obviously haven't a care in the world about what Liverpool is worth) but because it doesn't reimburse them for their financial contributions. Understandable from a private ownership perspective, though the lawsuit they're bringing against the board is delaying Liverpool's ability to meet RBS' deadline which will ultimately doom the club. H&G want their investment returned, despite the fact that they pretty effectively drove the club into the ground. I don't understand the circumstances of their "investment", but it seems to me that they mismanaged it and are rightfully out their 144 million pounds. That, however, may not be the case. H&G weren't going to win their loans back with any of the proposed bids

Regardless, the lawsuit will almost certainly result in Liverpool's relegation.
Whoop! :heli:

[the_phoenix612]

TRO issued by Judge Jordan yesterday:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/39284612/Liverpool-TRO

[patient1019]

The British High Court that approved the LFC sale to begin with has issued a statement to H&G, ordering them to withdraw their legal action against the board or be held in contempt of court and jailed. I find it funny how these two courts are bickering at each other from across the pond.

What I didn't think about when considering the prospect of Hicks' lawsuit is, won't sending Liverpool in financial administration cause the club's value to decrease dramatically and ultimately cost H&G MORE money? It seems that the $1.6 billion suit is their last chance at recouping their money before the sale of the club goes through. Now that the Singaporean bidder has withdrawn his offer, there's no chance for H&G to regain the 144 million pounds they'd lose in the deal. Unless of course they win the lawsuit and are granted their damages, at the complete sacrifice of the club.

[the_phoenix612]

The British High Court that approved the LFC sale to begin with has issued a statement to H&G, ordering them to withdraw their legal action against the board or be held in contempt of court and jailed. I find it funny how these two courts are bickering at each other from across the pond.

What I didn't think about when considering the prospect of Hicks' lawsuit is, won't sending Liverpool in financial administration cause the club's value to decrease dramatically and ultimately cost H&G MORE money? It seems that the $1.6 billion suit is their last chance at recouping their money before the sale of the club goes through. Now that the Singaporean bidder has withdrawn his offer, there's no chance for H&G to regain the 144 million pounds they'd lose in the deal. Unless of course they win the lawsuit and are granted their damages, at the complete sacrifice of the club.

False. H&G have record of several other offers for the club that the board is refusing to recognize. And the British court's order doesn't mean anything, and was probably a bad idea for said court. Because Kop Football Ltd. is registered in Texas to operate, the Texas District Court has jurisdiction and the British High Court has no jurisdiction over the Texas District Court.

The idea that a British court could order American systems to withdraw an action in American court is preposterous, illegal, and the thing that wars have been fought over in the past. It is a good thing we live in the age that we do, for in past times this could well have ended in shooting.

[patient1019]

The idea that a British court could order American systems to withdraw an action in American court is preposterous, illegal, and the thing that wars have been fought over in the past. It is a good thing we live in the age that we do, for in past times this could well have ended in shooting.

I get that, and that's why I find it funny that the High Court is issuing a statement of warning that H&G will be jailed. Who's going to enforce that?

H&G just want their 144 million pound investment back, and we're to assume they'd have chosen a higher bidder if RBS had given them the choice. That's the American way of viewing it, anyway; the Brits obviously contend that H&G lost their right to control the team when RBS demanded repayment of the half a million dollar debt H&G owes them and because RBS controls that debt, they're to decide where the team goes. Personally I don't think H&G have the mental fortitude to determine what's best for the future of the club, and would like to see RBS sell the club to NESV and have all legal action dropped. Wishful thinking, but it would get my club into better management hands.

[patient1019]

Hicks and Gillett are out.

Liverpool's American owners dropped their Texas court case against the sale of the club on Friday, removing a major obstacle to a takeover by the parent company of the Boston Red Sox. But they vowed to pursue a $1.6 billion damages claim over what they called the "illegal" buyout.

Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. announced they had withdrawn the temporary restraining order they obtained in Dallas to block the $476 million sale.

The move could allow the club to complete the deal with New England Sports Ventures. Funds need to be transferred Friday afternoon to Royal Bank of Scotland, which holds the bulk of Liverpool's debt.

Attorneys for Hicks and Gillett, who claim the NESV offer undervalues the 18-time English champions, called the prospective sale an "extraordinary swindle."

"This outcome not only devalues the club but it also will result in long-term uncertainty for the fans, players and everyone who loves this sport because all legal recourses will be pursued," said Steve Stodghill, the Texas attorney representing Hicks and Gillett. "Mr. Hicks and Mr. Gillett pledged to pay the debt to RBS so that the Club could avoid administration that was threatened by RBS. That offer was rejected.

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5687159/liverpool-owners-tom-hicks-george-gillett-jr-drop-court-case-sale

This has to be one of the phoniest legal battles I've ever heard of.

[the_phoenix612]

Hicks and Gillett are out.



http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5687159/liverpool-owners-tom-hicks-george-gillett-jr-drop-court-case-sale

This has to be one of the phoniest legal battles I've ever heard of.
Not really, it only looks that way with red glasses on. The liverpool board DID, in fact, enact a conspiracy to cheat H&G out of money by informing bidders that any bid that adequately compensated H&G for the money they loaned the club would be rejected. And the idiot directors put that in writing, too.

If you were being ripped off to the tune of 140 million dollars, wouldn't you fight tooth and nail?

But dude, really, 475 million for liverpool? You and I both know that is massively undervalued.

[patient1019]

Not really, it only looks that way with red glasses on. The liverpool board DID, in fact, enact a conspiracy to cheat H&G out of money by informing bidders that any bid that adequately compensated H&G for the money they loaned the club would be rejected. And the idiot directors put that in writing, too.

If you were being ripped off to the tune of 140 million dollars, wouldn't you fight tooth and nail?

But dude, really, 475 million for liverpool? You and I both know that is massively undervalued.

It is. But it would have been far less had H&G kept fighting. Do I blame H&G for wanting their 140 mil back? No, not at all. I'd want it back too - even if I was out that money because I was an idiot and have no idea how to manage a franchise.

Liverpool is worth more than $476 million, that's for sure. H&G's legal issue with the takeover process is understandable. Right now though, Liverpool is no longer owned by those clowns. I'm content.

[the_phoenix612]

"To maintain the success at any football club is not a certainty, i.e. I always believe a four-year cycle is probably the most you can achieve in terms of success. Very few teams can create more than that four-year cycle. Last season we almost did it, we were one point short of winning the league for a record fourth time.

"We realised that to maintain that high consistency of being there challenging we had to inject youth into the club and we’ve been doing it for the last three or four years. We realised some years ago that Giggs, Scholes and Neville werenever going to last forever and our policy is therefore to develop players within the club. We had a player that once said to me Rooney and Ronaldo weren’t good enough. Can you believe that? He actually said they weren’t good enough and he wasn’t prepared to wait until they were. That’s what happens, that’s the problem with potential – people don’t identify potential, they’re very poor at it. I’ve identified it all my life within young people – I know potential, I know how it can be developed and I know how to have faith in it - young people surprise you when you give them an opportunity. And that’s what this club is about. So when you see Manchester United at the moment with all these young players, you can’t see Manchester United three years ahead because you’re not thinking about that.

"We will invest in players when the time is ready. This summer wasn’t the right time as far as I was concerned; there was no value for me. There was one player who we would have liked to have got but he chose another club. I don’t think he ever wanted to come to England anyway. Some players don’t want to leave their country, it’s a fact of life, some players are happy in their own country. Some players are happy to leave and Manchester United is always a big attraction for any player. If they don’t want to leave their country then we forget about it.

"In terms of the future of Manchester United there are a lot of things in my favour – history, the respect we have from people – if I told you how many agents phone my secretary every week about players who would love to play for us - and I don’t just mean run of the mill players, I’m talking about players at almost every club in the world - it would amaze you. It’s because this club still has that fantastic romance and respect from everyone.

"Sometimes you look in a field and you see a cow and you think it’s a better cow than the one you’ve got in your own field. It’s a fact. But it never really works out that way. It’s probably the same cow which is only as good as your own cow. We have to deal with that – some players like to think that it’s a better world somewhere else, it never really works like that.

"As I said, three Premier League titles in a row is fantastic and we were within one point of a record fourth. It didn’t happen for us and we didn’t like that and we want to do something about it. We’ll be okay – I’ve got every confidence in that. We have a structure at the club which is good, we have the right staff, the right manager, the right chief executive, he’s a brilliant man. There’s nothing wrong with Manchester United, not a thing wrong with it. So we’ll carry on."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hTEbL3MCT0&feature=player_embedded

Tough week for me. :(
IFWT

[patient1019]

Man U is picking an interesting time to implode.

[KT2000]

Blackpool's Ian Holloway bringing the truth on Rooney situation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_RdLGZ89uU&feature=player_embedded

:notworthy

[jrock210]

Blackpool's Ian Holloway bringing the truth on Rooney situation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_RdLGZ89uU&feature=player_embedded

:notworthy
I don't like the English Premier League at all. I can't stand Manchester United but I think I found a team to root for and it's because of Ian Holloway!

Thanks for the KT2K

[the_phoenix612]

Blackpool's Ian Holloway bringing the truth on Rooney situation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_RdLGZ89uU&feature=player_embedded

:notworthy
Read that transcript earlier. Good points. Players need less power in nearly every sport. They have no investment in the infrastructure, in the teams, and in the end the bottom line is that sport is a JOB. Just like you or I have a JOB with a BOSS and RULES, so do players but that is ignored, not only by soccer players but you're seeing this play out in the NFL next year.

It was no accident, btw, that his latest injury came at the studs of one Paul Scholes in practice. If you want to know how soccer players act when clubs give them SO MUCH, look to Scholes, Giggs, and Neville. I doubt any of the three have so much as looked at the scouse scum since his statements, and I would not be surprised to see Gary Neville have a go at him.

[pied]

Man U is picking an interesting time to implode.

Doesn't look bad in blue...

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/10/19/article-1321997-0BAEE38B000005DC-679_634x329.jpg

[KT2000]

It was no accident, btw, that his latest injury came at the studs of one Paul Scholes in practice. If you want to know how soccer players act when clubs give them SO MUCH, look to Scholes, Giggs, and Neville. I doubt any of the three have so much as looked at the scouse scum since his statements, and I would not be surprised to see Gary Neville have a go at him.

It was funny to read some of the tweets after the latest "injury" was reported. Gary Neville was the first name mentioned. :D

Guaranteed Scholesy-Nevs went in studs up. I'd bet Phil would like a shot as well (Man U-Everton).

[KT2000]

I don't like the English Premier League at all. I can't stand Manchester United but I think I found a team to root for and it's because of Ian Holloway!

Thanks for the KT2K

I'm not a huge Premier League fan myself. I don't attach myself to any team. I just can't get behind the kick-and-rush mode of playing. Manchester United and Arsenal have been the two most innovative sides, but Arsenal's taken a long time to replace the old parts from the "dream team". United did some of the most innovative things I've seen with Ronaldo.

[the_phoenix612]

Doesn't look bad in blue...

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/10/19/article-1321997-0BAEE38B000005DC-679_634x329.jpg
He would cement his place as the stupidest scouse ever if he did that. Can you imagine never being able to go to a restaurant, a supermarket, to park your car outside, go for a walk in your hometown without fearing for your safety?

There would be 100,000 reds ready for a pop at him every second of every day if he went to citeh. I do so hope he goes there now.

[the_phoenix612]

I'm not a huge Premier League fan myself. I don't attach myself to any team. I just can't get behind the kick-and-rush mode of playing. Manchester United and Arsenal have been the two most innovative sides, but Arsenal's taken a long time to replace the old parts from the "dream team". United did some of the most innovative things I've seen with Ronaldo.

It's not all like that. In fact, its mostly not like that. And I just can't get behind the prance-around-and-flop mode of playing, which plagues every other league in Europe bar Germany. And the Bundesliga is too inaccessible for me to follow regularly.

It was funny to read some of the tweets after the latest "injury" was reported. Gary Neville was the first name mentioned. :D

Guaranteed Scholesy-Nevs went in studs up. I'd bet Phil would like a shot as well (Man U-Everton).

No, this is a legit injury. Came back from the hospital in a walking cast and everything.

[pied]

He would cement his place as the stupidest scouse ever if he did that. Can you imagine never being able to go to a restaurant, a supermarket, to park your car outside, go for a walk in your hometown without fearing for your safety?

There would be 100,000 reds ready for a pop at him every second of every day if he went to citeh. I do so hope he goes there now.

How quickly you turn...

ROONEY!

Glory, glory Man United! And the Red go marching ON! ON! ON!

[KT2000]

It's not all like that. In fact, its mostly not like that. And I just can't get behind the prance-around-and-flop mode of playing, which plagues every other league in Europe bar Germany. And the Bundesliga is too inaccessible for me to follow regularly.

Kick-and-rush is the English way. They invented this brand of counter-attacking play. England values the physical powerhouse (Gerrard, Rooney, G Johnson) over the more technical players (Lampard, Carrick). Hopefully, Jack Wilshere will show England the way forward in central midfield.

There are plenty of floppers in the Premier League as well. Drogba is one of the worst offenders there is.

[the_phoenix612]

How quickly you turn...
Last year he came out in the press and claimed himself as a red for life. I believed him.

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2008/10/27/1225118151398/Wayne-Rooney-001.jpg
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2010/10/21/1287616804550/Wayne-Rooney-006.jpg
http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2010/10/21/article-1287654107974-0BB42E82000005DC-13121_466x310.jpg

[the_phoenix612]

Kick-and-rush is the English way. They invented this brand of counter-attacking play. England values the physical powerhouse (Gerrard, Rooney, G Johnson) over the more technical players (Lampard, Carrick). Hopefully, Jack Wilshere will show England the way forward in central midfield.

There are plenty of floppers in the Premier League as well. Drogba is one of the worst offenders there is.
long ball is the average english club's way. The good sides have the creativity to break teams down, and do, but even their counterattacking is more than kick-and-chase.

Also, I like a bit of steel in my defense. I'd rather have physical powerhouses who will knock you the **** down than a bunch of prancing spanish ladyboys.

[KT2000]

long ball is the average english club's way. The good sides have the creativity to break teams down, and do, but even their counterattacking is more than kick-and-chase.

Also, I like a bit of steel in my defense. I'd rather have physical powerhouses who will knock you the **** down than a bunch of prancing spanish ladyboys.

Next time you watch Barcelona play, tell me how many times Xavi, Iniesta and Messi go down of their own accord.

It won't happen much. They are some of the world's most balanced players, and they have to be given their smaller size. That's how you retain possession for obscene amounts of time- by staying on your feet and turning on the ball.

English central middies have no concept of turning on the ball and opening the pitch. Carrick, Wilshere and Lampard are basically alone in that group.

[the_phoenix612]

Next time you watch Barcelona play, tell me how many times Xavi, Iniesta and Messi go down of their own accord.

It won't happen much. They are some of the world's most balanced players, and they have to be given their smaller size. That's how you retain possession for obscene amounts of time- by staying on your feet and turning on the ball.

English central middies have no concept of turning on the ball and opening the pitch. Carrick, Wilshere and Lampard are basically alone in that group.
you've given me three players of 220 starters. You only have to look at how many players from spain and italy come to england and struggle because they're undersized and can't handle the level of contact.

Great football players, but just not a style I prefer. I'm not trying to denigrate their technical skills.

[KT2000]

you've given me three players of 220 starters. You only have to look at how many players from spain and italy come to england and struggle because they're undersized and can't handle the level of contact.

Great football players, but just not a style I prefer. I'm not trying to denigrate their technical skills.

Those are the only three English names I can think of with proper distributive skills from the central midfield. Scholes is the best England's ever had for that role, but he's been a retired international.

The style of play is what throws the Italians and Spaniards off for a bit in the Premier League. The overall personality of the league is very quick. There aren't many teams capable of pausing and changing tempo. I would say four (five now with City).

In Spain, central midfielders are taught to be cerebral players and act as fulcrums in possession. English players are not generally taught in this way. Horizontal and back passes from the CMs are practically unheard of. It is receive the ball, make direct pass to forward player, mind your defensive duties.

The Spanish creed, based on the Dutch model of Total Football as imported by Johan Cruyff, is:

Present, receive, touch (2 at most), distribute, move...repeat over and over. Always with the head up surveying the pitch. The primary function of central players is to open the pitch.

Open attack, compact defense, never neglect the wing. Attackers who defend. Defenders who attack. This is the bedrock of Total Football.

[KT2000]

I once saw Lionel Messi track a player from his own box all the way back across the pitch to the other before putting in a tackle. He was covering for Dani Alves on the sequence. I don't know of many attackers who would make that sort of play. Unbelievable. Probably sprinted back 70+ yards.

[the_phoenix612]

I once saw Lionel Messi track a player from his own box all the way back across the pitch to the other before putting in a tackle. He was covering for Dani Alves on the sequence. I don't know of many attackers who would make that sort of play. Unbelievable. Probably sprinted back 70+ yards.
Rooney did it all the time. I'm hunting for a video for you, but I vividly remember a champions league game where he made a 40 yard attacking run, pass was intercepted, then he made a 60 yard run back to tackle the player who stole the ball.

[KT2000]

Rooney did it all the time. I'm hunting for a video for you, but I vividly remember a champions league game where he made a 40 yard attacking run, pass was intercepted, then he made a 60 yard run back to tackle the player who stole the ball.

Rooney is one of the only others I would think of. My favorite play of Rooney's was last year for Man U. He was helping defend off a set piece, maybe a corner, and a counter launched. Rooney took off like a rocket down the middle of the pitch, dead sprint all the way, and eventually scored the goal.

[jrock210]

I'm not a huge Premier League fan myself. I don't attach myself to any team. I just can't get behind the kick-and-rush mode of playing. Manchester United and Arsenal have been the two most innovative sides, but Arsenal's taken a long time to replace the old parts from the "dream team". United did some of the most innovative things I've seen with Ronaldo.


I'm as big Bayern Munchen fan. I love Schweinsteiger and them resigning Mueller just further solidifies the team as Germany's best. They were playing poorly earlier in the season but they're picking it up.

I guess for now, I'll stick with San Antonio's team when they come. It may be NASL but it's a local team and I'll support them. I joined the Crocketteers this past Tuesday [the support group for SA's soccer team before they even had one] and I'm excited to see what's going to happen right in front of my eyes.

[KT2000]

I'm as big Bayern Munchen fan. I love Schweinsteiger.

I'm a bigger fan of his better half (Sarah Brandner). Holy Fire Alarm, Batman.

[KT2000]

If I could sign anyone from Bayern for Barca, it would be Lahm.

[KT2000]

Fergie= The Godfather

[pied]

Last year he came out in the press and claimed himself as a red for life. I believed him.

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2008/10/27/1225118151398/Wayne-Rooney-001.jpg
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2010/10/21/1287616804550/Wayne-Rooney-006.jpg
http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2010/10/21/article-1287654107974-0BB42E82000005DC-13121_466x310.jpg

Read that transcript earlier. Good points. Players need less power in nearly every sport. They have no investment in the infrastructure, in the teams, and in the end the bottom line is that sport is a JOB. Just like you or I have a JOB with a BOSS and RULES, so do players but that is ignored, not only by soccer players but you're seeing this play out in the NFL next year.

It was no accident, btw, that his latest injury came at the studs of one Paul Scholes in practice. If you want to know how soccer players act when clubs give them SO MUCH, look to Scholes, Giggs, and Neville. I doubt any of the three have so much as looked at the scouse scum since his statements, and I would not be surprised to see Gary Neville have a go at him.


What's going on today??


That scum.....right?

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/1022/soc_g_rooney_sy_576.jpg

[the_phoenix612]

What's going on today??


That scum.....right?

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/1022/soc_g_rooney_sy_576.jpg
yup. total doosh. Nearly as low as John Terry in my eyes.

[the_phoenix612]

http://i52.tinypic.com/o0ne49.gif

Scores with the front of his head, the back of his head, his face, his feet, what can't the little pea do?

[the_phoenix612]

Doesn't look bad in blue...

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/10/19/article-1321997-0BAEE38B000005DC-679_634x329.jpg
http://therepublikofmancunia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Rooney-tattoo.jpg

[pied]

A few weeks off was a good thing. Liverpool playing very well, taking Chleski 2-0 at Anfield.

Sorry no relegation this year.

I wish Hicks could sell the Longhorns.


FC Dallas playing well and in the conference finals.

[jrock210]

A few weeks off was a good thing. Liverpool playing very well, taking Chleski 2-0 at Anfield.

Sorry no relegation this year.

I wish Hicks could sell the Longhorns.


FC Dallas playing well and in the conference finals.

Ya. Real Salt Lake fought hard but couldn't slip in the goal to give them a tie on aggregate. Dallas needs better supporters. Real Salt Lake packed their house and that's the only one I saw of the two games but from what I know, Dallas needs a lot better fan base. They deserve it.

[the_phoenix612]

If you come from Manchester
You're sure to be a blue
Moston, Collyhurst, Salford, Ancoats too.
And if you think that this is true you're nothing but a fool.
Cos in the town of Manchester
Man united rule
Tra la la laaaaa we all hate City
tra la la la la la la la

You can stick your Bayern Munich
Juventus Ajax too
There's only one collosal team they play in laser blue.
They're gonna beat United, like once upon a time
They're gonna conquer Europe like they did in 69
Tra la la laaaaa we all hate City
tra la la la la la la la

Tevez is their leader, Mancini is their God
Toure is a wanker and Bellamy's a knob
They were on the march to Europe,
Just like 69
Till up jumped Scholesy and scored in Fergie Time
Tra la la laaaaa we all hate City
tra la la la la la la la

There was a girl from Stockport
Her name was Hazel Grove
And she's been watching Citeh since she were 8 years old
Although she's been to every game she feels she's overdue
She's never seen em win a cup
She's ******* 42
Tra la la laaaaa we all hate City
tra la la la la la la la

A great big **** OFF CITY

BTHO Manchester sh*tty whoop!

[pied]

Liverpool is up 1-0 at the half.

[pied]

Liverpool is tied 1-1 about 20 m inutes left.

fifm


manu and City on in the breakroom.


I'll be back...

[the_phoenix612]

Rafael da Silva is rapidly becoming one of my favorite athletes in any sport.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/11/10/article-1328516-0C01E686000005DC-27_634x516.jpg

http://images.football365.com/10/11/Others/460804.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/2pyvono.gif

http://i51.tinypic.com/14lk11v.gif

F*ckin put that traitor in his place, Rafa!

Only 20 and already one of the top 3, if not the best, right backs in europe.

[jrock210]

IDK if I'm the only German soccer fan here but does anyone think Schweinsteiger signs back with Bayern Munich at the end of the year?

[the_phoenix612]

IDK if I'm the only German soccer fan here but does anyone think Schweinsteiger signs back with Bayern Munich at the end of the year?
50-50 between Bayern and United.

[jrock210]

50-50 between Bayern and United.

That's what I hear. He said that if Bayern offers him a contract, he'd love to sign back with them. Ballack said that it would be good for him to leave but personally I want him to stay.

[pied]

Outstanding finish in the Aston Villa-manu game, 2-2. As it stands now a Liverpool today win puts them in 5th!

[the_phoenix612]

Outstanding finish in the Aston Villa-manu game, 2-2. As it stands now a Liverpool today win puts them in 5th!

how'd that work out for ya? :rofl::heli:

[pied]

how'd that work out for ya? :rofl::heli:

Still in 9th position exactly the same when I posted that.

FC Dallas lsot a heart breaker. Outplayed the Rapids nearly the whole game but a late own goal cost them the title. It's a stupid playoff format that apparently will be change next year.

[the_phoenix612]

Still in 9th position exactly the same when I posted that.

FC Dallas lsot a heart breaker. Outplayed the Rapids nearly the whole game but a late own goal cost them the title. It's a stupid playoff format that apparently will be change next year.

I guess the good thing about being a mid-table club is you don't have to walk alone in 9th place. Plenty of company down there :D

[jrock210]

Still in 9th position exactly the same when I posted that.

FC Dallas lsot a heart breaker. Outplayed the Rapids nearly the whole game but a late own goal cost them the title. It's a stupid playoff format that apparently will be change next year.

Man. That was a great game though. I thought they were going to punch it in late in that game. Rapids got lucky with that goal [and honestly it should have been a foul for throwing the defender down] but they won it and that's all that matters!

[jrock210]

A few random thing in the American soccer world lately...

1. San Antonio joins the NASL and they will have a team at STAR Soccer Complex in 2012.

2. [Today] The NASL is now officially the only D2 soccer league in the USA. This means that MLS is the top and the NASL is the second league.

3. You can now submit a team name for the San Antonio soccer franchise here:
http://www.soccerforacause.com/

So that's all I got about the NASL.

[jrock210]

Kansas City Wizards change their name

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/11/19/2452997/making-their-mark-the-aesthetics.html

[jc84chill]

Dracula put 5 past Blackburn and Barca put 5 past Real Madrid.

Admins = happy with this week's events.

[the_phoenix612]

Dracula put 5 past Blackburn and Barca put 5 past Real Madrid.

Admins = happy with this week's events.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OeZNfQWINmc/SZN7MnkzOUI/AAAAAAAAAl8/A0fL0roHCP4/s320/count.gif
1...2...3...4...5, ah-ah-ah!

And Carragher is out for 3 months. As much as I hate to see injuries, it's nice to see OTHER teams deal with massive injury loads this year, after the defensive horrorshow United faced last season and having 5 of our first-choice front 6 out earlier THIS MONTH

[pied]

Liverpool's season is what it is. THey may be able to amke aminor run at a hgher placement, but at least aren't staring relegation in the face. Europa League is going ok.

Big news is tomorrow. WC 2022? Could be great. I was just getting out of college the last go round and my kids would be 21/15. Would be a lotof fun and very exciting.

[pied]

Big announcement toady. Looks ok, but there is a strong possibility we may be beat out by Qatar....

follow live...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9247651.stm

[pied]

WAtching live.

Think we're screwed...


http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/bidders/live/index.html

[pied]

2018 - Ru$$ia

[pied]

2022 qatar



that sucks.............................

[pied]

Really interested to see the begind the scenes voting info come out. Lots of stuff about corruption in this one.

[RocklandDragon]

:Censor:

[thestud]

Qatar? F***ING QATAR??!! REALLY? ******* rigged ********

[KT2000]

Europe gets the prime time TV audiences for both. Not surprising.

[KT2000]

Meanwhile, Doha will build a ton of soccer stadiums it will never use again afterwards.

I wonder how far east they will be able go in Russia venue wise. Kazan?

[the_phoenix612]

Meanwhile, Doha will build a ton of soccer stadiums it will never use again afterwards.

I wonder how far east they will be able go in Russia venue wise. Kazan?
eff that. Half the groups in the east, half in the west, knockout rounds are in Siberia. Meet 'em halfway.

[thestud]

Meanwhile, Doha will build a ton of soccer stadiums it will never use again afterwards.

I wonder how far east they will be able go in Russia venue wise. Kazan?

they're going to freaking air condition them too. how effing stoopid.

[BackNBlack87]

Darn.

*kicks rocks*

[twcpfan1]

How does both Russia and Brazil get both the Olympics and the World Cup in the same decade?

[jrock210]

2022 Qatar? Really? Reallyyyyyyy?

US needs extra protection over there in their training sites. It's the Middle East and in all honesty no area over there is safe for Americans.

I watched their presentation yesterday morning. They're building 12 brand new stadiums. When the World Cup is over, they're tearing down all but [I believe] 1 of them and creating smaller stadiums in 22 developing countries. That's kinda cool but the whole outdoor air conditioning is stupid!

Russia was the least economical choice against it's competitors for the 2018 World Cup. England would have been great and they would have built a new stadium that the world could have seen after the Cup. Sad to see them not get it.

2022.....Japan and south Korea both tried to get another one? Really? That baffled me. Australia lost votes due to the Oceanic Association's recent problems. It was head to head between US and Qatar.....everything was on our side [although their presentation was cooler to watch in my opinion] with stadiums that didn't even have to be built and practice stadiums for teams already in place. A United States World Cup in 2022 would shatter the record [currently held by the US] and would make soccer a whole lot more popular in America. While in Qatar, look out for car bombs and suicide bombers blowing up stadiums because their teams lost. [That's speculation of course].

This gets at me and I wanted to make a trip to England in 8 years or go to a game in America in 12 years but these just shoot my chances. I don't ever want to go to Russia and I'd rather stay and be safe then go to a war zone.


But is it really going to matter since the world ends in 2012?

[yankee]

:rolleyes::Censor:

Was anyone surprised? We're talking about FIFA here.

[BackNBlack87]

2022 Qatar? Really? Reallyyyyyyy?

US needs extra protection over there in their training sites. It's the Middle East and in all honesty no area over there is safe for Americans.

I watched their presentation yesterday morning. They're building 12 brand new stadiums. When the World Cup is over, they're tearing down all but [I believe] 1 of them and creating smaller stadiums in 22 developing countries. That's kinda cool but the whole outdoor air conditioning is stupid!

Russia was the least economical choice against it's competitors for the 2018 World Cup. England would have been great and they would have built a new stadium that the world could have seen after the Cup. Sad to see them not get it.

2022.....Japan and south Korea both tried to get another one? Really? That baffled me. Australia lost votes due to the Oceanic Association's recent problems. It was head to head between US and Qatar.....everything was on our side [although their presentation was cooler to watch in my opinion] with stadiums that didn't even have to be built and practice stadiums for teams already in place. A United States World Cup in 2022 would shatter the record [currently held by the US] and would make soccer a whole lot more popular in America. While in Qatar, look out for car bombs and suicide bombers blowing up stadiums because their teams lost. [That's speculation of course].

This gets at me and I wanted to make a trip to England in 8 years or go to a game in America in 12 years but these just shoot my chances. I don't ever want to go to Russia and I'd rather stay and be safe then go to a war zone.


But is it really going to matter since the world ends in 2012?

For two months instead of one?

[Firebird]

Meanwhile, Doha will build a ton of soccer stadiums it will never use again afterwards.

I wonder how far east they will be able go in Russia venue wise. Kazan?

Yekaterinburg. In the Urals.

Yekat is a tough place, but most of the venues are actually pretty great. The city I really would have liked to see as a venue is Great Novgorod, but there's a fanstastic slice of Russia, history, and cultural sites represented. Volgograd is probably the least interesting.

http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities.aspx

[jrock210]

West Ham United and Manchester City is on ESPN2 right now.

Not a bad game. It's tied 0-0 in the 28th minute though.

Check it out

[jrock210]

OK in the 30th minute, I believe, Man City set up a wonderful series of passing to nail one in!

Excellent goal!

Man City is up 1-0 right now

[the_phoenix612]

Liverpool lost comprehensively 3-1 to Premier League newcomers 3-1 and fell beneath Sunderland, Bolton, and Newcastle United today. Great joy in the_phoenix612's apartment.

[the_phoenix612]

Referee deserves to be fired. And then spat upon. This was disgraceful. Stood for a goal after the Birmingham player executed a beautiful volleyball bump to his offside teammate for a goal after he and a pal mugged Rio Ferdinand.

http://therepublikofmancunia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Birmingham-handball.jpg

[pied]

Ref behind the play from what I hear.

We just lost to the worst team in the league at home.

[pied]

Pretty big day for manu.

Chelsea loses to the worst team in the EPL 1-0.

Man City and Arsenal tie.

Tottenham loses

and Liverpool loses yet again.....

[the_phoenix612]

Pretty big day for manu.

Chelsea loses to the worst team in the EPL 1-0.

Man City and Arsenal tie.

Tottenham loses

and Liverpool loses yet again.....
:rofl:

'twas a great day indeed. Here's hoping you reds knock us out of the FA cup on Saturday. We only want real trophies this year, you can have this one.

[jrock210]

Not that anyone cares because it's NASL but San Antonio just named it's team.

San Antonio Scorpions FC is the new team name, Logo and colors are a community contest like the name.

Not many people like the name but I don't care. Chelsea is a girl's name but it's one of the popular English clubs.

A new stadium is going to be built at STAR which is pretty good.

IDK I'm excited for 2012!

[the_phoenix612]

http://therepublikofmancunia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Berbatov-touch.gif

:eek:

[jrock210]

http://therepublikofmancunia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Berbatov-touch.gif

:eek:

Mind Blown! So today I got to watch Bayern Munchen put in 3 goals in 20 minutes for a 4-0 win! Gomez hit the first early and Muller got two after that. Robben got a nice touch in after Schweinsteiger passed it in. That was the German League Quarter final

[the_phoenix612]

Mind Blown! So today I got to watch Bayern Munchen put in 3 goals in 20 minutes for a 4-0 win! Gomez hit the first early and Muller got two after that. Robben got a nice touch in after Schweinsteiger passed it in. That was the German League Quarter final
My favorite part of that .gif is the defender's reaction. He's backing off to play the rebound and then when Berba controls it he spazzes for a second and tries to press the ball. Too bad the shot he hits (takes it on the half volley) didn't score.

[pied]

No big deal, I did the same thing in my game the other night, except I had a great finish.

Good win for Liverpool yesterday against Fulham, back to 7th and 5 points out of 6th.. manu with the three goal comeback against the the Pool. What a great story they are(Blackpool).

[the_phoenix612]

No big deal, I did the same thing in my game the other night, except I had a great finish.

Good win for Liverpool yesterday against Fulham, back to 7th and 5 points out of 6th.. manu with the three goal comeback against the the Pool. What a great story they are(Blackpool).
Pool is 5 points out of 6th but also just 10 points out of relegation with a game in hand. 7th-20th are jam-packed and universally mostly crap.

You're also nineteen (19!) points behind United. Good luck catching up, else we walk with #19 this year and you cry about another 7th place finish. Starting to seem like it's where Liverpool belong, no?

[pied]

You forgot, King Kenny is back in town!

[the_phoenix612]

Liverpool sell Torres and replace him with ... Andy Carroll?

http://oi44.tinypic.com/2vknqj4.jpg

:rofl::heli:

I love January 31st

[the_phoenix612]

Haha as I posted that, this thread popped up over at Redcaf

http://www.redcafe.net/f7/world-continues-react-ongoing-transfer-madness-319991/

[the_phoenix612]

for pied:

http://cdnmo.coveritlive.com/media/image/201101/php6ITOpW180536_1626019375265_1379947727_31553449_ 1631213_n.jpg

[pied]

Andy Carroll has better hair than Torres.

[pied]

for pied:

http://cdnmo.coveritlive.com/media/image/201101/php6ITOpW180536_1626019375265_1379947727_31553449_ 1631213_n.jpg

Torres is fine in my book, but Suarez+Carroll > Torres.

At least that's what I'll say now. Carragher is now well also.

YNWA

[the_phoenix612]

Torres is fine in my book, but Suarez+Carroll > Torres.

At least that's what I'll say now. Carragher is now well also.

YNWA

:rofl:

Your only world-class player has wanted out for a year and a half and finally gets his wish, is replaced by a Championship player and a player who's performed well for barely a full season, and you think all is well because your crocked 30-something defender is back.

Mind, the only reason Torres can transfer in January is because he's not cup-tied. How pathetic is that? :rofl:

Liverpool solidifying their position as a mid-table club, now.

[pied]

Your only world-class player has wanted out for a year and a half and finally gets his wish, is replaced by a Championship player and a player who's performed well for barely a full season, and you think all is well because your crocked 30-something defender is back.

Mind, the only reason Torres can transfer in January is because he's not cup-tied. How pathetic is that?

Liverpool solidifying their position as a mid-table club, now.

Exactly. Got a good rpice from what I can tell and the new ownesrhip group is willing to spend some dough. As a fan that's a good thing. We'll see in the long run. That's what this deal was for, not a short term investment.

Has manu been involved much today?

[pied]

Wonder how Torres will fit in?

http://i.imgur.com/U6v20.jpg

[the_phoenix612]

Exactly. Got a good rpice from what I can tell and the new ownesrhip group is willing to spend some dough. As a fan that's a good thing. We'll see in the long run. That's what this deal was for, not a short term investment.

Has manu been involved much today?
Nah. They're five clear atop the table despite 2 of their best front 6 not playing to potential, and the team as a whole not having kicked into gear yet, no reason to make a move.

[pied]

Nah. They're five clear atop the table despite 2 of their best front 6 not playing to potential, and the team as a whole not having kicked into gear yet, no reason to make a move.

Liverpool has obvioulsy been all over the place and not that good. Torres is a very good player but didn't want to be there. We now have two young very bright players. Hope it turns out, but hard to imagine it could be worse.

Plus we apparently got another, "just wants to go home w/his family" type guy, in Carroll right?

[the_phoenix612]

Liverpool has obvioulsy been all over the place and not that good. Torres is a very good player but didn't want to be there. We now have two young very bright players. Hope it turns out, but hard to imagine it could be worse.

Plus we apparently got another, "just wants to go home w/his family" type guy, in Carroll right?
:rofl:
This Andy Carroll?

"Carroll has been involved in many off-the-pitch incidents in his career. On 14 September 2008, Carroll was arrested by police in Newcastle responding to a report that a woman had been assaulted, and later accepted a police caution for assault.[38]

On 7 December 2009, he was arrested in the aftermath of a nightclub fight, again in Newcastle, accused of smashing glass in a man's face.[39] He was charged with assault and in October 2010 he pleaded guilty to common assault and was fined £1,000. He was also ordered to pay £2,500 compensation.[40]

He was also involved in an incident on the training ground which allegedly left teammate Steven Taylor with a broken jaw though no charges were filed according to police.[41] Carroll reportedly suffered a broken hand in the incident, and he was shortly photographed in a pop concert with bandages to both hands.[42] Then-Newcastle manager Chris Hughton and club representatives declined to comment any further on the incident.[43]

On 18 October 2010, Carroll was charged with assaulting a former girlfriend. Claiming self-defence, and having given a local hotel as his address, Carroll was granted bail on the condition that he resides with Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan until the case resumes in January. The charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence.[44] Two days following his bail, Carroll's car was set on fire whilst parked on Nolan's driveway, with the club captain's garage door also being daubed with obscenities.[45]"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Carroll


You've basically signed a taller, hairier Lacedarius Dunn.

[pied]

Torres is fine in my book, but Suarez+Carroll > Torres.

At least that's what I'll say now. Carragher is now well also.

YNWA

Good start for Suarez!

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2011/2/2/1296684167668/Liverpools-new-signing-Lu-007.jpg

[pied]

Pool is 5 points out of 6th but also just 10 points out of relegation with a game in hand. 7th-20th are jam-packed and universally mostly crap.

You're also nineteen (19!) points behind United. Good luck catching up, else we walk with #19 this year and you cry about another 7th place finish. Starting to seem like it's where Liverpool belong, no?

Pretty good weekend I'd say.

manu loses to one of the worst teams in the EPL. Liverpool plays Torres and Chelsea on the road and picks up three points.

Fourth win and clean sheet in a row!

Sixth place and two games out of fourth. King Kenny indeed!!!!

[pied]

Wayne Rooney, holy #%^*!!!!!!!


Phoenix, post a link por favor.

[the_phoenix612]

Wayne Rooney, holy #%^*!!!!!!!


Phoenix, post a link por favor.

Epic Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIVPV8LLJ-s&feature=player_embedded

http://img4.cache.netease.com/photo/0005/2011-02-12/6SNPC86S00D80005.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/02/12/article-0-0D264CD0000005DC-235_306x250_popup.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/02/12/article-0-0D2654BA000005DC-320_306x250_popup.jpg

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/9411/cel.gif

[jrock210]

So I went to Corpus Christi for the Houston Dynamo vs FC Dallas game at Whataburger field. I went with the SA soccer support group I'm apart of "The Crocketteers". We brought about 100, the Texian Army/El Batalion has about 150 and the Inferno has....6? LOL but we chanted and sung and had a good time. Houston was up 3-0 at halftime and with less than ten seconds left, the Dynamo got a PK and they ended up winning 4-0.

[Mr. Rod]

So I went to Corpus Christi for the Houston Dynamo vs FC Dallas game at Whataburger field. I went with the SA soccer support group I'm apart of "The Crocketteers". We brought about 100, the Texian Army/El Batalion has about 150 and the Inferno has....6? LOL but we chanted and sung and had a good time. Houston was up 3-0 at halftime and with less than ten seconds left, the Dynamo got a PK and they ended up winning 4-0.

Sounds fun. I can't wait for the first regular season game at Robertson. Soccer gets a bad rap, but I love it. I used to hate soccer, then I gave it a chance, and have been a fan ever since. The atmosphere is something else though. A lot of fun if you watch it live.

[jrock210]

Sounds fun. I can't wait for the first regular season game at Robertson. Soccer gets a bad rap, but I love it. I used to hate soccer, then I gave it a chance, and have been a fan ever since. The atmosphere is something else though. A lot of fun if you watch it live.

Oh I know! In high school, me and some friends went to basketball games and yelled the whole time [making it a college type atmosphere] and when soccer season rolled around, they did the same thing. It's a different feeling playing in a quiet stadium and playing a stadium full of people yelling the whole time. It's just unreal

[KT2000]

Well, my team blew it at the Emirates again this year. Two late goals allowed for 2-1 Arse.

Return leg still to come, but bitterly disappointed. The team will not have a nice reception at home. It's a good thing they're flying back in the middle of the night.

[the_phoenix612]

Well, my team blew it at the Emirates again this year. Two late goals allowed for 2-1 Arse.

Return leg still to come, but bitterly disappointed. The team will not have a nice reception at home. It's a good thing they're flying back in the middle of the night.
Holy crap everyone was saying the EPL was weak this year, but Tottenham beat up on Milan and Arseanal beat barca! United's odds of winning the whole thing just went WAAAYYY up

[pied]

No away goals for manu. MArseilles played tough towards the end.

[the_phoenix612]

No away goals for manu. MArseilles played tough towards the end.
Classic European away performance. United are as good as through to the quarters.

[jrock210]

Can't believe no one is talking about the Champions' League Final rematch today.

Bayern Munchen pulled off a hard fought win today against Inter Milan.

Super MARIOOOOOO Gomez got a goal in the 90th minute and that clinched it.

FC BAYERN!

[the_phoenix612]

Opinions needed:

Which of these deserve bans when the FA looks at them after the fact, and what differentiates them if your answers are different.

http://i43.tinypic.com/34hbd77.gif
http://i56.tinypic.com/2qxxp3o.gif
http://i55.tinypic.com/zjj6eh.gif

[jrock210]

Anyone got FIFA 11 for the 360?
Let me know if you do. I'm down to play anyone even though I'm not that great

[pied]

Good start for Suarez!

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2011/2/2/1296684167668/Liverpools-new-signing-Lu-007.jpg

Suarez to the manu defense, "you aint crap"

Looking good so far. Thanks Nani.

[yankee]

Suarez to the manu defense, "you aint crap"

Looking good so far. Thanks Nani.

:yes:

[pied]

Barcelona-Arsenal today. Arsenal up 2-1, should be a great game. VanPersie is playing today.

[pied]

Messi is a pretty good soccer player.

[the_phoenix612]

Messi is a pretty good soccer player.
eh. Not as good as Jack Wilshere [/arseanal]

[pied]

Barcelona knows how to pass the ball pretty well.

Should be interesting. Tied on aggregate w/20 minutes to play.

[pied]

Went from interesting, to pretty much nothing.

Kinda weak penalty and now Barca who has the man advantage should no doubt advance.

[toonman]

The red card was ridiculous. It is that kind of referee decisions that is killing the game. FIFA needs a clean out from the top - Sepp Blatter has to go as he a cancer in the game. Something needs to be done about red card decisions - there should be a video review of all red cards, the game has stopped in any case so the argument about stopping the flow of the game is null.

[pied]

USMNT with a great draw against a top flight Argentina team this weekend. Have Paraguay tonight.

Germany losing to Australia at the moment.

[the_phoenix612]

Chad Ochocinco on the difference between playing soccer and playing football:

“With soccer it’s like playing eight straight quarters in a football game and not taking a drink. When this lockout ends and after these workouts I’m going to be in ridiculous shape.”

[pied]

Real Madrid - Tottenham Hotspur up momentarily

[pied]

Well that was quick. Adebayor basically undefended and crappy keeping and silly goal line defense.

[KT2000]

I think people will be surprised by the Barca-Shakhtar game tonight, if pre-game chatter is anything to go by anyway.

Barcelona has been well short of top form for over a month now due to the fixture list, injuries and suspensions. This is the time to beat Barcelona because the injury situation will be cleaned up considerably when the captain Puyol returns next week.

[the_phoenix612]

I'll bet you 10 bucks less goals are scored today than yesterday :D

No, but in all likelihood less goals will be scored in both games than JUST in Inter-Shalke. Chelsea-United is always cagey, and in this game, Chelsea doesn't have the FA ensuring that they win :rolleyes: I see a scoring draw or a one goal win for United.

Barca - Shaktar is anybody's guess, with how Pep's men are playing right now.

[KT2000]

I'll bet you 10 bucks less goals are scored today than yesterday :D

No, but in all likelihood less goals will be scored in both games than JUST in Inter-Shalke. Chelsea-United is always cagey, and in this game, Chelsea doesn't have the FA ensuring that they win :rolleyes: I see a scoring draw or a one goal win for United.

Barca - Shaktar is anybody's guess, with how Pep's men are playing right now.

Barca and United are in similar situations with Rio and Puyol being out for so long. Villa is off form and needs to get back in the goals along with Pedro.

[the_phoenix612]

Barca and United are in similar situations with Rio and Puyol being out for so long. Villa is off form and needs to get back in the goals along with Pedro.
Rio has been in training for a week.

What I find ridiculous is how United get slammed for away form, yet they have the third best away record in the EPL

[the_phoenix612]

Rio Starts!!!

[the_phoenix612]

Rroooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnneyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!

[pied]

Rroooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnneyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!

Same guy?

yup. total doosh. Nearly as low as John Terry in my eyes.

[the_phoenix612]

Same guy?
Absolutely. Last season, I loved the guy. When he got the ball, I pretty much had blind faith in him to do something good with it. Now, not so much. The trust is gone.

[pied]

I'll bet you 10 bucks less goals are scored today than yesterday :D

No, but in all likelihood less goals will be scored in both games than JUST in Inter-Shalke. Chelsea-United is always cagey, and in this game, Chelsea doesn't have the FA ensuring that they win :rolleyes: I see a scoring draw or a one goal win for United.

Barca - Shaktar is anybody's guess, with how Pep's men are playing right now.


You were saying?

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/video?vid=bc7292c6-c1a3-492e-975a-602e0f0fbfd0

[KT2000]

You were saying?

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/video?vid=bc7292c6-c1a3-492e-975a-602e0f0fbfd0

If Chelsea hadn't been flopping like fishes all match (Torres), the official might have awarded a penalty for the foul on Ramires. I would say it is justice done after the things Chelsea got away with in the league match. It was hilarious watching Torres try and exert influence over the Spanish crew. They were having none of it.

[the_phoenix612]

You were saying?

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/video?vid=bc7292c6-c1a3-492e-975a-602e0f0fbfd0
I saw Evra get the ball seeing it live and seeing replays from the referee's angle. You could only tell it was a foul from the opposite angle.

Four or five more calls like that and we'll have evened the balance of bad decisions going back four years in the league :rolleyes:

[pied]

Should be an interesting post game exchange in Rd 3 of El Classico (of 4) today.

Guardiola said on Tuesday evening: "Tomorrow at 8.45, we will meet each other on the pitch. Off the pitch he has already won. In this room [press room], he's the f*****g chief, the f*****g man, the person who knows everything about the world and I don't want to compete with him at all. It's a type of game I'm not going to play because I don't know how.

"I won't justify my words. I congratulated Madrid for the cup that they won deservedly on the pitch and against a team that I represent and of which I feel very proud. Off the pitch, he has already won, as he has done all year. On the pitch, we'll see what happens."


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/912435/barca-chief-backs-pep-guardiola-after-jose-mourinho-attack?cc=5901

[pied]

Sounds like a crazy affair.

The Barca back up keeper is given a red for a tussle going into the stands at half time. Pepe for Madrid is sent off for a apprently questionable foul. Crowd going nuts.

[pied]

messi is a pretty good soccer player.

+1

[RocklandDragon]

2-0 Barcelona FC

Two crushing goals for Barcelona as Messi delivered a brillant goal beating 3 defenders as he streaked through the defense and beat the keeper with a low ground shot to the left corner of the net. It was about 10 yds away when he kicked it.

[the_phoenix612]

Absolute disgrace from Barcelona. Diving started 4 minutes in and kept going all game long. I'm in favor of FIFA codifying what I already do when I referee: players waving cards at me get one themselves. Unsporting behavior, I would have tossed most players on that field for multiple yellows for diving/UB.

If not for the referees protecting Barcelona's lack of spine, they'd be like Arsenal, only a tad better and much whinier. My only hope is that we get a strong ref for the final. Howard Webb, please.

[pied]

Absolute disgrace from Barcelona. Diving started 4 minutes in and kept going all game long. I'm in favor of FIFA codifying what I already do when I referee: players waving cards at me get one themselves. Unsporting behavior, I would have tossed most players on that field for multiple yellows for diving/UB.

If not for the referees protecting Barcelona's lack of spine, they'd be like Arsenal, only a tad better and much whinier. My only hope is that we get a strong ref for the final. Howard Webb, please.

Only saw the espn gamecast, l need to see more later. How was Messi's second goal?

Don't see an EPL guy getting the game, also not sure we want to see 14 cards ala the WC Final either.

[pied]

Interesting to read the variety of opinions. Many feeli like you do, but it appears just as many deride Murinho for playing a defense/foul oriented game bent on preventing Barcelona from getting started. Would be interested to see KT's opinion.

[the_phoenix612]

Only saw the espn gamecast, l need to see more later. How was Messi's second goal?

Don't see an EPL guy getting the game, also not sure we want to see 14 cards ala the WC Final either.
messi's second goal was good, not great.

Mourinho's tactics weren't as defensive as they'll be made to seem. Any time a team plays compact tactics against Barcelona they're derided for being anti-soccer, and its silly. Madrid set out in a tight 4-5-1 with CR9 leading the line, and the tactics were working well until the undeserved red card.

[pied]

messi's second goal was good, not great.

Mourinho's tactics weren't as defensive as they'll be made to seem. Any time a team plays compact tactics against Barcelona they're derided for being anti-soccer, and its silly. Madrid set out in a tight 4-5-1 with CR9 leading the line, and the tactics were working well until the undeserved red card.

Interesting article, but this quote is specific to the tactics from RM.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous as an attacking presence during the game and showed visible frustration with the way Madrid were playing said: "Do I like to play in a defensive team like Madrid? No, but I have to adapt to what the coach wants.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/912532/mourinho:-barcelona-have-knocked-us-out?cc=5901

[the_phoenix612]

Interesting article, but this quote is specific to the tactics from RM.




http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/912532/mourinho:-barcelona-have-knocked-us-out?cc=5901
You could play a 3-3-4 and if he didn't score, he'd call it a defensive team.

[the_phoenix612]

Goal attempts were 11 to 10 Barca, and they played a man up for 1/4 the match.

[the_phoenix612]

Mourinho:
''We had the intention to keep the game at 0-0, then bring on a striker, then a third phase with a No. 10 behind three forwards. But the ref didn't allow it.''

[thestud]

I'm suspicious. Barca always wins the big game by the other team going down to 10 men. Barca are playing out of this world, but this seems to be a recurring theme in their big games. It was a good gameplan, it was obvious they wanted to play counter attack soccer from the beginning, but even Helen Keller could tell you that Madrid wanting to play defensive soccer for 90 minutes was a horrible idea.

[the_phoenix612]

I'm suspicious. Barca always wins the big game by the other team going down to 10 men. Barca are playing out of this world, but this seems to be a recurring theme in their big games. It was a good gameplan, it was obvious they wanted to play counter attack soccer from the beginning, but even Helen Keller could tell you that Madrid wanting to play defensive soccer for 90 minutes was a horrible idea.
They're really not playing out of this world, though. People have this idea that they are and so average performances against poor teams get made out to be world-class performances. Madrid are the only decent team they play, and they're 3-1-1 in their last 5 games against them, all of which featured Madrid playing with 10 men.

I really think they're going to be exposed in the final.

[thestud]

They're really not playing out of this world, though. People have this idea that they are and so average performances against poor teams get made out to be world-class performances. Madrid are the only decent team they play, and they're 3-1-1 in their last 5 games against them, all of which featured Madrid playing with 10 men.

I really think they're going to be exposed in the final.

What do you think about this constant occurence that their opponent goes a man down? I call torbush, something is afoot.

[the_phoenix612]

What do you think about this constant occurence that their opponent goes a man down? I call torbush, something is afoot.
The European press carries the narrative that Barca play "beautiful football" and play "the right way" and thus they get the rub of the decisions. It's not a conscious conspiracy, but as good as...

[ChanSHS]

If the final is United/Barca again, United will get outclassed again.

[KT2000]

Absolute disgrace from Barcelona. Diving started 4 minutes in and kept going all game long. I'm in favor of FIFA codifying what I already do when I referee: players waving cards at me get one themselves. Unsporting behavior, I would have tossed most players on that field for multiple yellows for diving/UB.

If not for the referees protecting Barcelona's lack of spine, they'd be like Arsenal, only a tad better and much whinier. My only hope is that we get a strong ref for the final. Howard Webb, please.

Busquets, whose antics I don't like, was the only one diving for Barcelona. Di Maria was deliberately trying to get Alves sent off.

If Mourinho taught his teams how to actually play the game, he wouldn't lose players nearly as much. He gets what he deserves. He and his teams are a disgrace to the sport.

[KT2000]

I'm suspicious. Barca always wins the big game by the other team going down to 10 men. Barca are playing out of this world, but this seems to be a recurring theme in their big games. It was a good gameplan, it was obvious they wanted to play counter attack soccer from the beginning, but even Helen Keller could tell you that Madrid wanting to play defensive soccer for 90 minutes was a horrible idea.

This is why players get sent off against Barcelona. They can't compete in the actual playing and the only solution is to kick the crap out of Barcelona for 90 minutes and hope they get away with it.

Madrid got away with it for two games with weak (and probably bought) Spanish officials, so it took a Champions League crew to get it relatively right.

Madrid should have had Arbeloa sent off at halftime for his role in the scuffle with Pinto. Yet only Pinto is sent off. So even discarding Pepe's red card, Arbeloa should have been sent off.

Lassana Diarra committed six fouls, yet ends the game without a yellow.

[KT2000]

Goal attempts were 11 to 10 Barca, and they played a man up for 1/4 the match.

It's not hard to do when the opponent pushes out like Barcelona. Getting on goal is very easy for counter attacking teams. If Madrid played the game the right way, they'd be more prepared to convert.

Madrid was outpossessed 72% to 28% when it was 11 on 11. That's just embarrassing for a home team, especially in that stadium. They should be ashamed.

[the_phoenix612]

Busquets, whose antics I don't like, was the only one diving for Barcelona. Di Maria was deliberately trying to get Alves sent off.

Pepe didn't touch Alves, that tackle was all-ball. Go find a slowmo replay on youtube. Then as soon as he jumps in the air and twirls around like a ballerina, seven Barca players (none the captain) run to the referee waving around imaginary cards and imploring him to send the player off. This is clear and simple unsporting behavior with the intent to gain an advantage. Do try to make that not equate cheating, it would truly be a testament to the power of words to twist reality.

How many times did Pedro go down clutching his face? Now how many times was his face touched? (helpful hint, second answer is zero). Particularly disgusting was his running into Arbeloa, bouncing off, going down clutching his face rolling around, and earning Arbeloa a yellow. Despicable.

http://news.betinternet.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Peek-A-Boo.gif

If Mourinho taught his teams how to actually play the game, he wouldn't lose players nearly as much. He gets what he deserves. He and his teams are a disgrace to the sport.

This is exactly what I was talking about. According to some people, Barca play "the right way," and any other way is wrong. I call ********. First of all, I don't know how you can say that Mourinho's team are a disgrace to the sport, yet condone and excuse so much blatant cheating by Barca. IMO it's not just Barca's issue, but an epidemic in the Spanish and Portuguese mindsets. I hate with a passion when Nani does it for United, and it's why I hate the Spanish and Italian leagues. Give me an English or German game with a bit of steel and I'm a happy man. I honestly enjoyed the Stoke-Sunderland second fixture more than this game.

Just because a team doesn't set out to get 70% possession in some fanciful 4-3-3 doesn't mean they're not playing the sport. Last I checked, style points don't count for sh*t. Mourinho won the CL last year with Inter playing controlled, tactical soccer, and it was a beautiful sight indeed. His tactics yesterday were clear: wear Barca down over the course of 60 minutes by playing a tight, compact 4-5-1 (the only tried-and-true method for beating Barca so far) and then throwing two forwards (Adebayor and one of Higuain/Benzema) to play with CR9 and hammer Barca in the last 30. The referee, in his infinite wisdom, shat all over that plan, but that DOESN'T MAKE IT "not playing the game".

Barca's style of play bores me. Endless sideways and backward passes with the aim of boring the other team until they slip up, or wait for a moment of individual brilliance from the world's best player, all while diving and cheating and trying to con any measure of advantage from the ref that they can. How can you call that "the right way to play"? Without Messi, they'd be Arsenal, slightly better on the field and several degrees whinier. The biggest shame is that they're such talented players, but they ruin it with they way they play. It's a disgrace to the sport.

[the_phoenix612]

It's not hard to do when the opponent pushes out like Barcelona. Getting on goal is very easy for counter attacking teams. If Madrid played the game the right way, they'd be more prepared to convert.

Madrid was outpossessed 72% to 28% when it was 11 on 11. That's just embarrassing for a home team, especially in that stadium. They should be ashamed.
Is it really that tough to understand that a manager can make a tactical decision to play a certain way, and then have a plan to change to a different tactic part of the way through the game? I find that sort of tactical discipline very impressive, and fun to watch. Maybe you just need a tactical brain for that, though...;)

[KT2000]

Is it really that tough to understand that a manager can make a tactical decision to play a certain way, and then have a plan to change to a different tactic part of the way through the game? I find that sort of tactical discipline very impressive, and fun to watch. Maybe you just need a tactical brain for that, though...;)

It doesn't take any ounce of tactical nous to put 10 people behind the ball and kick the crap out of someone. There is nothing tactical about defending with ten men and counter attacking. It's stone age stuff.

I can understand why teams with modest resources do it, because they are just trying to survive. But for the most expensive team in the world, one whose president is seemingly able to print money, it is just sad.

[KT2000]

Pepe didn't touch Alves, that tackle was all-ball. Go find a slowmo replay on youtube. Then as soon as he jumps in the air and twirls around like a ballerina, seven Barca players (none the captain) run to the referee waving around imaginary cards and imploring him to send the player off. This is clear and simple unsporting behavior with the intent to gain an advantage. Do try to make that not equate cheating, it would truly be a testament to the power of words to twist reality.

How many times did Pedro go down clutching his face? Now how many times was his face touched? (helpful hint, second answer is zero). Particularly disgusting was his running into Arbeloa, bouncing off, going down clutching his face rolling around, and earning Arbeloa a yellow. Despicable.

This is exactly what I was talking about. According to some people, Barca play "the right way," and any other way is wrong. I call ********. First of all, I don't know how you can say that Mourinho's team are a disgrace to the sport, yet condone and excuse so much blatant cheating by Barca. IMO it's not just Barca's issue, but an epidemic in the Spanish and Portuguese mindsets. I hate with a passion when Nani does it for United, and it's why I hate the Spanish and Italian leagues. Give me an English or German game with a bit of steel and I'm a happy man. I honestly enjoyed the Stoke-Sunderland second fixture more than this game.

Just because a team doesn't set out to get 70% possession in some fanciful 4-3-3 doesn't mean they're not playing the sport. Last I checked, style points don't count for sh*t. Mourinho won the CL last year with Inter playing controlled, tactical soccer, and it was a beautiful sight indeed. His tactics yesterday were clear: wear Barca down over the course of 60 minutes by playing a tight, compact 4-5-1 (the only tried-and-true method for beating Barca so far) and then throwing two forwards (Adebayor and one of Higuain/Benzema) to play with CR9 and hammer Barca in the last 30. The referee, in his infinite wisdom, shat all over that plan, but that DOESN'T MAKE IT "not playing the game".

Barca's style of play bores me. Endless sideways and backward passes with the aim of boring the other team until they slip up, or wait for a moment of individual brilliance from the world's best player, all while diving and cheating and trying to con any measure of advantage from the ref that they can. How can you call that "the right way to play"? Without Messi, they'd be Arsenal, slightly better on the field and several degrees whinier. The biggest shame is that they're such talented players, but they ruin it with they way they play. It's a disgrace to the sport.

It is physically impossible for a human being to helicopter himself in midair without contact. Go and try it the next time you find a nice grassy place. Let me know how that goes.

Arbeloa put his shoulder into Pedro to block his run off the ball. It was a clear yellow. And you must have missed the stud marks on Pedro's knee later when Marcelo (probably inadvertently) stepped on the inside of his knee. Pedro also twisted his leg on the play when attempting to steer in the rebound.

I saw two blatant dives by Barcelona in the match (one by Busquets and the other by Alves on a sequence before the sending off). As I said above, I don't condone the antics whatsoever. However, I watch Barcelona get kicked on a weekly basis against teams who are powerless to do anything but put 10 men behind the ball.

Barcelona pass the way they do because the opponent puts 10 men behind the ball. You can't get on goal unless you lure them out. This is why horizonal and back passes are used, along with switching play. You should know this from watching United play the Stokes of the world.

Mourinho does not play to score goals in these ties. He had only managed a dubious penalty and an extra time counter attack in the previous 210 minutes against Barcelona.

He was playing for 0-0 at home and hoping to nick a counter attack for a 1-0 possibly. That is ridiculous and Madrid has fired coaches for much, much less.

[the_phoenix612]

It doesn't take any ounce of tactical nous to put 10 people behind the ball and kick the crap out of someone. There is nothing tactical about defending with ten men and counter attacking. It's stone age stuff.

I can understand why teams with modest resources do it, because they are just trying to survive. But for the most expensive team in the world, one whose president is seemingly able to print money, it is just sad.
And if that's what they did, you might be right. But it wasn't, and even if it was, you're wrong. There is a great deal "tactical" about organizing a compact defense to counter tiki-taka soccer successfully, and committing to a counter-attacking philosophy demands tactical discipline from all 11 men on the field. If you honestly can't see how parking the bus differs from what Real set out to do yesterday, I can't help you. Any attempt by either team to play the game properly was snuffed out by pervasive cheating, which began 4:17 seconds in when Pedro took a dive and waved a card and continued all match long.

[KT2000]

Just because a team doesn't set out to get 70% possession in some fanciful 4-3-3 doesn't mean they're not playing the sport. Last I checked, style points don't count for sh*t.

Obviously, this will be a matter of opinion. Your opinion certainly is shared by many. We live in a society largely obsessed with instant gratification and material possessions.

Hardly anyone still has the patience to actually develope something from the ground up. Again, I'm surprised you don't understand this as someone who has followed United and Sir Alex Ferguson. He has turned United into arguably the most well run sports club in the world.

Barcelona's modern philosophy has been shaped over the last four decades. Guardiola had 12 youth products in the team yesterday. Barcelona are not a perfect club by any means. There are hypocritical parts of what Barcelona claim to stand for, but what is indisputable is the way of playing the game and the way the club plays from the senior team down to the youth teams.

Messi is a great player, and a great success story for the club in general, but I think it is ignorant to dismiss the club without him. There hasn't been a successful team in history without key players. It's part and parcel of team sport. Everyone needs one or more talismen. Barcelona has several. United has several.

[KT2000]

And if that's what they did, you might be right. But it wasn't, and even if it was, you're wrong. There is a great deal "tactical" about organizing a compact defense to counter tiki-taka soccer successfully, and committing to a counter-attacking philosophy demands tactical discipline from all 11 men on the field. If you honestly can't see how parking the bus differs from what Real set out to do yesterday, I can't help you. Any attempt by either team to play the game properly was snuffed out by pervasive cheating, which began 4:17 seconds in when Pedro took a dive and waved a card and continued all match long.

I have not said Madrid parked the bus, because they did not always defend deeply and attempted to high press at certain points, but their strategy was clear. They had no intention of playing the ball. It was a classic Mourinho "tactic" of disrupt and smash-and-grab.

The "tactical" aspect to team defending comes down to man management more than anything else, which requires players like Cristiano Ronaldo to park his enormous ego and actually track people. Mourinho is an amazing man manager. I will give him that, but his mode of playing is absolute garbage in my opinion.

Pellegrini had Madrid playing better and more tactically aware, as did Capello. Both of those managers were fired for not being entertaining enough.

[KT2000]

What none of the papers obsessed with Pepe's dismissal are mentioning is that Arbeloa should have been sent off at halftime for his involvement in the shoving match with Barcelona's Pinto. Arbeloa was on a yellow already and deserved at least as much if Pinto saw straight red. Either way, Madrid should have been down a man. Pepe was always the most likely to be sent off in the second half. The man is a complete thug and is lucky he is still allowed to play professionally after what he did last season.

Again, if Mourinho taught his teams to actually value the ball (even if they can't get 70% of it, even just 45) then he would not have to worry about sending offs. When you are chasing the ball for 90 minutes, you make stupid decisions.

[the_phoenix612]

Obviously, this will be a matter of opinion. Your opinion certainly is shared by many. We live in a society largely obsessed with instant gratification and material possessions.

Hardly anyone still has the patience to actually develope something from the ground up. Again, I'm surprised you don't understand this as someone who has followed United and Sir Alex Ferguson. He has turned United into arguably the most well run sports club in the world.

Barcelona's modern philosophy has been shaped over the last four decades. Guardiola had 12 youth products in the team yesterday. Barcelona are not a perfect club by any means. There are hypocritical parts of what Barcelona claim to stand for, but what is indisputable is the way of playing the game and the way the club plays from the senior team down to the youth teams.

Messi is a great player, and a great success story for the club in general, but I think it is ignorant to dismiss the club without him. There hasn't been a successful team in history without key players. It's part and parcel of team sport. Everyone needs one or more talismen. Barcelona has several. United has several.
Don't conflate style points with organizational cohesiveness and strong business models. Clubs who invest in youth systems and operate in the ways that Barcelona and United do, are the biggest clubs in the world for a reason. That reason is that it is both attractive to fans and successful on the field, and are often very attractive to sponsors, too. When I say style points, I am referring to the idea that there is one right way to play the game, and all other ways are somehow inherently flawed. THAT is flat wrong.

The right way to play the game is the way that gives the players on the field the best chance of victory. Have you done any coaching of soccer at any level? I have, on a couple of different levels, and it completely changes how you see the game. Now, I'm a pretty decent tactician. My intramural teams (I know, intramurals, but bear with me, the points are salient) aren't the greatest in terms of talent. We tend to be smaller than most competition (I play on a largely Hispanic team, I'm the second tallest guy and I'm 5'11") and usually a little bit slower, but we set out into shapes that confound the opposition and we regularly make it deep into playoffs due to our tactics. We don't set out to play Barcelona-style tikataka because we don't have enough midfielders who are good enough with the ball at their feet, and we don't set out to pin them down and launch crosses into the box, because we're not tall. We play organized defense and when we get the ball, we spring forward in numbers and counterattack. It's devastatingly effective, and opposing captains always complain after the game that we don't play "the right way" and how unfair it is that we beat them, blah blah blah. Bullcrap. We play to our strengths and that doesn't always line up with people's preconceptions of pretty soccer, but to me there is nothing more beautiful than disciplined defense breaking with pace and scoring on the break.

Messi is the only player on that team I respect, the only player who isn't a diving, cheating, douchebag. On his second goal, he was fouled twice but he stayed on his feet and finished well. It's a crying shame he plays with the 10 players that he does. Every single other Barca player cheated in the game yesterday in some way. Madrid were not innocent, but Barca has codified cheating into their play in a manner totally unprecedented in European soccer. I think Xavi is the best player in the world, look at Messi playing for Argentina without him, but I can't respect a player who plays as dirty as Barcelona players do. It's an epidemic that we must stamp out of the game.

[the_phoenix612]

I have not said Madrid parked the bus, because they did not always defend deeply and attempted to high press at certain points, but their strategy was clear. They had no intention of playing the ball. It was a classic Mourinho "tactic" of disrupt and smash-and-grab.

The "tactical" aspect to team defending comes down to man management more than anything else, which requires players like Cristiano Ronaldo to park his enormous ego and actually track people. Mourinho is an amazing man manager. I will give him that, but his mode of playing is absolute garbage in my opinion.

Pellegrini had Madrid playing better and more tactically aware, as did Capello. Both of those managers were fired for not being entertaining enough.
Mourinho laid out his tactics in a post-match interview. He wanted to wear Barca down and keep it 0-0 until 60 minutes, when we was going to throw two forwards on. His plan was changed first by Ozil's ineffectiveness, which sped up the first forward addition, and then second, irrevocably, but the unwarranted red card.

Jose Mourinho is the best tactician in the world. You can't see that because you believe any tactic other than tikitaka possession soccer is flawed, but he is. I would go so far as to assert that the style Barcelona play can be less attacking at times than most teams play.

When a team sets out and plays a compact, organized defense, Barca are stymied. They have no plan B, as they have no other way to play. Their wingers aren't used to stretching to the corner and whipping in a cross, and their strikers aren't tall enough to reach them. I think United are better suited to beating Barcelona than any other team in the world, given a strong, fair referee that doesn't allow Barca to play their nonsense. Whoever is reffing the final needs to watch this match several times in slow motion and understand quite clearly the strategies Barca players use.

Capello and Pellegrini may play more entertaining, Spanish-acceptable style soccer, but it is less effective than Mourinho's brand. If only a referee would let Barca play against 11 for 90...