General Football Discussion v6

Woah guys, you made it over one year with the last version! :wow:

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Last post in the old thread:

Its often that way when they have a bad day actually and not really deserve to win. They're a team of stars - when having a bad day they seem to only fight the last five minutes and so these off-putting results happen.

I was in the stadium to watch St. Pauli - Hoffenheim (2nd German League) yesterday. It rocked big time. Both are smaller teams, but while Pauli has some cult status for basically being the pirates of the league and having a very colourful and original fandom, Hoffenheim actually is a small club recently - literally - bought by a millionaire. I admit it was great to see them loose against a not technically excellent but football playing and fighting team.

Enjoy!

Liverpool-Chelsea tomorrow, Leg 1 of the third installment of the UEFA CL Semifinals Trilogy between Liverpool and Chelsea, so excited!!

PS:First:)

I feel this is Chelsea's year to win it for once. I hope Barca win as well I hate Man U

I've just got to laugh at last night's game :lol:

:sad::upset:

We'll get em next year.

While neither being Liverpool nor Chelsea fan the match yesterday rocked big times. It was fine to see that both teams really fought for their aim. Something one would expect in a semi finals, still hardly happens. Go CL!

What a game :D Finally, finally. And not even by a goal that wasn't even a goal ;) but by 3! Or 4, if you count the one that was offside. And even Andy Gray said that goal should have been allowed, and if Andy Gray's on Chelsea's side then you know something's up :lol:

I'm praying Hull City win on Sunday, and we go through to the Premiership... Though we need Stoke to lose too >_< It's far too tense, just the thought of teams like Chelsea and Man U coming to the KC Stadium sends tingles down my spine.

Apologies to any Leeds fans but:

HA!

(In case you don't know already, Leeds have had their 15 point deduction thrown out).

And so the playoffs beckon. Southend to beat Forest 3-0 on aggregate, Leeds to beat Carlsile (or however you spell it) 4-0. Southend to beat Leeds 2-0. Southend fans laugh at the Leeds fans some more. Leeds compain so much they get relegated to the Conference League North. Every fan who hates Leeds laughs at Leeds.

Ahh, the perfect football dream... :lol:

What a game Finally, finally. And not even by a goal that wasn't even a goal but by 3! Or 4, if you count the one that was offside. And even Andy Gray said that goal should have been allowed, and if Andy Gray's on Chelsea's side then you know something's up

I'm a HUGE Chelsea fan and that goal shouldn't defiantly have not been allowed like it was. Drogba was blocking Reina from seeing the ball. You don't have to touch the ball to be offside you just have to interfere with the play. It was the correct call.

I so happy that they won. Bring on the final.

Liverpool fan but not too gutted. Had a feeling we'd lose this year.

Just pleaaaaaaase get in some good players for next season Rafa. And win a trophy!!!

I'm happy for Chelsea! But it would be good too if it was Liverpool. I support both teams.

But then is Bayern - St Petersburg the best result of all. Well done guys. :tu:

i was wondering if anyone knew where i could watch football games online (like the manchester united game tomorrow) cause i live in the US and don't get any football channels. thanks!

Manchester all the way!!! They are awesome! Too bad they got rid of Beckham. They still rule!

But then is Bayern - St Petersburg the best result of all. Well done guys. :tu:

Everyone was sure that the final would be Fiorentina-Bayern but St Petersburg totally deserved to win,Glasgow Rangers didn't even try to win the match.Sometimes football is so unfair..

But then is Bayern - St Petersburg the best result of all. Well done guys. :tu:

Bayern-St. Petersburg, what a terrible outcome. :sad:

i was wondering if anyone knew where i could watch football games online (like the manchester united game tomorrow) cause i live in the US and don't get any football channels. thanks!

You can get Fox Soccer Channel, GOLTV, and Setanta Sports from your cable/sattelite provider, some aren't available from some providers though. If you can't get a game on tv, go to http://www.myp2p.eu/index.php?part=sports

You need to download plugins to watch them, but that's not too difficult, just download sopcast (http://www.sopcast.com/). Stay away from TVAnts, it never works right, and anything thats streaming on "MediaPlayer" is just Windows Media Player, so you don't have to download anything for that.

You can get Fox Soccer Channel, GOLTV, and Setanta Sports from your cable/sattelite provider, some aren't available from some providers though. If you can't get a game on tv, go to http://www.myp2p.eu/index.php?part=sports

You need to download plugins to watch them, but that's not too difficult, just download sopcast. Stay away from TVAnts, it never works right, and anything thats streaming on "MediaPlayer" is just Windows Media Player, so you don't have to download anything for that.

thanks. i just got Fox Soccer Channel which is great and really cheap (only $5 a month) so i'm ready to start watching a lot of football even though the season's winding down. the only bad thing is i think FSC doesn't show any manchester united games but i'll try watching them on sopcast.

thanks. i just got Fox Soccer Channel which is great and really cheap (only $5 a month) so i'm ready to start watching a lot of football even though the season's winding down. the only bad thing is i think FSC doesn't show any manchester united games but i'll try watching them on sopcast.

FSC definitely shows ManU games.

And wow, Madrid destroyed Barca in the Clasico today

The UEFA Cup Final is today? What predictions? Zenit St Petersburg is regarded as a favorite in this match. I'm agreed, Rangers football is rather defensive, they looked poor in semi-finals and they are very tired of their season. And Zenit has postponed five (5!) matches in Russian Championship. I think it was unfair towards to other Russian teams. And all in all, I hate Zenit.

Who cares, Zenit all the way, i hate ranegrs, i hope they go down big time, cause they got matches postponed earlier in the season, two weeks of competitive footbal, which included leaugue and scottish cup games so as they could prepare for lyon in the final group match, so they shouldnt have gotten another extension, and they didnt deserve to win the semi, but who ever said rangers is a defnsive team clearly doesnt know what they are talking about, rangers are an attacking team

Who cares, Zenit all the way, i hate ranegrs, i hope they go down big time, cause they got matches postponed earlier in the season, two weeks of competitive footbal, which included leaugue and scottish cup games so as they could prepare for lyon in the final group match, so they shouldnt have gotten another extension, and they didnt deserve to win the semi, but who ever said rangers is a defnsive team clearly doesnt know what they are talking about, rangers are an attacking team

May be in Scottish League they are attacking team, because they havn't got serious competitors there, except for Celtic. But in both matches against Fiorentina they practically hadn't made a shot. And as for the end of the first half the shooting score is approximately 10-1 Zenit over Rangers, and Rangers were mainly sitting on their half of the field. But of course, I havn't seen many Rangers games this season, so I don't know the whole situation.

I think they have some chances to make good counter-attack, but Zenit defenders still have time to cover the all zones.

I tried watching soccer again the other night
Chicago Fire vs. DC United

just too boring for my taste

:wow: :wow:

MLS sucks, watch real football, basically anything European or Brazil or Argentina.

Watch the European Championships if you want some good football, starts the first or second week of june, its on ESPN2

:lol: so true

well Zenit 2- 0 Rangers!!!

RIP Tommy Burns!!
1956-2008
Celtic Hero, Celtic Legend!!
You'll Never Walk Alone

Whilst we are on the topic of soccer.. I'd like to point out that I got to see the legend.. DAVID BECKHAM live and in person when he came to calgary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I swear I can't complain about anything (for now)

HAPPY!!!!!!!!!

:lol: I think you're going to post that on every thread you can right?? :lol:

Sammy Lee is back at Liverpool. Seriously he better not be as bad as he was in...Bolton was it?
But then he is a ex-liverpool player soo yeah.

And what do people think about Christiano Ronaldo saying he'll think about the future?? Do you want him to go to spain? But then that other dude who I can't remember his name said that they aren't going to sell him so...

:lol: yes! that is what I was aiming for :p

:lol: YAy Sammy LEE! *cough* :D I'd love to say Lee's love soccer but looking at my sister.... :err:

I hope it doesn't happen though...

:lol: You really are crazy :p

In a good good way though. :D

:lol: I get that a lot.. and then *** in a good way though always follows :p
:rotfl: :love:
ahhh the thought of Beckham has turned me into someone who sEEMs drunk...
anyways. soccer...

Lost last night.

5-2.

Not good.

Fans were cracking though, and one of the goals... Well, remember Beckham against Greece? The goal beat that. By miles.

Motherwell 1-1 Rangers!! This gives celtic a clear oportunity to win the leauge on our own terms!!

I'm so happy Avram Grant got sacked. I really hope they get Frank Rijkaard or whatever. Better luck next year boys. BLUE IS THE COLOUR.

I don't rate Frank Rijkaard as a manager. If I was them I would hire Sven.

and to sum up the events of the past few weeks. ManU wins Premiership and Champions League, Celtic wins SPL, Rangers wins Scottish Cup, Portsmouth wins FA Cup, Inter Milan wins Serie A, Roma wins Coppa Italia, Lyon wins Ligue 1 and French Cup,

I think Frank Rijkaard could be a serious choice, especially since Henk ten Cate doesn't seem to have been sacked. Rijkaard and Ten Cate used to work together at Barcelona.

No. Not Sven. He's not a bad manager, I just don't think he'd work well with Chelsea. Or Abramovich. But then, who does work well with Red Rom :rolleyes:

I'm hoping that the next manager has the guts to tell Abramovitch just how much of an idiot he is.

Alas, I fear I may be hoping in vain.

I'm hoping that the next manager has the guts to tell Abramovitch just how much of an idiot he is.

Alas, I fear I may be hoping in vain.

You and me both :sigh:

I do salute Grant - he was never going to have an easy time, living up to Mourinho, but he did an okay job, even if it was mostly composed of near-misses. This article (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/may/25/chelsea.premierleague?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront) is pretty funny. Oh Mourinho, what will he say next :lol:

grant's been fired!
ha ha chelsea!

The dumbest thing they could have done was firing Jose in the first place. Grant was a good caretaker but now they need a proper manager.

The thing the proves Grants stupidity was the buying Anelka. Chelsea's front three was awesome. Shaun WP, Drogba, Joe Cole, Kalou, Malouda, Shevchnko, Pizarro. They can easily undo basically every defense in the world. Why did they need Anelka, and to top it off he sulked cause he got put at the wrong position for a minute so Terry had to take penalty.

Poor Chelsea. Hopefully they'll be ok next season.

However, Euro Cup 2008 is here! Germany beat Poland 2-0 today and I"m super excited. It looks like they're off to a great start!

Question though, anybody know where Schnix and Hildebrand are? I didn't see them on the team list.

Hildebrand isn't at the Euro, Lehmann, Enke and Adler are the keepers. Even more pity since he is at those Duplo (chocolate bar) stickers already...

We have some thread with a shiny poll for Euro discussion, come over if you want to: Football: The 2008 UEFA Euro Cup! (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=91951) :D

So Scolari is the new Chelsea manager...interesting. I did quite want him for England manager back in 2006, so I guess I'm quite happy. Anyone any opinions?

Just saw that Scolari has been made Chelsea manager. I think he'll be good but it'll be hard getting across to the lpayers...He can't speak English...
And he's never managed a European club...

Next season should be interesting.

Just saw that Scolari has been made Chelsea manager. I think he'll be good but it'll be hard getting across to the lpayers...He can't speak English...
And he's never managed a European club...

Next season should be interesting.

Language shouldn't be a problem really, a lot of teams work with managers that don't speak the language of the team. They are quite used to a thing like that. He will have to learn English and will have a translator for a while.

Yeah I guess. :lol:

I think its a good move putting Scolari as coach. I hope he does a good job.

Liverpool have completed the signing of Robbie Keane!
Woohoo!

:D:D

Liverpool vs. Rangers friendly tomorrow at Ibrox.

Can't wait. Love seeing Rangers get smashed. :p

:lol:

Nice siggy pic! :D

:lol:

Nice siggy pic! :D

Cheers! :p


Rangers - 0 Liverpool - 4

Torres, N'Gog, Benayoun and Alonso (pen) scored.

Rangers supporters being classless as always and booing YNWA, Robbie Keane because he is Irish, etc,etc.

Whats with all the Chelski and Liverbum supporters? (Though it is brilliant to see Rangers hammered!:lol:)

Come on United! Where are all the Red Devils on the forums!?

Any other Blackburn fans here?

Where are all the Red Devils on the forums!?

Too busy eating their prawn sandwiches. :tu:

Too busy eating their prawn sandwiches. :tu:

Thats a common misconception. We actually don't like prawns. :lol:

Thats a common misconception. We actually don't like prawns. :lol:

:p Ready for one of your countrymen to do you over at Anfield this year?

As long as it only happens at Anfield (once(probably) in the season) I don't mind.

Should be thanking him for conning Liverpool out of, what was it? 20million? for a 28 year old!

As long as it only happens at Anfield (once(probably) in the season) I don't mind.

Should be thanking him for conning Liverpool out of, what was it? 20million? for a 28 year old!

He is proven Premiership class and will link up with Torres well this year, mark my words.

I think it's 20 million well spent, certainly better than the 30 million for Rooney and 32 million for Tevez. :err:

He is proven Premiership class and will link up with Torres well this year, mark my words.

I think it's 20 million well spent, certainly better than the 30 million for Rooney and 32 million for Tevez. :err:

Both of whom have 10+ years left in their careers.

I wouldn't go too hard on him the first season, though. Those sorts of partnerships take time to form.

Both of whom have 10+ years left in their careers.
Those sorts of partnerships take time to form.

Just like Gerrard and Torres? Took awhile that! :lol: :p

Yeah, well Gerrard is a midfielder and can play with most anybody (as much as I hate to admit it)!

Y can play with most anybody (as much as I hate to admit it)!

Not Lampard! Don't even get me started on Fat Frank..

Not Lampard! Don't even get me started on Fat Frank..

Well frank is a different kettle of fish alltogether. :no: I don't support England, so the more adversity they face, the happier I become (no offence meant to anybody, by any means. Its just a thing I have)

So, who do you hate/dislike more; Chelsea, Man U or Arsenal?

Well frank is a different kettle of fish alltogether. :no: I don't support England, so the more adversity they face, the happier I become (no offence meant to anybody, by any means. Its just a thing I have)

So, who do you hate/dislike more; Chelsea, Man U or Arsenal?

Man Utd of course, can't stand them! Got it from being an adopted Scouser :lol:

And that is why we will get along so well! :p

Man Utd of course, can't stand them! Got it from being an adopted Scouser :lol:

And that is why we will get along so well! :p

Oh yes we'll be best of pals...

I actually have loads of friends who are Liverpool supporters, the 'banter' can get heated at times, but we're all grown men and can keep it civil... ... most of the time :whistle:

Oh yes we'll be best of pals...

I actually have loads of friends who are Liverpool supporters, the 'banter' can get heated at times, but we're all grown men and can keep it civil... ... most of the time :whistle:

Literally none of my friends or even anyone that I know follow the Premiership, so it does get a bit frustrating at times not being able to talk to anyone. But thats what you get for living in the States..

Literally none of my friends or even anyone that I know follow the Premiership, so it does get a bit frustrating at times not being able to talk to anyone. But thats what you get for living in the States..

Huh, that does seem pretty crappy. Do you follow MLS at all? I know football (soccer) isn't that big in the US. But I've heard that the league itself is actually pretty useless too...

Huh, that does seem pretty crappy. Do you follow MLS at all? I know football (soccer) isn't that big in the US. But I've heard that the league itself is actually pretty useless too...

Nope, don't follow MLS one bit. I live about 45 minutes away from D.C United (closest MLS team), but they do not interest me at all. The league standard is rubbish and I won't ever take it seriously.

Looks like you two can be civil. I was hoping for a heated agrument about who's better..Liverpoom or Manc. :whistle:

:lol:

No argument necessary! Man U all the way.

Of course, he'll say Liverpool. But I have evidence:
[stats are; Played, Won, Draw, Loss, GF, GA, Goal Differential, and Points]
1Manchester United (C) 38 27 6 5 80 22 +58 87
2 Chelsea 38 25 10 3 65 26 +39 85
3 Arsenal 38 24 11 3 74 31 +43 83
4 Liverpool 38 21 13 4 67 28 +39 76

Further evidence: Current champions of Europe= Manchester United

Oh, and the season hasn't started yet. It may get pretty hot in here mid season...:p

No argument necessary! Man U all the way.

Of course, he'll say Liverpool. But I have evidence:
[stats are; Played, Won, Draw, Loss, GF, GA, Goal Differential, and Points]
1Manchester United (C) 38 27 6 5 80 22 +58 87
2 Chelsea 38 25 10 3 65 26 +39 85
3 Arsenal 38 24 11 3 74 31 +43 83
4 Liverpool 38 21 13 4 67 28 +39 76

Further evidence: Current champions of Europe= Manchester United

Oh, and the season hasn't started yet. It may get pretty hot in here mid season...:p

Cough* 18-5 *Cough

:tu:

Please keep this on football discussion. For chitchat the Pitchside (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=115471) is a good place. Thank you! (All fine with posts still be shown visible.) :)

Anyone else here support Liverpool?

Anyone else here support Liverpool?

Not me! :p

Blackburn sign ManU fullback Danny Simpson to a one year loan.

Blackburn sign ManU fullback Danny Simpson to a one year loan.

Good signing for them. Simpson is a decent player and now they can move Emerton to the right wing in place of Bentley.

I heard (Daily Mirror, so not the most reliable source) its a loan that will be finalised as a full transfer next season...I'll be sorry to see Simpson go if its true. he was a player I liked. Its a good move for him and for Blackburn; the game time he'll (hopefully) get there will really help him develop him potential.

Good luck, Danny!

Liverpool got Robbie Keane!

Liverpool got Robbie Keane!

You're about 2 weeks late there bud. :lol:

Oh, ok. :blush:

any new news for any team?

FBK Kaunus- 2 Rangers -1

Rangers out of European competitions altogether after losing to Kaunus! Bwahahah! :lol::lol::lol:

Now that's a surprise. But I admit I like football for those.

Not the latest news either, but (eventually) Rafael van der Vaart went from HSV to Real Madrid. Welcome for him in Bernabeu was today. One could say about time. :lol:

Not the latest news either, but (eventually) Rafael van der Vaart went from HSV to Real Madrid. Welcome for him in Bernabeu was today. One could say about time. :lol:

One could say that.

What do you guys think about our little Ronniekins (Christiano Ronaldo)? Personally, this is from a die hard United fan, I've lost all respect for him. Unless something else comes out that we havent heard and it turns out that he is and always has been loyal to the club that gave him everything, in which came I'll gladly take it all back.

Now that's a surprise. But I admit I like football for those.

Not the latest news either, but (eventually) Rafael van der Vaart went from HSV to Real Madrid. Welcome for him in Bernabeu was today. One could say about time. :lol:

Gah. Who'm I going to nab for under 10million on Football Manager now? Him and Farfan were class!

As for Ronaldo, he's cleared up his game on the pitch, but unfortunately his off the pitch stuff's taken a hit to compensate. Fortunately, as a Lower League (Southend :p ) fan, I don't give a darn about him off the pitch. As long as he gives me something good to watch on MOTD, I don't care.

I have to admit Ronald IS the best player in the world at this point in time, but that being said I still hate him with a passion. Can't stand his antics on the pitch, I've no time for it..

I have to admit Ronald IS the best player in the world at this point in time, but that being said I still hate him with a passion. Can't stand his antics on the pitch, I've no time for it..

You need to take a look at some of your own players mate! :p

You need to take a look at some of your own players mate! :p

And just who would that be?

What do you guys think about our little Ronniekins (Christiano Ronaldo)? Personally, this is from a die hard United fan, I've lost all respect for him. Unless something else comes out that we havent heard and it turns out that he is and always has been loyal to the club that gave him everything, in which came I'll gladly take it all back.I'm impressed by everyone who stays at one club in tough times, but, alas, we hardly see it. It belongs to the job to change clubs to get differents experiences though, but it doesn't always look like a decision made by a pure hearted soul, when some football star moves on.

Ronaldo is difficult to judge on. While being an exceptional player, his characteristics annoy most parts of football fans. He grew out of some stuff, but still I can't be too fascinated by him either.

Good signing for them. Simpson is a decent player and now they can move Emerton to the right wing in place of Bentley.Definitely a good signing.

I heard (Daily Mirror, so not the most reliable source) its a loan that will be finalised as a full transfer next season...I'll be sorry to see Simpson go if its true. he was a player I liked. Its a good move for him and for Blackburn; the game time he'll (hopefully) get there will really help him develop him potential.

Good luck, Danny!Yep, that's right. I like that addition to the contract.

FBK Kaunus- 2 Rangers -1

Rangers out of European competitions altogether after losing to Kaunus! Bwahahah! :lol::lol::lol:So funny. I don't mind the Rangers but the fact that some random Lithuanian team knocked off such a prestigious Scottish side is laughable. Their season is over before it even started. The part I like is that FBK Kaunus is owned by Vladimir Romanov, the same guy who owns Heart of Midlothian of the Scottish Premier League. I like Hearts a lot. Everyone loves Celtic and Rangers, so I figured I'd support a different Scottish side.

What do you guys think about our little Ronniekins (Christiano Ronaldo)? Personally, this is from a die hard United fan, I've lost all respect for him. Unless something else comes out that we havent heard and it turns out that he is and always has been loyal to the club that gave him everything, in which came I'll gladly take it all back.

I do find it funny that the media in this country are painting Ronaldo as this evil money-grabbing arrogant nasty piece of work for wanting a move to Madrid, yet are actively encouraging the transfer of Gareth Barry to Liverpool. I don't see a huge amount of difference between the two, to be honest. In fact, if anything, Barry is worse, as he lied in an interview with the News of the World in order to try to put himself in a better light. He's now gone back on his word too, as he originally stated that if Liverpool hadn't made an acceptable offer for him by last Thursday then he would stay at Villa. That deadline came and went, no offer from Liverpool came, so that should have been the end of it, but Barry decided he still wanted a transfer so there's not too much we can do about it (though it might be a good idea for him to actually put in an official transfer request if he wants to go that badly. But oh no, that's right, he'd miss out on a £3m 'loyalty' bonus from Villa if he did that).

And just who would that be?

We can start with Fernando Torres...

I'm impressed by everyone who stays at one club in tough times, but, alas, we hardly see it. It belongs to the job to change clubs to get differents experiences though, but it doesn't always look like a decision made by a pure hearted soul, when some football star moves on.

Ronaldo is difficult to judge on. While being an exceptional player, his characteristics annoy most parts of football fans. He grew out of some stuff, but still I can't be too fascinated by him either.

I just wish he would show some respect to the club. This being the club that helped him from a nobody to become the no.1 player in the world. He's just won the Premier League and Champions League and yet he wants to disown the five year contract that he signed and move to a supposedly 'bigger club'. He won't even come back to Manchester to talk to Sir Alex...:no:

Everyone loves Celtic and Rangers, so I figured I'd support a different Scottish side.

That should read Celtic or Rangers, i don't think its even physically possible to love both!!:lol:

We can start with Fernando Torres...



You could, but you wouldn't get far....

You could, but you wouldn't get far....

That man is such a diver! There are loads of them in the premier league. Thing is, everybody hates Ronaldo so much, for his supposed 'antics' they are blind to the fact that alot of other players are equally as bad! Drogba and Torres stick out in my mind in particular.

In other news, Freddie Ljungberg has been released by West Ham. Have to say, his pace is almost non-existant now, so probably a good thing for the Hammers.

And Ronaldo has admitted he's going to stay at Man U for atleast another season.

I thought it was kind of obvious.

What do people think of Tottenham ending their interest in Andrie Arshavin?
Gotta say, he was really good in Euro 2008 and seeing him play in the Premier League would have been interesting. :)
But I guess it wasn't to be. :D

Is anyone watching the RBNY/Barca game right now?

That man is such a diver! There are loads of them in the premier league. Thing is, everybody hates Ronaldo so much, for his supposed 'antics' they are blind to the fact that alot of other players are equally as bad! Drogba and Torres stick out in my mind in particular.

I don't think that Torres is too bad. Steven Gerrard on the other hand...

Every team has got players like that (as a Villa fan I'm a bit worried about Ashley Young's tendancy to go down too easily) but the media only pick up on it when it's foreigners doing the cheating. It seems diving is alright as long as you're English.

I believe diving is something we see in every teams and every nations. There does not seem to be a pattern. At least we might not support such prejudices, shall we? :)

Doubtlessly no fan likes it, although some might consider it as, while not honourable, yet still successful and sometimes maybe useful behaviour. The latter, if done by the own team, though.

That man is such a diver! There are loads of them in the premier league. Thing is, everybody hates Ronaldo so much, for his supposed 'antics' they are blind to the fact that alot of other players are equally as bad! Drogba and Torres stick out in my mind in particular.

Do you consider it diving when he has players absolutely clammering into the back of him and not even attempting to get the ball? You might want to take a look at how John Terry played against Torres.....what an absolute thug. He would just run him over from behind like a little coward.

Do we really only find bad parts of football easy to discuss? It belongs to it, for sure, but aren't there some good parts of the game as well? This thread looks like muttering about single players for pages again. I really wonder what makes us fans.

When discussing football it's natural that we start talking about individual players. :D

Sure. I was just wondering why we so hardly find the good habits of them, but manage to complain about players and teams mostly. :lol:

Anyway. Looking very forward to seasons starting around here in one week. Third League already made it's start, but second and first will have their first matches on Friday 15th. An ending of football less times always is to appreciate.

Sure. I was just wondering why we so hardly find the good habits of them, but manage to complain about players and teams mostly. :lol:

Anyway. Looking very forward to seasons starting around here in one week. Third League already made it's start, but second and first will have their first matches on Friday 15th. An ending of football less times always is to appreciate.

Ahem. 2 days for the lower English leagues. Typical - everyone forgets about us :lol:

Nah, I was just self-centered and so talked about leagues in my country. :lol:

The lower have started here already (speaking of newly installed Third League, which formerly wasn't pro football). Alas, I have to attend a wedding next Saturday, but I hope to still get the results somehow.

There's one problem with lower league footie in England. Actually, there's several, but I'll get to those later -

Decent highlights. Or the lack thereof. Assuming I actually wake up in time (and get my recently screwy TV working) for ITV's highlights, I just know that they'll go "and now to League 1, where Southend beat Peterborough by 50,000,000,000,000 goals to 0, but we'll only show one of those goals because we've got better things to do". And then I have to wait for Virgin to sort out the goals, and that'll be it - the goals. What if I want more than the goals?

As for the other problem, it appears to have slipped everyone's notice, but League 2's relegation spots are now sorted before a ball s kicked, with Luton and Rotherham taking major point deductions. Takes the fun out of the game, really.

That's some problem here, too. If I can't attend a match of my hometown team (who're in 4th League actually), what happens more often than for every second match actually, I can't be sure if they show the highlights on TV. Usually they pick a two or three of sixteen matches only. Only First and Second League get reports on every match.

Now I don't mind that to happen on normal TV, but on sports channel or regional TV I actually had been happy to get some more updates.

Do you consider it diving when he has players absolutely clammering into the back of him and not even attempting to get the ball? You might want to take a look at how John Terry played against Torres.....what an absolute thug. He would just run him over from behind like a little coward.

No, thats not diving, and I never have said that it is. Unless its something like : Torres on the ball, Terry touches him on the shoulder, Torres falls down. Then its diving :cool:

Here are my thoughts on the United States U-23 team from the Olympics..

We all love McBride, we really do...but he's really just not worth it anymore. He's old and not fit, definitely showed poor form in these Olympics. They should have used McBride's roster spot for a defender instead...probably either Bocanegra, DeMerit, or Pearce. It would be have been nice to see Eddie Lewis given the roster spot too I guess. I just didn't like McBride for the Olympics.

It's a shame Edu had to play out of position but he's definitely not a bad center-back so there was no downgrade at that position by putting him there. Feilharber was walking the entire game against Nigeria...definitely not match fit.

I don't think anyone is going to argue that Wynne was by far our best player. He's so athletic and is one of the fastest players I've ever seen. I'm not going to be shocked if he's signed by a club team from overseas in the near future. Davies should have definitely been playing more. Look at the impact he had on the field in this game against Nigeria and he played such a short amount of time.

Kljestan...do I even want to comment? He was definitely the worst player on the field today. Sloppy passing, poor decisions, horrible ball control. He scored a penalty but in all honesty, had a horrible Olympics and was the least impactive player against Nigeria.

Orozco's red card in the 3rd minute was atrocious. He probably deserved it, but I don't know if many other refs would have sent him off. Perhaps if it weren't a tough referee, he'd have gotten off with a yellow. He got the red though and it killed us in the end. Down a man, the entire team had to work so much harder to get the ball moving. Also, with Orozco going out, Jozy was forced to play left-back for a little while which is obviously not his normal position...and Rogers was out of position as well. Parkhurst...didn't impress me at all.

Bradley and Adu have to feel ashamed at least. They're just as much at fault for this loss as anyone. Even down a man, this team is 100% different when Adu and Bradley are in the lineup. Adu makes everyone on the field around him better and Bradley is such a strong defensive midfielder. The fact that they made themselves ineligible for the game against Nigeria for reaching the yellow card limit is just silly. That shouldn't have happened. With them in the game, I think Nigeria struggles to win.

Guzan was just as important as Wynne, especially in this game. Villa is going to be delighted with him this coming season if he performs in club games like he does with the US. He was excellent against Nigeria and made some huge saves. If he hadn't been playing the way he was, it could have easily been a 3-0 game to Nigeria.

I don't think anyone will disagree with the fact that coaching has been pretty bad in these Olympics for the US. I didn't understand some of the decisions that Nowak made, especially in the game against Nigeria...starting Jozy and taking him out so early when he could have probably brought him in for McBride as a sub later in the game. It would have been more beneficial to us to have him in there along with Davies at the end. Jozy/Davies (even with an injured Jozy) would have been very dominant against a tired Nigerian defense.

As much as I want to say the US did poorly, I also give kudos to the Nigerian team. They were so strong and so aggressive. Even when they were up two goals they were pushing forward to score a third goal. I love fierce play like that. They played a solid game.

So, who all is getting all psyched up for the big Premier League kick off tomorrow!!??

For that and the kick off of my league today. It's nice to have the regular footy back. :D

Our league started last weekend, but to be honest I'm more excited about the Southamerican Cup. :D I know we will get kicked out in penalties by Brazil like we always do, but for some reason I keep hoping for things to be different...

I'm so excited for the Premier to start. I'm hoping Blackburn can pull out a win against Everton, but I'm not too sure they will.

Come on Sunderland!!

Is anyone watching any Bundesliga games today? Schalke is leading Hannover 2-0 right now; Dortmund leading Bayer Leverkusen 1-0.

Come on Sunderland!!


Come on Liverpool! :D

What a fantastic game between Blackburn and Everton! Anyone else watch it?

2-2 in the 93rd minute, Blackburn won it after a free kick just outside the box. Amazing game. Great result for Blackburn to start off the season.

First game of the season and United were rubbish :grumble:

Newcastle looked pretty solid.

First game of the season and United were rubbish :grumble:

No, I wouldn't say rubbish... We had half a team out. Plus we just wasted loads of chances. Shay Given making two head 'saves' didn't help the cause much.

I was very impressed with Fraizer Campbell though. To draw a positive from the game.


Newcastle looked pretty solid.

Yeah, they did. That new signing, Guiterez or something, he was brilliant, easily their best player on the day.

4-2 to Villa. I'm pretty happy with that. We still need to sort out our defense though. Hopefully it will only be a matter of time before all the new defenders we've signed begin to gel together. If we can tighten up our defense then I think that we can have a really good season. It looks as though we are going to keep scoring like last season when we were the third highest scorers in the league, ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool.

It's hard not to be optimistic with the Toon right now, pulled off an away draw with the defending European and English champions, plus big signings are supposed to be on the way, and Owen and Viduka should return soon.

Then again, it's Newcastle.

It's hard not to be optimistic with the Toon right now, pulled off an away draw with the defending European and English champions,


**cough cough** Half a team **cough**


Did anybody see about Valeri Bojinov (sp?). Man City signed him last summer. He played his first game for ManCity against ManU, wrecked his knee after 6 mins with an akward landing (ligament). He just got back to fitness this summer and he was running out of the tunnel. His feet had just barely touched the grass on opening day when he collapsed. Originally thought to have done his cruciate, we later found out that he had in fact ruptured his right achilles tendon!!

Talk about your bad luck!

**cough cough** Half a team **cough**

Doesn't mean they were suddenly a bad team, besides, Newcastle were in the same situation.

Doesn't mean they were suddenly a bad team, besides, Newcastle were in the same situation.

Yeah, Newcastle were missing 50-60 goals a season from their lineup. [/sarcasm]

And I didn't say they were suddenly a bad team. They were a weakened team, who still dominated the Toon, just couldn't convert.

Yeah, Newcastle were missing 50-60 goals a season from their lineup. [/sarcasm]

And I didn't say they were suddenly a bad team. They were a weakened team, who still dominated the Toon, just couldn't convert.

Owen, Viduka, and even Barton are just as important to Newcastle as Tevez and Ronaldo are to Man U.

And I would give some credit to Given instead of labeling it all on Man U's inability to convert (minus the Campbell save off his head of course).

Well Villa lost 3-2 to Stoke. An abysmal result and we deserved no better. I have no idea what is wrong with our defence but so far this season in all competitions we have played five games and conceded eight goals, against an average Danish league side, a part time Icelandic league side, a Manchester City team struggling to field any attackers, and Stoke City who have only just been promoted to the Premier League. We have scored 13 goals in the same period, so if we could only sort out our defence then we could be looking at a good season, but at the moment I'm not too optimistic.

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/5627/picture1rd1.png

I forgot the drawing already happened - thanks, rainie_hp! Hmmm... no real death group, isn't it? Group D looks tough, G and H maybe, but nothing like getting Real and Arsenal in one group again. :lol:

For my team Werder Bremen I should be pleased with B, I guess, but alas they often fight way more agains the great teams in CL, but look a bit poor against weaker ones. Then CL is here to surprise us, depends a lot on how the condition of the according team is. Woah, I'm excited it's starting again!

I forgot the drawing already happened - thanks, rainie_hp! Hmmm... no real death group, isn't it? Group D looks tough, G and H maybe, but nothing like getting Real and Arsenal in one group again. :lol:

For my team Werder Bremen I should be pleased with B, I guess, but alas they often fight way more agains the great teams in CL, but look a bit poor against weaker ones. Then CL is here to surprise us, depends a lot on how the condition of the according team is. Woah, I'm excited it's starting again!

No problem :D

Yeah my best guess would be Group H for the group of death. Werder Bremen imo should be able to make it but you can never be too sure.

Here are my predicitons for the groups:

A
1. Chelsea
2. Roma

B
1. Inter Milan
2. Werder Bremen

C
1. Barcelona
2. (I can't be too sure for the next one)

D
1. Liverpool
2. (Hmm...Again can't be too sure, Athletico or PSV)

Seems like Torres is going home

E
1. Manchester United
2. Celtic

Rossi seems to be coming back to Manchester too

F
1. Lyon
2. Bayern Munich

G
1. Arsenal
2. Undecided

H
This one I can't choose at all - it could go in any direction. Juventus seem likely since it's hard to beat Italian teams at home.

Ahh yes, the CL groups. Always a team you can't pronounce or spell, (group A's FCR I'm-Not-Even-Going-To-Try-And-Spell-It, group B's Anorthosis Something-Or-Other), and occasionally a team you've never heard of (BATE Borisov, as the Great Heinz Advert says: Who're they?)

Always great fun to see such teams get a hiding. Shame ITV's only got rights to the British teams.

Liverpool v Man U tomorrow:drool:... I'm excited, anyone else?

Bwahaha Liverpool 2-1 over Man United! Get in!!

So happy here. It's made my day.

Bwahaha Liverpool 2-1 over Man United! Get in!!

So happy here. It's made my day.

Snap! I was in a shop when I found out and started jumping up and down. Haha I think everyone thought I was crazy! xD :D:D:D:D

Groups F, G and H are all absolutely stacked. Group H is definitely the Group of Death though. Any of those teams could be in the top 2.

Saturday 20th September 2008
1/ West Ham 3-1 Newcastle > WH- Di Michele/8 Di Michele/37 Etherington/53 > NWC-Owen/67
(HT 2-0)
2/ Sunderland 2-0 Middlesbrough > SNDRLND- Chopra/81 Chopra/90+2
(HT 0-0)
3/ Liverpool 0-0 Stoke
(HT 0-0)
4/ Bolton 1-3 Arsenal > ASNL- Eboue/26 Bendtner/27 Denilson/87 > BLTN- Davies/14
(HT 1-2)
5/ Blackburn 1-0 Fulham > BLKBRN- Derbyshire/84
(HT 0-0)

Bookings:
1/ Andrews 26 + Emerton 32
2/ Muamba 62 + Davies 45+2 > Song Billong 76 + Fabregas 89
3/ Skrtel 85 > Fuller 90+1
4/ Richardson 71 + Chopra 83 > O'Neil 63 + Huth 80 + Shawky 77
5/ Neill 51 > Taylor 80 + N'Zogbia 85

Here's hoping for another fantastic Hull City win today, come on you Hull!

A Hull fan? Yeah, you guys have made an excellent start to the season. I must admit, I thought you'd struggle once you came up, but you've been fantastic so far. I hope you continue like this (so long as you end up behind Aston Villa!).

A Hull fan? Yeah, you guys have made an excellent start to the season. I must admit, I thought you'd struggle once you came up, but you've been fantastic so far. I hope you continue like this (so long as you end up behind Aston Villa!).

Aye, a very lucky season ticket holder. We've had an astounding start, after what seemed like a poor showing in the transfer window Phil Brown ended up with the cream of the crop, though we did spend far too long pining after Fraizer Campbell. Arsenal was a high point definitely, especially as northerners :cool: but we really do have to be careful now, clubs are going to be ready for us & we need to respond accordingly.

Aye, a very lucky season ticket holder. We've had an astounding start, after what seemed like a poor showing in the transfer window Phil Brown ended up with the cream of the crop, though we did spend far too long pining after Fraizer Campbell. Arsenal was a high point definitely, especially as northerners :cool: but we really do have to be careful now, clubs are going to be ready for us & we need to respond accordingly.

Yeah, you might get that a bit of that, though in both Wigan's and Reading's first season in the Premier League it took most of the season before teams really started to take them seriously, so hopefully you'll continue to surprise clubs. At the very least it looks as though you've got enough quality to stay up, which is great seeing as how so many people were writing you off before the start of the season. It's good to see you playing some decent football too. I watched the Arsenal game (with a couple of Arsenal fans!) and you fully deserved it, playing some attractive stuff. The same goes for West Brom too. I understand why teams that come up (and some teams already in the league!) sometimes play defensive, fairly unattractive football, and I've got no problems with that, unlike the managers of the top teams who always seem to moan about it, but it does make a nice change when teams like Hull and WBA come up and actually set out to win games rather than set out not to lose.

We are determined to not be the Premiership whipping boys, there's Spurs for that this season it seems. Another good win, though Cousin & King seemed off colour; king with his back problem and Cousin just doesn't seem match fit. All in all though it was a strong performance, brilliant goalkeeping from Boaz as per usual.

Is anyone following the Under 17 or 20 womens world cups

:D Man United won, against Man City too :D

In referrence to the upcoming FA Cup 3rd round match between Chelsea and Southend United*, I would like to refer all Chelsea fans to the Carling Cup 3rd round of last year. Southend United... 1 Manchester United... 0.

Specifically, how the goal came about. A free kick from a Mr Freddy Eastwood. I would now like to refer to our latest striking sensation, Junior Stanislas, who, I'm told, scored in a remarkably similar fashion recently.

* This is, of course, reliant on us not being thrown out because we played a "apparently" too young player.

Sorry Lou - don't ban me! :p

This is, of course, reliant on us not being thrown out because we played a "apparently" too young player.

What is the deal with this

Can Liverpool FC win this season?

1. Yeah, absolutely.
2. Hell, no. You know the place where they have always sit on.

Southend have won a game of football!!!!

About time - a few more weeks like that and I think I'd have gone loco.

Didn't southend beat Man u last season as well

Nice. After months of no success Werder Bremen fights their way back into making goals - eventually reaching their aims.

Nice. After months of no success Werder Bremen fights their way back into making goals - eventually reaching their aims.
That aim would be what?

In this case of today evening: To stay in UEFA Cup (aka international football). :D

They often played fast forward the last weeks, but didn't figure how to actually make the goals they need. Today that changed a bit.

In this case of today evening: To stay in UEFA Cup (aka international football). :D

They often played fast forward the last weeks, but didn't figure how to actually make the goals they need. Today that changed a bit.
Yeah that's what I thought, UEFA Cup. I haven't seen the table for months. Is Hoffenheim still on top?

Who are they playing?

Yeah that's what I thought, UEFA Cup. I haven't seen the table for months. Is Hoffenheim still on top?

Who are they playing?Werder was playing against Milano. 1:1 in Bremen, today 2:2 in Milano. After some scaring 2:0 to half-time. But they fought. Phew...

HSV is on top. Surprisingly enough. :lol: Hoffenheim is still close, though, but Bayern just lost against Köln. In München. :evil:

And I'm definitely not talking about Werder's appearance in the League. Sigh.

Werder was playing against Milano. 1:1 in Bremen, today 2:2 in Milano. After some scaring 2:0 to half-time. But they fought. Phew...
That is not bad, quite an Auswaerts-success.

HSV is on top. Surprisingly enough. :lol: Hoffenheim is still close, though, but Bayern just lost against Köln. In München. :evil:HAHA *points and laughs*
I can barely contain my glee.

And I'm definitely not talking about Werder's appearance in the League. Sigh.*runs to look*

Oi! HAHA *points and laughs too*

Köln is better than Werder. :rotfl:

Köln is better than Werder. I know. :grumble:

*runs to put Alaaf on the auto-censor*


Seriously, this season in German Bundesliga is weird. First that major success by Hoffenheim (although not too surprising keeping in mind how much money they have, but they still do a good team job), then München with serious problems. I think Werder's problems were due, so as a fan I'm not too concerned. For sure it rocks more when they're at the top, but I can live seeing them having a bad phase. Just they'll need the money from international tournaments to keep their aims.

Woop woop!!

Liverpool stuff Real Madrid at home to go through 5 - 0 (agg), nice, least we can defeat some teams lately.

I'd much prefer Liverpool to win then Real Madrid. :) Way to go Liverpool!

I'm a massive Man UTD fan. Although the Porto result is worrying, I keep trying to be optimistic. It'll be resolved this wednesday, either way.

I've been considering starting a football podcast actually. If anyone's interested in taking part, contact me.

Well this died the moment I found a job, didn't it?

Come on u 'ull!

Come on u 'ull!

No harm to the Tigers, but I strongly dislike Phil Brown. I'm glad you stayed up and all, but I just wish Brown would go away.

Manchester united will always be my club !
We won the Barclays Premier league, second in the Champions League.

And I admit, they played horrible in the final match against Barcelone, but oh well. Better luck next time right?

Manchester united will always be my club !
We won the Barclays Premier league, second in the Champions League.

And I admit, they played horrible in the final match against Barcelona, but oh well. Better luck next time right?

Same here. This was a good season, despite the final game, imo.
How do you feel about Ronaldo going?

Same here. This was a good season, despite the final game, imo.
How do you feel about Ronaldo going?

I think he was an incredible drama queen but an amazing player. He saved us from many situations, and now that he and Kaka are going to playing together in Real, it will be hard to top them.

I respect him for playing very with us, but he did leave us, and imo that's a bit of disloyalty. But of course we all know he has always dreamed of playing for Real, so we probably have to respect those wishes.

I'm glad we have Rooney and Park and Berbatov and many more to play for us, those that are loyal no matter what.

But once again it is proved that Soccer is all about money

But once again it is proved that Soccer is all about money

That's soo true... Sad, but true.
I hope we can now use all that extra cash to rebuild the squad effectively. Now maybe Rooney can move back into a more central role and we can bring in a new, more orthadox, winger so that he doesn't have to play out oin the left anymore.

So I hear that USA won a big match against juggernaut Spain? I don't follow Football (Soccer) much but congrats to the team for pulling it off.

So I hear that USA won a big match against juggernaut Spain? I don't follow Football (Soccer) much but congrats to the team for pulling it off.

Oh, yes! that was one MAJOR upset. USA beat Spain 2-0. A complete fiasco this year's Confederations Cup but kudos to Egypt, South Africa and USA for giving the big teams a tough time. (including Brazil)

Can anyone notify me of any Liverpool signings other than Glen Johnson?

As for Manchester United, their striking power has been dramatically reduced with the departure of Tevez and Ronaldo so it'll be a more level playing field for Liverpool and Chelsea next season. Both teams should take this opportunity to sign some big names. (which unfortunately Real has done all too well)

Chelsea haven't sold Drogba (not a good sign given his performance) and bought a Russian striker Zhirkov. However, Hiddink has left the team in an outstanding condition and they'll be competing with Manchester to win the EPL next season. (Liverpool and Arsenal less likely to do so given Arsenal's performance and lack of big stars and Liverpool not signing enough new players. Plus I heard Alonso's leaving.:()

Barca are in for a really tough season. Kaka and Ronaldo in the same team, wow..

Can West Brom boing back to the Premeirship again? I hope my baggies can

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8158802.stm

Villarreal 27, Navata 0

Bah, that was depressing. I hope that our entire midfield gets fit soon, and that we get a decent striker from somewhere, or we could be looking at a bottom six finish this season.

Season at my neck of the woods eventually started this weekend. I'm glad, although one of my favourite teams got a bad start.

West brom got an okay 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

also, lol at Norwich. 7-1 loss to Colchester at home. haha and 2 fans threw their tickets at the coach.

Hmm, this was a bit too quiet considering that the PL started this week. Not the best time to admit it but for me Liverpool is the team. With Alonso in the team I would have pretty high hopes but now I sadly think we'll have to be happy for a CL spot. Not like I think we'd won the league even with him in the team but now it'll be more or less impossible. I'm sure Aquilani can become a good player for the team but there's too many if's and I don't think he'll start to pay off for real until next season, if ever.

If Arsenal can keep up their good start, and with Fabregas, Arshavin, Van Persie and Eduardo all fit, I don't see why they can't, Liverpool might even have to battle with Man City for 4th.

We're at home to Reading tomorrow night, 24th vs. 23rd. We haven't signed anyone so we'll still be playing MacDonald and Orlandi in midfield by the looks of things. Can't see us winning if we do that :no:

also, lol at Norwich. 7-1 loss to Colchester at home. haha and 2 fans threw their tickets at the coach.

Ridiculous decision to sack Gunn after they won 4-0 on Tuesday. If they wanted to sack him after the 7-1, and TBF it's hardly surprising, they should have done it straight away. Obviously whatever he did on Tuesday was irrelevant, so why keep him on?

Also, did anyone see Palace's disallowed goal against Bristol City on Saturday? Absolute joke of a decision, you can tell just by looking at the players reactions that it was a goal. Glad they've all been suspended for now.

We're at home to Reading tomorrow night, 24th vs. 23rd. We haven't signed anyone so we'll still be playing MacDonald and Orlandi in midfield by the looks of things. Can't see us winning if we do that :no:



Haha don't worry 'cause I don't think we'll win either! Newcastle were completely out of our league on saturday and our defence was shocking at some points. I hope we have a spark of luck cause I can see us going down this season

I don't expect us to do as well as last season, but I think we'll be fine when Bodde, Pratley, Allen & Lopez all get fit again, and Sousa is supposed to be making up to three signings before the transfer window closes. Until then we'll definitely struggle to pick up many points though.

I think we're in a similar situation TBH, we've both lost successful managers and some important players, and it might take some time for the replacements to do as well. I don't think you'll go down, you were excellent when you ripped us a new one at the Madejski last season. Agree with you about Newcastle tho, 'Boro were so much better than us in some departments it was embarrassing.

I don't expect us to do as well as last season, but I think we'll be fine when Bodde, Pratley, Allen & Lopez all get fit again, and Sousa is supposed to be making up to three signings before the transfer window closes. Until then we'll definitely struggle to pick up many points though.

I think we're in a similar situation TBH, we've both lost successful managers and some important players, and it might take some time for the replacements to do as well. I don't think you'll go down, you were excellent when you ripped us a new one at the Madejski last season. Agree with you about Newcastle tho, 'Boro were so much better than us in some departments it was embarrassing.

Yeah, but you faced us in the first half of the season. Yes, we were good in the first half but come half way through the season in all my years of going, I have never seen them play so bad! We were terrible! Couldn't pass, couldn't score. We even had to bring back Dave Kitson and Glen Little and that still didn't help!
With Newcastle though, we were facing a team that cost well over £35 million... we were completely out-classed. I'm not one to look at the money-aspect but we need help and J.Madejski is just not the right man for that.
The youngsters are doing well and they are willing to prove themselves but I just don't think it will be enough but ... time will tell

Burnley 1, Manchester United 0

:cool:

Well... that was quite comfortably the most farcical game of football I've ever seen. Absolutely nothing in it at all until the 85th minute when our captain and their striker get into an argument about the latter's dive, and go head to head. Red card to our captain. Then after a succession of inept decisions our striker goes off injured leaving us with nine, before the joke of a referee gets two throw-ins wrong, gives a corner incorrectly, which swings out of play and back in, before giving and I quote the BBC an "incredibly harsh penalty for handball".

Then it really gets ridiculous, our other striker it sent off for two (again harsh) yellow cards, straight from the restart our right back elbows their winger and we're down to seven. Our midfielder then picks up an injury and can't continue, leaving us with six, so the ref, instead of correctly abandoning the game, decides to make him come on and stand on the touchline so we can continue. At this point we've played about six minutes of the 15 in the second half of extra time, and then the board goes up... one minute to be added on :lol:

Utter utter farce, which would have been fine if we didn't have three players suspended and another two injured from it!

I'm gonna sound a complete clot here but which game was that? I was too busy trying to keep up with the chaos at West Ham/Millwall.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Group A:


Bayern Muenchen
Juventus Turin
Bordeaux
Maccabi Haifa

Group B:


Man United
CSKA Moskva
Besiktas
Wolfsburg

Group C:


Milan
Real Madrid
Marseille
Zuerich

Group D:


Chelsea
Porto
Atletico
APOEL

Group E:


Liverpool
Lyon
Fiorentina
Debrecen

Group F:


Barcelona
Inter Milan
Dynamo Kiev
Rubin

Group G:


Sevilla
Rangers
Stuttgart
Unirea Urziceni

Group H:


Arsenal
AZ Alkmaar
Olympiacos
Standard


Your predictions?

And where did all these clubs come from?

So there are:
4 clubs from England, Italy and Spain
3 from Germany
2 Russia
1 from Israel, Turkey, Switzerland, Portugal, Cyprus, Hungary, Ukraine, Scotland, Romania, Netherlands, Greece and Belgium

Chelsea will win the Premier League. Out of all of the Big Four, they were the only club to retain their players. Manchester United haven't properly replaced Ronaldo and Tevez, Arsenal haven't replaced Adebayor and Toure and as far as Liverpool are concerned, it really depends on whether Aquiliani can be a suitable replacement for Alonso.

I seriously question Benitez's decision in this matter. If Alonso was going to Real Madrid, Benitez should have demanded Wesley Sniejder and Arjen Robben in exhange. He then could have sold some of the duffers from his squad like Voronin, Itandje, Dossena, Degan and Lucas and raised enough money to buy Huntelaar as a backup striker. He should have also kept Arbeloa for another season and let him go on a free next season. However on the plus side, Glen Johnson will prove to be an excellent signing. Liverpool haven't started well, but they will get stronger as the season goes on.

Aston Villa, Spurs and Man City will be in contention for Champions League spots. If they qualify, Villa and Spurs won't last long, and I hope for the sake of all that is good about football, Man City do not succeed in buying a Champions League spot, although to be consistent, I also opposed Blackburn and Chelsea buying their Premier League titles in 1995, 2005 and 2006. UEFA's new rules concerning "billionnaire" owners cannot come quickly enough.

In the Champions League, again it's between the Premier League teams and Barcelona. Real Madrid may have signed many superstars, but whether or not they can gel as a unit is a big question. Real Madrid's defence is also highly suspect. Of all the Premier League teams, if Liverpool can avoid Premier League opposition, they will win the Champions League again.

Elsewhere I would like to see Newcastle and Leeds promoted from their respective divisions.

Up CHELSEA!!!

Up CHELSEA!!!

I think the title is yours this season.
Our toothless draw at Blackburn was the final nail in the coffin for out chances. Of course, it's still mathematically very possible, but you guys need to really slip up badly (with away fixtures at Liverpool and Spurs though... You never know, especially now that they'll have the FA cup final in the back of their minds...) ... You know what, I've talked myself back into hopeful mood.!
United for the title!!! :clap:

It's Chelsea's for the taking now, unless they bottle it.

Great story regarding Pompey in the cup. I hope they win it.

Man City look like they've wrapped up fourth. I'd like to see Liverpool win the Europa League and a Barcelona vs Bayern Munich Champions League final.

I'm hoping that as an Everton supporter that we can get 7th and get into Europe, it would be good considering the start we had.

Everton would be a worthy Europa League entrant, along with Liverpool.

However Aston Villa and Spurs would not.

The mentality of the managers of those clubs is that the Europa League is an annoyance, and they don't take it seriously. By doing so, it wastes two English spots in Europe and could ultimately damage England's UEFA co-efficients.

Great story regarding Pompey in the cup. I hope they win it.

Agreed.
After all that's happened to that club this season, they deserve something to keep their spirits up. At this point, I don't think anybody would begrudge them a victory.

Agreed.
After all that's happened to that club this season, they deserve something to keep their spirits up. At this point, I don't think anybody would begrudge them a victory.

I do.

They've already won it once by living ridiculously beyond their means.

I do.

They've already won it once by living ridiculously beyond their means.

I agree. They were rightly punished by the Premier League for going into administration, yet they were allowed to continue in the FA Cup with no punishment. I feel sorry for the fans, but I've had no sympathy for the actual club through all of this. It's their own fault that they are in the situation they are in and I'll be glad to see the back of them at the end of the season.

So just wondering, what is your favorite football club? or do you have many clubs you support?

I support Real Madrid, but I do enjoy watching other clubs play as well, for instance Manchester United, Barcelona fc...

I only support one team, and that is Aston Villa. I've supported them ever since my dad used to take me along to games when I was about 9 years old, and I will continue to support them until I die.

Having said that, there are a few other teams who's results I always look out for, all of them local to where I live now or where I have lived in the past, and they are Tamworth, Forest Green Rovers, Swindon Town, Bristol Rovers, and Leicester City. I also try to keep up with how Nice are doing in the French Ligue 1, as I spent a year over there and went to watch them a few times.

Liverpool Football Club

You'll Never Walk Alone

Hicks & Gillet out!!!

FC Internazionale Milano! Champions League Final May 22nd

I also support Arsenal.

No specific team, just football in general.


But I would like to post my respects to Bradford City on the 25th anniversary of the terrible Valley Parade fire.

RIP, 56.

Chelsea for me. Great season winning the league and cup double.

Joe Cole and Michael Ballack both will leave Chelsea - not a too big surprise I assume. But I think it's exciting to see where they'll go. Imo both are beyond their best times, but certainly great football players still.

Ballack is currently dealt for Real Madrid and Werder Bremen. I kind of think both news fall under 'wide speculation'...

I love watching Real Madrid play. Not because of the flurry of celebs in their list, but because of the skills they display on the field. Even Manchester United is one of my favorite.
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For those interested Michael Ballack might join HSV (Hamburg) next season. All still speculative, though.

Anybody watching the women's U-19 world cup? This girl from Germany, Popp, she is on fire, already having scored 6 goals in just 3 matches. :wow: