Discussion The Football/Soccer Thread

[◆ T.D.A ◆]

inter will win on penalties

 

[Imperium]

Champions league draw:

Arsenal/Liverpool v Fenerbache/Chelsea

Schalke/Barcelona v Roma/Man Utd

 

[Mendes]

Chelsea confirms their luck on the draws and Barça is also very lucky in this edition of the CL. For what I've seen of schalke, they shouldnt be a problem for Barça, even tough they are in bad shape in the league. Messi is out for some time due to an injury, but I believe we'll have Man Utd vs Barça on the semifinal.

I'm looking forward for the reedition of Roma vs Man Utd. Roma should be looking for revenge of the 7-1 2 years ago :P

Arsenal vs Liverpool seems tasty. I hope Arsenal can go trough the final once again, and I'd love to see a semifinal between Arsenal and Fenerbahce

 

[Imperium]

I really really wanted us to draw barcelona. Other than having our old captain play at the emirates again, i wanted revenge for 2006. >.> But the liverpool tie is still going to be exciting. We face them three times in one week. Twice in the champions league and once in the premiership.

If Avram Grant doesnt get his act together, Chelsea might just throw away the Champions league as well. Fenerbahce although not the strongest defensivly are able to attack effectivly as they proved in round 16. And Zico is not a man tThat tie is anybodys guess. As for Roma v Man U i cant wait for it. Roma is the underdog here, but i wont be surprised if they win (Im actually hoping for it >.>).

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Super slam sunday!

Manchester united v Liverpool
Arsenal v Chelsea

Back-to-Back, i know where my sunday afternoon will be spent.

 

[Epul]

It was a great Super slam sunday! for me at least!
Man Utd beat Liverpool and Chelsea beat Arsenal. Now man utd has 5 points lead over Chelsea. With 7 games left to play, it's gonna be an interesting end to the season....

I would be really surprise if Benitez keeps his job next season....

 

[Imperium]

Man united v liverpool game was boring, liverpool did not bother winning because they have no realistic chance at the title, and then they went 10 men down...Too easy for united (who seem unstoppable). The chelsea game though was 110% our own fault. We went 1-0 up, to losing 2-1...No wonder people are doubting Gallas's capabilities as a captain.

Oh, and i heard if Rijkaard leaves for chelsea at the end of the season, benitez will be going to barca. o_O;

Btw, what do you think of the friendlies coming up? (England v Fracne, just bring it )

 

[Epul]

Some really cracking game coming up.
Definitely gonna keep an eye on the England vs. France game. I think this is gonna be the real first test for Capello.Gonna see if Capello plays beckham or not...

Might also keep an eye on Spain vs. Italy.

 

[Mendes]

Its terrible... damn you Karagounis! Greece stands as Portugal's nightmare with 3 consecutive wins. Another football lesson from Professor Otto and we're starting our Euro Cup preparation in the worse way.

I was concerned by Portugal's lack of goal attempts. I guess we were unlucky as well, as Karagounis scored 2 goals with 2 amazing direct free kicks. Portugal was weakened in the wings, where we usually have a lot of talented players. With Nani and Ronaldo resting for Man United and Simao getting injured at the early of the match, only Quaresma stood as winger.

Congrats Lohnt. As for England, last time I checked they were loosing with France with Riberry's goal converting a penalty kick.

---

The portuguese press is being very active last days with Moratti's approach on Mourinho. Some newspapers assure that Mourinho has already signed a millionaire contract with Inter Milan

 

[Imperium]

The England v France match was boring for everyone. France did not play good neither did England. Capello says it was used to test formation etc. Their is to much coverage over a small friendly, i say let him test everything out now instead of doing it in the 2010 qualifiers. Also, the villa goal for spain was a pure gem.

The site i usually use for news (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3362007,00.html) says he denies it. But that almost always means its true. XD Although if he comes in i wonder where mancini will go. A lot of people might want him (Chelsea, liverpool etc.). Afterall he is one of the best domestic league managers in the world. (*cough* domestic ;p). And you portuguese have been busy too, apparently benfica are intrested in Queiroz. Im all for it, since he afterall is the one who seems to be bringing in annoying portuguese to united. XD

Btw, Arsenal v Bolton, amazing match. Nobody can say we lack the mentality now.

Edit: You might want to know, ronaldo just scored something seriously cool.

 

[Mendes]

I just saw Villa's goal... what a beauty! Spain truly have a wonderful team. I believe they are stronger than ever and huge favorites for the Euro.
Mourinho said he didnt even know Moratti personally, but I heard they were both seen together in France recently, so I guess he's already packing to Milan. I'd be very happy if this happen. Inter's one of my favorite clubs and Mourinho one of my favorite coaches :P

About Benfica's interest in Queiroz... well, they can be interested in him but I strongly doubt Queiroz is interested in Benfica. He's a top coach, and he's in United like a fish in the water. When Ferguson retires (whenever it may be) Queiroz will most likely replace him. I'd bet in Zacheronni for Benfica. Last time they brought an italian coach (Trapattoni) they were league champs and Zacheronni has no club right now.

Arsenal did fine against Bolton. Impressive in the last 30 minutes, with 10 players only. However, Manchester United is unstoppable! 4-0 against Aston Villa. Ronaldo scored an amazing goal and assisted 3. One of the assists was simply brilliant! I've never seen a 1st touch heel pass of 20 meters isolating rooney in front of the GK! Wau!

Barça is dominating Betis 2-0, and today there's still a Lazio-Inter and a Villareal-Sevilla! Inter is screwing up their lead, loosing alot of points recently and their schedule is very tough. They need a win today or else they're in serious trouble. Villareal-Sevilla can decide the 3rd spot in Spain. Lots of reasons to sit in the couch Saturday night :P

EDIT:Correction- yesterday it was Atletico Madrid visiting Vilarreal, 3-0 for the Yellow Submarine. Today, its Real Madrid - Sevilla. With an impressive Vilarreal and a Barça who screws up week after week, The 2nd spot is controlled by Vilarreal, 3 points away from Real Madrid. If Madrid looses to Sevilla we may have a surprise this season in Spain. Villareal is reminding me of Super Depor

 

[Imperium]

Both Roma and Inter drew. Inter will lose their lead if they dont start playing better. Its most likely the whole "Mancini-Mourinho" thing that is affecting their game. Trouble in the board room and in the mangament can have a adverse affect on players. It was the same with Liverpool at the begining of the season. Im sure it also has to do with the CL. To a team that is not use to losing this season, to be beaten at such a critical time, must have affected the players. So unless the sort themselves out they could lose their lead and maybe the title to Roma.

The la liga is just so intresting. While people are now saying the EPL is the strongest league, it holds nothing on the La liga for entertainment. The team that has the former best player in the world, and argubaly the best player in the world currently being in 3rd place! Honestly that is true entertainment.

Chelski won, didnt watch the match (I gave up on watching chelsea matches they stopped being entertaining since the "Special one" left). But the liverpool derby is on now. Their seriously is nothing better than watching a derby between two sides which loath each other. The players up their game, the supporters up their chants. Everything is amazing (Liverpool 1-0 Everton).

Btw, CL this week!!

 

[Lohnt]

Thanks for the grats Mendes, it was nice for Greece to show it hasn't turned into complete crap like it did during the world cup although honestly, I think Karagounis was just ridiculously lucky (we make fun of him here because he always wants the ball to himself and looks at his feet when he dribbles). But more importantly, AEK beat Olympiacos 4-0 in what was the greatest display of our team's offensive abilities ever.. Sadly I think it's too late for first place.

I've always supported spain as one of the favorites, now on to ch league finals, and hopefully a good final for first.

 

[Mendes]

Well, CL's results:

Roma 0 - 2 Manchester United (Ronaldo, Rooney)
Schalke 0 - 1 Barça (Bojan)
Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool (Adebayor - Kuyt)
Fenerbahce 2 - 1 Chelsea (Deivid - Deivid, Deivid xD)

Liverpool's goal costed me 16 points in my fantasy CL league : (((
Roma and schalke seem doomed, but Fenerbahce sure surprised. The 2nd hand in London will still be very difficult. Looking forward to Liverpool - Arsenal

 

[Imperium]

Im starting to like ronaldo, even after Euro 2004. >.> I swear his goal against roma was unbelivable, a flash of white and in the back of the net. But yea, it seems over for roma. The last italian standing seems doomed. >.>

The schalke game, i didnt watch, but judging by the highlights, they could have easily won the match if they had some better finishing. Barcelona seemed poor. Maybe because of the lack of messi and deco. I dont know. But i think its the coach's fault. It annoys me to see henry being played in the wings. Just because he has some speed does not mean he is a winger. Play him through the centre and watch him destroy defences. Thats how he played for arsenal and france, and thats why he is the all-time top scorer for both! He doesnt seem to understand this. Its annoying not seeing henry score goals.

The arsenal match was good. We could have won, we had plenty of chances. But the referee and bendtner were against us. And speaking of that, i think referee's in the champions league have a thing against hleb. This is the second time in the consecutive match that he should have got a penalty and it was dissallowed. First against milan at the san siro, now against liverpool! >.>. Anyway, its the same thing as what happened against milan. A draw, and then we go away, people say you cant beat them at home in the champions league. Bah, its going to be easy. xD

Btw, kazim-richards score the first goal for ferna not deivid.XD The fernabache fans are really wild though, you can barely hear the commentator some times. >.> Good, result for them though. Bad one for chelsea.

Prediction for the next leg.

Roma 0 - 2 Manchester united (They seem unstoppable and i dont see roma beating them at old trafford even with totti)
Schalke 1 - 1 Barcelona (I think schalke will play some better attacking football since they have little to lose, and draw with barca. The way barca was playing i doubt they will be able to get more tha one goal >.>)
Liverpool 0 - 1 Arsenal (Last minute by fabregas )
Fernabache 0 - 0 Chelsea (Chelsea...Well with a better manager they could have steamrolled most teams in the world. But with avram i see a draw)

So the semi-finals being:

Manchester united v Barcelona

Arsenal v Fernabache

 

[Mendes]

My bad, deivid only scored in the correct nets :P
I watched Arsenal Liverpool mostly, and as usual, they played very attractive football (tough i've seen arsenal play alot better) and as usual liverpool was extremely lucky with the result. I can see Arsenal beat liverpool in Anfield.
I just dont get why Arsenal plays with Bedtner... he's terrible. I was expecting him not to play anymore since Van Persie's back...

As for the next hand, I dont believe fenerbahce will go trough... just like I didnt believed they would against Sevilla :P I hope I'm wrong again.

Its very concerning Barça's shape at the moment. If they had a tougher opponent they wouldnt go trough, but since its schalke, they probably will. I dont think Barça misses Messi, I think Barça IS Messi. When Messi doesnt play, Barça cant win or win luckily. I dont understand why doesnt Ronaldinho play, since he seemed to be back to good shape. I guess his days in Barça are over... [dreaming]he should go to Porto[/dreaming]

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Guess what, CHAMPIONS!!! FC PORTO WINS THE 3rd CONSECUTIVE LEAGUE XDDD
The first team in Europe securing the title, with 18 points separating us from the 2nd spot in a league with only 16 teams competing. BIBO POOOOOOORTOO CARAGO!

United just slipped in the premiership, which means Chelsea is getting very close to the champs and Arsenal remains with title ambitions.
Which takes us to next week's 1st game of the season in England. Manchester - Arsenal! Although the game is at Old Trafford, Arsenal need a win to keep their hopes on the title, specially if they dont make it trough CL's next round. Remember there's still a Chelsea - United.

In Spain, Real Madrid got themselves another draw, but its ok because Barça will screw up again against Getafe. Its just unbelievable how Barça keeps wasting the points Real Madrid offers them. How can a team with 3 draws and 7 loses be the 1st in La Liga... I just hope Vilarreal end up winning the title against all odds

 

[Imperium]

Ronaldinho has'nt been playing at his best, and personally i think he will not reach his peak again. His performances last season were not good as one would expect, and then this season he became worse. I dont know but that is probably what annoys me about some footballers. They win the ballon d'Or and they just "sit back". Which is a shame because they could go on a do more. Or they just go and get themselves injured. And as for his playing, i believe rijkaard should have gotten some- excuse my crude choice of words - balls and subbed him a long time ago when he was playing really bad last season and ontop of that missing a lot of training sessions. But bad news for your dreams, Milan said they want him and chelsea, liverpool and United are "watching" the situation.

Congratulations porto

And yea, manchester united just blew the door open. They still have to face us and chelsea, if chelsea is kicked out of the CL or we are. They will defintely have a game on their hands. The premier league race is far from over.

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ooooh, alves scored too. Didnt watch the match, i had to get my hair cut. >_> But defintely watching Match of the day for the highlights.

 

[Mendes]

I saw some recent games of Ronaldinho and I'd say he was in very good shape. I think he already got that he's not a Superstar and he was playing well before getting injured. Perhaps he got that too late, and a change of winds could be good for him and Barça (135M€ is Ronaldinho's value... better than winning Euro Millions). I heard Inter was also interested in him, as they're trying to fill Figo's retirement.

Still, Ronaldinho has everything to be the player he used to be. I think he can re-reach his peak if he's motivated to do so. He enjoys the game, he's far from old, and when it comes to technique, he's The prodigy.

 

[Sasuke_Kai_92]

Well at the moment, Ronaldo is the best player in the world now. This was debated and we have seen a lot from him, the managers are surprised by him so be is the best player at the moment. Man, when they show the highlights the amount of praises Ronaldo gets from the commentators is unbelievable.

Just cant wait for Man U V Roma, Roma wont win. I dont think so, they would have to pull some stuff out to win lol. And Man U are playing at their home ground so..much more pressure on Roma.

 

[Mendes]

This Tuesday's games brought a semi-final with Liverpool and Chelsea. It's the rematch for Chelsea, who lost for their rivals twice in recent years on the CL. I bet Chelsea will loose again. Liverpool is just too lucky in the CL. I think Benitez cleans his ass with milk before every CL match, and Chelsea doesnt seem like a team for the semi-finals right now. The luck of the draws has smiled upon Chelsea and Barça, but its over now. I can almost feel a final between Man Utd and Livepool

 

[Imperium]

Amazing match. It was an amazing match. Both teams played brilliantly but the big decisions did not go our way. But in the end it was too much for us. We were too tired physically and mentally. You could see the players were drained. Benitez out-fooled the whole english game. He rotated his main players at the begining of the season, which lead to a whole deal of criticism and to a certain extent that is why they are fourth and have abosolutely no chance at the premier league title. But the premier league was not what he wanted, he wanted another champions league final, and i certaintly believe he will get it. But anyway at this important time, all of his players are fresh and rested. And that is where wenger made the mistake. He went all out, the starting XI in every EPL and CL match. Little rotation, little rest. And know the kids are finally tired. They showed what they could do against milan and yesterday. But im guessing it became too much, the defence these past couple of week was weak. We get a goal, but cannot hold the lead. We conceded to easily. Now its finally time for wenger to go and buy players. So he can rotate next season. A larger squad will mean better rotation. Afterall we are a small team and a small squad.

I find it kinda funny ferguson didnt bring out his XI against roma. He seems to love antagonizing opposition.

It seems the semi-final will be:
Manchester united v Barcelona
Liverpool v Chelsea

Im with liverpool winning, Chelsea have the talent to win. But it will be a tactical game, and with no disrespect to grant, but benitez is a better tactician in my opinion. For the Manchester United game, its going to be hard for both of them. Barcelona will throw absolutely everything at united. And if Vidic stays injured they could be weak at the back. I hope its an exciting game.

Anyway the EPL. We have a small chance of winning it, but if wenger still believes we can do it, all i can do is also believe.

United v Arsenal