Discussion The Football/Soccer Thread

[Epul]

Chelsea are favourite to go to the final now....but Liverpool might have something up their sleves.. they usually do when it comes to CL games.....


I can't wait for Barcelona vs. Man utd... not long to go now.....
Vidic is doubtful for the game....which is not a good news.....

 

[Imperium]

After the match while Riise was driving home, he got stopped by the police, because:

Spoiler

He was heading the wrong way


I heard this joke like 20 times already xDDDD

Seriously though, i thought that was probably the best own goal ever. The finishing was out of this world, it was better than kuyt's finish. xD

The United match hopefully will be exciting. If messi plays on the left wing, i cant wait to see how he terrorizes brown... Or if vidic does not play, fergie might partner brown with ferdinand and put nevile in the full back position, i guess.

 

[Mendes]

Oh I'd love to see Messi terrorize Brown, just as much as I want to see Ronaldo break Barça's fragile defense. I hope we get to see lots, lots of goals!

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Premiership kicks ass! Watta game! Chelsea keeps the pressure on Man U with a deserved win 2.1. Very exiting match. Ballack is in great shape. I missed his superb finishing...

Ballack scored in the 1st half, then in the second Carvalho incredibly offers Rooney the 1.1. Never seen such lack of concentration from him. I was mostly impressed by a tackle Carvalho did on Nani in the 1st half, when the Winger was initializing the counter-attack from the right. He stole the ball perfectly from behind and managed to keep the ball in possession.
The Carrick penalty was just like my nightmares, when Abel Xavier did the exact same thing on the Euro 2000, costing Portugal the loss against France in the Semi-finals with Zidane's golden goal.
The final minutes were heart-breaking, with A.Cole and Schevchenko denying the goal to Ronaldo and Ferdinand, respectively, on the goal line in consecutive plays.

United risked alot by sparing over 50% of the team for the CL. Still, they remain in amazing position to renew the title. Their goal average is impossible to beat, and their schedule is relatively easy. With Newcastle's recent good form and Chelsea's tough challenge next Wednsday for CL, I honestly dont expect Grant's team to win in St James next week. Still, great sprint in the last fixtures. The premiership cup wont be delivered before the last game, and that'll be unique in the top leagues in Europe. Thank you premier league :P

 

[Epul]

For me, the game was really frustrating. United certainly did not start well and with the team Fergie started with, I was not surprised... When it was 1-1, man utd was looking fine for a draw and I was thinking, a draw wouldn't be bad at all... but then came the penalty and the rest is history... Man utd paid the price for reserving players for CL.... The will be massive pressure for the last two games and a big game with Barcelona coming up... I'm crossing my fingers, hoping United will not succumb to the pressure.....

 

[Imperium]

Oh I'd love to see Messi terrorize Brown, just as much as I want to see Ronaldo break Barça's fragile defense. I hope we get to see lots, lots of goals!

It was the San siro all over again. But this time you could forgive ronaldo since the penalty miss must have really hit him hard. He was not at his best but messi was a marvel. It was like last year, Ronaldo was overshadowed. This time not by Kaka but by Messi. He absolutely terrorized Evra and brown. His passing, his technique, his vision. A marvel to watch. But even he was nothing to the dynamo that was Xavi. He was passing balls that destroyed united. Everywhere he passed a oppurtunity came up. Amazing performance by him. Its a shame though no goals were scored (Mostly due to some outstanding goal keeping by Van der sar), which is a good and bad thing for united. They have a clean sheet but Barcelona can sneak past them if they get an away goal. All to play for~

Man utd paid the price for reserving players for CL....

Sir Alex had no choice, they were outclassed at the Nou camp. It was between the same happening again at old trafford or losing against chelsea. The first could not be allowed to happen so since they would still be at the top of the table even if they lost he rested players. Chelsea deserved it somewhat, seeing as how they never let united rest (Their unbeaten home record stil continues...). But still all to play for as the race to the premier league crown continues~

 

[Mendes]

I'm just surprised at the way United rotates the team even in this decisive games, like Roma and Chelsea. Sure they have great players in the bench and should use them occasionally, but I'm against switching to reserve squad whenever they're in advantage. I didnt quite understand when O'shea replaced Anderson in the 2nd half. He was playing very well and holding the ball and conquering lots of fouls for his team. I dont believe at this point Anderson cant play 90 minutes, specially considering he hasnt played much the last weeks. Then replacing him for a terrible player like O'shea... I mean, he cant do anything right...
Still, Sir Fergunson knows what he's doing and I'm really confident his Man U will win every cup left this season

 

[Epul]

I agree with you there mendes. I think United should have gone with the first team and secure the result at Stamford Bride.... but I also think fergie knows that he is doing. I think he was being sensible, they were playing at stamford bridge and like Imperium said, united could still win it even if they lose and the more important game in this circumstances would be the Barcelona game..so I have every faith in him that he will get the right results and bring home the two trophies.

 

[Mendes]

It was the San siro all over again. But this time you could forgive ronaldo since the penalty miss must have really hit him hard. He was not at his best but messi was a marvel. It was like last year, Ronaldo was overshadowed. This time not by Kaka but by Messi. He absolutely terrorized Evra and brown. His passing, his technique, his vision. A marvel to watch. But even he was nothing to the dynamo that was Xavi. He was passing balls that destroyed united. Everywhere he passed a oppurtunity came up. Amazing performance by him. Its a shame though no goals were scored (Mostly due to some outstanding goal keeping by Van der sar), which is a good and bad thing for united. They have a clean sheet but Barcelona can sneak past them if they get an away goal. All to play for~

I can agree that MU was outclassed by Barça's categoric attack, but they couldnt come up with goal attempts due to manchester's great defensive play. I find it sickening how Barça refused to cross the ball. Their play is always the same, using Messi as playmaker and trying to break trough the middle with extremely fast 1-2 combos. Its beautiful when it works, but it was Not working and Eto'o's finishing has become very poor since he 'recovered' from his injury. Barça's game lacks some ability to adapt to the opponent and they're paying for it in the league, with lots of games where they draw with no significant reaction. In CL's match, I think they should have tried to use messi's brilliance to launch zambrotta's crosses in the right. There was also too much holding back when it came to shoot. Henry should have entered the match way sooner. Cant understand why he's not in the 11, when Eto'o's not playing right and Bojan still aint good enough for such challenge.

EDIT: Birmingham just got a stunner! 2-0 against L'pool. A bad sight when they're days away from CL's semi-final, needing a win in Stamford.

 

[Imperium]

I can agree that MU was outclassed by Barça's categoric attack, but they couldnt come up with goal attempts due to manchester's great defensive play. I find it sickening how Barça refused to cross the ball. Their play is always the same, using Messi as playmaker and trying to break trough the middle with extremely fast 1-2 combos. Its beautiful when it works, but it was Not working and Eto'o's finishing has become very poor since he 'recovered' from his injury. Barça's game lacks some ability to adapt to the opponent and they're paying for it in the league, with lots of games where they draw with no significant reaction. In CL's match, I think they should have tried to use messi's brilliance to launch zambrotta's crosses in the right. There was also too much holding back when it came to shoot. Henry should have entered the match way sooner. Cant understand why he's not in the 11, when Eto'o's not playing right and Bojan still aint good enough for such challenge.

Eto'o defintely hasnt been the same for a long time. Henry in his position would have offered more, and it was obvious the second he came one, his first proper touch van der sar had to make a good save.

The free-flowing football is how barca plays but i agree when it doesnt come off, it doesnt look so good. Arsenal was like that last season, everything was perfect but the lack of proper finishing was a problem and we started to draw and lose too many games because of it. Crossing is a big part of the modern game and without it you will miss oppurtunities for goals. Arsenal cross when need be, but still rely on their passing. Barca i guess is also like that. They will rely on their type of football, but if its getting desperate they might start crossing balls in.

Btw, didnt catch the beggining of the match. What happened to vidic? Was he bleeding?

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EDIT: Birmingham just got a stunner! 2-0 against L'pool. A bad sight when they're days away from CL's semi-final, needing a win in Stamford.

YESSSSSSSSSS! Dont want to see birmingham relegated. I was going to go watch that match. But chelsea and united was too much temptation. >_> Its good to see them come back from their thrashing by villa.

 

[Epul]

Yeah he was bleeding. Vidic hit drogba's knee in the face going for a 50-50 ball... I think he broke his nose. He is one brave lad, Vidic.

---

you spoke to soo imperium... Liverpool got a goal back... Crouch scores...

 

[Mendes]

Didnt catch the beginning either! The tv channel had some technical problems so I saw the game starting at 8 minutes played. The 1st thing I saw was Vidic bleeding. I heard from the tv commentator that he got hit by Drogba's knee (ouch!, I thought) and he probably wont play against Barça again.

 

[Sasuke_Kai_92]

That was no hadnball ¬.¬ lol. That was a harsh judgement man..so tight it was.
And the Ballack/Drogba thing was funny lol. Drogba during the match said that he is going to Real Madrid now because Ballack was pissing him off...lol, that made me laugh but then at the end they were buds again

Man U have easier teams now..West Ham and Wigan. OH YES!

 

[Imperium]

United v Barcelona

And in other news Arsenal 6 Derby 2.

The PFA awards have been handed out a couple of days ago.

Player of the year: C.Ronaldo
Young Player of the year: Cesc Fabregas
Team of the year:

-------------James---------------
Sagna----Ferdinand---Vidic---Clichy
C.Ronaldo--Gerrard---Fabregas---A. Young
---------Torres---Adebayor

Arsenal: 4
Manchester United: 3
Liverpool: 2
Aston villa: 1
Portsmouth: 1

My long-time argument that Arsenal have the best full-backs is now truly acknowledged.

 

[Mendes]

The awards in the premier league were totally deserved. I would just put Evra in Clichy's place. I think both of them had amazing seasons, but Evra was just outstanding and irreplaceable for MU. Sagna had his spot safe due to a great season and (I have to say this) a Lot of lack of quality in most team's right backs. If United buys FCPorto's Jose Bosingwa, then Sagna would have competition next season :P

And most importantly, Manchester United reached the final. When I got home today it was playing the highlights so I have some idea of what happened there. I guess Barça tried to score in response of United's early goal, but with the same ineffectiveness seen in the 1st hand, but this time United was better and fresher for the counter.attack (courtesy of Stamford Bridge's rest match).
In sequence of what we said of MU sparing lots of players when they have the slightest advantage, I must say I couldnt believe when Rooney didnt play in this game... I mean, he's a forward who helps defending and one of the most complete players in the world and Sir Fergunson didnt play him even when he could be 1 goal away from loosing the round :/ I guess winners are like this

 

[Sasuke_Kai_92]

I was so happy that MU won! Me and my family were all gathered around and a few of my mates as well. Paul Scholes strike was excellent, top quality. Even though MU didn't start that good, it was like Barca were playing at their home ground but MU kept their good defensive play. Why is it that Barca can afford to have like 8 players forward? The way they play was just top class, I have to admit that. Messi is quality.Thats what I like about the non english teams, they play more skillful and are more of a attacking/forward force then staying back and defending. But MU kept their lead and won at the end. I was really happy, if only Manchester was a bit close to Birmingham I would have gone there, but its far away and I have school tommrow. ¬.¬

Rooney couldnt play because he had a hip injury. When MU were playin Chelsea, he got injured there. I am proud of Sir Ferguson, he has been a good manager this season.

For tommrow's match, I would want Liverpool to win.

 

[Mendes]

I see. Its so unusual to see Rooney injured that I hadnt even considered that condition :P

When I was watching the CL highlights later in the night, I was somehow surprised with some comments that MU is playing bad and doesnt deserve being in the final. They say MU is playing a defensive Italian-style football and they say that's supposed to be a bad thing :/ Well, english teams were criticized for years for not being able to adapt to elimination competitions on pair with Spanish, German and Italian teams. Now that they finally 'learned' to play different and finally succeed, they're criticized for changing their style. I feel like its something amazing when a team can adapt their style to the competition format, to the opponents and to the schedule (and what a schedule it is in England...). I do believe that, if MU wins the CL and the premiership, its just because they outplayed their rivals in every way and deserve recognition...

As for Derby 2 - 6 Arsenal... I mean, how can a team like Derby play on the premier league... Its impossible! They suck in a league where no one else does, they get humiliated against every bigger team and their goal average is concerning. They should be banned from that league already! :P

 

[Imperium]

I see. Its so unusual to see Rooney injured that I hadnt even considered that condition :P

Thats a joke, right?

When I was watching the CL highlights later in the night, I was somehow surprised with some comments that MU is playing bad and doesnt deserve being in the final. They say MU is playing a defensive Italian-style football and they say that's supposed to be a bad thing :/ Well, english teams were criticized for years for not being able to adapt to elimination competitions on pair with Spanish, German and Italian teams. Now that they finally 'learned' to play different and finally succeed, they're criticized for changing their style. I feel like its something amazing when a team can adapt their style to the competition format, to the opponents and to the schedule (and what a schedule it is in England...). I do believe that, if MU wins the CL and the premiership, its just because they outplayed their rivals in every way and deserve recognition...

There were times in the game when United barely touched the ball and Barcelona kept passing and passing. But then again barcelona had that inablilty to score, they rarely shot outside the box and when they were in the box the players would rather dribble than shoot on target. United once they got the goal in essence just parked the bus in front of goal and let Barcelona pass around. Tactics won on the day. Ronaldo had a good match, was more of team player than usual. Good game for him. But the most impressive person in my eyes was Messi. Once he got the ball Barcelona suddenly seemed 100x more dangerous. The ball seemed glued to his feet while he dribbles. o_o Amazing player.

As for Derby 2 - 6 Arsenal... I mean, how can a team like Derby play on the premier league... Its impossible! They suck in a league where no one else does, they get humiliated against every bigger team and their goal average is concerning. They should be banned from that league already! :P

They have been relegated in march, already. The funny thing is that they got two goals. It was our third choice/reserve keeper (Fabianski) who was playing so i cant complain. >_>

 

[Mendes]

Thats a joke, right?

yeah lol

But the most impressive person in my eyes was Messi. Once he got the ball Barcelona suddenly seemed 100x more dangerous. The ball seemed glued to his feet while he dribbles. o_o Amazing player.

Messi's unbelievable. He is Barça and while he was injured Barça kept an amazing non-winning spree. Sometimes it feels like its impossible to take the ball from him, even when he's about to reach the box. Barça lost but Messi won the individual confront with Ronaldo. Still, I've got no doubt Ronaldo will win the best player of the year award because his manchester will most likely win the CL and Ronaldo has the chance to prove himself in the Euro Cup, unlike Messi. That seems to be the most important thing for the FIFA voters.

They have been relegated in march, already. The funny thing is that they got two goals. It was our third choice/reserve keeper (Fabianski) who was playing so i cant complain. >_>

Yeah, but I watched the 1st half and it was obvious Derby's already the team where the bigger clubs let some players to rest and let some less rotated players to enjoy the training with derby's players... I saw van Persie in front of Roy Carrol about 5 consecutive times in that game where he could (and perhaps should) have scored. Derby's goals werent impressive either, as usual.

Now, you guys ought to see this. Its 2 hilarious goals from the 'match' Sporting CP vs Maritimo:

Sporting 0 - 1 Maritimo: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=O6HIrn1nW4o

Sporting 2 - 1 Maritimo: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7L1zn3a4Yao

The 1 - 1 was an outrageous penalty invented by the referee...

 

[Sasuke_Kai_92]

I see. Its so unusual to see Rooney injured that I hadnt even considered that condition :P

When I was watching the CL highlights later in the night, I was somehow surprised with some comments that MU is playing bad and doesnt deserve being in the final. They say MU is playing a defensive Italian-style football and they say that's supposed to be a bad thing :/ Well, english teams were criticized for years for not being able to adapt to elimination competitions on pair with Spanish, German and Italian teams. Now that they finally 'learned' to play different and finally succeed, they're criticized for changing their style. I feel like its something amazing when a team can adapt their style to the competition format, to the opponents and to the schedule (and what a schedule it is in England...). I do believe that, if MU wins the CL and the premiership, its just because they outplayed their rivals in every way and deserve recognition...

I know, after all its the goals that count at the end. Also it depends how the commentators say it because in other countries , all the commentators would say stuff like that but in the UK the commentators would praise the hell out of MU.

Ooooooooooooo man..I wanted Liverpool to win! I hate Chelsea so much, they dont deserve anything man. Liverpool were so close, Ryan Babel's goal gave some hope but there were only like 4 mins left till the extra time had finished. Most of the Chelsea fans are all glory hunters, hate them a lot. The final would have been much better with MU and Liver

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yeah lol
Now, you guys ought to see this. Its 2 hilarious goals from the 'match' Sporting CP vs Maritimo:

Sporting 0 - 1 Maritimo: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=O6HIrn1nW4o

Sporting 2 - 1 Maritimo: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7L1zn3a4Yao

The 1 - 1 was an outrageous penalty invented by the referee...

Lol, the first video was the best haha. The defender just headed the ball back very hard.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=clXTm5GMavc&feature=related

you should look at that. Tell me if that is even allowed. :\

 

[Mendes]

I think chelsea deserved it. They played better imo. I guess glory hunting aint that bad :P I agree with Grant there. If Chelsea truly wants to be a great potency in Europe they have to win the champions league, and they finally eliminated Liverpool in this competition, after 3 defeats. It'd be a shame if Chelsea lost for the 4th time with L'pool and I look forward for the final in the 21st May

Lol, the first video was the best haha. The defender just headed the ball back very hard.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=clXTm5GMavc&feature=related

you should look at that. Tell me if that is even allowed. :\

I doubt it, but please tell me how Was this allowed? In some league in Brazil this female referee and respective line referee decided to validate this goal. I dont think I'll ever see something like this xD
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=YBH1Aro-IWE