Thread: The beautiful game - the boys are back Board: The Circus / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
The Football League kicks off this weekend, the Premiership and other European leagues soon after, and of course, the MLS is in full swing. So have at it, boys and girls.



[Edited for thread title.]

[ 15. August 2016, 08:03: Message edited by: Imaginary Friend ]
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
My Tottenham side did well in North America, let's see how well we can do in North London. I hope I can get their first match in White Hart Lane on television here! It's just not the same reading about it after the fact or on 'Spurs TV' which seems to be only excerpts. Worse case scenario, I can try to remember the local postal address I was using before my membership lapsed. I really need to get some new kit soon, I may be filling in for a PE coach at school next week...
 

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Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
Hah! Spuds first game against my fav West Ham. It was three wins out of three for us last season. I reckon we can do it again.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Sir Kevin, as I understand it, NBC have every Premier League match this year, so hopefully you'll be able to find it.
 

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Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 
Southampton Football Club, then. Looking at their transfer business so far this summer (see part-way down this article), I think we might be okay:

Shaw out, Bertrand in at left back

Lallana out, Tadic and Taider in at attacking midfield

Lambert out, Pelle in at centre forward

Lovren out - seriously need to replace him

Chambers out - not sure we need to buy a replacement

Forster in (it looks like) - upgrade at goalie, IMO

If the new signings do okay (a big 'if', of course) then I think Saints will be okay. Not 8th place again okay, but top 12 okay, I reckon. But do come back and laugh at me if we get relegated this season....
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Every EPL game is streamed live for free in the US.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Sir Kevin, as I understand it, NBC have every Premier League match this year...

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quote:

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Originally posted by South Coast Kevin:
But do come back and laugh at me if we get relegated this season....

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No, no laughter. It will be commiserations. There's nothing much worse than having a team of immense potential ripped apart before your eyes.

(Also, as a former inhabitant of Soton, I'll always have a soft spot for the Saints.)

On a different matter... At last, not a draw for the Whitecaps! Good win against a very strong Sporting Kansas City. Perhaps a place in the playoffs is still possible. With Aldershot winning their first game of the season, it's been a rare good weekend.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Looks like some defenders are late back for pre-season training! Dagenham & Redbridge 6 - 6 Brentford.
 

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Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 
I've got real soft spot for the Daggers. They've done it the hard way. No big shot owner pumping in tons of money (cough, Fleetwood... Crawley... cough). They've come up through non-league football and into the league by slow and steady development. A great club. I hope they manage to hang around for some seasons to come.
 

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Posted by Wet Kipper (# 1654) on :
 
will there be a Briskoda league at
fantasy.premierleague.com
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
There can be if you'd like to set one up.
 

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Posted by Wet Kipper (# 1654) on :
 
Come join the League of Fools
private league, number 2172581-493552
 

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Posted by Stejjie (# 13941) on :
 
Thanks, Wet Kipper - never done a Fantasy League before, so thought I'd try my hand (I will no doubt be abysmal!!)
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I shall have to apologise in advance: Two years ago I found myself cheering because Agüero had scored and he was my FF captain. At that very moment I checked myself and promised that I would never do FF again. It ain't right.

[ 15. August 2014, 11:22: Message edited by: Imaginary Friend ]
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Alrighty then, boys and girls. The Premier League is back. You ready?
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
I'm ready, not sure the Mancs were. They lost 2-1 at home to Swansea.
 

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Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
Noble, you fucking knob!
 

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Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
I'm ready, not sure the Mancs were. They lost 2-1 at home to Swansea.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Oscar the Grouch:
So - if Van Gaal doesn't improve on 7th place this season, will he be given the heave ho as well??

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sandemaniac:
I don't often surface here, as frankly football isn't my bag. But I felt I had to share a spectacular piece of idiocy with you. Someone on the radio tonight referred to Arsenal as title contendors

It's the first game of the bloody season, FFS!

AG

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It's an annual ritual for Arsenal to be declared contenders at the start of the season, for punditland to say that it's theirs for the taking in early December, and for them to win their fourth place trophy come May. So I wouldn't worry about what you heard on the radio today - it's just the natural order of things.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
As my Better Half put it: "The footie season's started. The bad news is Ipswich, Colchester and Norwich all lost. The good news is so did Manchester United".


 

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Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
After winning the first two games, my team FC Groningen is in third place now, behind PSV and Ajax. These games were against relatively weak teams, but it isn't a bad start. We have a midfielder Tjaronn Chery who seems rather good. At least he scores regularly.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Phroar!!
 

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Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Phroar!!

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That is sexy football indeed. Did you see Henderson's pass to Sterling for Liverpool's first goal?
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Anyone can hit-and-hope a forty yarder.
 

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Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 
Pfft.
 

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Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 
Whitecaps have slipped back into bad habits. A six match unbeaten run sounds good. Until you realise that it comprises of 5 draws and a solitary win.

Still. I've booked my ticket for my first ever match at BC Place. Sept 27th - Whitecaps v Real Salt Lake. I'm guessing it will be yet another 0-0 snooze fest...
 

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Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 
Ah, enjoy the game, OtG! Here's hoping for a seven goal thriller. I've got friends who live just outside Vancouver, as it happens, and they've been to a handful of Whitecaps games. I don't think recently, mind you.
 

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Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by South Coast Kevin:
Ah, enjoy the game, OtG! Here's hoping for a seven goal thriller. I've got friends who live just outside Vancouver, as it happens, and they've been to a handful of Whitecaps games. I don't think recently, mind you.

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quote:

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Originally posted by pjl:
No shock result in that game then

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
We're Number One! Must call my friend the Goonie: his Arsenal side are mired in fifth while my Spurs are on top!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Oscar the Grouch:
Platini? Blatter?
Tomayto/Tomarto....

FIFA is corrupt from its roots up. The best solution I can see is for some powerful national associations (England, Spain and Germany especially) to withdraw and set up a rival organisation. It would be pretty bloody for a few years, but the end result would probably be a compromise organisation stripped of most of its tackier elements. With any luck, we might also get something more accountable to the paying public.

Lack of accountability is the real key here. As long as THAT continues, I doubt that it will matter who is in overall charge.

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Yep. I agree with everything you say here. Indeed, I've thought for s long time that the FA, for instance, should leave FIFA and start a new world association.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
...And if we only let rubbish countries in then we might stand an outside chance at winning the (new) World Cup!!
 

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Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
I reckon that if one big association was to leave others would follow.
 

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Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 
I share all your frustrations with FIFA's shenanigans but, just to cheer you up, have a read of this. Mr Ilyumzhinov has been in charge of the World Chess Federation for the last 19 years, treating it as his own personal plaything and allegedly buying the votes of many small countries' chess federations with gifts of various kinds.

Chess is my other great sporting (sporting-ish, I know...) love along with football, so this state of affairs hacks me right off!
 

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Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 
Yeh. But I doubt that there's as much money sloshing around in chess as there is in footie....

What we need at the moment is a Packer initiative. Money talks, so let's have a TV company offering to buy exclusive rights on a non-FIFA organised tournament.

(I can't believe I've just recommended copying Kerry Packer!)
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Oscar the Grouch:
Yeh. But I doubt that there's as much money sloshing around in chess as there is in footie....

What we need at the moment is a Packer initiative. Money talks, so let's have a TV company offering to buy exclusive rights on a non-FIFA organised tournament.

(I can't believe I've just recommended copying Kerry Packer!)

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
From what I have seen of international football I reckon it is dying on its feet. The conflict of interests between club and country is such that before long the big clubs are going to form an international circus that will play, say, eight tournaments a year around the world, with the top teams going into a final series. The national leagues will become qualifying competitions for this World Club Championship and matches between nations will revert to a friendly rivalry.

Packer would have loved it, the club owners will get into it too, and it will be syndicated worldwide.

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quote:

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Originally posted by pjl:
watched Man City yesterday.

Abysmal to say the least

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quote:

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Originally posted by Oscar the Grouch:
(Message to Danny Welbeck. Get away from Utd now. At the right team, you might develop into the decent (even world class) striker that you showed signs of a couple of years ago. At Utd, you'll just fester until they decide you're no longer wanted and then it will be too late.)

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quote:

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Originally posted by deano:
I am fed up with internationals disrupting the Premiership. I want to see our new players, not a tired old England friendly.

I would quite happily scrap the international competitions and just have club matches.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:

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Originally posted by deano:
I am fed up with internationals disrupting the Premiership. I want to see our new players, not a tired old England friendly.

I would quite happily scrap the international competitions and just have club matches.

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And see Moneybags Utd lose again? As an Evertonian I'm glad for the break. We usually start slowly but this season's is poor even by our standards.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
We usually start slowly but this season's is poor even by our standards.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:

quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
We usually start slowly but this season's is poor even by our standards.

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I think that's a bit harsh on yourselves. You gave Arsenal a proper run for their money, and anything could have happened in the game against us. I'm sure you'll be fine.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Looks like United are going to be playing 1-5-4 for the rest of the season.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sir Kevin:

quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Looks like United are going to be playing 1-5-4 for the rest of the season.

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I thought 4-4-2 was the preferred formation for most sides...

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
England did well to beat Switzerland especially with four players out of position:

Stones - isn't a full back
Wilshere - doesn't give any assurance ahead of the central defenders (but lasted 90 minutes!)
Henderson - is a central player, not wide
Jones - shouldn't have been on the pitch at all.

Looks like England need a right-back, so Stones can move to the centre alongside Gary Cahill. I'd like to see him develop a bit physically though.

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quote:

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Originally posted by deano:
It seemed to me that Danny Welbeck's decision making seemed poor.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:

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Originally posted by deano:
It seemed to me that Danny Welbeck's decision making seemed poor.

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Hasn't he just moved to a side in the Champions League.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:

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Originally posted by deano:
It seemed to me that Danny Welbeck's decision making seemed poor.

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Hasn't he just moved to a side in the Champions League.

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...and apparantly only because his new manager was out of the country when he signed and couldn't stop the deal going through!
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I don't think that was what Wenger was saying, because he also said that he sanctioned the move and was very keen on Welbeck coming.

I think the point was he was claiming that if he had been in north London on Jim White Day, then the opportunity for the move would never have arisen. Now, I don't understand how that works, but there you have it.
 

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Posted by quetzalcoatl (# 16740) on :
 
I think Welbeck will do well at Arsenal; there are some questions about his goal power, as the stats reveal, but I expect Wenger to help him a lot in this regard, and also the Arsenal style of play will help him. His outfield play is very good of course.

It was crazy for him to stay at a team in fourth spot as striker, or even fifth. Hopefully, he won't be sitting on the bench a lot at Arsenal.
 

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Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
I don't think that was what Wenger was saying, because he also said that he sanctioned the move and was very keen on Welbeck coming.

I think the point was he was claiming that if he had been in north London on Jim White Day, then the opportunity for the move would never have arisen. Now, I don't understand how that works, but there you have it.

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That's one - very charitable - way of interpreting Wenger's comments.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Did you listen to the press conference, or just read the one short quote? It was on 5Live and I heard it on their Football Daily podcast this morning (starts at about 1 min 30 in). The journalist asks several questions about the transfer and why Wenger was in Rome that day. Wenger answers somewhat cryptically, but the clear implication (not the charitable interpretation) of the exchange is that Wenger was in favour of the transfer, and that it only happened because he wasn't in London, not behind his back while he was away.

Look, I'm as gutted as you that the facts get in the way of what would be a hilarious story of Arsenal's incompetence. But that's how it is.

God, I hate standing up for Wenger!
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Louis van Gaal was quoted yesterday saying "Welbeck didn't score enough goals" which sounds like he was in full possession of the facts. That or he's trying to put a spin on it.
 

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Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
Sorry, did you say something? I though you said something. Must have misheard. Sorry.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Hey, steady.

Even Spurs put four past QPR recently. And they're shit.
 

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Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
Oh, have QPR lost? Oh dear. Who beat them?
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Spurs are not shite: we are still ahead of the arseholes!
 

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Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
Alan Pardew: Newcastle manager backed by club owner Mike Ashley

The backing of the chairman! He'll be gone by the end of the week.

So, will it be Moyes, Bruce or Pulis? Any other names in the frame? I think Pulis myself.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
It's traditional for the board or the chsirman, or these days the owner, to give their backing then sack the maan after one more poor result.

I doubt Pulis will take it. He left Palace because of a dispute over transfers and making cash available. Ashley also interferes too much for his liking. I reckon Moyes will take the Raangers job when they get back in the top flight north of the border. Bruce is your man, despite or possibly because of his comments on the possibility of his taking the job.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Just a couple of hours until Chelsea start their European campaign. Buzzing.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
...And Didier Drogba is in the starting eleven. This only gets better!!

Who let the Drogs out
Who who who who who...
 

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Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
What a pity Liverpool have missed the transfer window. It seems they could do with strengthening their squad.


 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
European football will find them out this year. Reckon United may replace them in the top four.

And who can't wait for Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema, and the rest to pitch up at Anfield and have a run at Liverpool's defence?
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
European football will find them out this year. Reckon United may replace them in the top four.

And who can't wait for Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema, and the rest to pitch up at Anfield and have a run at Liverpool's defence?

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quote:

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Originally posted by deano:
What a pity Liverpool have missed the transfer window. It seems they could do with strengthening their squad.

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You're a Man U fan, right? What a pity they've spunked so much money on attackers and forgot about the defence.

Do I fancy Southampton to finish above Man U this season? I think I might...
 

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Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
See, that annoys me. We go and paste the mighty QPR but then lose to the piss pots from Leicester.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Frank.
 

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Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by deano:
See, that annoys me. We go and paste the mighty QPR but then lose to the piss pots from Leicester.

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Maybe the difference is that Harry Redknapp's 'Off you go, lads, and run about a bit' approach meant your superior players could just do their thing and win easily, whereas Nigel Pearson actually knows about tactics and clever stuff like that, which helped to nullify the difference in player quality.

I can't stand Harry Redknapp, so perhaps this is not a reasoned analysis...

Either way, Man U let in 5 against a newly promoted team.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Meanwhile, Everton's all-star defence (US international 'keeper, three current England internationals in the back four) let in three against Crystal Palace. WTF?
 

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Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
It was a bad result. No hiding, no excuses. LVG was honest enough about it; we were too focused on scoring rather than defending.

Yes we bought great attacking players in the window and not enough great defenders.

But I reckon we will learn more from this defeat and its manner than if we had won 3-1 and left the cracks covered over.

What do you think the focus will be on at Carrington this week? I think it will be on defending!

We are always going to score. We need to learn to protect that lead. I think we have the players that ought to be able do it against the likes of Leicester.

Bear in mind that this season we only need a defence that is good enough for the Premiership, not the Champions League. We can buy those defenders later.

Against Manchester City or Chelsea it might be different, but I don't believe the rest of the Premiership sides have exceptionally high-quality forwards and we should be able to keep them out with the defenders we've got. At least until January when we can buy better ones.

At the very least we should be able to close a game down and protect a 3-1 lead. I mean we don't have to leave the back exposed at that stage in order to push forward to get a goal.

So I reckon the team will be having a very uncomfortable and detailed conversation with Mr Van Gaal this morning, and a coaching session designed to assist them in becoming more defensive minded.

But in reality, if we fix that, then we will hurt the other Premiership teams!
 

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Posted by JFH (# 14794) on :
 
The matter is not how much the team will focus on defending in its training sessions. The matter is how much players like Evans, Jones and Smalling are truly capable of getting out of that training.
 

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Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
Ouch.

I was too much to expect Wednesday to upset Man City in a cup tie, but that score really points up the gap between the top flight and all the rest.
 

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Posted by Stejjie (# 13941) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by basso:
Ouch.

I was too much to expect Wednesday to upset Man City in a cup tie, but that score really points up the gap between the top flight and all the rest.

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Was hoping no one would mention that...

Was listening on the radio and it sounded like we held our own in the 1st half, but then as soon as Lampard scored we just collapsed. Having a man sent off didn't help, either...

Not a lot you can do after that, I guess, other than chalk it up to experience and get on with the league, where we're doing quite well actually (for once).
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I forgot to call my ccollleague at school who is a Goonie and gloat when the Arseholes were in seventh and my Spurs were in a three-way draw for fourth earlier this month. I may not get another opportunity...


 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Phil Jagielka's 25-yarder this afternoon? Goal of the season for so many reasons:

- game importance (Merseyside Derby, equaliser)
- time of the game (92nd minute)
- great goal! half-volley, going away from the 'keeper. Three keepers wouldn't have stopped it
- top player. I suppose it could only have been beaten by Hibbo scoring
- and finally, exactly the right place: at the Kop end!

[ 27. September 2014, 21:29: Message edited by: Sioni Sais ]
 

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Posted by Starbug (# 15917) on :
 
Ok, the joke's over. Where are the real Southampton FC and who are these imposters who keep on winning matches???
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Starbug:
Ok, the joke's over. Where are the real Southampton FC and who are these imposters who keep on winning matches???

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quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
I think the technical term for Jagielka's goal was "a thunderbastard". Hell of a strike, for sure. And it's soooooooo fun to see the look on the faces of those poor people in the Kop as their bubble of entitlement is burst. Superb!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:

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Originally posted by Starbug:
Ok, the joke's over. Where are the real Southampton FC and who are these imposters who keep on winning matches???

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The "real ones" are drawing stupid wages at the Rich Clubs in Red. Good business by Pochettino - shades of Rodwell, Lescott and Fellaini.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
I must have bored you about the Division 5 team that I go and watch here in Stockholm? Next Sunday is the final round of fixtures in the league (football is a summer sport here) and we have a first versus second title decider! Långholmen (that's us!) are at home, and need a draw or better to win the league. It's certain that Handels (the other lot) will come out swinging, so it's going to be a cracking game!

Come on you Stripes!!

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Långholmen is the old prison, and Handels is the School of Economics, so really quite an interesting social background to that match!
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Indeed, JFK, this has been noted! Långholmen FC are an expat team, have a club crest which references the old prison, and play in Newcastle-esque black and white stripes*. Last week's game was probably the first time there were clearly more spectators than players: a crowd of thirty or so full of pre-match beers and complete with flares. Fun times!

Anyhow, I'll let you all get back to the regular programming now. Reckon your lot have any chance on Sunday, JFK?


* Which leads to one of our favourite songs "We're black, we're white, we don't speak Swedish right, Långholmen, Långholmen"!
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
JFK is dead; sorry! What side do you support, JFH? I am not the only Spurs supporter on the Ship: one of my fb friends who is a Shipmate supports them also!
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Oops.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Although, it does make me think. An Arsenal fan named after Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. I presume that's accidental?
 

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Posted by JFH (# 14794) on :
 
Oh, I don't follow English football much during the Swedish season. Get back to me in November!

As for now, my one and only love is IFK Gothenburg, in blue and white stripes, known for having positive stats against Man Utd and together with Real Madrid and Spurs being one of only a handful clubs that have won the UEFA Cup twice!
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I did not know that!

Jag kan talar liten Svenska....

(I took two courses as a Freshman at University of California in 1972-3. I wanted to replace my Swedish ex-girlfriend from a few years earlier with a newer model so I fancied becoming an exchange student at University of Lund. I finished my studies at San Diego State where the language was not offered. My marks likely weren't good enough anyway, but I do miss the dulcet tones of my old professor speaking Sudrasvenska as opposed to Television Swedish.....)
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
MLS getting down to the nitty gritty of who is going to make the playoffs.

Toronto is in tough and needed to win last Saturday badly.

Went down by 2 in the first 20 minutes. Didn't look like scoring. Supporters either restless or defeated.
Got 2 goals back within around the 60th minute mark.
Got very very loud.
Winner in the 90th minute.
Thunderous noise.


A reminder that come backs are the best buzz in football.

Going to get tonked this weekend by LAG with Keane in very very fine form of course, but memories of that game on Saturday will linger with me for a long time.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Everton losing, especially to Man U was annoying and disappointing but north of the border Celtic are not having things their own way, despite the lengthy absence of Rangers.

It's early days but right now the Scottish Premiership is led by the mighty Accies! Yes, Hamilton Academicals lead after beating Celtic on their own patch for the first time since 1938.
 

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Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
Everton losing, especially to Man U was annoying and disappointing but north of the border Celtic are not having things their own way, despite the lengthy absence of Rangers.

It's early days but right now the Scottish Premiership is led by the mighty Accies! Yes, Hamilton Academicals lead after beating Celtic on their own patch for the first time since 1938.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
My Spurs are in a draw for fourth!

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quote:

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Originally posted by An die Freude:
Thing is, it's too expensive to skip over the world's largest event completely. The world just can't afford it. Also, the last time it was cancelled was in 1942. The World Cup has survived ever since, and cancelling it would send an odd signal about the state of the world.

I think it will be moved, though. Not sure where. Perhaps to India, if they can get their professional league working in time to become a contender, or perhaps to China if the Chinese football and economy continue to grow as it has in recent years...

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quote:

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Originally posted by An die Freude:
Thing is, it's too expensive to skip over the world's largest event completely. The world just can't afford it. Also, the last time it was cancelled was in 1942. The World Cup has survived ever since, and cancelling it would send an odd signal about the state of the world.

I think it will be moved, though. Not sure where. Perhaps to India, if they can get their professional league working in time to become a contender, or perhaps to China if the Chinese football and economy continue to grow as it has in recent years...

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quote:

---

Originally posted by An die Freude:
I suspect other nations might find that rather... Eurocentric. How about Australia?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ad Orientem:

quote:

---

Originally posted by An die Freude:
I suspect other nations might find that rather... Eurocentric. How about Australia?

---

Most of the money in football comes from Europe, so Europeans have a right to more World Cups.

---

Europe already has the one in 2018. Also, your argument means Asia is in that case vastly underrepresented. Furthermore, if football is solely a franchise, sold to the highest bidder, it will soon cease to be the world's greatest sport. That's not what we, either in Europe, Africa or South America (not too sure of North America and Asia) love about it. In fact, if football is little more than an instrument of how might gives right, then I'm out.
 

---

Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
1-0



Thank God we are back to normal next weekend!
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by deano:
1-0



Thank God we are back to normal next weekend!

---

Those three points will look good in a year or so.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Genuinely shocking events in the game between Serbia and Albania last night. Football and politics never mix well.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Genuinely shocking events in the game between Serbia and Albania last night. Football and politics never mix well.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Oscar the Grouch:
Why? Two words - TV money. The Euro clubs rely on it. If they rebel against FIFA, they run the risk of being kicked out of the competitions which give them the money they need and crave.

---

FIFA don't run any of the competitions those clubs enter, with the exception of the "oh hey, is that thing still going" Club World Championship. UEFA run the Champions League, and the various national leagues are run by their national FAs. And frankly, I think those organisations would rather rebel against FIFA than have their clubs secede from them and form a breakaway league.

I mean, can you imagine UEFA just sitting back while the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern, Man Utd, etc. decide to bugger off and organise their own competition? Because let's be absolutely honest here - if they did that, the TV money would follow them without a shadow of a doubt. The big competitions make money because the big clubs are in them, not the other way around.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Proper football back tomorrow!!


 

---

Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 
Okay everyone, when do I start seriously thinking Southampton could do something special this season? We're battering Sunderland 7-0 and sitting pretty in third place, only behind Chelsea and Man City.

I suppose I start believing we can qualify for Europe when we get a result against a top team - of them, we've only met Liverpool and Spurs so far and lost narrowly both times.
 

---

Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by South Coast Kevin:
Okay everyone, when do I start seriously thinking Southampton could do something special this season? We're battering Sunderland 7-0 and sitting pretty in third place, only behind Chelsea and Man City.

I suppose I start believing we can qualify for Europe when we get a result against a top team - of them, we've only met Liverpool and Spurs so far and lost narrowly both times.

---

Full Time - 8-0!

I'm shocked (pleasantly, of course). Sadly, if this goes on much longer, Koeman won't be at the Saints for too long. Even if he turns down the soon-to-be-vacant Netherlands post, I can see him being snapped up by a "bigger club". Perhaps Spurs will come acalling again??

 

---

Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
Yeah, what's up with Southampton? Good on them though. I've got nothing against them.

Nice win for West Ham yesterday. Fourth in the Premiership. Sakho is on fire. That's six goals in six starts. We're above the Arse snd Spuds, which is nice.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I tell you what, I dread to think what Real are going to do to Liverpool this week....


 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Coleman and Barkley are back, Baines and Lukaku hit form and Everton keep a clean sheet!

Be afraid, be very afraid.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Arsene really made an arse of himself when being interviewed by the pretty journalist, didn't he?
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
Coleman and Barkley are back, Baines and Lukaku hit form and Everton keep a clean sheet!

Be afraid, be very afraid.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
I tell you what, I dread to think what Real are going to do to Liverpool this week....

---

I was listening on the radio, and Liverpool were indeed taught a bit of a lesson, by the sounds of things. Mr Rodgers still has some work to do, especially with the defence - yet they've spent a small fortune on defenders recently, hmmm.

I'm out this afternoon so won't be able to properly follow the mighty Saints as they try to make up ground on Chelsea at the top of the Prem Also, for one afternoon only, I am a Sam Allardyce fan - hoping West Ham can nick points off Man City.

Any other hopes, dreams, fears for this round of fixtures?
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
We're away at United, so the pressure is on us to expose their rather weak defence and run up a cricket score. Problem is, one of our strikers has a groin strain, one was hospitalized with a stomach virus this week, and the other is too old to run around for ninety minutes. So we either have to draft in a youngster*, rely on a non-specialist, or hope that the old man can cope with sixty minutes or so and we can win the game in that time. Personally, I suspect that José will go for the latter option.

Other than that, apart from the obligatory things** I don't know that I'm too bothered about other results. I reckon the league is in our hands (mathematically, that's certainly true) so I'm just going to focus on our own efforts. The rest will come out in the wash.


* During our European Cup game this week, we gave a debut to seventeen year old forward Dom Solanke. He looks like a decent prospect, although I wouldn't go so far as to say he's ready to lead the line for us at Old Trafford.

** Liverpool loss, QPR comedy, vague benevolence to Everton, and wishing the very worst on Leeds and Bristol City.
 

---

Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 
Your lot had better get a result against Man U (I expect you will, tbh...) as Koeman's red and white army are hot on your heels! Second place, oh my goodness.
 

---

Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
Another good win for West Ham and another goal for Sakho. Still only the start of the season but a good start nevertheless. Is it too early to start dreaming or will they fade and die, as the song goes?
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Well how about that?

José did indeed go with the geriatric striker. Who proceeded to score a goal direct from a corner, but otherwise look every bit his age.

At one point, after defending a corner, he was running back up the field away from our box, and I was reminded of an old steam engine lumbering away from the platform. Chug. Chug. Chug, chug. Chug, chug, chug. Chugchugchugchug, chugchugchugchugchugchugchug whooooopwhoooooooooop!

It's a bit sad to see, really.

And while I don't want to blame the referee for our loss (we should have scored a second goal in the second half while we were dominating the game) I am intrigued as to how Ryan Shawcross can give away a penalty for wrestling in the box last week, but one not be given against the United defenders this week. Am I being one-eyed for hoping for a bit of consistency?
 

---

Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
Aw bless, and you so wanted a cricket score...


 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Of course I wanted a cricket score. Doesn't every fan always want their team to win resoundingly? I was never very confident that it would happen though.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Somebody needs sacking at White Hart Lane!



I owe my colleague a Guinness: his side Arsenal got better. The powers that be at my side have decided that defense is no longer necessary. I was so upset I fast-forwarded through the second half once the score was 2-1! I've got some eight-year-olds that need a coach...
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
Somebody needs sacking at White Hart Lane!

---

The 'Manager of the Year' award is well deserved, but not within a single club. It's about as good for a football club as the Year of the Four Emperors was for Rome.
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
The big football news from the other side of the world is that Western Sydney Wanderers have just won the Asian Champions League! Along the way they beat in succession the champion clubs of Korea, China and Saudi Arabia, each of which has a player budget about 10 times greater than the Wanderers, a club which has been in existence only for the past 3 years.

The WSW manager is Tony Popovic, once of Crystal Palace, so those who remember him won't be surprised to learn that a strong defence (and a fanatical support base!) are the keys to their success.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Brendan Rodgers: Buzzword charlatan.

Resting those players mid-week worked so well for you, didn't it? Gerrard was a paragon of pace and vitality in midfield, Balotelli the picture of an engaged centre forward, and youthful energy effervesced from Sterling. And you lost your third game in eight days.

Great work, Brendan!
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Some odd results in the Euro 2016 qualifiers: Germany 'only' scored four against Gibraltar but the highlight must be the Faroe Islands winning in Greece!
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
The Tinkerman just got sacked off the back of this result. Shame really, I still have a soft spot for him.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Get the Kleenex. Stan is back.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
So, when was the last time that Arsenal v United had so little bearing on the title race?
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
So, when was the last time that Arsenal v United had so little bearing on the title race?

---

Is it permissible to say that I don't f*****g care?
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
For sure. And in fairness, I only "care" because it's gloriously amusing.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Arseholes were fecking awful last weekend! Can my Spurs catch them up? A pint of Guinness at the local pub with a colleague rests on your predictions!
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
There must be something about Irish football. After Mattie Burrows effort a couple of years ago, Stephanie Roche's has made the final three for FIFA's Goal Of The Year award.

I hope it's available outside the UK.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
That was one of the most impressive bits of skill I've ever seen. Fabulous!
 

---

Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
Good win by West Ham again.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I was in Sunderland on Saturday to witness Chelsea's laboured efforts first hand. I'm sincerely hoping they were saving up their sparkle to give Spurs a proper thrashing tonight. (I'll be at that game too!)
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Mo****f****r, Mo****f*****r,M*****f*****r! - You are so fired! You ruined my Spurs - now we are a laughing stocK! You should be burned in effigy and all of your wages should be forfeited. You are the manager from Hell!


 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
(Go to Hell IF!) I hate you too! You are a barm pot!
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
Sir K, a bit of banter on the sports threads is all well and good (and saves a poor sportsphobic host from dying of utter boredom when she reads it), but can you just make sure that you keep it appropriate for a circus thread. That comment was on the verge of crossing the line from banter to personal attack. Play nicely, boys, please.

Smudgie (Circus host)
*hopping down from the hosting rock*
 

---

Posted by The Weeder (# 11321) on :
 
Catching up on Ship affairs after a busy time, I found this thread. I naturally assumed that 'the Beautiful Game'was Mornington Crescent

I think I need to get out more.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
3-0 is alright by me. Seeing Didier score was great, and Rémy's goal happened right in front of me, so I was very happy. Anyone who leave Vertonghen the wrong'un on his arse is a hero! And the Spurs fans mostly left early and were booing their team so the Schadenfreude kept me warm all the way home. Most enjoyable.

[ 05. December 2014, 18:03: Message edited by: Imaginary Friend ]
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Weeder:
I think I need to get out more.

---

Or alternatively, you could just start a MC thread. We haven't had one for aaaaages...
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
You are so fired, you Portuguese-speaking idiot! Go back to effing Sunderland and stop ruining my Spurs!

 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Ummmm....

Perhaps I have misunderstood you. But Mauricio Pochettino is Argentine, and played his professional football in Spain. So he is likely a Spanish speaker by birth and upbringing, not a speaker of Portuguese. And what's wrong with speaking Portuguese, anyway? The best manager in the world does, and he's doing all right!
 

---

Posted by Starbug (# 15917) on :
 
Pochettino did very well at Southampton (not Sunderland - we're the other team in red and white stripes). Maybe it's the players..?
 

---

Posted by An die Freude (# 14794) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Starbug:
Pochettino did very well at Southampton (not Sunderland - we're the other team in red and white stripes). Maybe it's the players..?

---

But then again Southampton do even better without him - maybe that was the players..?
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
But half the players are now "succeeding" at Liverpool. It's a mystery.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
But half the players are now "succeeding" at Liverpool. It's a mystery.

---

Another is doing as well at Old Trafford too.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Beautiful my eye! Spurs manager is a complete fuckup: he should go back to Portugal! That said, I am also a supporter of the Oakland Raiders, another team run by Freddy Fuckup, the man who can do no good. They should both be in charge of teenage girls...

God knows I'd like to see Spurs in their traditional place in the top 4: better to stop the hemorrhaging now by firing both of them! Does John Madden have no male offspring with talent? I miss Super Bowl 9 in 1976 when Charles Phillips, my junior varsity quarterback at BHS was backup quarterback for the Raiders at Super Bowl 9, circa 1976 at the fabulous Rose Bowl. I no longer follow the NFL since Madden retired and left his former team in the lurch!
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Some interesting ties in the FA Cup third round draw.

United will have to travel to either Accrington or Yeovil. There's a replay of last year's final. Liverpool travel to AFC Wimbledon, and Palace have to go to Dover Athletic. Plenty of opportunity for a bit of "giant killing".

(And Chelsea? We've got a relatively tame home draw against Watford.)
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:

God knows I'd like to see Spurs in their traditional place in the top 4:

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Several other yellow cards given out for "simulation" today, and a penalty incorrectly given for the lightest of light pushes in the back. But you don't mention that, do you?

Chelsea, ruining football since 2003.

Boring.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Anyway, moving on, I'm wondering what our resident Saints fan thinks of their current run of form. I'm seeing various media types suggesting that Koeman is under pressure. Surely that's not true is it?! He must have bought himself a bit of leeway with their excellent start to the season.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by South Coast Kevin:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Anyway, moving on, I'm wondering what our resident Saints fan thinks of their current run of form. I'm seeing various media types suggesting that Koeman is under pressure. Surely that's not true is it?! He must have bought himself a bit of leeway with their excellent start to the season.

---

I can't believe Koeman's under real pressure, but Saints could really do with a win in the next two games, before another stretch of three tough fixtures. Here's Southampton's fixture list

---

Chelsea, Arsenal then the Mancs is tough but the whole run of six looks tricky. Everton aren't mugs, though they aren't what they were last year, no one knows which Crystal Palace will turn up and who knows what will happen at Newcastle on 17th January?

You'd bite my hand off for nine points, wouldn't you?
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Go you Spurs! Four-nil over the Geordies! Breathing down Arsenal's neck...


 

---

Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
You'd bite my hand off for nine points, wouldn't you?

---

Oh yes. I expect Chelsea and Man Utd to beat us, which leaves 3 wins out of the other 4 fixtures in order to get 9 points. That would do very nicely...
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
WW writing on the soccer thread - that's strange.

Tonight is the final of the Indian Super League and Kerala, our local team are in the final playing Kolkata. C'mon Kerala!
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Back to winning ways today, South Coast Kevin.

We were hoping to be at your place Dec 28th, but weren't able to get tickets for the away end. Most disappointing. There's an outside chance we'll find something on the secondary market, but I'm not holding my breath. Perhaps watching in a pub on the Fulham Road will have to do instead.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
We wuz rubbish and lucky to get nil. A well deserved win for Southampton.

Only another six points to go!
 

---

Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Back to winning ways today, South Coast Kevin.

---

Yay! I was listening on the radio and it sounded like a good show from the Saints. Sorry you weren't able to get tickets, IF...

I should be going to the FA Cup game on 3rd Jan with three mates. My first live game since this time last year - I would go more often but it's so blinkin' expensive.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Ponchetino vindicated Saturday; would still be nice to be in the top six....
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Happy Boxing Day everyone.
 

---

Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
Fucking bastard ref! Definitely an Arse fan.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Yes, that's still a blue shirt I'm wearing, with 'Nil Satis Nisi Optimum' on the crest, despite my team having their worst run for years.

Such is football, especially supporting Everton.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Sioni, is it simply that Distin and Jagielka are starting to show their age, or is there more to it than that?

Ad Orientem, apologies for the ignorance, but what are you referring to?

As for us, a win and a draw over the festive period should become two wins and a draw when we visit Three Point Lane later today. If* that happens, then I think that represents a good return, seeing as our fixtures were a bit tricky. In case you're interested, we only managed to get one ticket for the Southampton game, so Liberty went and had a blast. I travelled down on the day (still hoping to get a spare), so was stuck watching the game in a Varsity which had the heating cranked up to maximum and had almost run out of beer. It was not an experience which I want to repeat any time soon! But the West Ham game at the Bridge was great, especially as we were so utterly dominant, and Diego scored that fantastic goal right in front of us so we were very happy with that!


* Please note, dear Football Gods, that I said "if"!!
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Sioni, is it simply that Distin and Jagielka are starting to show their age, or is there more to it than that?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by South Coast Kevin:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
You'd bite my hand off for nine points, wouldn't you?

---

Oh yes. I expect Chelsea and Man Utd to beat us, which leaves 3 wins out of the other 4 fixtures in order to get 9 points. That would do very nicely...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
As for us, a win and a draw over the festive period should become two wins and a draw when we visit Three Point Lane later today. If* that happens, then I think that represents a good return, seeing as our fixtures were a bit tricky.

* Please note, dear Football Gods, that I said "if"!!

---

Thank you for posting this, IF, it probably influenced the score.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Yeah, well I have form for this kind of thing. My Chelsea-supporting friends have banned me from ever being confident about a fixture ever again.


 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Just in case anyone is experiencing any confusion as a result of the recent coverage of a certain Liverpool midfielder's decision to retire at the end of the season, I refer you to this knowledgeable website.
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Just in case anyone is experiencing any confusion as a result of the recent coverage of a certain Liverpool midfielder's decision to retire at the end of the season, I refer you to this knowledgeable website.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
The twitterverse is abuzz with the semiannual "news" that Messi is all set to sign for Chelsea. It would be kinda amusing, if it wasn't so tired.

---

He isn't quite the player he was two years ago (thanks to anno domini and injuries), so I can see Barca selling him and Chelsea buying him, much as they did Torres.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
...Except it would be £200 million this time, not £50 million.


 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Some good news. Cardiff get their blue kit back!
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Og: Thread Killer:

---

18 months in LA and he'll be back in England, doing something.


*******


Maybe the Englishmen who pass through my birthplace have trouble driving on the right side of the road and cannot assimilate our other odd customs.

Who's leaving Spurs now and why? I'm just looking forward to today's match!
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Well in Southampton!
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
It looks like Toronto FC just grabbed about 10 million pounds for Defoe - made a tidy profit of about $2 million Canadian, including Defoe's original transfer fee and the player swap involved.

The money, which has to be used on soccer infrastructure, is apparently ear marked for a 5000 seater stadium for the Toronto FC Farm team (not to be confused with the Manchester City Farm team that is going to be playing in Yankee Stadium).

Yes, I do live in a different soccer world....

[ 15. January 2015, 02:46: Message edited by: Og: Thread Killer ]
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
There you go, Wales, that's how you play football. You're welcome.


 

---

Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
Don't worry, I haven't gone too far. But Falcao is a bit off the pace.

I reckon either we get another six months "free" to see what he can do when fit, or we send him back under the warranty period.

He should do better from eight yards out other than hitting it straight at the keeper.

Wilf Bony is a much better bit of business.

In fact at the moment every time Fellani is given a run out he scores. He ought to be given a good run.
 

---

Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
Chelsea, Arsenal then the Mancs is tough but the whole run of six looks tricky. Everton aren't mugs, though they aren't what they were last year, no one knows which Crystal Palace will turn up and who knows what will happen at Newcastle on 17th January?

You'd bite my hand off for nine points, wouldn't you?

---

Just remembered this little exchange and my resounding acceptance of 9 points from Southampton's last 6 league fixtures. We got 16 and Ronald Koeman is a genius again!

Remarkably, Saints are only 5 points away from Man City in second, and I fancy us to get more points than them from the next 3 fixtures - we have Swansea (home), QPR (away), West Ham (home); they have Chelsea (away), Hull (home), Stoke (away).
 

---

Posted by Stejjie (# 13941) on :
 
Wow! That is all...
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Yeah, wow.

Fair play to Bradford. Sounds like the best team won on the day. That ol' Cup magic.
 

---

Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I'm not sure a United supporter has much to laugh about this weekend.
 

---

Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
No, I agree. Up to a point. But we do like to laugh at the misfortunes of others. Especially Shitty and The Special One.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Schadenfreude is a beautiful thing, and Goodness knows I've enjoyed enough of it at United's expense in the last eighteen months.
 

---

Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
Yes, I've had a good laugh at Chelsea's fortunes over the last 18 years as well... Oh, you said MONTHS. Sorry.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Ha! You're cute.

But we all know that eighteen years is an exaggeration used only for rhetorical purposes. In reality, we didn't really cross your radar until recently. But I guess that's what happens when a rapid fall from lofty heights forces a quick about-turn in expectations: One has to scrabble around for whatever joy one can find.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
There aren't many things in football as good as beating Liverpool.

(Perhaps that's something that deano and I can agree on. )
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
Meanwhile in the Great South Land, we are getting set for a first-rate final on Saturday for the Asian Football Cup: South Korea vs Australia.

Plenty of good games along the way, not least the quarter-final of Iran vs Iraq : 2-2 at normal full time, 4-4 after extra time, 5-4 on penalties. Plenty of support for all teams in the stands- even Palestine!- , thanks to Australia's many migrant communities and football fans starved for quality games. There were also reports of women originally from Iran , who savoured watching the national team live - something from which they are banned in Iran itself.
 

---

Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
There aren't many things in football as good as beating Liverpool.

(Perhaps that's something that deano and I can agree on. )

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tukai:
Meanwhile in the Great South Land, we are getting set for a first-rate final on Saturday for the Asian Football Cup: South Korea vs Australia.

---

Yeah, it's a bit of a shame that this tournament has been happening at the same time as the African Cup of Nations, because I feel like it's been overshadowed a bit. And if football is helping social issues progress, then so much the better.

As for Diego Costa, anyone who has watched or played rugby knows the difference between treading on someone, rucking them, and stamping on them. Neither the one on Can or Skertl were a stamp for me. He accidentally-on-purpose trod on them. Now, don't get me wrong, that's still illegal and he couldn't have had any complaint if he got sent off for either incident. But the hysteria in the Press over it has been ridiculous. Let's call it what it is, eh?!
 

---

Posted by Ricardus (# 8757) on :
 
Gosh, are you suggesting football fans might not discuss things in a dispassionate and proportionate manner?


 

---

Posted by quetzalcoatl (# 16740) on :
 
If Costa played for Rochdale, nobody would care. It's part of the hysteria which surrounds the Premiership, especially the top teams. I suppose in a curious way, it might help Chelsea, since they can go into siege mentality, which may spur the players on.
 

---

Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ricardus:
Gosh, are you suggesting football fans might not discuss things in a dispassionate and proportionate manner?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ricardus:
Gosh, are you suggesting football fans might not discuss things in a dispassionate and proportionate manner?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by deano:
I'm more annoyed that, yet again, we leaked a goal. Letting Leicester get one back instead of killing the game off made me shout at the telly a little bit!

---

While I am overjoyed that we didn't leak a goal! And we scored one to win at Crystal Palace.

Everton now have more points than games played, but we've got a lot to do yet.
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
A tight game in the Asian Cup Final. Australia led by 1-0 until the 91st minute, when Son (Korean star at Bayern Leverkusen) equalised. But Australia got another goal in extra time, to win 2-1.

Official 'Player of the Tournament' was Massimo Luongo of Australia, who plays for Swindon Town in England but has clear potential for higher levels. But the most eye catching was the afro-haired Omar AbdulRahman (UAE)- fantastic skill on the ball and a wonderful placer of long passes to his forwards, including the two leading goal-scorers of the tournament. Omar had a trial with Man City, but his reluctance to run madly up and down the pitch may not appeal to Premier League managers.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Looking forward to the North London Derby apprehensively, but the two sides do seem to be evenly matched: after all, we defeated Chelsea!
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
We'll get to reverse that one in the League Cup final March 1st though.
 

---

Posted by deano (# 12063) on :
 
Is it me or has it been the dullest transfer window ever?

January is - and always has been - a pointless waste of time for transfers.

Why not scrap the entire concept of transfer windows but put a limit on how many players a club can sign, so they can sign all through the year but only a maximum of say five players.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
It was indeed a dull transfer window. The finest feature of that was Sky TV's non-stop transfer deadline coverage was about as lively as that for the Police Commissioner elections a couple of years ago.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Yeah, I thought it was dull not just because not much happened, but also because the things that did happen were are known in advance so there were no surprises and Sky didn't have so many reporters out being attacked by Stokie zombies or violated with fluorescent sex toys.

In other news, 'Appy 'Arry resigned. Can't say I'm sad to see him go. Time to start planning the QPR relegation party, I think.
 

---

Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
I don't often visit this thread but I would just like to say COYS!
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
We're number four and Arsenal dropped out of the five!


 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I notice that yesterday Raith Rovers beat Rangers 2-1 in the Scottish FA Cup. I love it when the little guy wins!


 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Scottish football has been weird over the last few years. Edinburgh's top teams, Hibernians and Heart of Midlothian, are both in the second tier, with Rangers. Hearts are the runaway leaders with Hibs and Rengers fighting for send place. Looks like Rangers might be out of the Scottish Premiership for at least one more season.

As a consequence, unlikely sides like Ross County, Hamilton and Inverness are up with the alleged elite.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
See, I know this is just my south-of-the-border elitism speaking, but any mention of Scottish football makes my eyes glaze over with sad mental images of Alan Hansen and Andy Grey kicking lumps out of each other on a mudbath of a pitch*. It really doesn't seem very glamorous. Why not just give up and play rugby?


* For the record, I have absolutely no idea if this ever actually happened.
 

---

Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
We're number four and Arsenal dropped out of the five!

---

That was short-lived. Balotelli scores his first premiership goal for Liverpool. I put it down to his new moustache.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
He scored a goal with his moustache???
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
FWIW, MLS players may go on strike.

Issues - minimum wage & no free agency.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I couldn't care less. I never watch their matches anyway.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I've seen some pretty bad officiating in the Premier League this season, but Martin Atkinson took things to a new low today with his performance at Stamford Bridge. One clear penalty, one probably penalty, one clear red card, and a probable red card missed. Disgraceful.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
I've seen some pretty bad officiating in the Premier League this season, but Martin Atkinson took things to a new low today with his performance at Stamford Bridge. One clear penalty, one probably penalty, one clear red card, and a probable red card missed. Disgraceful.

---

Be honest, had you scraped a win, you wouldn't have posted! It's only because brave, battling Burnley drew that you're complaining.

At least you saw these events. In his post-match interview Arsene Wenger must said he "didn't see" this, that or the other three times. What is it with football managers that they can't see things? I thought they were former players, not former referees.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Nah, I would still have been complaining. We've got some important games coming up, so any match that is made more difficult than it should be is a cause for griping.

But you're right that I should give some credit to Burnley. They did, indeed, battle very well.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
In amongst Spurs, Liverpool and Celtic going out of the Europa Cup, it may have escaped the attention of many that Everton are through to the last 16.

Shame our form in Europe hasn't been translated to the Premier League.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Sir Kevin, you watching the Capital One Cup final?


 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Aaaaaaaaaaargh. If the rumour I heard is true and Walker really did commit an own goal, he should be traded to a lesser side. Score should have been either one-nil or 1-1!

Pity our tenure in the top four was so short after we defeated Arsenal some time ago.

Hey, we did beat Swansea!
 

---

Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 
Yes, but the top seven teams all won midweek, so that doesn't really help anyone.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Spurs win this afternoon. We're back in 6th!
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
YEEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

The team I support in the Netherlands, FC Groningen, is in the Cup final!!!

We'll always be a sub-topper, and in the competitions we'll usually be behind teams like Ajax and PSV. But this means something!

The final will be on May 3, against PEC Zwolle (also a sub-topper, but they won the Cup last year).
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
This is not our year, nor is it the manager's at White Hart Lane.


 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Big day at the top of the table today. Chelsea just manage to pull three points out of the fire, and United obliterate City in the Manchester derby. Starting to look like a (severely handicapped) three horse race for the title, and another three horse race for fourth.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Spurs mired in sixth and arch-rival Arse-holes languishing in t'ird...
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
FC GRONINGEN HAS WON THE DUTCH CUP!!!!!

When you're a supporter of one of the provincial teams, and you finally win a price like this, that's absolutely brilliant!
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
And on the other side of the pond, after a long 8 game road trip to start the season, due to stadium upgrades. Toronto FC finally has a home game.

Been a long 7 months without a home match. And it will happen again next season as they add a roof. But it will all be worth it as the stadium moves to 30K in capacity. Hopefully a loud 30K tomorrow.
 

---

Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on :
 
What - no SHIP comments about the latest installment of the FIFA farce now coming to our screens from New York and Switzerland?

FWIW, I reckon Blatter will be re-elected on Friday and the stench will go on and on.

The time is now ripe for any national football bodies with a shred of integrity to withdraw from anything FIFA related - including World Cup competitions - until something is done.

And by that I mean that FIFA needs to be scrapped and the whole thing re-founded.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I read an article in the Wall Street Journal at lunchtime. I don't know what to think!
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by L'organist:
And by that I mean that FIFA needs to be scrapped and the whole thing re-founded.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by L'organist:
What - no SHIP comments about the latest installment of the FIFA farce now coming to our screens from New York and Switzerland?

FWIW, I reckon Blatter will be re-elected on Friday and the stench will go on and on.

---

quote:

---

The time is now ripe for any national football bodies with a shred of integrity to withdraw from anything FIFA related - including World Cup competitions - until something is done.

And by that I mean that FIFA needs to be scrapped and the whole thing re-founded.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by no prophet's flag is set so...:
FIFA Women's World Cup. Shall be seeing 2 games in Edmonton in a week, and then later, a game in Moncton. What shall I tell any FIFA officials if I happen to see them?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:

quote:

---

Originally posted by no prophet's flag is set so...:
FIFA Women's World Cup. Shall be seeing 2 games in Edmonton in a week, and then later, a game in Moncton. What shall I tell any FIFA officials if I happen to see them?

---

Just pronounce FIFA as "thief-a" and, if they notice and take offense, pass it off as a speech impediment.

---

Or, as we're in Canada, how about "thief eh?"

 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
If it helps at all, I imagine the amount of money that is changing hands with the women's world cup is pretty small in comparison to many of the men's tournaments. So, it's not like you're helping to fund FIFA's existence or contributing much to its graft. In fact, given Blatter's well-publicised comments about women's football, probably the best thing you can do is go to the stadium and treat it like a serious sport!
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I can't say I've really been following the FIFA affair, but from what I have read, ISTM that if Blatter has Putin on his side, no-one's going to dare gain-say him.

On a somewhat more frivolous note, I'd like to say a huge "hurrah" to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who won the Scottish FA Cup yesterday.


 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
FIFA suspend the CONCACAF General Secretary. In part this has been done because of work by FIFA's Ethics Committee.

A couple of Congolese officials have been provisionally suspended (whatever that means). I suppose it's a start.

[ 01. June 2015, 19:56: Message edited by: Sioni Sais ]
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
I wasn't expecting this!

I can only surmise that the sharks have been observed circling FIFA HQ and at this rate the whole edifice might come tumbling down. It's definitely a case of a rotten barrel tainting the apples rather than a few rotten apples in the barrel.
 

---

Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
And now, after winning re-election, Blatter resigns.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
This is wonderful news. But it's also only a first step. The whole organisation is rotten to the core. It will take more than a few resignations and arrests to purge it. This is the start of a long process, and it matters a lot who the next president is.
 

---

Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
Great news. Laters Qatar!
 

---

Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
And now, after winning re-election, Blatter resigns.

---

quote:

---

Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress. I will continue to exercise my functions as Fifa President until that election.

---

quote:

---

"Even now he plays a game with peril, and wins a throw"

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eutychus:
Not quite:

quote:

---

Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress. I will continue to exercise my functions as Fifa President until that election.

---

That means not before December at the earliest, apparently. I imagine his scope for action as acting President is considerably broader than as an ex-President.

---

Well, it certainly gives him enough time to shred all the incriminating documents.
 

---

Posted by no prophet's flag is set so... (# 15560) on :
 
Canada beats China with a penalty in extra time in Edmonton! A better result when we saw Germany beat them in the opener 4 years ago in Berlin. New Zealand deserved a penalty against Netherlands but the ref said play on. Not fair, but so it goes.
 

---

Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 
Although China were really unlucky with that freekick which hit both posts and then stayed out, they were appallingly negative. But Canada were very poor - slow and ponderous and prone to making stupid defensive errors. They didn't deserve to win, but then China really didn't deserve to get a point!

If Canada don't improve drastically, I can't see much hope for them. They should now get out of their group, but as soon as they come up against a good side, their limitations are likely to be exposed.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
England managed to win against Slovenia but it was no thanks to the defence. Comprising players from our top clubs (two from Man Utd, one each from Chelsea and Arsenal), it conceded two goals and looked flaky all night. Until Henderson moved to right-back no one looked competent. I know Jagielka and Baines aren't in great form but they couldn't have been worse and Gibbs (in Baines position) can't cross effectively.

I suppose the goals will paper over the cracks and Roy will continue to select on the basis of the name of the club after a player's name.
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
Australia have got through the first knock-out round of the Women's World Cup, by beating Brazil 1-0.

Playing well, as you have to do to beat any Brazilian football side. And that's after a tough group stage in which they gave USA a good run, beat the athletic Nigerians, and put previous winners Sweden out of the cup.

Good quality , competitive games all round, with Germany and USA already through, and Canada, France and England yet to play their R16 games.
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
The Netherlands are playing reigning champions Japan on Tuesday.
 

---

Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 
The exciting thing for me is that I have tickets for the quarter final match on Saturday 27th. When we bought the tickets a few months back, we had no idea who would be playing. But if Canada and England both win their matches, we will be watching Canada v England! That will be so cool.
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
My apologies to Le Roc. How could I forget the Netherlands, when my own daughter lives in Groeningen.
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
Really? I'm from Groningen originally. I hope she likes it (I don't see how she can't, it's a really nice city )

As I said before on this thread. FC Groningen has won the Dutch Cup last month, and will be playing UEFA for the next season.

My brother has season tickets. When I'm in the Netherlands (which doesn't happen often), I normally try to go to the stadium with him.
 

---

Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 
England v Canada it is! But I must admit that I can't see either side getting to the final.
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
The Netherlands are out.Still, given the current state of Dutch women's football, I think they did well.
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Oscar the Grouch:
England v Canada it is! But I must admit that I can't see either side getting to the final.

---

Japan vs Germany in the final I think, and hope.

Canada beats the US for the Bronze.

*****

On another note, I am having the great pleasure of watching Sebastian Giovinco make MLS defences look like pylons after Michael Bradley sends very precise passes his way, while Jozy Altidore (yes that dude) creates space and scores well taken goals

There was 24K of us last night watching all that. Great fun.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I think DC United are making the trip to the frozen north this weekend. Let's see how your boys do against a Proper Team™.
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
I think DC United are making the trip to the frozen north this weekend. Let's see how your boys do against a Proper Team™.

---

.
Well this is what happened in DCU a few weeks ago.

Two best teams in the East right now. Should be fun.

Cold, wet, windy. Proper football.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Nil - nil. You got off easy.

In other news, well done to England for reaching a World Cup semi final for the first time. And commiserations to Canada. (I was kinda hoping you'd win. Not just because it's always good when the host country stays in, but because it would fit England neatly into the "struggles to the quarters then bombs out" box that we are so comfortable in. )
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
England are playing competently for the most part but are yet to meet a really good opponent. Canada looked about the same standard, but England took their chances better on the night. But Japan look a class ahead of either, apart possibly form poor shooting - all their games have been won by only 1-0 despite dominating possession Barcelona style, except that Barca have a very sharp forward line.


Australia tried hard against Japan but Japan didn't let them have time on the ball, especially in the first half, and deserved their win, even though they took 87 minutes to get a goal.

And perhaps a shipmate can answer a question that is puzzling me. Why is the England women's football team demographically so white - unlike the England men's side or France or even Canada, all of which have a strong infusion of people whose parents migrated there last century? Is it the absence of decent grass roots (especially junior) competitions for girls?
 

---

Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 
Was at the England & Canada match. I felt very sorry for the Canadian defender who messed up for the first goal. A horrible mistake with so many people watching around the world.

When the second goal went in, I thought Canada might crumble. Credit to them that they didn't. But I was very disappointed with the England performance in the second half. They showed no ambition, no drive and they couldn't even pass the ball. Canada were unlucky not to at least take it to extra time.

Having seen a little of Japan, I think England could beat them, but not on Saturday's performance. If they play like that again, Japan will be in the final.

Still think it will be Germany v Japan - and Germany to win.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Looking forward to the match this Tuesday afternoon.
 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
That was a good one. Problems with the officiating, but it more or less washed out--Germany got away with some really egregious fouls on Rapinoe in first half stoppage time. Certainly the better team won, even if perhaps it should have been 1-0 instead of 2-0 (and USA is now over 500 minutes without conceding a goal).

I expect we'll be meeting Japan for a rematch of 2011 on Sunday, but it would be kind of cool to see England advance.
 

---

Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 
Well, the "dream" scenario would be for Canada to be playing in the semi-final on Canada Day and then going on to play the USA in the final. Shame that England rather tore up that script! Still - it's probably for the best. A Canada v USA final could have led to a war - these things have happened.

Despite the clear refereeing cock-ups (especially over the German penalty), USA were the better side, although both sides played with a very agreeable level of pace and ability. Whoever gets through to play the USA in the final will have their work cut out, that's for sure.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Wouldn't that be Japan on Sunday????
 

---

Posted by rolyn (# 16840) on :
 
It wasn't to be for England.

Two very peculiar penalty decisions, England's being the more so. Then of course the unfortunate ending. Not to worry, the whole squad did their country very proud.
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
There are typical own goals, and then there is whatever the hell that was. Just freakish.

And of course there was a period earlier in the second half when England came incredibly close to scoring, about 2 or 3 times in as many minutes.

The Australian commentators were in agreement that England had the upper hand, and they were expecting England would win in extra time.
 

---

Posted by rolyn (# 16840) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
There are typical own goals, and then there is whatever the hell that was. Just freakish

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
... By getting up and down the field that fast and in numbers they (Japan) will have an advantage in close games.

Should be a good final, given decent officiating.

---

quote:

---

"Our #Lionesses go back to being mothers, partners and daughters today, but they have taken on another title - heroes".

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
I am given to understand that the men were paid 40 times as much as the women. Is that true?

---

There seems to be discussion of that currently going on over at The Trouble with Girls thread. From the article linked over in that thread, the 40 times number is comparing the pay for the women's World Cup champion with that of the recent men's World Cup champion.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
The Telegraph said that Spurs were getting a new pitch, which should have a bigger stadium with more seating capacity than Gunners.

Should help with recruitment and retention!
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Given that I'm not often in a good time zone for watching DC United, I decided to put their game on tonight. It only turned out to be a 6-4 stormer!! And DC won. Man, MLS defending...
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
The beautiful game looks a little less beautiful once more.

Link to a BBC story regarding West Ham's move to the London Olympic Stadium. Looks like the Hammers will do well out of this.

I wonder what UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules will make of it?
 

---

Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
It's just sour grapes from non-West Ham fans.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Shall we do our usual predictions for the upcoming (English) season? Not a formal competition or anything like that, but just for a bit of fun.

The categories are:

Top four (in order).
Bottom three (in order).
FA Cup winners.
First managerial sacking.
Random moment prediction.

(The random moment is a prediction that a certain event will happen at some point in the season. Like Rooney will score with his arse, or Wenger will zip up his coat at the first attempt or Jonathan Pearce will be crushed under the weight of his own hyperbole.)
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Shall we do our usual predictions for the upcoming (English) season? Not a formal competition or anything like that, but just for a bit of fun.

The categories are:

Top four (in order).
Bottom three (in order).
FA Cup winners.
First managerial sacking.
Random moment prediction.

(The random moment is a prediction that a certain event will happen at some point in the season. Like Rooney will score with his arse, or Wenger will zip up his coat at the first attempt or Jonathan Pearce will be crushed under the weight of his own hyperbole.)

---

Top Four in order:
Chelski
Manchester City
Manchester United
Arsenal

Bottom three:
Sunderland
Bournemouth
Watford

FA Cup Winners:
Everton!

First managerial sacking:
Tim Sherwood (but Pellegrini will go this season)

Random moment:
A club will be expelled from the Premier League for financial irregularities (I was going to suggest that Jack Wilshire would start ten consecutive Premier League matches, but let's stay in the realms of the possible, shall we?)
 

---

Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 
Top four
1. Arsenal
2. Chelsea
3. Man. City
4. Liverpool

(Arsenal have improved their squad. Chelsea haven't. I think that this will make the difference. And I have a hunch that Rogers' Liverpool may scrape ahead of a United who still look unconvincing.)

Bottom three
18. Aston Villa
19. Norwich
20. Watford

(Villa have lost Benteke and I can't see them scoring enough goals to survive. Bournemouth to squeeze out of the bottom three)

FA Cup winners
Chelsea

(Arsenal to finally lose a Cup match when they decide to rest a number of players in preference to advancing in the Champions' League and maintaining their push for the title)

First managerial sacking
Tim Sherwood

Random moment prediction
Concerted press campaign to make Eddie Howe the next England manager.
 

---

Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
Nice start. Beat the Arse.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I know we've already had most of the first round of matches, but maybe you'll let me get my predictions in under the wire:

Top four:
1. Arsenal
2. Chelsea
3. United
4. City

Bottom three:
18. West Ham
19. Watford
20. Norwich

FA Cup winners:
Swansea

First managerial sacking:
Pellegrini

Random moment prediction:
José Mourinho will lose a game, and take the defeat gracefully without blaming the officials.
 

---

Posted by Wet Kipper (# 1654) on :
 
May I also join in - the first week has been a bit of an upset but surely it will all balance out in the end

Top four:
1. Chelsea
2. Man City
3. United
4. Liverpool

Bottom three:
18. Watford
19. West Brom
20. Bournemouth

FA Cup winners:
Aresenal

First managerial sacking:
Dick Advocaat

Random moment prediction:
There will be a viral video clip involving a mascot from one team and the manager from their opponents.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Right this minute, Arsenal are in last place. Would that it would continue!
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
FC Groningen is in group F with Olympique Marseille, Sporting Braga and Slovan Liberec. All of them teams with impressive histories. I don't really have the illusion that we'll go through, but I'm hoping for some beautiful games.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
I'll take a point from White Hart Lane but didn't Crystal Palace do well? Beating Chelski at the bridge! Congratulations to Alan Pardew and his boys.

Meanwhile what on earth happened at Anfield? Liverpool v West Ham is the kind of game I want both teams to lose, but a Liverpool 3-0 defeat at home is an outstanding result for Evertonians.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Chelsea were outplayed. Simple as that really. Our midfield isn't functioning right, Ivanović seems to have lost a yard of pace over the summer (from an already low base) and is being exposed, there's a dearth of leadership when JT isn't playing, and our attacking players haven't gelled yet. It's a long season, so no reason to hit the panic button just yet, but something needs fixing. I'm hoping the international break has come at a good time.

Meanwhile, Sioni, when are your boys finally going to realise that resistance if futile and sell us John Stones? Do Kenwright et al really think they can turn down the ridiculous amount of money we are offering? Or is this just the pantomime that has to be played out to make it look like Everton are still a club with ambitions?
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:

Meanwhile, Sioni, when are your boys finally going to realise that resistance if futile and sell us John Stones? Do Kenwright et al really think they can turn down the ridiculous amount of money we are offering? Or is this just the pantomime that has to be played out to make it look like Everton are still a club with ambitions?

---

To say that Evertonians are losing patience with the board and its collective reluctance to either a) invest or b) sell to someone who will, would be a huge understatement. But why should Stones go to Chelsea? Mourinho can manage a club but he wants his players to be the finished article when they arrive, and Stones isn't there yet.

We may however have a used former England midfielder (with a penchant for yellow cards) going very cheap indeed. £45 for the club shirt with a FREE Gareth Barry inside!
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
My side suffers from failure to thrive. Perhaps we should take the rest of the season off or fire the manager and make him return his salary!




 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
But why should Stones go to Chelsea? Mourinho can manage a club but he wants his players to be the finished article when they arrive, and Stones isn't there yet.

---

He's doing a very good job with Kurt Zouma. But I take the wider point that development of young players hasn't historically been his thing. But as I understand it, Stones wants to come. It's Martinez (or whoever pulls the strings) who won't let him go. Which is why I asked about the pantomime aspect of it.
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
Haha, I'm officially a Swansea fan now.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I'm an Oakland Raiders fan again. Spurs have been an abject failure this season. They have no idea what they are doing on the pitch. At least the Raiders that I've supported for more than forty years are able to win half the time! If you're going to have a bloody nil-nil draw, just phone it in. No call for suiting up and pretending you know what your doing!


 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
These days, I introduce myself with "I'm Dutch, and I don't want to talk about football."
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by LeRoc:
These days, I introduce myself with "I'm Dutch, and I don't want to talk about football."

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Bobsleigh?

---

quote:

---

Sioni Sais: I have a couple of Jamaican friends and guess what they don't want to talk about.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by LeRoc:

quote:

---

Sioni Sais: I have a couple of Jamaican friends and guess what they don't want to talk about.

---

Hehe, losing at home against Nicaragua must have hurt.

Somewhere during the Athletics coverage, I heard that Usain Bolt is contemplating a professional football career after he retires from running?

---

He'd find it tedious. Maybe he should give the 400m a serious go for just one season, say the year after Rio.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Imagine being the full back who has to mark him though....
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
There are some videos on YouTube of Bolt playing football. He doesn't seem that bad either.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
I've seen him play cricket too. Clean bowled Chris Gayle, which the Coolest Man in Cricket can't him enjoyed. I reckon Bolt is a typical top-class sportsman, able to play any game at a very high level.
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
So, tomorrow we have FC Groningen against Olympique Marseille. A small-city provincial club that will always be in the shadow of bigger ones like Ajax and PSV. But tomorrow is our moment, and locally that's a very big thing. I'm looking forward to it.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Not such a beautiful game (part 94).

West Ham United are in a snit about the terms under which they will move into the Olympic Stadium being made public. This from the BBC shows that it has/will cost £272 million to convert the ground, that West Ham have paid about £15 million (ie, about one middling Premiership signing) and that they will pay between £2 and £2.5 million in rent per year (that's between forty and fifty grand a week, and you don't get much Premiership footballer for that).

As for the rest, just read it for yourself. If I got a deal like that I would want it kept quiet too. No wonder we have a public sector deficit.
 

---

Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
It's just sour grapes by other premiership sides.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ad Orientem:
It's just sour grapes by other premiership sides.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wet Kipper:


First managerial sacking:
Dick Advocaat

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Sioni, I love Robbie Di Matteo, but it wasn't him that won us that cup. Frank, Didier, JT, and Petr were the ones.

---

They were theones, but they were playing underr him, not Mourinho, who probably expects all the credit for it.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I really enjoy people's hatred of Mourinho.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
I really enjoy people's hatred of Mourinho.

---

I'm sure Mourinho is charming if a little reserved face-to-face, but in public he comes over as vain. It isn't pretty.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Vain? He's got an ego the size of a small planet!!
 

---

Posted by Ricardus (# 8757) on :
 
FWIW, now that the Mourinho-Benítez feud is no longer a live issue, I generally find him quite entertaining. I don't think you are supposed to take him too seriously.

(Though having said that, his treatment of Dr Carneiro was pretty shite, as was the subsequent FA investigation, which seems to have taken 'not as bad as Fifa' as its standard of due process.)
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Against the odds Northern Ireland has qualified for the 2016 European Championship! This is no trivial achievement as their group included Hungary, Romania, Finland and Greece, although Greece has fallen a long way since they won this competition in 2004. Heck, Greece lost to the Faroe Islands, home and away.

Martin O'Neill has brought together a mixed bag of footballing talent, from all over the Football League and Scottish League, and turned them into a persistent and effective national team. If they get a point in Finland (who can't qualify) they win the group which ought to get them a better draw in the finals.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
One who made the beautiful game beautiful, Howard Kendall has died at the age of 69.

He ran Everton's midfield with Alan Ball (the hard running one) and Colin Harvey (the skilful one) in one of the club's most successful periods then managed it in another, although his final act was to keep Everton in the Premiership!
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
The March to October season is almost done over here and it has certainly been fun to watch Sebastian Giovinco ply his trade. Last games are tomorrow with seeding for the second season (playoffs) being set by simultaneous games in both conferences. Toronto will make the playoffs for the first time but is likely to not last long.

The final will be in December - I would enjoy a game played on a frozen pitch in a roofless stadium beside an inland sea but I don't think its happening this year.
 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
There is however, a reasonably good chance it will be played in a penetrating drizzle in a roofless stadium surrounded by mountains not far from a major body of water--two possible shots at that.

As a Timbers fan, I must say it's wonderful to see Darlington Nagbe finally hitting his stride, and Portland finally figuring out where the back of the net is just in time for the playoffs.
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
Most people here will recall that I support Sheffield Wednesday. Unusual for an American.

I adopted the Owls when my late wife's best friend called me one day and said, "Meet me at the pub at 6 tomorrow morning." (David is a Sheffield lad.)

It was the day of the FA Cup final -- Wednesday against Arsenal. This was in 1993 - the year the Owls lost both finals to the Gunners. There was no internet coverage or cable feeds -- the landlord at the pub, David's brother-in-law and another from Sheffield -- had to arrange the feed. A noisy crowd of expats met to cheer their side on.
We came back on the Tuesday for the replay, of course (sigh).

So I was pleased and very surprised at the result of yesterday's League Cup game. (3-0 to the Owls!) It's been a long time coming, and I couldn't let it pass without a small post here.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I can't confess any great love for Wednesday, but it was amusing to see Arsenal crash out so spectacularly. The silver lining to Chelsea have another one of those days.
 

---

Posted by Ricardus (# 8757) on :
 
You might want to look away ... Brendan Rodgers is being suggested as an interim replacement for Mourinho ...
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 


Yeah, no.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
If one was to read some of the reports you would be thinking that Mourinho has already been sacked.

Just in case you have only been reading third-rate papers and looking at fourth-rate websites, Mourinho is still manager at Chelsea and while it's true they aren't doing so well and Mourinho is getting under the FA's skin, the season is young and I don't think Chelsea will replace him with Liverpool's cast-off: they might well wait until one of the Manchester clubs gets in a stew and chucks a man overboard.

I can't believe the obsession with "The Special One" when FIFA really does deserve serious attention. If anyone or anything is bringing the game into disrepute, then the supreme governing body has done so and shows no signs of changing in a hurry. It makes the International Cricket Council look a model of good governance.


eta: Yup, Jose is still in charge.

[ 30. October 2015, 16:26: Message edited by: Sioni Sais ]
 

---

Posted by Ricardus (# 8757) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:


Yeah, no.

---

I know, why would he want to manage a club that's hovering over the relegation zone, who sack their managers every six months, and whose squad can't even beat the one he left at Liverpool?
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
A one-one draw with the dreaded Arsenal even got the Men in Blazers to view my Spurs in a favourable light last weekend! Is Chelsea ready for relegation? The man who sits on our left on the set must be pondering this as he sits there with the latest results!
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Some good news at last!

Take a bow Jamie Vardy - scoring in eleven games in a row to break Ruud van Nistelrooy's record, and against van Nistelrooy's old club too.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I saw Gareth Bale kick a lovely goal with Real Madrid a couple of days ago, but what' s up with the man-bun and full beard? Did some girl he's dating talk him in to that?
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Piss off Arsehole! Go to hell, Newcastle!
 

---

Posted by Doublethink. (# 1984) on :
 
Pardon ?
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I think Sir K is a bit tetchy about his team's last-minute loss yesterday.

Personally, I found it hilarious.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Jamie Vardy still scoring, Leicester City still winning. Some aspects of the game are as beautiful as ever.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Yeah, fair play, they were the better team on the night. Chelsea are still a bit of a shambles, except when they're not (like the Porto game last week). Most bemusing.
 

---

Posted by Sipech (# 16870) on :
 
BBC & Reuters are reporting that Mourinho has been sacked.
 

---

Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on :
 
Yep, the Special One is no longer special.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Even though it had sort-of been coming, I am so not doing well with this news.


 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Even though it had sort-of been coming, I am so not doing well with this news.

---

This might be obvious but IMHO the first wheel to come off the Big Blue Wagon was when Petr Cech went to Arsenal. He left, the defence lost their assurance and since then everyone has been looking behind them to see that everything was OK. Last season, everything was OK, but this season without such an effective 'keeper the whole team has had far less space and time.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Hmmm, yeah, Big Pete leaving was definitely a factor. But that was only one part of a wider picture: Lamps and Didier left as well, and the spine that had been so successful ten years ago was no longer there. Also, Courtois played more games than Čech last year as well, and we still had some guts then.

But even the loss of our old boys doesn't really explain everything. To be honest, the more I think about it, the more I think that it's a bit of a combination of everything. Because the board, the management, and the players all need to take part of the blame. Systemic breakdown.

Without being at the training ground every day it's impossible for me to tell if José was really the biggest problem. But he's certainly the easiest cog to change, and it's definitely traditional for the manager to carry the can when a team is underperforming. But I am pretty sure that simply replacing him will not be a panacea.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Score-line to cheer the heart of a piglet whose Better Half comes from East Anglia*:

Manchester United 1 - Norwich City 2



* No matter that we're actually Ipswich supporters - we like it when the underdog wins.
 

---

Posted by Baptist Trainfan (# 15128) on :
 
You're Ipswich supporters? Surely not (they lost today, by the way )?
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
United and Liverpool doing their best to lighten the mood at the end of an emotional week. Thanks guys.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Baptist Trainfan:
You're Ipswich supporters? Surely not (they lost today, by the way )?

---

I'm afraid we are; D's late father had a season ticket for as long as I can remember (with the exception of one season when the bloke he used to go to the matches with inexplicably changed his allegiance to the Canaries). He always used to say the biggest cheer at Portman Road would be if they announced over the tannoy that Norwich had lost ...

Now that they're not rivals for the same silverware, we quite like to see Norwich doing well, and anyone stuffing Man. U. is a good thing in our book.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
...and anyone stuffing Man. U. is a good thing in our book.

---

I must have a copy of the same book!

Many moons ago I was part of an old Yahoogroup called I Hate Manchester United.


 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Eldest Son, our family Norwich City supporter posted a holiday advert to his FB page:

"Manchester United fans? Looking for a holiday in the sun? Try the Canaries, they can't be beaten at this time of year!"

[ 21. December 2015, 17:07: Message edited by: Sioni Sais ]
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Men in Blazers with a lovely guest commentator, had one of the three predicting Spurs in 4th and Arsene and his Arseholes in third!
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
That was correct!

Spurs won last match I watched! [B][/B]
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
... "Manchester United fans? Looking for a holiday in the sun? Try the Canaries, they can't be beaten at this time of year!"

---

Sorry I was a bit late in seeing this - made me laugh out loud!
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Season schedule out for MLS. So the year takes shape and I know how many Saturdays I am spending in a seat near the Lake.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Yeah, I was waiting for that too. I'm going to be visiting DC in March, but unfortunately their home opener isn't until the day my flight back lands in Stockholm.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
Even as I write, while watching the Rangers of Scotland score, my mind goes back to North London and the intense rivalry between my beloved Spurs and our archival Arsenal. A friend of mine at one of the schools where I am a supply teacher, is a rabid Gunners supporter. Before he got kicked up stairs to be the assistant head, his classroom of nine-year-olds was decorated in all red! It made me wanna fwow up!

Whom do you support? Do you wear team gear to work or school as I do?

(Sings) Oh when those Spurs, oh when those Spurs go marching in, I wanna be in that number, etc,

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by basso:
Of course, there are other leagues and teams. Not all of us support a Premiership side. (Championship side Sheffield Wednesday here.)

And there were a few upsets this weekend in the FA Cup as well. Well done, Oxford and Shrewsbury.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
Glad you said that, Basso - the teams I take an interest in are (in no particular order) Ipswich, Norwich, Colchester, Inverness Caley Thistle, Partick Thistle* and Cowdenbeath, of which Norwich and Inverness are the only ones in their countries' respective Premier Leagues.

I make an exception for Man. U - to cheer if they get stuffed ...

I take it the team that Sir K. refers to as "Rangers of Scotland" is Glasgow Rangers, who knocked in six against Dumbarton the other day. The only reason they're not in the Scottish Premier League is that a few years ago they got into some kind of financial difficulties (can't remember the details) and were demoted to the bottom division, and have had to work their way back, one division at a time.

* known to supporters of other teams as "Partick Thistle Nil"

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
...archival Arsenal...

---

Well, they do say that the Emirates can be a bit of a library...
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Yeah, I was waiting for that too. I'm going to be visiting DC in March, but unfortunately their home opener isn't until the day my flight back lands in Stockholm.

---

quote:

---

Whom do you support? Do you wear team gear to work or school as I do?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Og: Thread Killer:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Yeah, I was waiting for that too. I'm going to be visiting DC in March, but unfortunately their home opener isn't until the day my flight back lands in Stockholm.

---

Here's hoping Brava Brava finally get the stadium they deserve - the original MLS supporter's group who make RFK bounce, literally.

Supporter culture in North America owes a lot to that bunch of fusion culture diehards. The essence of multi-culturalism that permeates much of the supporters here started there.

---

I love the Bara Brava. The first time I went to watch DC, I sat in the boring seats on the other side of the stadium. As soon as the game started I realised I was in the wrong place. Now I always get my ticket from them. It's such a different atmosphere from UK football, with its South American vibe. It's one of the few places where I've genuinely seen the different social strata in DC mix. And yes, the stand really does bounce up and down with the supporters. Bless RFK!
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
I know that stadiums in D.C. and Baltimore might as well be in San Salvador whenever El Salvador plays a game in that part of the country, to the point that they play international friendlies there. Is that a big part of the crowd that shows up for United games?
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
In my experience, the tailgate before and the side of the ground where the supporters groups stand has a lot of people of South American extraction there. I reckon the songs were about 50-50 in English and Spanish (esta noche, tenemos que ganar, or something ). Everyone sang in both languages. My eye was not sufficiently educated to know who was Honduran, Salvadorian, Bolivian, Venezuelan, Ecuadorian, or from somewhere else so I can't really speak about the details. But there were plenty of people with different ethnicity there too.

The other (boring) side of the stadium is much more white.

[ 11. January 2016, 20:36: Message edited by: Imaginary Friend ]
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Og, King of Bashan:
I know that stadiums in D.C. and Baltimore might as well be in San Salvador whenever El Salvador plays a game in that part of the country, to the point that they play international friendlies there. Is that a big part of the crowd that shows up for United games?

---

Just wait for this June when Copa America is played across the US. The top teams in South America along with the US, Mexico et al from CONCACAF.

There is serious talk that CONMEBOL may try to merge with CONCACAF in order to get access to all that US based cash every few years.
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
The problem with CONCACAF is that the various FAs for the small Caribbean islands (which mostly exist to line the pockets of a few well connected individuals on those islands) can, and routinely do, as a block, outvote the other countries in the confederation for their own benefit.

I can't see a merger happening unless this is solved, and in order to solve the problem, you have to convince a number of fairly corrupt individuals to vote to strip themselves of power.

Now if FIFA were to blow up, I could see Mexico, Canada, the USA, Costa Rica, and maybe a few others (Honduras, Panama, or Jamaica) merging with the South Americans to form a new confederation in whatever succeeds FIFA.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
SPURS WIN! SPURS WIN!
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
I can remember when Liverpool vs. Man U games meant something other then "what's the manager saying today".

That was a typical mid table clash.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
I've about had it with football. First the ref tells John Terry that Chelsea have plenty of time, then he can't see the same player three yards offside.

WTF?

[ 18. January 2016, 13:25: Message edited by: Sioni Sais ]
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I was lucky enough to be in the third row of the Matthew Harding Lower right where that goal went in.
 

---

Posted by balaam (# 4543) on :
 
This may be about the lower half of the Championship, but when Huddersfield Town climb to higher than Leeds United it is time for me to be happy. Even if only on goal difference.

The game is beautiful.
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
Two good things that came from the awful stomach bug I had this weekend (aside maybe from some weight loss).

First, I was too sick to attend the four hour marathon that is the church Annual Meeting on Sunday. Sorry, not sorry.

Second, I got to stay in bed and catch most of Arsenal-Chelsea, and I especially enjoyed the bit where one particular Gunner fan was unloading on Diego Costa at such a volume that the entire thing got carried on international broadcast. I rarely root for Chelsea, but in this case, loud Arsenal fan, the tears of your unfathomable sadness were delicious.
 

---

Posted by quetzalcoatl (# 16740) on :
 
Yes, I thought that game was wonderful really, although not obviously for Gooners. It was kind of tragi-comic, with a villain ready-made (Costa), an audience booing him, which of course, probably pumps him up, and also, that element of the random and unjust without which sport would be very dull.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
What was random or unjust about that game?
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
Shrewsbury. mumble, mumble
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
It took until February, but Arsenal is back in its natural habitat: fourth on the table.

I got to watch Spurs today, and it was an impressive performance, given that they weren't exactly playing the class of the league. You gotta beat the likes of Norwitch if you want to stay on top, and overall, there was no doubt that it was going to happen. Solid game, and if the defense keeps up at this rate, who knows what can happen...
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
I liked Koeman's deadpan Dutch answer
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
Holy crap Leicester beat Man City away.

Holy crap SPURS GO SECOND!

What a truly bizarre and delightful season.
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Season over here opens in 4 weeks. Hope beginning to spring across the continent with new signings and new stories.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Og, King of Bashan:


Holy crap SPURS GO SECOND!

What a truly bizarre and delightful season.

---

Watched both matches, looking forward to this weekend.
 

---

Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 
Speaking as a non-football fan, I saw a fair chunk of Peterborough United vs West Brom yesterday night, and I have to say what a cracking game it was to watch. Though I was amused when the FX mike picked up a long and vigorous chant of "You wanker! You wanker!"

AG
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
i saw a bit of it too: the sides were evenly matched, it seems.
 

---

Posted by Sipech (# 16870) on :
 
Well, that was quite a fun weekend in the Premiership. Always good to see Manchester United lose on a Saturday, and it was with great mirth that I was able to witness the cognitive dissonance amongst Arse&all fans who on the one hand were celebrating a dramatic win against Leicester while on the other they did Tottenham a huge favour, allowing us to close the gap at the top to just 2 points. Thanks Gooners!

I don't think with even a great finish that United could think of winning the title this year and City's prospects have gone from having to do the Three Peaks to conquering the Matterhorn.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Spurs may yet win it all, depending on the outcome of the next match in the North London Derby...
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
MLS begins again over here on Sunday with almost 11 hours straight of games. Of course my team starts with 8 games on the road due to stadium additions (adding a roof/canopy/umbrella) so no home game until May.
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
Swansea can feel some relief now after two wins in a row.
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Hmm....World Cup qualifiers next week.

There are 40000+ seats sold for Canada to host Mexico in Vancouver next week. Lets see how many of those are wearing red and how many green.
 

---

Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on :
 
It looks increasingly that Leicester will be Premiership champions.

Is this the Richard III effect?
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
I was unfortunate enough to be watching the Atletico-Barcelona game with a die-hard Barca fan who was in a very bad mood, so I couldn't really cheer as loudly as I wanted to. I thought 1-0 at the Calderon was doable, but not likely. 2-0 was beyond my wildest dreams.

I would really like Atletico to beat Real in the final, but something in my gut tells me it is going to be a two-legged Madrid derby in the semis. At least that would also give us a fun Pellegrini vs. Pep old City boss vs. new City boss tie, in which I would definitely be pulling for Pellegrini to get the last laugh.
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
There are days where this game reminds you of why you can love it.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Last week's Spurs match was one of them.
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
I got to see most of the second half of West Ham- Leicester, which was an absolute barn burner. It will be interesting to see if the FA goes through with its threat to ban Vardy for an extra game. Missing him in the Swansea game was one thing, missing him at Old Trafford is another.

It should be a wild last month. I was on the verge of writing Spurs off of this thing, but with Leicester only getting one point yesterday, possibly missing Vardy for two matches, and having to play United, Everton, and Chelsea in the last three matches, it could get exciting. I'd say that tonight's game in Stoke is must-win for Spurs. Time to start cranking the screws.
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
But can they do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke?

(TBH, I don't know how cold or rainy it was, just thought it was an appropriate time to bring out that cliche.)

So that's five points for Leicester with four games to go. Spurs can only get a maximum of 12 points, and a tie would most certainly go to Spurs (can't see Leicester turning around a 13 GD gap). So 8 points does it for Leicester.

Leicester have Swansea, at United, Everton, and at Chelsea to finish it off. Spurs have West Brom, at Chelsea, Southampton, and at Newcastle.

How's this for a scenario. Leicester beat Swansea and Everton, lose to United thanks to a (still pending, I think,) Vardy suspension. Spurs beat West Brom, Chelsea, and Southampton, and trail by two points on the last day. Win at Chelsea, Leicester are champions. Win at Newcastle, combined with Leicester loss or tie, Spurs are champions. Only problem is that Newcastle is in a possible win-and-stay-up game. What a finish that would be.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Leicester will win at Chelsea. I hate to say it, but Spurs will win at Chelsea too. We're shambolic.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
God willing, my side shall win. We are the best and we deserve it!
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Not sure playing Everton is all that difficult right now.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Og: Thread Killer:
Not sure playing Everton is all that difficult right now.

---

The only team that finds it difficult to play at Goodison Park is Everton.
 

---

Posted by Sipech (# 16870) on :
 
As a Tottenham fan, of course I want to see our team win the league. We've got the best attack in the league and the best defence. We also have a very high quality midfield. Though I wouldn't begrudge Leicester the title if they do win it; they've been greater than the sum of their parts all year.

Listening to my Arse'n'all supporting colleagues, it's interesting that they actually want Tottenham to close up the gap. Their thinking is that Tottenham would be able to win the title with a win in the last game, but that a last minute own goal means the game ends in a draw and Leicester win the league.
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
Back in Europe, the color went out of my face when I saw that Diego Godin will likely be out for a few weeks (including both UCL semi games) with a hamstring injury he picked up in Bilbao yesterday. The Atletico defense is as good as they come, but even the best unit is going to take a hit when they lose the best defensive player in the world.

It was always going to take a heroic effort to beat Barcelona and Bayern back to back, and it just got that much tougher. That said, if there is anyone who can sell his team on their chances of winning without their best defensive player, it's Cholo.

(Simeone's Atletico vs Pochettino's Spurs in the UCL next year would be a hell of an entertaining draw, by the way. Maybe not the prestige or pedigree of Juve-Real, but it would be two hot young squads, two spectacular defenses, and the two hottest managers in the game. I'm drooling already.)
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Looking for forward to Spurs match Monday afternoon. Four-nil would be helpful for my side!
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
Sorry, Sir. Kev, but that knocked Leicester's magic number down to 3. One more win and they are the champions.

I suppose Leicester could manage a total and truly historic collapse in the last three games, but after many months of anticipating a collapse that has never come, at some point I might just have to admit that they are for real.

Every team plays the "no one believed in us but us" card (seriously, I bet PSG said it when they clinched the French League back in January,) but it might actually be true for the Foxes.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Craig Dawson, you beautiful, beautiful man!
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
In more serious news, the jury at the inquest into the Hillsborough tragedy returned it's verdict today. In particular, they came down on a decision of unlawful killing of the ninety six people who died that day.

It's twenty seven years too late, but I hope this smattering of justice will be of some comfort and help to those impacted by those awful events.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
The game really can be beautiful! To quote the top story on the BBC News website "Leicester City win Premier League title".

Congratulations to Claudio Ranieri and co.
 

---

Posted by Doublethink. (# 1984) on :
 
I suspect some kind of heartwarming comedy drama about that will be along in a couple of years.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Just so long as it wasn't Spurs...
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
...Or Arsenal, or Liverpool.
 

---

Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on :
 
Michael Morpurgo has written a new fairy-tale, Fox and the Ghost, which was read on Radio 4 this morning.

If you can't guess the identity of the ghost I won't spoil it for you.

Well done the Foxes
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
...Or Arsenal, or Liverpool.

---

Right, given that it's Leicester rather than one of the usual suspects, I can't imagine anyone getting too too upset about the end of the season. (Does Leicester have a famous rival? Wiki suggests Forest, Derby, or Coventry, but if you were to list off the most heated rivalries in England, none of those would come to mind first, I don't think.)

Atletico go to Munich today with a 1-0 lead over the German giants. So 1-0 Bayern gets a shootout, otherwise Bayern needs to win by two. I'll be a lot more comfortable if Griezmann can slip through with an away goal, because I can't see this defense conceding three goals to anyone.
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
ANTOINE GRIIIIEZMANNNN!!!!

Griezmann proved to be the difference after all! Although I probably added quite a few gray hairs down the stretch. Going into a match knowing you are going to concede 70% of possession isn't good for your supporter's health, that's for sure.

I'll pull for City tomorrow, not because I think they would be an easier draw, but because I can't bring myself to root for Real. Still, part of me wants Real and a shot at revenge for Lisbon in the final.
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
Leicester's triumph of the "little team that can" reminds me of how Western Sydney Wanderers won the Asian Champions League in 2014, despite having less than 1/4 of the funds of most of the rich Chinese and Japanese clubs they beat.

But the Wanderers are a new club (less than 10 years old), and don't have Leicester's 100-year history of having won no trophies at all! Which makes Leicester's performance all the brighter, not least for those who bet on them at 5000 to 1! (longer odds, it is reported, than finding the Loch Ness monster or finding Elvis alive!)
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
News of Leicester's triumph has made North American soccer twitter and pundits and media wax lyrically about the greatest sports upset ever

causing media workmates who do not follow the game to wonder what the North American equivalent would be

causing a lot of umming and awwing because its just not really possible to replicate over here.


**********

In other news, TFC finally gets its first home game of the season 2 months after everybody else. Construction of a roof and it looks good now.

Picture link


31K regular capacity, making it the second largest capacity ground in the league (after Seattle's 40K) Yes, there are larger MLS stadiums used also for gridiron, but they usually rope off the upper sections.

First home game in 7 months.

[ 04. May 2016, 01:08: Message edited by: Og: Thread Killer ]
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
The Colorado Rapids are looking like the Leicester City of MLS! (Get used to it, that comparison is going to be done to death for the next 25 years.) The team has been pretty bad for the last few years, with absolutely no attacking punch. They signed aging USMNT stars Jermaine Jones and Tim Howard over the off-season, moves which were mostly seen as ticket sales drivers. (Howard in particular, who will be an upgrade at GK, but GK wasn't where they needed the upgrade.)

Low and behold, the team got off to a strong start while Jones was serving out a suspension from last season, and are now on fire, even showing the ability to fight back from behind! Jones is creating offensive havoc, and having a respected veteran in the locker room has worked wonders for the team's confidence. Howard should only help on that front.

So any predictions for the last day of the BPL? Will Spurs manage to stay ahead of Arsenal? Will Spurs get through the game without any more suspensions? Who gets relegated (today will play into that)? Are United doomed to years in the wilderness? Could winning the Cup save LVG or are they etching Jose's name on the manager's door this afternoon?

And how about the Championship playoffs? (Knowing little about any of the teams other than remembering hearing the fanciful name "Sheffield Wednesday" as a kid watching the one Premier League replay game we got in the USA in the 1990s, I have a soft spot for the Wednesday, but tell me if I should be pulling for someone else.)
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Spurs and Arsenal both play relegated sides at the weekend: I expect Newcastle will want to put up a show at home to Spurs while the dismal Villa are away at Arsenal. That is advantage Arsenal.

OTOH, Arsenal's casualty list is to Spurs advantage. Danny Welbeck will be out for nine months, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is out for at least three and Jack Wilshere has just made his second appearance of the season after his latest long-term injury. Just what is it about Arsenal? Is this something else that Wenger gets wrong time after time?

I'll be cheering Manchester City on to keep Manchester United out of the "Champions" League.

As for the Championship play-offs these are, like most things Championship, a lottery. Brighton were 15 points ahead of Sheffield Wednesday at the end of the season: that's equivalent to five wins, which must mean something. If I was a betting man I'd plump for Hull who have experience and that bit of class.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Well, Mike Ashley deserved that.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Og, King of Bashan:
... I have a soft spot for the Wednesday, but tell me if I should be pulling for someone else ...

---

My soft spot is Ipswich Town, for whom my late father-in-law had a season ticket (it's only an hour or so from where he lived). They're currently just south of the play-offs, but too many points behind the team above them to have any chance.

With Norwich having gone down, we'll get proper East Anglian derby matches again ...

I also have a slight soft spot for Newcastle; several of Ipswich's players from their Premiership days were transferred there after they were relegated, so I was sorry to see the Magpies go down.

A friend who lives near Durham posted a photograph on Facebook captioned Sun setting over St. James's Park - sadly appropriate today.


 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Can't say I'm surprised

The worst aspect of Martinez' reign at Everton has been that his first year in charge was good, and players like Barkley and Coleman came on a treat. Then he started to tinker with the defensive setup and he hasn't had the wit to change his ways.

I just hope we get a decent replacement who can take advice and recognise the need for Plan B when Plan A isn't working.
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
There is this thing in North America about having the national anthem(s) played before a sporting match.

Most of the time people kinda sing along or they stand there while some pop star or pop star wannabe sings it all.

In MLS, certain teams have taken to singing it full belt.

In Toronto, we sing it acapella.

31K - new stadium, loud, good fun. Team won. Decent beer. What more can one ask for in a match?
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
Koeman!
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I am no longer wearing my Spurs jersey outside of the house. Just as well, I don't come across many supporters in this part of the US. It was humiliating to see Arse'n'all get second when I'd been harassing one of my colleagues who is a school principal and rabid fan all year.


 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
I'd rather see United do something interesting for once than stay the course, so even though I was rooting for Palace, good on them for dumping LVG for Jose M. I still won't root for them, but good for them for dating a bad boy.

As for next weekend, if Wednesday win, I'm an owl as long as they last. And for the one that really matters, I see no way Atletico lose to Real. Mark it down now, Real with 70% possession, Atletico with revenge for Lisbon, 2-1. There is no way Cholo and co. beat Barcelona and Bayern and lose to the team with a lot of history that they usually beat.
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Og, King of Bashan:
…if Wednesday win, I'm an owl as long as they last.

---

I hope they win it. [Please!] The chance to play in this final may not roll around again for another 20-odd years.
Getting out of the Championship isn't going to get any easier. C'mon, Wednesday. Do it while you've got the chance!
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
Shootouts are the worst. That's all I really have to say about the UCL final. It was another valiant effort. Atletico actually looked to be the better attacking side for much of the match, but it just wasn't to be. There is apparently talk that Ramos was offside on the Real goal, but you know, that happens when you have guys rushing towards the goal to cover rebounds, and I'm not going to be upset about it.

It was nice to see Juanfran's letter to the fans on the Atletico Facebook page. He was grateful to be accepted into the stands to share his tears with the fans, and promises that they will be back and finish it off soon.

On to Copa America. (Oh, and isn't there some other second-rate competition going on as well? )
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I don't think Ramos was offside, tbh. But it was such a dull game. So boring! And of course, there was only one person who could be basically anonymous all night, score the winning penalty, and celebrate like he'd won the EuroWorldGalactic Cup. What a knob he is.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
I'd really like to call the press to a low, hot place for their criticism of Roy Hodgson's selection of Rooney, Vardy and Kane as a three-man front line last night.

For goodness sake, the whole purpose was to prepare for the European championships. Had we gone to France and failed without ever trying that combination up front he would have been panned: as it is, we know that three centre forwards, or even two plus a #10 doesn't work. Not with the other players selected anyway.

I think Roy has a thankless task. We have good players but conjuring up a team that is greater than the sum of its parts is very difficult (Ranieri's done it). I think we still need five in midfield and four in defence, as ball winning and retention appears our weakness which means we can only have a single striker.
 

---

Posted by quetzalcoatl (# 16740) on :
 
Yes, I find the level of negativity towards England, baffling. It's almost as if some people actually prefer a bad performance, then they can get into their invective.

Portugal are a pretty decent team, and obviously, they went into their shell after the red card.

Most of the England players looked out of sorts or out of position, but I don't see why we have to go into terminal gloom immediately. It's an experiment, FFS.

It's a collective kind of bipolar syndrome amongst critics, so that England are brilliant or complete shit.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
So then boys and girls, the Euros kick off tomorrow. Who are you supporting? Who are your tips for the title, and your dark horses?
 

---

Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
Germany.

Because I always do.

And I've got the shirt. It is far more cost efficient if I don't have to buy a new one.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Hedgehog - you could always buy Germany's alternative shirt, which is green. I'm sure they will wear it for a couple of games.

Back to my tip/curse: maybe they are a year past their best and Vincent Kompany is missing but I'm backing Belgium.
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
There is a Colorado Rapids team member (Shkëlzen Gashi) actually playing in the Euros. Unfortunately, he's playing for Albania. So for now, go Eagles!, but I'll likely be reassessing come the knockout round.

(Honestly, it has to be France, Germany, and everyone else, right?)

I'm more engaged in the Copa America these days, since my native side (USA) and my adopted number two (Uruguay) are involved.

That said, I'm not going to complain about the prospect of soccer from morning till night in my timezone.
 

---

Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Og, King of Bashan:
I'm more engaged in the Copa America these days, since my native side (USA) and my adopted number two (Uruguay) are involved.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
And Iceland come up against Ronaldo FC tonight. That should be good too!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
I see Wales has begun its inexorable march to the title!

---

I see no point in revising my earlier prediction. Must get my snacks ready for the Wales-Iceland final...

Meanwhile, in the Copa, Mexico did a truly spectacular flame-out. If you are going to crash out, do it in a way that everybody will remember!

USA-Argentina tomorrow night. That could get messy (and, yes, I know the pun is just sitting there, but I refuse to use it).
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
I see Wales has begun its inexorable march to the title!

---

I see no point in revising my earlier prediction. Must get my snacks ready for the Wales-Iceland final...

---

There's a chance Iceland could play England in the last 16 and I wouldn't rule anything out after that.

I wasn't surprised that Roy Hodgson changed England's team - three games in nine days is a lot of running - but some of those coming in simply weren't match-fit and one wonders why they in France at all.

Roy has also said that "We couldn't have done more" which shows he has fallen for the old English failing that passion and effort can overcome a lack of skill and tactical nous.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
So, does yesterday's vote mean that England are out of the Euros now?
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
I see another competition has become extremely dire in the knock out rounds as teams.

Well Wales and NI was always going to be a poor affair but Croatia and Portugal has so much promise.
 

---

Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
So, does yesterday's vote mean that England are out of the Euros now?

---

Yes.

The England players voted to be out of the Euros, and now seem somewhat puzzled that they are being asked to go home. They are explaining now that they would be happy to stay in the tournament if they could just renegotiate some of the rules of the game. Like, for example, maybe they should be spotted a few goals at the start of every game.

And Iceland moves on.
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
To me, it was one of those upsets that you could see coming from a mile away. Iceland was having a surprisingly good tournament, England was having a typical middling tournament, it just seemed bound to happen.

And now on to the quarter finals. I'm sure we don't need to remind any Germany fans around here (ahem...Hedgehog...ahem) that Italy have never lost a tournament match to Germany. Just throwing it out there, you know.
 

---

Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
It has been a tournament of surprises. Maybe Germany can surprise everybody by actually beating Italy for a change!
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I have to confess that there was cheering chez Piglet when we heard about the Iceland-England result (even though D. is English).

I love to see the little guy win, and if he's from somewhere with a sideways cross on its flag, it warms the cockles of this northerly little piglet's heart.

Well done Iceland!
 

---

Posted by Mr Clingford (# 7961) on :
 
This was posted on another forum:
"We let them score a couple of goals as a protest. We didn't think they'd actually win the match..."
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
At least Woy has got something right. I wonder if there any Australian football coachess around? Eddie Jones has done a marvellous job to turn our good rugby team into one that can "win ugly" and his positive "Aussie-ness" has played a big part.
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
We only have one and we need him.
 

---

Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 
Neither Celtic Knotweed nor I are football fans,I think between us we had watched some zero minutes of the Euros thus far, but as we are in Reykjavik we couldn't really not go to the fan zone.

It was as much a bear pit as you might imagine, helped by a commentator whose voice rose about four octaves as the match went on. The guy in the crowd with a drum leading the Oo"Oo! Clapclap" chant was fished out and brought on stage to do it from in front of the big screens and the place just erupted when the final whistle went. I was gutted when England got a penalty so early, thought they would kill the game, so went as crazy as the locals when the equaliser went in.

What a night!

AG
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
England seems to be also losing at the whole "learning lessons from that mess" thing.

A lot of "how could we lose to that country" instead of "why did we only win 1 game in 4?"
 

---

Posted by Callan (# 525) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Clingford:
This was posted on another forum:
"We let them score a couple of goals as a protest. We didn't think they'd actually win the match..."

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
I see Wales has begun its inexorable march to the title!

---

I see no point in revising my earlier prediction. Must get my snacks ready for the Wales-Iceland final...

---

I still see no point in revising....

Seriously, Wales are playing out of their minds right now. The take-down of Belgium was truly impressive.
 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
Hurrah for Wales!

Wales for the Cup
 

---

Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on :
 
English FA take note of what happened in Lille last night ...
 

---

Posted by balaam (# 4543) on :
 
Wales have got a good chance of getting to the final.

Both they and Portugal are teams built around a star player, and Gareth Bale is on better form than Cristiano Ronaldo.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by balaam:
Wales have got a good chance of getting to the final.

Both they and Portugal are teams built around a star player, and Gareth Bale is on better form than Cristiano Ronaldo.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
I think they are wiped out after the quarterfinal.

---

quote:

---

48.01 As a rule, a player who is sent off the field of play is suspended for the next match in the competition. In case of serious offences, the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body is entitled to augment this punishment, including by extending it to other competitions.

48.02 In case of repeated cautions:

*********

b. in the final tournament, a player is suspended for the next competition match after two cautions in two different matches, as well as after the fourth caution.

***********

48.04 Single cautions from matches in the final tournament expire on completion of the quarter-finals. They are not carried forward to the semi-finals.

48.05 Cautions and pending yellow-card suspensions from the final tournament expire at the end of the competition.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
Germany finally managed to get by Italy.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sandemaniac:
Iceland's dream ends, but by Odin what a ride it was! I can get back on with ignoring it again now.

AG AGson

---

I caught part of the match (including the first of the Iceland goals) before we had to go out. It was pouring with rain, and just as we left the house there was a flash of lightning and a fairly spectacular roll of thunder, and D. said, "That'll be Thor registering his displeasure that the Icelanders are being stuffed by the French". I'm glad to hear they knocked in another goal - they really had nothing to be ashamed of.

Piglet Pigletsðottir

[ 04. July 2016, 03:16: Message edited by: Piglet ]
 

---

Posted by rolyn (# 16840) on :
 
Welsh dream been undone by a Portugal who finally decided to come out from the locker room.

The final will be tight as often they are.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by rolyn:
Welsh dream been undone by a Portugal who finally decided to come out from the locker room.

The final will be tight as often they are.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by rolyn:
The entertainment value of tomorrow's Final will depend quite a lot on the Ronaldo's form, and how much attention the French team have to lend it.

---

1. Top four, in order.
2. The three to be relegated (in no specific order)
3. FA Cup winners
4. Champions' League winner
5. Sack race winner (Premier League only)

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
What are your predictions for the new season?

---

After last year's win, pluck will struggle to stay out of relegation I fear. Hype will return to the top of the table. Hope will not do as well as last season, dropping from second down to mid table I think. Greed to finish a close second, moving up from last season's third slot. Quality football will get a Champions League place this season but not much more.

And no, those terms are not code for any particular teams.

I watched part of the Man U Bournemouth game last week, heard Ibra had "found his utopia" and promptly

I do enjoy the football but the other stuff that goes on is turning me off.

Like everybody else, loved when the Foxes won last season but 20+ years of hearing "Manchester United" or "Liverpool" or "Chelsea" or "Manchester City" or "Arsenal" invoked as if they were the most important things in the world has turned me off the EPL. I will follow the results and keep tabs on Liverpool proceedings but the rest of it I just can't stand anymore.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Why?

Chelsea have re-signed a player who was a liability in the Premiership and confirmed that in the 2014 World Cup as part of the Brazil team beaten 7-1 by Germany.

What has possessed them to spend £34 million on a 29 year old defender who can't defend? I know they have more money than sense, but I didn't realise it was that much money and that little sense. PSG can't believe their luck!
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Yeah, from a footballing point of view, it's a bit of an odd one. But Chelsea are desperate for another centre half, and we were having trouble recruiting any of our other targets. The more weird part is that various reputable people are reporting the neither club were very keen on the idea, but David and his agent pushed it because he was keen to return to London. I can't blame him!

From a supporter's point of view (at least, from this supporter's point of view!) it's a brilliant signing. Stuff happens when David is on the field, at both ends. There will be considerably fewer dull moments at Stamford Bridge because of this signing, and I think that's great.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
So, my Swedish team, Långholmen FC clinched the Stockholm Division 5 Mellar title yesterday afternoon with a convincing 1-3 away win over title rivals Boo FF. A much-needed antidote to Chelsea's dismal, dismal performance at the Emirates.
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
MLS supporters shield (best regular season record) is down to Sunday's games. All my Colorado Rapids have to do is beat last place Houston in Denver and we win. Last to best in one season, and all anyone will talk about is the NFL Broncos.
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
I was wrong about the opponent and location (at Portland, actually,) and the Rapids suffered a 1-0 loss, leaving them in second place. On to the playoffs.

At least Dallas won the West, meaning that since they had already clinched a spot in the CONCACAF Champion's League through winning the US Open Cup, the top finisher in the West spot goes to the Rapids. So there's also that to look forward to.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
DC United beat Fake City 3-1 yesterday, and we're on the way to the playoffs. I'm sure another agonising defeat to the other New York team is just around the corner...
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
At the risk of revealing myself to be the dirty bandwagon jumper that I am...

My bad, one more week before the playoffs. My Rapids are two points behind Dallas, so we need to beat Houston in Denver (that part was right) and hope for a Dallas loss.
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
DC United beat Fake City 3-1 yesterday, and we're on the way to the playoffs. I'm sure another agonising defeat to the other New York team is just around the corner...

---

Didn't quite work out that way.

Playoff game report - TFC on a cold Wednesday night in front of 21K, smallest crowd of the season but almost completely made up of the long time faithful. Loud, smokey, and boisterous ending in a glorious 3-1 win. Team played with more commitment then I've ever seen - heck, Giovinco had more tackles then he had almost the whole of the season.

Onto play the Man City B team tomorrow night. Two teams who think offence first. First leg matches tend to be low scoring affairs but TFC didn't approach it that way in the Voyageurs (Canadian Cup).
 

---

Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
These days people seem to be taking offense at so many things and are so intolerant of other views that I found it quite refreshing to read this story about A German Team that not only was able to take a joke, but joined in on it!

I kind of want one of those scarves myself--and I'm a Kaiserslautern fan!
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
The Rapids are through on another gritty ugly grind it out with hard tackles and win 1-0 victory over L.A. It actually took penalties, since it was a two-leg tie, but that's when it pays to have the greatest American goalie of all time on your team. On to the Conference Finals!
 

---

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
Big match on the international front tonight, as the USA hosts Mexico in the first game of the Hexagonal WC qualification tournament. Both teams are likely to end up in Russia in 2018, but you don't want to drop games at home, especially to a rival.

In North America, we have a tradition of "CONCACAF Gamesmanship." Fans and confederations go out of their way to make road trips as difficult as possible for the visiting team, from the moment they show up in country until the end of the game. Crappy hotels, fans blocking bus access to stadiums, nasty and personal chanting, the whole nine yards. It's why road trips against relatively middling teams like Guatemala and Honduras can be beasts.

For years, we in the USA pretended that we were above this. Until they realized that we should always schedule games against Mexico in cities with smallish Mexican populations, to ensure true home field advantage. So it's become a tradition to play this one in Columbus, Ohio, where the USA has a string of 2-0 wins over Mexico. It's known as "Dos a Zero".

Given tensions in the country at this moment, I would accept Dos a Uno (2-1) this time around.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
...Cue jokes about Mexicans curling one around the American wall...


 

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Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
Yeah, that wasn't quite the 2-1 I was hoping for. Now I just hope Tim Howard's injury won't keep him out against Seattle next week.
 

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Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
And Klinsmann's outa here--about time. I'd be happy with Arena or Bradley coming back, though I think we have a lot of good coaches in the US. I think Caleb Porter would be a good choice, though I want to keep him in Portland for a while...
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Playoff football, eh?
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Og: Thread Killer:
Playoff football, eh?

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Do you mean playoff football where they don't know the correct dimensions for the field?
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Yes, the rumour has it the Montreal Impact staff gave the dimensions in metres and the Big Owe staff put it down in yards - it was down like that for 5 days but as nobody looked at the field from on high, it didn't get noticed until the ref paced it off. Complete farce.

BUT, that game was well...woof. 61K, loud as stink, astro turf out of the early 90's playing right into Montreal's speed demon ways. Go up 3-0, TFC look dead and buried and then...boom...tactical adjustment pulls IMFC's 3 DM's out of shape and 2 away goals.

Now TFC have to win at home but that is certainly better then having to score 4.

I look forward to minus 3 with the wind off the lake freezing my butt off with 36K other people - should be great fun.
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Never been in a stadium where the concrete sections bounced before.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Would that I had found the schedule yesterday - 5-0 not something Spurs find everyday!
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
Would that I had found the schedule yesterday - 5-0 not something Spurs find everyday!

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From what I saw Swansea were lucky to get nil. Spurs could have had ten and the match should have been stopped as "no contest" after an hour.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Odd that the Spurs fan pipes up this week, not last.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I'm onto of the world! Looking forward to taking over first place in the league this weekend.


 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
How has the club of Sir Matt Busby and Bobby Charlton come so low?

OK, they are iconic figures and Charlton the first that comes to mind amongst a whole crop of gifted players, many of whom were cut down very early, but the sense of entitlement that grew under Sir Alex Ferguson (a great man in many other ways) and which was typified by Roy Keane's behaviour towards referees has found a new peak (or plumbed new depths) under Jose Mourinho's latest outburst.

I'll be supporting the Redshite against them from now on, something I thought I'd never do.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Oh come on. Surely you can't support Liverpool against anybody??!!
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Oh come on. Surely you can't support Liverpool against anybody??!!

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That's what I always thought, but right now I do. I don't feel good about it you understand, rather like the Neil Hamilton v Mohammed Fayed court case from years ago.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I presume you were still wishing good things on Wolves yesterday though?
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
I presume you were still wishing good things on Wolves yesterday though?

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I was and I am still congratulating them!
Congratulations to Lincoln City and Sutton United on beating league opposition rated far higher.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
God willing I shan't be missing any more winning four-nil Spurs matches due to faults in the television schedules!




 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
There's about a foot of snow outside right now.
The new season starts in less then a month. These two things are kinda hard to keep in balance.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I have nothing to say here that could be printed in a family website that could be printed here!

What if my Tottenham side showed up in their snappy white and blue uniforms but refused to play? Did they flush the match down the drain? Did they take bribes?

I was looking forward to another win, like the high-scoring ones I missed.

My beer stein of choice which was my favourite and held two pints was relegated to a 12-ounce glass bearing the figure of Donald Duck!z
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Leicester have sacked Claudio Ranieri. I guess it was kinda inevitable, but I find it quite sad all the same. Last year was a glorious fluke. Leicester should probably be in the relegation scrap, so this season has just been regression to the mean. And he gets the boot for it. Poor guy.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Dunno if we've been numerically eliminated from first place or not....
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Still twelve games to go, so there's 36 points to play for. Our lead is currently 10 points, so it's certainly not mathematically certain.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
How about Son's hat trick yesterday?


 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Am I the only Premier League supporter here who has seen the gorgeous and exciting new stadium nearing completion at White Hart Lane? There are all sorts of interactive features on the web site.

The multi-purpose tour de force is nearing completion and should be all sorted before the end of next year. I want a flat down the road apiece!


 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Well, the FA Cup semi final between Tottenham and Chelsea was a game and a half. In London parlance, we mugged them right off!

Matić with an archetypal "thunderbastard" to win the game, and the Spurs end emptying with ten minutes still to play were glorious sights to behold! Well worth catching the highlights, if you can.
 

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Posted by balaam (# 4543) on :
 
Last season, in early March it was announced that if Leeds failed to make the play offs then season tickets would be refunded.

Form a nice queue at ElLand Road.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Go on, who cannot see some connection between Newcastle United being investigated by the taxman for illegal payments and their sponsorship by Wonga.com?
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
Well, the FA Cup semi final between Tottenham and Chelsea was a game and a half.

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Not so fast! Let's see if you're still smirking on Sunday!

 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Well, there is a mathematical probability of exactly zero that you'll be ahead of us by the end of Sunday, so I think I'll be alright.
 

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Posted by Sipech (# 16870) on :
 
A great final north London derby at White Hart Lane. We now have an insurmountable lead over Arse&all, and when you look at a combined league from the last two seasons, Spurs have been far and away consistently the best team in the Premiership.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Do they give out a trophy for that?

It's kinda odd how, as Tottenham climb to ascendancy in North London, they are also taking over the Gooners' habits of defining meaningless metrics by which they prove they are the best. No more 'fourth place trophy' for Arsenal, but apparently Spurs have won the 'consistently the best over two seasons' cup.
 

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Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
...And Tottenham have Spursed it up again.

In fairness, it was a bit late this year, but did anyone ever seriously doubt that it was coming at some point?
 

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Posted by Ariston (# 10894) on :
 
It's an oddly satisfying and unexpected thing to see the counter reset.
 

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Posted by balaam (# 4543) on :
 
I was too bust gloating elsewhere, that I forgot about this thread. Watch out, Huddersfield Town are coming.

I hope they change the away shirt for next season, there's no evidence of any being worn round here.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
If our best junior players are managed well, stay fit and get game time in the Premier League things could be looking up for England, who have just won the Under-17 World Cup!
 

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Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
Qualifying for the next World Cup is now completed.

Australia just made it after 2 playoff games (against Syria and Honduras). They look good in possession, but lack a decent striker. Tim Cahill (who has scored in each of the previous 3 WCs) is still a threat, but the best two strikers playing in
Australia this season are both ineligible. Besart Berisha is Albanian, and Sam Kerr with 27 goals in her last 23 matches is the pin-up girl of the Matildas (Australia's' very successful women's team.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
This isn't quite in the rarefied stratosphere of football usually celebrated on this thread, but I think the following from today's Scottish Highland League results is worthy of a mention:

Brora Rangers 16 Fort William 0

Maybe Fort William don't have a goalie ...

I can just imagine hearing James Alexander-Gordon or Tim Gudgin reading that out.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
This isn't quite in the rarefied stratosphere of football usually celebrated on this thread, but I think the following from today's Scottish Highland League results is worthy of a mention:

Brora Rangers 16 Fort William 0

Maybe Fort William don't have a goalie ...

I can just imagine hearing James Alexander-Gordon or Tim Gudgin reading that out.

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Or left the drawbridge down.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I think they must have done!
 

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Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
It’s been a rough Champions League run for my preferred side, Atletico Madrid, so far. So rough, in fact, that we need a win at Chelsea today, together with a Roma loss (or maybe tie?) against the Azeri champions, to not be eliminated.

Probably a long shot, but there’s always hope. Worst thing happens today, we probably still have a good shot at lighting up the Europa League with Costa coming back in January.
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Watched my locals win the treble this year.

Stood with my kid behind the goal for the final - too bad the goals scored were at the other end.

But it was glorious.

The National Anthem sung by 30K acapella and at full voice.

Then a full throated singing of "We are the Champions" at the end.
 

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Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
In his first game back in red and white, Diego Costa came in off the bench as a sub and scored in his first five minutes on the pitch.

Sure, it was against a third-division team in the Copa del Rey. But it's great to have him back.
 

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Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
Two games two goals and one red card for Diego Costa. Sounds about right.
 

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