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Big sunday in England.
Manchester United - Liverpool.
Chelsea - Arsenal.
Manchester United - Liverpool.
Chelsea - Arsenal.
Official Football Thread
- Thread starter national acrobat
- Start date
Back in the Village
Invader
IMAddicted said:Big sunday in England.
Manchester United - Liverpool.
Chelsea - Arsenal.
Big indeed and a big weekend for Manchester United, now five points clear. Arsenal now drop to third and Chelsea are going to push all the way it seems.
The Mascherano incident was a hotly debated one. Should he have been sent off? Firstly he gets rightly booked for a cynical challenge and berates the ref whilst being booked. He then continued to question the referee everytime a decision went against Liverpool. In total he pestered the ref five times before Bennett sent him packing. You could tell by the reaction of teammate Alonso and Benitez that Mascherano was in danger.
Following on from Ashley Cole in midweek refs obvioulsy had instructions to clamp down on dissent and this high profile game has been used as an example, and righltly so. It is about time players were more respectful of the officials. I know passions run high and players have a win at all costs mentality but so do rugby players and they dont treat the officials in the same way.
Dr. Eddies Wingman
Brighter than thousand_suns
What makes Mascherano's behavior look even more stupid is the fact that
- In the situation in question, Liverpool got the free kick they wanted
- Fernando Torres had already been booked for verbally abusing Bennett.
Ashley Cole on Wednesday was a chapter on his own - complaining about a yellow card for that tackle? He should have fallen down on his knees thanking the ref for not showing him the red card instead.
It sure looks good for United now - five points clear of Chelsea and with Arsenal out of form. United could clinch the title with as little as four wins in the last seven, but what would be sweeter than securing it with a win at Stamford Bridge? I'd really, really love it. (Oh shit, I'm starting to sound like Kevin Keegan
)
- In the situation in question, Liverpool got the free kick they wanted
- Fernando Torres had already been booked for verbally abusing Bennett.
Ashley Cole on Wednesday was a chapter on his own - complaining about a yellow card for that tackle? He should have fallen down on his knees thanking the ref for not showing him the red card instead.
It sure looks good for United now - five points clear of Chelsea and with Arsenal out of form. United could clinch the title with as little as four wins in the last seven, but what would be sweeter than securing it with a win at Stamford Bridge? I'd really, really love it. (Oh shit, I'm starting to sound like Kevin Keegan
)
Forostar
Ancient Mariner
Hiddink pens new Russia deal
Manager to stay with Russia until 2010 World Cup
Guus Hiddink has signed a new contract to keep him as Russia manager until the 2010 World Cup.
Hiddink had always indicated that he would put pen-to-paper on an extension, but it has taken some time for the agreement to be finalised.
"Hiddink signed his contract this evening (Monday)," said a spokesman for the Russian Football Union. "It is now official."
No financial details of the deal have been disclosed, although Russian media have speculated that Hiddink was looking for some compensation for taxes.
The Dutchman's contract had been set to expire in July after Euro 2008.
Russia qualified for this summer's competition by finishing second in their group ahead of England.
They will face Sweden, Spain and holders Greece at Euro 2008.
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England's centurions / Beckham set to join elite group
David Beckham looks set to become only the fifth player to win 100 caps for England.
The former captain has been named in Fabio Capello's squad for the friendly international with France in Paris next Wednesday. Here, skysports.com looks at the elite group of players who have made it to three figures with the Three Lions.
PETER SHILTON (125 caps)
A fixture in the England team in a position that Fabio Capello would dearly love to find his own undisputed first choice. Shilton's poise and composure in goal earned him 10 clean sheets in three different World Cup tournaments. He remains England's most capped player and were it not for the presence of challenger Ray Clemence, he may have set an even larger total. With in excess of 1,000 competitive appearances under his belt and a front-row seat in much of his country's recent history, his is a formidable career.
BOBBY MOORE (108)
As England's only World Cup-winning captain, Moore's legacy is unlikely to be eclipsed. His 108 caps saw Moore establish a reputation not only as a fine - and fair - proponent of the defensive arts but also the respect of fans, team-mates and opponents, including esteemed rival Pele, as an inimitable leader. He captained his nation 90 times - a record he shares with Billy Wright - and often found his best form on the biggest stage.
BOBBY CHARLTON (106)
Charlton can boast not only of being an England centurion but also of owning a World Cup winners' medal and being named European Footballer of the year in 1966. The Manchester United legend - who was a survivor from the Munich air disaster - ended his international career with 49 goals, a record Michael Owen is actively chasing. And if the Newcastle striker matches Charlton in terms of stature and achievement as well as goals, he will be doing well.
BILLY WRIGHT (105)
Like Moore, Wright captained England on 90 occasions - a stint encompassing three consecutive World Cups. The Wolves legend, whose presence remains at Molineux in the form of a statue, was also the first player in football to play 100 games for their country. He was a stout defender whose resilience - he made 70 consecutive England appearances while in possession of the armband - was notable.
Manager to stay with Russia until 2010 World Cup
Guus Hiddink has signed a new contract to keep him as Russia manager until the 2010 World Cup.
Hiddink had always indicated that he would put pen-to-paper on an extension, but it has taken some time for the agreement to be finalised.
"Hiddink signed his contract this evening (Monday)," said a spokesman for the Russian Football Union. "It is now official."
No financial details of the deal have been disclosed, although Russian media have speculated that Hiddink was looking for some compensation for taxes.
The Dutchman's contract had been set to expire in July after Euro 2008.
Russia qualified for this summer's competition by finishing second in their group ahead of England.
They will face Sweden, Spain and holders Greece at Euro 2008.
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England's centurions / Beckham set to join elite group
David Beckham looks set to become only the fifth player to win 100 caps for England.
The former captain has been named in Fabio Capello's squad for the friendly international with France in Paris next Wednesday. Here, skysports.com looks at the elite group of players who have made it to three figures with the Three Lions.
PETER SHILTON (125 caps)
A fixture in the England team in a position that Fabio Capello would dearly love to find his own undisputed first choice. Shilton's poise and composure in goal earned him 10 clean sheets in three different World Cup tournaments. He remains England's most capped player and were it not for the presence of challenger Ray Clemence, he may have set an even larger total. With in excess of 1,000 competitive appearances under his belt and a front-row seat in much of his country's recent history, his is a formidable career.
BOBBY MOORE (108)
As England's only World Cup-winning captain, Moore's legacy is unlikely to be eclipsed. His 108 caps saw Moore establish a reputation not only as a fine - and fair - proponent of the defensive arts but also the respect of fans, team-mates and opponents, including esteemed rival Pele, as an inimitable leader. He captained his nation 90 times - a record he shares with Billy Wright - and often found his best form on the biggest stage.
BOBBY CHARLTON (106)
Charlton can boast not only of being an England centurion but also of owning a World Cup winners' medal and being named European Footballer of the year in 1966. The Manchester United legend - who was a survivor from the Munich air disaster - ended his international career with 49 goals, a record Michael Owen is actively chasing. And if the Newcastle striker matches Charlton in terms of stature and achievement as well as goals, he will be doing well.
BILLY WRIGHT (105)
Like Moore, Wright captained England on 90 occasions - a stint encompassing three consecutive World Cups. The Wolves legend, whose presence remains at Molineux in the form of a statue, was also the first player in football to play 100 games for their country. He was a stout defender whose resilience - he made 70 consecutive England appearances while in possession of the armband - was notable.
Forostar
Ancient Mariner
Austria-Netherlands: 3-4(!)
Vey bad first half of the Netherlands (3-0 behind!) and a good second half, winning deserved in the end. First time in the history of football that the Netherlands won a match after being 3 goals behind.
Some more results, some of them pretty remarkable, if I may say so:
Romania - Russia: 3-0
Slovakia - Iceland: 0-2
Montenegro - Norway: 3-1
Portugal - Greece: 1-2
Poland - USA: 0-3
France - England: 1-0
Scotland - Croata: 1-1
(Spain-Italy is not finished yet and tomorrow there will be some more matches)
edit: what a silence in this topic.... alright guys, continue the Premier (and other) League(s) talks
Vey bad first half of the Netherlands (3-0 behind!) and a good second half, winning deserved in the end. First time in the history of football that the Netherlands won a match after being 3 goals behind.
Some more results, some of them pretty remarkable, if I may say so:
Romania - Russia: 3-0
Slovakia - Iceland: 0-2
Montenegro - Norway: 3-1
Portugal - Greece: 1-2
Poland - USA: 0-3
France - England: 1-0
Scotland - Croata: 1-1
(Spain-Italy is not finished yet and tomorrow there will be some more matches)
edit: what a silence in this topic.... alright guys, continue the Premier (and other) League(s) talks
Dr. Eddies Wingman
Brighter than thousand_suns
Considering Norway's performance yesterday, I think I'll mainly keep silent for some time 
national acrobat
Ancient Mariner
Delighted for Beckham reaching 100 caps - he should really have reached the landmark under that moron Mclaren. He proved against Croatia that he still has the ability to change a match, from the substitute bench if not from the start.
I didn't manage to watch the England-France match on Wednesday, but I heard it was a pretty dire affair. I don't have any complaints about Capello's team selection, although I would've liked to have seen Cashley Arsehole taught a lesson by being dropped. I'd much prefer Wayne Bridge in that position anyway.
I didn't manage to watch the England-France match on Wednesday, but I heard it was a pretty dire affair. I don't have any complaints about Capello's team selection, although I would've liked to have seen Cashley Arsehole taught a lesson by being dropped. I'd much prefer Wayne Bridge in that position anyway.
Albie
Keeping an open eye on the Weeping Angels.
Peter Shilton was the last 'keeper to wear an England Shirt where people could confidently say - England's no 1 is the Worlds no 1. Of his successors only David Seaman comes somewhere close to the pedigree of 'keeper that England used to have at their disposal - and I had such high hopes for Paul Robinson.Forostar said:PETER SHILTON (125 caps)
A fixture in the England team in a position that Fabio Capello would dearly love to find his own undisputed first choice. Shilton's poise and composure in goal earned him 10 clean sheets in three different World Cup tournaments. He remains England's most capped player and were it not for the presence of challenger Ray Clemence, he may have set an even larger total. With in excess of 1,000 competitive appearances under his belt and a front-row seat in much of his country's recent history, his is a formidable career.
As for Becks - NA, I agree - Maclaren should of handed him his 100th. But well done that man anyroad.
I never saw the game either and I too have heard the game was poor - but give this Capello time and I am sure he will come good. The players England have are better than what has been reported about - after all, there must be something like 10 or 12* English players (not retired from international duties) that should feature in the impending Champions League quarter finals.
And probably almost the same in the semi's as Arsenal will not make it.
*Quick head count and I got 12 - Rooney, Ferdinand, Brown, Neville G, Carrick, Hargreaves, Cole J, Cole A, Lampard, Terry, Gerrard and (the token Arsenal Englishman) Walcott.
national acrobat
Ancient Mariner
I was thinking about this yesterday, Albie, and I managed to make not just a team, but a squad, from the three English teams in the Champions League:
Carson (on loan from Liverpool)
Brown
Ferdinand
Terry
Bridge
Cole J
Hargreaves
Gerrard
Lampard
Wright-Phillips
Rooney
Subs:
Foster
Carragher
Cole A
Carrick
Pennant
Crouch
And that's pretty much England's first-choice team. Anyone who says England's players aren't as good as they're made out to be is delusional: players such as Rooney, Terry, Gerrard, Ferdinand and Joe Cole regularly excel for their clubs at the very top, i.e. in the Champions League against the other top players in the world.
Carson (on loan from Liverpool)
Brown
Ferdinand
Terry
Bridge
Cole J
Hargreaves
Gerrard
Lampard
Wright-Phillips
Rooney
Subs:
Foster
Carragher
Cole A
Carrick
Pennant
Crouch
And that's pretty much England's first-choice team. Anyone who says England's players aren't as good as they're made out to be is delusional: players such as Rooney, Terry, Gerrard, Ferdinand and Joe Cole regularly excel for their clubs at the very top, i.e. in the Champions League against the other top players in the world.
Albie
Keeping an open eye on the Weeping Angels.
When you think about it like that, it does look good. So why do they under perform at times?
The only arguments I have heard is that players like Rooney are helped out by someone like Ronaldo playing alongside them. England don't really have that calibre of player, they say. England's midfield is as good as most and so that argument does not hold much weight for me.
Motivation is another - they would rather play for their team than England. Possible, but that really would be the same for any one else (Italy, France, etc). But what better accolade for any player than to play at the highest level in international football?
The only arguments I have heard is that players like Rooney are helped out by someone like Ronaldo playing alongside them. England don't really have that calibre of player, they say. England's midfield is as good as most and so that argument does not hold much weight for me.
Motivation is another - they would rather play for their team than England. Possible, but that really would be the same for any one else (Italy, France, etc). But what better accolade for any player than to play at the highest level in international football?
national acrobat
Ancient Mariner
Agree on the point about abobut Ronaldo helping Rooney etc. If there's a difference between Gerrard and Rooney, and Ronaldo and Torres, it's not by much.
On the subject of motivation, this hadn't even crossed my mind until yesterday, when I heard ex-player Alvin Martin on the radio expressing his opinion that quite a few of the England players would rather not play for their national team, as they'd rather not get all the agro that comes with it. I can't pinpoint anyone in the squad who this might apply to though - not Beckham or Owen, maybe, but other than those two I can't think of any player who seems 100% committed (and anyway that probably doesn't apply to Owen anymore).
For whatever reason, when all these highly talented players come together, the ingredients make a mess. We've now got one of the best coaches in the world in charge, so if a modicum of success doesn't happen under Capello, then something is seriously wrong.
On the subject of motivation, this hadn't even crossed my mind until yesterday, when I heard ex-player Alvin Martin on the radio expressing his opinion that quite a few of the England players would rather not play for their national team, as they'd rather not get all the agro that comes with it. I can't pinpoint anyone in the squad who this might apply to though - not Beckham or Owen, maybe, but other than those two I can't think of any player who seems 100% committed (and anyway that probably doesn't apply to Owen anymore).
For whatever reason, when all these highly talented players come together, the ingredients make a mess. We've now got one of the best coaches in the world in charge, so if a modicum of success doesn't happen under Capello, then something is seriously wrong.
Albie
Keeping an open eye on the Weeping Angels.
Agreed.national acrobat said:
On to the subject of domestic football and I have just read a small piece on Southend and how Steve Tilson is pleased with the goals sources (source).
What is pleasing about Southend is that they are, in league 1, the second most prolific goal scorers away from home and the third overall - yet not one Southend player features in the top ten goal scorers in that league. That has to be good as it implies they are not reliant on one striker to score - that could be out of form or injured. It works out that 2 out of every 3 goals scored by Southend have come from the midfield or defence. And this is working well, judging by their placement in the table - and their current form.
national acrobat
Ancient Mariner
That certainly is good news. The usual way to battle your way out of League 1 is to have a striker who'll get you 20-25 goals a season. Apart from the problem arising when such a striker gets injured, it's often the case that prolific goalscorers don't have much else to their game and when they're not scoring they're not doing a lot at all, but just adding extra weight.
QPR are pretty free-scoring at the moment too (9 in the last 3), and our top-scorer is a midfilder, Buzsaky. I saw this goal from the other end, and it looked to me at the time like a complete mis-kick. But then I heard on the radio, they called it a wonder-strike or something, so I figured I must have missed it live. I'm still not sure though.
QPR are pretty free-scoring at the moment too (9 in the last 3), and our top-scorer is a midfilder, Buzsaky. I saw this goal from the other end, and it looked to me at the time like a complete mis-kick. But then I heard on the radio, they called it a wonder-strike or something, so I figured I must have missed it live. I'm still not sure though.
Albie
Keeping an open eye on the Weeping Angels.
In an age when Football is becoming known for its avarice more than anything else, how pleasing is it to see a club do this for its supporters: Free Uefa tickets for Gers fans. Nice gesture, I thought.
As a footnote, it looks more likely that Rangers will win the SPL this season - and on the same day that saw St Mirren ensure their own safety by condemning Gretna to the second tier of Scottish football, I'm happy with it all.
As a footnote, it looks more likely that Rangers will win the SPL this season - and on the same day that saw St Mirren ensure their own safety by condemning Gretna to the second tier of Scottish football, I'm happy with it all.
Dr. Eddies Wingman
Brighter than thousand_suns
Quite a nice afternoon yesterday. After doing boring things like buying new jeans and getting my hair cut, I felt like going to a pub to watch footy. So I did, and spent 6 hours there 
The last half hour of the Old Firm - tense and filled with temperament. Then Reading vs Blackburn, very entertaining for a 0-0-game. 3-2 for Rovers would be a result better describing how the teams played. Then it was time for the main course, Man United vs Aston Villa. One of United's best performances this season, no doubt. Finally, for dessert, the second half of the opening match of the 2008 season of the Norwegian league. 2005 league winners Vålerenga beat elevator team Aalesund (promoted three times and relegated twice since 2002) by 1-0. Quite entertaining match, this last one, as well. Add to that the fact that the Three Lions pub has some of the best burgers in Trondheim and you have the recipy for a very nice day.
Our local team Fredrikstad opened today, losing 4-2away against the reigning league champions Brann. We had 2-2 with ten minutes to go and blew a tremendous opportunity, then the bastards scored in their next attack. Ouch. Another in the post for us right after that, and then they got their 4-2 as a result of us throwing everything into their half. Crap.
The last half hour of the Old Firm - tense and filled with temperament. Then Reading vs Blackburn, very entertaining for a 0-0-game. 3-2 for Rovers would be a result better describing how the teams played. Then it was time for the main course, Man United vs Aston Villa. One of United's best performances this season, no doubt. Finally, for dessert, the second half of the opening match of the 2008 season of the Norwegian league. 2005 league winners Vålerenga beat elevator team Aalesund (promoted three times and relegated twice since 2002) by 1-0. Quite entertaining match, this last one, as well. Add to that the fact that the Three Lions pub has some of the best burgers in Trondheim and you have the recipy for a very nice day.
Our local team Fredrikstad opened today, losing 4-2away against the reigning league champions Brann. We had 2-2 with ten minutes to go and blew a tremendous opportunity, then the bastards scored in their next attack. Ouch. Another in the post for us right after that, and then they got their 4-2 as a result of us throwing everything into their half. Crap.
Back in the Village
Invader
Nice to see Rooney end his little barren run and score two goals against Villa. You could see the frustration growing with every missed chance, although to his credit his overall game remained superb. The timing is just right for the tough away leg to Roma tomorro evening. Based on last year I'd be happy witha defeat so long as we keep it to a one goal deficit and get an away goal. I actually think we may win the game as their star man, Totti, is struggling with a thigh injury.
With reference to the club and country performances being so different for some of the players I think Capello should be brave and leave out some of the experienced "stars" and blood some of the u-21 players. A spell on the sidelines may create more desire and improve their performances when they get another run in the side. I'm looking forward to seeing Lampard get a game at some point. I think he'll have a point to proove to Capello for not selecting him upto this point. I don't think you can ever criticise players of not having the same passion when they pull on an England shirt as they do when they pull on a Chelsea, Man U, Liverpool etc shirt. I believe it's down to two things which almost contradict eachother. Firstly I think there is complacency in that the England squad has pretty much remained unchanged from Eriksson to Capello. Players don't feel there is much risk of not getting picked (which is why a spell on the sidelines might work).
Secondly there seems to be pyschological block when playing for England. The players seem more frightened of losing (and coming under intense scrutiny from the press) rather than enjoying the game and going out to win, playing attractive, attacking football. You don't see that when you watch the U-21's and U-19's. They seem to be playing with smiles on their faces and enjoying their football.
i am confident about the future. Capello will shape his own team over the next year or so and we will be ready for the World Cup qualifiers and onto 2010. How many more years of hurt since 1966 will we have endure.....Hopefully only two!!!
With reference to the club and country performances being so different for some of the players I think Capello should be brave and leave out some of the experienced "stars" and blood some of the u-21 players. A spell on the sidelines may create more desire and improve their performances when they get another run in the side. I'm looking forward to seeing Lampard get a game at some point. I think he'll have a point to proove to Capello for not selecting him upto this point. I don't think you can ever criticise players of not having the same passion when they pull on an England shirt as they do when they pull on a Chelsea, Man U, Liverpool etc shirt. I believe it's down to two things which almost contradict eachother. Firstly I think there is complacency in that the England squad has pretty much remained unchanged from Eriksson to Capello. Players don't feel there is much risk of not getting picked (which is why a spell on the sidelines might work).
Secondly there seems to be pyschological block when playing for England. The players seem more frightened of losing (and coming under intense scrutiny from the press) rather than enjoying the game and going out to win, playing attractive, attacking football. You don't see that when you watch the U-21's and U-19's. They seem to be playing with smiles on their faces and enjoying their football.
i am confident about the future. Capello will shape his own team over the next year or so and we will be ready for the World Cup qualifiers and onto 2010. How many more years of hurt since 1966 will we have endure.....Hopefully only two!!!
Dr. Eddies Wingman
Brighter than thousand_suns
Tonight the two first quarter-final matches in the Champions League. Roma-Manchester United and Schalke 04-Barcelona. I guess most hold Barcelona as big favourites against the Germans, while Roma vs United is seen as quite open over two matches, United being slight favourites when considering the results between the teams the later years (two United wins, one Roma win, one draw). I don't watch much Italian football but it seems like Roma are in decent form. United sure are in great form. I think we're in for a treat tonight. My tip is 1-1. Actually my tip for Schalke vs Barca is also 1-1. I simply think Barca have so much quality in their team that they can get the result they need before the home leg.