national acrobat
Ancient Mariner
Hmm he's a decent player, but I think Henry/Bojan or Deco/Iniesta or even Giovanni dos Santos would have more of a positive effect were they in need of a boost late on.
Official Football Thread
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Dr. Eddies Wingman
Brighter than thousand_suns
Well, time to provide some opposition to this cuddly Barca-chat 
If I have to guess, I'd say Vidic is starting and Rooney is not. Sitting home from work with a cold, I have plenty of time available for worrying about tonight's game. But one thing is obvious: United need to step up and try to create something. The first game was close to an extreme of Ferguson's defensive away tactics in Europe, and nothing like we want to see United. Staying within 40 metres of their goal line, not even trying to create anything. Might be what is needed in some cases, but Barca's defense was not at all convincing and I'm sure United could've exploited the spaces they gave away. That is, if they'd tried.
That being said, if United should go out tonight, I'll support Barca with passion in the final. The thought of Liverpool winning another one is not tempting, and Roman's toy? Awk.
If I have to guess, I'd say Vidic is starting and Rooney is not. Sitting home from work with a cold, I have plenty of time available for worrying about tonight's game. But one thing is obvious: United need to step up and try to create something. The first game was close to an extreme of Ferguson's defensive away tactics in Europe, and nothing like we want to see United. Staying within 40 metres of their goal line, not even trying to create anything. Might be what is needed in some cases, but Barca's defense was not at all convincing and I'm sure United could've exploited the spaces they gave away. That is, if they'd tried.
That being said, if United should go out tonight, I'll support Barca with passion in the final. The thought of Liverpool winning another one is not tempting, and Roman's toy? Awk.
national acrobat
Ancient Mariner
Rijkaard's been linked a lot with Chelsea, and a lot of Chelsea fans I (unfortunately) know would like him as their manager, although I think anyone would do after Avram.Forostar said:
If he does leave Barcelona, then I'd be very interested to see who'd replace him. Mourinho would be the outstanding candidate, but there's been quite a bit of animosity there in the last few years.
As for Liverpool, I'm confident they can get a result, a 2-2 or a 1-1 and getting through on penalties.
Forostar
Ancient Mariner
Last match Barcelona had 61% ball possession, Man U 39%.
Barcelona had 42 min and 39 seconds ball possession and Man U 26 min and 10 seconds.
26 minutes in a whole game!
Barcelona had 8 shots at the goal and Man U only 1!
It's obvious who's the stronger team. I think Man U really was lucky that they didn't have goals against them.
We'll see how things are gonna turn out tonight! Have a great match everyone!
Barcelona had 42 min and 39 seconds ball possession and Man U 26 min and 10 seconds.
26 minutes in a whole game!
Barcelona had 8 shots at the goal and Man U only 1!
It's obvious who's the stronger team. I think Man U really was lucky that they didn't have goals against them.
We'll see how things are gonna turn out tonight! Have a great match everyone!
national acrobat
Ancient Mariner
Exactly the same again today. One lucky goal the difference - 1 second of a misplaced pass from Xavi in an otherwise perfect passing game, and a shot from Scholes that could have gone anywhere.Forostar said:Last match Barcelona had 61% ball possession, Man U 39%.
Barcelona had 42 min and 39 seconds ball possession and Man U 26 min and 10 seconds.
26 minutes in a whole game!
Barcelona had 8 shots at the goal and Man U only 1!
It's obvious who's the stronger team. I think Man U really was lucky that they didn't have goals against them.
We'll see how things are gonna turn out tonight! Have a great match everyone!
That was one of the most painful matches I've ever watched, I think I'll die a few years early from heart failure because of that one. Paul Scholles shot the only goal in the match 1-0 for Manure, abysmal forward play by Barca in the second half, however I'd say that the better team was Barca especially in the first half, terribly unlucky they were that that one bad pass turned into a goal...so in conclusion whoever wins tomorrow's match, I'm rooting for in the finals.
national acrobat
Ancient Mariner
Hmm I agree with that except the last statement; I hate Man U but give me them over Chelsea any day.Natalie said:
Dr. Eddies Wingman
Brighter than thousand_suns
Well, well. Lucky goal? Remember who scored the goal. Mr. Scholes has scored a few of these before ... Of course, a terrible pass from the Barca defense.
I see the possession is made a point here. Well, Barcelona usually do have a lot of possession, that doesn't mean they create big chances. If you count good scoring opportunities (no, I don't consider a shot on goal from a terrible angle a good opportunity) United had more than Barca today. And even at Camp Nou, the Catalans didn't really create that many chances.
Still, the great thing is that the man who missed the final in '99 due to yellow cards, is now the man who sends United to the final
I see the possession is made a point here. Well, Barcelona usually do have a lot of possession, that doesn't mean they create big chances. If you count good scoring opportunities (no, I don't consider a shot on goal from a terrible angle a good opportunity) United had more than Barca today. And even at Camp Nou, the Catalans didn't really create that many chances.
Still, the great thing is that the man who missed the final in '99 due to yellow cards, is now the man who sends United to the final
Albie
Keeping an open eye on the Weeping Angels.
Come on, stop whinging you lot - you're beginning to sound like Wenger. 
Seriously, it does not matter how much possession you have, how much better you are than the other side, how slick your passing is, how unlucky you are, etc., etc. the last time I checked, these qualities alone are not enough to win football matches - its balls in the back of the net that count.
I'm going to side with EW here as I think the more clear cut chances goal scoring chances were made by Man U last night and Scholes' goal was not that much of fluke as we have seen him score those before. Aside from set pieces, I don't recall Barca actually getting into Man U penalty box enough to trouble their keeper - but this was largely down to the immense performances by Ferdinand and Brown to shut them out.
I think we also need to take into consideration the nervousness that has descended on Old Trafford of late. I seem to recall saying the other week how good their current form was - and at the time of writing, it was good (5 points dropped in the league from 8 games) and this run of wins propelled them to the top of the league. Since that comment, they have struggled and most recently, as we all know, lost to Chelsea - so their performance last night was from their character more than anything else, which they showed in the abundance last night.
Seriously, it does not matter how much possession you have, how much better you are than the other side, how slick your passing is, how unlucky you are, etc., etc. the last time I checked, these qualities alone are not enough to win football matches - its balls in the back of the net that count.
I'm going to side with EW here as I think the more clear cut chances goal scoring chances were made by Man U last night and Scholes' goal was not that much of fluke as we have seen him score those before. Aside from set pieces, I don't recall Barca actually getting into Man U penalty box enough to trouble their keeper - but this was largely down to the immense performances by Ferdinand and Brown to shut them out.
I think we also need to take into consideration the nervousness that has descended on Old Trafford of late. I seem to recall saying the other week how good their current form was - and at the time of writing, it was good (5 points dropped in the league from 8 games) and this run of wins propelled them to the top of the league. Since that comment, they have struggled and most recently, as we all know, lost to Chelsea - so their performance last night was from their character more than anything else, which they showed in the abundance last night.
Dr. Eddies Wingman
Brighter than thousand_suns
I say, too bad yesterday's match wasn't the final. When I first saw the quarter-final draw I was disappointed because it showed that United vs Barcelona, my preferred final, was not possible. And, even worse, that it was very likely that either Chelsea or Liverpool would be there. Ouch.
I'm not really sure who I hope for tonight. For me, it's a choice between two evils - the pain of losing to Liverpool would be terrible, but at the same time, beating them in the final would be huuuuuge. Massive. Giant-super-opti-fanta-fenomenalistic. And I think United have a better chance of beating Liverpool than Chelsea.
I see Albie has arrived as well and agrees on my view on possession vs actually creating chances, and, more important, goals. Still, I want to give credit to Barcelona. There are not many teams that come to Old Trafford and actually play that well. They really tried to win the game playing their way - where other teams would perhaps rely on a strong defense and fast counter-attacks. That might be efficient, but it's not how Barcelona play. They stuck to their own play, they were close, but a little redtop from Salford was the difference
I'm not really sure who I hope for tonight. For me, it's a choice between two evils - the pain of losing to Liverpool would be terrible, but at the same time, beating them in the final would be huuuuuge. Massive. Giant-super-opti-fanta-fenomenalistic. And I think United have a better chance of beating Liverpool than Chelsea.
I see Albie has arrived as well and agrees on my view on possession vs actually creating chances, and, more important, goals. Still, I want to give credit to Barcelona. There are not many teams that come to Old Trafford and actually play that well. They really tried to win the game playing their way - where other teams would perhaps rely on a strong defense and fast counter-attacks. That might be efficient, but it's not how Barcelona play. They stuck to their own play, they were close, but a little redtop from Salford was the difference
national acrobat
Ancient Mariner
OK OK it was a good goal, I'm just annoyed at the result.Eddies Wingman said:
But Deco had two very good shots in the first half, which narrowly missed. A bit of "luck" and they both go in.
I do agree about the possession, it's what you do with it that matters, creating chances and more importantly putting some away.
On another subject, of who's the best player in the world at the moment, based on the two last matches I have to say Messi is a much better player than Ronaldo. Eash shine in their domestic games, but when it came to the big matches, Messi was the focus of all Barca's attacks, and Ronaldo was largely anonymous in both matches.
Albie
Keeping an open eye on the Weeping Angels.
I'm still hoping for a Liverpool Man U final, but we can't rule out Chelsea at the mo and they have the momentum and the advantage. If Chelsea do get through, I hope Man U wallop them (but my Brother in law is a true blue, so I guess I'll just be pleased for him), else if it is Liverpool - well, I'll just sit on my garden fence and enjoy the match.
Agreed - I would even go as far as to say that if Messi was not their last night, Barca would have been just a bit more ordinary. And Ronaldo's performance also strengthens the argument that he is just not a "big game" player (I don't whole heartedly agree, but he is sometimes not quite up to the grade on the bigger stage).national acrobat said:
Back in the Village
Invader
Phew!!! As Alex Ferguson describes it, that game was squeaky bum time!
Barca started the better team and the goal was against the run of play. But what a goal and what a time for Scholesy to get only his second of the season. Barca tried hard and had plenty of posession but I think United were always in control, letting them play up to the final third and then snuffing out any danger. Ferdinand was immense and other than Tevez was the man of the match.
In term of Messi v Ronaldo you would have to say Messi stole the limelight and if not for hi poor finishing on two occasions may have scored. I do believe however that Ronaldo is a big game player and will show his worth over the next three games. He is still a young man with plenty to learn and he will get better in these big games. if anything I think he put himself under too much pressure last night, after missing the pen at the Nou Camp. Now that they are in the final and he will be up against more familiar opposition I am tipping him to put in a stellar performance in the Final.
So two wins in the league to be Premiership champions and then a trip to Moscow to be crowned Kings of Europe for the third time. Does it get any better??
Barca started the better team and the goal was against the run of play. But what a goal and what a time for Scholesy to get only his second of the season. Barca tried hard and had plenty of posession but I think United were always in control, letting them play up to the final third and then snuffing out any danger. Ferdinand was immense and other than Tevez was the man of the match.
In term of Messi v Ronaldo you would have to say Messi stole the limelight and if not for hi poor finishing on two occasions may have scored. I do believe however that Ronaldo is a big game player and will show his worth over the next three games. He is still a young man with plenty to learn and he will get better in these big games. if anything I think he put himself under too much pressure last night, after missing the pen at the Nou Camp. Now that they are in the final and he will be up against more familiar opposition I am tipping him to put in a stellar performance in the Final.
So two wins in the league to be Premiership champions and then a trip to Moscow to be crowned Kings of Europe for the third time. Does it get any better??
Forostar
Ancient Mariner
I'd like to mention that it's about time for both Manchester and Chelsea to win a European trophy (again).
Last time for Manchester was in 1999 (Champions League)
Last time for Chelsea was in 1998 (HAH!) (UEFA Cup Winners' Cup)
As most of you know, Liverpool scored better in recent years. (CL in 2005, UEFA-cup in 2001)
Myself I also dislike Ronaldo. Can't stand the guy.
I hope Liverpool will win this cup (Kuijt vs Van der Sar would be something!), to open Van Basten's eyes.
..if not then I still prefer Man U over Chelsea.
Would be good for Van der Sar, winning his 2nd Champions League, 13(!) years after he won it with Ajax.
Last time for Manchester was in 1999 (Champions League)
Last time for Chelsea was in 1998 (HAH!) (UEFA Cup Winners' Cup)
As most of you know, Liverpool scored better in recent years. (CL in 2005, UEFA-cup in 2001)
Myself I also dislike Ronaldo. Can't stand the guy.
I hope Liverpool will win this cup (Kuijt vs Van der Sar would be something!), to open Van Basten's eyes.
..if not then I still prefer Man U over Chelsea.
Would be good for Van der Sar, winning his 2nd Champions League, 13(!) years after he won it with Ajax.
Dr. Eddies Wingman
Brighter than thousand_suns
I agree that Messi is overall a better player than C. Ronaldo. However, I couldn't care less. Ronaldo plays for United and he does bloody good there. And this about him being poor in big games - well, he isn't consistently good in the big games. Still, in some big games he has been United's best player. Like for example the semi-finals against Milan last year (ouch, what a display of crappy defending).
@Back in the Village : Doesn't all this "oh, how I hate ManUre, hope they get stuffed" and "Ronaldo is a cnut" just add to the pleasure when the Red Devils win?
Chelsea - Liverpool 3-2 e. t.
Real thriller at the Bridge, with the Russians through to a match on their own soil in May. This is bad news for traders of heart medicine in Merseyside, Lancashire and Greater Manchester - they had surely hoped for Liverpool to be United's opponents. United vs Chelsea is considerably easier on the general health of the area, and also better for the safety in Moscow. I think a final between Liverpool and Manchester United would be dangerous. There is not much mutual respect between the fans of the clubs and the rivalry is tense.
Some interesting situations today. The disallowed Chelsea goal early in extra time? Well, four players were offside, but none of them obstructed Cech's view of the shot, neither did any of them prevent him from going for the ball. But since the offside positions were so clear, I guess it's acceptable. Then we have Hyypiä's appeal for a penalty later on. I think it looked a bit like comedy, he's a big man and even though there is some contact between him and Drogba, it's not enough to bring him down. I think he helped a lot himself. Finnish sisu isn't the same any more ...
Over all, I think the Blues deserved to win. I might not like it (I have a lot more respect for Liverpool), but they were the better team tonight.
@Back in the Village : Doesn't all this "oh, how I hate ManUre, hope they get stuffed" and "Ronaldo is a cnut" just add to the pleasure when the Red Devils win?
Chelsea - Liverpool 3-2 e. t.
Real thriller at the Bridge, with the Russians through to a match on their own soil in May. This is bad news for traders of heart medicine in Merseyside, Lancashire and Greater Manchester - they had surely hoped for Liverpool to be United's opponents. United vs Chelsea is considerably easier on the general health of the area, and also better for the safety in Moscow. I think a final between Liverpool and Manchester United would be dangerous. There is not much mutual respect between the fans of the clubs and the rivalry is tense.
Some interesting situations today. The disallowed Chelsea goal early in extra time? Well, four players were offside, but none of them obstructed Cech's view of the shot, neither did any of them prevent him from going for the ball. But since the offside positions were so clear, I guess it's acceptable. Then we have Hyypiä's appeal for a penalty later on. I think it looked a bit like comedy, he's a big man and even though there is some contact between him and Drogba, it's not enough to bring him down. I think he helped a lot himself. Finnish sisu isn't the same any more ...
Over all, I think the Blues deserved to win. I might not like it (I have a lot more respect for Liverpool), but they were the better team tonight.
Yet another nailbiting game...3-2 for Chelsea in over time. Most of the game was intense, with both sides playing really well, but I feel Chelsea deserved the win even if they had a little more support from the ref. I also checked out the stats and at least from that it looks like Chelsea would be the tougher team for Manure to play against, so lets hope they get stuffed in the finals.
@Eddies Wingman: It also adds to the grim satisfaction whenever they lose. Then again, any team with C. Ronaldo in it I'd root against (having said that, I really hope Barca never make a bid for him). He's not that great and he has a real attitude problem.
@Eddies Wingman: It also adds to the grim satisfaction whenever they lose. Then again, any team with C. Ronaldo in it I'd root against (having said that, I really hope Barca never make a bid for him). He's not that great and he has a real attitude problem.
Albie
Keeping an open eye on the Weeping Angels.
Ronaldo has just been nominated the PFA footballer of the year. The PFA player of the year is voted for by the players and if he is not that great, that suggests that either the Premiership is low on talent or the players themselves don't know what they are talking about. He may well have a real attitude, but he is a good player and has steadily become better over the time. In short, I don't agree with you about him not being that great.Natalie said:
The one thing he has done that has won him a bit more respect is how he has handled himself since the fiasco in the 2006 World Cup. He has done a Beckham and silenced his critics with playing football.
If West Ham get beat this weekend, that smile will last for some time yet. The Premiership will be won and the confidence will carry on until Moscow. Forget the current wobble, it's only temporary.Eddies Wingman said:@Back in the Village : Doesn't all this "oh, how I hate ManUre, hope they get stuffed" and "Ronaldo is a cnut" just add to the pleasure when the Red Devils win?