Official Football Thread

Aside from Ronaldo's goal in like the 5th minute or so that was really spectacular (and this is high praise considering how much I hate that arrogant prick), that ManU vs. Porto game was easily the most boring game of all the quarterfinals. I really liked the Liverpool Chelsea rematch although it was heartwrenching to watch the reds go out after fighting so hard. The Arsenal vs. Villareal game was a treat, Arsenal really got the chance to showcase their young talented players. I would wish for Arsenal to go on to the final, but I know what an old and experienced team ManU are with Ferguson so I think its highly unlikely. Chelsea to beat Barca? Lets hope not, but Messi and co. are gonna haveto be on their toes.
 
Three rounds before the end of the national football league, something special happened:

For the first time since 1981(!) another club besides the big three (PSV, Ajax and Feyenoord) won the league in the Netherlands:

AZ from the city of Alkmaar! They were actually the same club who won in 1981, this is their 2nd time.

To show how seldom another club besides the forementioned three has won since the beginning of the league (in its current form), see this list. In black the championships of PSV, Ajax and Feyenoord, in blue the other clubs.


1956/1957 Ajax
1957/1958 DOS
1958/1959 Sparta
1959/1960 Ajax
1960/1961 Feyenoord
1961/1962 Feyenoord
1962/1963 PSV
1963/1964 DWS
1964/1965 Feyenoord
1965/1966 Ajax
1966/1967 Ajax
1967/1968 Ajax
1968/1969 Feyenoord
1969/1970 Ajax
1970/1971 Feyenoord
1971/1972 Ajax
1972/1973 Ajax
1973/1974 Feyenoord
1974/1975 PSV
1975/1976 PSV
1976/1977 Ajax
1977/1978 PSV
1978/1979 Ajax
1979/1980 Ajax
1980/1981 AZ '67
1981/1982 Ajax
1982/1983 Ajax
1983/1984 Feyenoord
1984/1985 Ajax
1985/1986 PSV
1986/1987 PSV
1987/1988 PSV
1988/1989 PSV
1989/1990 Ajax
1990/1991 PSV
1991/1992 PSV
1992/1993 Feyenoord
1993/1994 Ajax
1994/1995 Ajax
1995/1996 Ajax
1996/1997 PSV
1997/1998 Ajax
1998/1999 Feyenoord
1999/2000 PSV
2000/2001 PSV
2001/2002 Ajax
2002/2003 PSV
2003/2004 Ajax
2004/2005 PSV
2005/2006 PSV
2006/2007 PSV
2007/2008 PSV
2008/2009 AZ

What makes this story more beautiful is that last season was desastrous for AZ. They ended 11th!
The year before that, they lost the title on the last day!

Also interesting to know is that the budget of AZ is much smaller than the ones from e.g. Ajax and PSV.
 
It has to be Everton's year this year, the luck is with them. The shoot-out was their worst possible start when Cahill blasted it way too high - but that was followed by quite possibly the worst penalty I have ever seen by an International footballer. Seriously, Berbotov should have been booked for that. :D
 
He should have cold water poured down his shorts, and have to go to bed without eating. That penalty was laughable.

I must say, considering how many reserves Ferguson played today, the performance wasn't bad at all. I just hope United can actually benefit from having rested all these regulars. Having gone out of the FA cup this way, there is no way to make up for it except beating the shit out of Pompey on Wednesday.

And come on Arsenal. On Tuesday, that is.

Update, Tuesday, April 21st:

Liverpool-Arsenal 4-4! What happened to the 0-0 games and "Boring Liverpool"? 8-8 over the two last games. Could it be any better? Their matches are entertaining and they keep getting draws  :D

Must remember to add Arshavin to my Christmas card list.
 
Last week was imo the decisive moment in the league. I honestly thought everything was possible up til this moment.

Chelsea and Liverpool both didn't win. Before this, these teams could hope Manchester would not win a couple of times, but they forgot that they actually had to win all matches themselves!

Manchester United are the champions.

*shakes EW's hand and is happy for Edwin van der Sar*
 
Well, I think we shouldn't take anything for granted yet. Liverpool are playing a Hull side who are totally out of form and I really expect them to win. It is imperative that United then beat Spurs, who are in good form these days. Should United win today, things are indeed looking bright, but the victory dram is saved until some fat lady stands at some Premier League stadium, singing from the top of her lungs. Remember, Liverpool just played the hardest of their last six games, they could very well win the remaining 5. And then United still need to win at least 4 out of 6 (and draw one). With Boro away, and Arsenal and City at home, I won't celebrate anything before it's clear.

My tip is that everything will remain quite open until United have played their game against Wigan (then all teams will have two games left, and if United are more than three points clear at that time, we'll be fine).
 
Hrm, a lot might happen still, you're right...

But holy cow! Another Houdini act by Manchester United!

From 0-2 behind ---> 5(!!)-2!!!

:o
 
That 2nd half was orgasmic. People spilled beer on me (and on each other) on each goal and I have no f'in voice left. I'm also quite drunk. That's how Saturdays should be.

:cheers:
 
When I checked at around 18:00ish, it was 2-0 to Spurs, went and ate my diner, saw some TV and contemplated on how I should reply to Foro's post about the league been sewn up by Man U. ;)

Checked again at 20:00ish and half expected a draw at best for Man U. Good comeback, but there has been many a pundit that has stated that the turning point was the controversial penalty. Like it or not, that is football - Man U had a good penalty shout ruled out last week and one in their favour this. Liverpool also had some rather favourable decisions go their way in their game against Hull.
 
Albie said:
When I checked at around 18:00ish, it was 2-0 to Spurs, went and ate my diner, saw some TV and contemplated on how I should reply to Foro's post about the league been sewn up by Man U. ;)

Checked again at 20:00ish and half expected a draw at best for Man U. Good comeback, but there has been many a pundit that has stated that the turning point was the controversial penalty. Like it or not, that is football - Man U had a good penalty shout ruled out last week and one in their favour this. Liverpool also had some rather favourable decisions go their way in their game against Hull.
Click to expand...

... and it should be pointed out that Ramos's touch on the ball could not be easy to see from the ref's position. It seemed like Tevez pushed the ball past him and was taken down. But I agree that it was a bit controversial when you see the replays. And I watched the 2nd half of Hull vs Liverpool and have to agree on that as well.

What a hangover today. But it was worth it.
 
fc-barcelona-crest.jpg
 
I'm going for Chelsea tonight - only so we can get another all Premiership final.

And Platini would not like that. :D
 
I'm with the Acrobat on this one - c'mon Barcelona!

I'd like this year's final to be a replay of last years semi-final. I wouldn't mind the winner being a screamer from Paul Scholes either  :D
 
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