Griddles Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I did not watch the game, being in the US and all. But read conflicting accounts. In some one player was great, in another the same player was shite. As a Wilco fan I will trust your judgment on the matter. At least they won, like Capello said he wanted. The US Mexico was awful. though I did not really expect anything else. The US goals came from nothing, and the midfield play was nonexistent form either side. Typical poor play. Some young guns for the US making debuts and such, but if this is the best I fear for the future. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
m_thomp Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I did not watch the game, being in the US and all. But read conflicting accounts. In some one player was great, in another the same player was shite. As a Wilco fan I will trust your judgment on the matter. At least they won, like Capello said he wanted. I was quietly impressed with last night's England display. The first half was very disjointed, congested and with very little in the way of poise or thought, best displayed by a complete inability to string anything more than two passes together. Wes Brown, in particular, was shocking in the first half. Second half there was a much better sense of purpose, ditching the individualism and actually playing as a team: the variety of passing was better and they were reaching their intended targets this time, rather than attempting to constantly smash 50 yard through balls. Crucially though, the movement was better, particularly off the ball, with runners making themselves available so that we have more passing options. There was, surprisingly for a friendly, more effort too. I like this Cappello guy*. He understands what hard work actually is. * - this will change after the first England draw/defeat. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Welsh Rich Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I think his 1/2 time team talk must have been good (very similar to Warren Gatlands on Sat) and it was definitely a better performance in the second half. Some of the passing was very crisp, but the lack of finishing would be a worry with so many chances created. And Wales beat Norway 3-0, which is a hell of a result for us. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Griddles Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I like this Cappello guy*. He understands what hard work actually is. * - this will change after the first England draw/defeat. But of course it will, or after the first time one of your favorite players is left out of the squad. Premier League goes global? This headline was on the BBC as well as ESPNSoccernet. I think that the concept is crazy and just a money grab. How bout you? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
m_thomp Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 Premier League goes global? This headline was on the BBC as well as ESPNSoccernet. I think that the concept is crazy and just a money grab. How bout you? I think yesterday was a signal of the first nail going into the Premier League coffin. I've been getting a bit perplexed by its increasing commercialism for the last few years but yesterday's unanimous agreement by all Chairmen, to further investigate the possibility of an additional round of matches overseas that all count towards the Premiership, was one step too far. Firstly, it's taking away the random element of the competition to partially oversee, manage and co-ordinate the Premierships destiny. Why? Well, as things stand now, there are 38 games played a season - each team plays all the other teams home and away. Now if there's an extra round of matches, making it 39, things can no longer become even. In the extra round of games would it be fair, for example for Man Utd to be drawn against say Derby, whilst Chelsea take on Arsenal? Hardly, it gives unfair advantages. Secondly, as a league a few year's ago, to help out our beleaguered national team, we were looking to REDUCE the amount of games and possibly have a mid-season break (usually used by most teams to take an overseas marketing trip to play a friendly anyway, but that's their choice). Now, there's the U-turn to play more games in an already congested calender. How does that help? The financial incentives are also all wrong, and biased in favour of the big teams. As I understand it major cities around the world will be able to bid to host the games, meaning that clubs like Man U with massive global appeal will be able auction/hold to ransom most cities on receipt of a massive fee. Do you think Bolton Vs Reading would generate anywhere near that level of interest. It propogates the rich clubs getting richer. No fans were consulted, or even approached in reaching this agreement, and as phone polls are currently showing, roughly 95% are against the idea. I think it abuses supporter loyalty: the amount of fans who never miss a game at all clubs is enormous, and now, to follow their team, they will have to raise funds for further match tickets, airline tickets, accomodation that their season ticket and a tank of petrol doesn't cover. The most telling thing that comes from all this was that it was agreed by chairmen. In a league were the pampered players are already overpaid to sick-inducing levels, this is yet another scheme to leech more money from any possible avenue and completely ignore the values of the game that made it so appealing in the first place: a sport for the everyman. Now the game is being reduced to the levels of some vulgar circus sideshow travelling the world on command of the chairmen barkers. And it's a big f--- you to supporters who bankrolled clubs to put them where they are today. As you might be able to tell, the news hasn't gone down well over here, but, I'm afraid to say, you could see it coming. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Griddles Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 My feelings exactly. What you said, about lack of fan support was the same feeling I was getting reading the 606. If the league wanted to have something like a summer league, and have those games overseas, maybe. But to have games that count for the final table is ludicrous. Earlier this year weren't mangers calling for a winter break like in every other European League? When wold this extra game take place? Hopefully with all the fan outrage nothing will come of it. AFC shocker, Egypt 4- Ivory Coast 1! how? I understand the Ivory coast goalkeeper was taken off injured, but still 4-1! I am in shock. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Welsh Rich Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 Egypt are a good side, very well organised without, perhaps, the flair of IC... but I could see that happening. As for the Globalistation of the Premier League - no one should be surprised. All pre-season games now seem to involve a lucrative trip to either America or the Far East. I stopped following football religiously after Wimbledon got turned into the MK Dons. That signalled the beginning of the end for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cryptique Posted February 9, 2008 Author Share Posted February 9, 2008 I stopped following football religiously after Wimbledon got turned into the MK Dons. That signalled the beginning of the end for me.I've been out of the loop for English football for so long that I didn't know until this past week that that had happened. This thread was making me nostalgic for the matches I attended when I lived in London, so I looked up Plough Lane (among other things). I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that they demolished the place (it was painfully small). I have fond memories of standing on the west terrances and watching the Dons. I guess it was only a couple of years later that they stopped playing there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Griddles Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 I did not know that about Wimbledon, but yes if one of my teams did something like that, I would begin to lose interest as well. AC Milan won today by giving another 18 year old his debut, he scored the winning goal with his first touch of the game. Now they are only 2 points fron 4 with one more game in hand. Awesome. Egypt 1-0 Cameroon No EPL scores, and no comments I did not see any of these games. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jay Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 City beat United and Chelsea drew with Liverpool, which are good results for Arsenal. With a win tomorrow they can go 5 points clear. If the league wanted to have something like a summer league, and have those games overseas, maybe. But to have games that count for the final table is ludicrous. Agreed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jay Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 ESPNs Champions League schedule for next week: http://sports.espn.go.com/espntv/espnTopics?topic=ESPN_UEFA2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Griddles Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Arsenal 2-0 Blackburn. The write ups said that Blackburn played really well, but once again Arsenal showed why they are at the top of the league. I really expect Blackburn to make a run for fourth for the rest of the year. With Gerrard admitting that Liverpool cannot win the title this year, I think that maybe there are only a big three now. Having not won the league since 1990, and only a runner up finish in 2002, their European form not with standing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Welsh Rich Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Watched that Arsenal game last night (I've got a subscription to Setanta sports, but mainly for the rugby) and it was an ok game. Arsenal came out so fast, at the beginning of both halves, but Blackburn defended really well. Didn't offer too much going forward though. I've been out of the loop for English football for so long that I didn't know until this past week that that had happened. This thread was making me nostalgic for the matches I attended when I lived in London, so I looked up Plough Lane (among other things). I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that they demolished the place (it was painfully small). I have fond memories of standing on the west terrances and watching the Dons. I guess it was only a couple of years later that they stopped playing there. It wasn't long after the move to Selhurst Park did I find myself living in the South of England and on the mainline into Wimbledon. So I had a season ticket and went down. Some good wins... 1 - 0 over Liverpool and Michael Owen missing a penalty. Good days. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jay Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 I watched some of the first half at work and just missed the Senderos goal. People had the nerve to bother me with work. Then when I got home Adebayor had just scored when I was starting up my computer. I have no luck. I wonder what teams Wenger and Ferguson will put out this weekend. I cannot imagine they will be full strength sides with the Champions League starting back up four days later. I still can't belive this match isn't on TV. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Griddles Posted February 14, 2008 Share Posted February 14, 2008 I watched some of the first half at work and just missed the Senderos goal. People had the nerve to bother me with work. Then when I got home Adebayor had just scored when I was starting up my computer. I have no luck. I wonder what teams Wenger and Ferguson will put out this weekend. I cannot imagine they will be full strength sides with the Champions League starting back up four days later. I still can't belive this match isn't on TV. At least you get to watch the some of the game. With Wenger firmly against all cup competitions, he said something like this a few years ago, I cannot see him risking any one who is even remotely injured for either this game or against AC. I will be surprised if Ferguson does not play some more experienced players, just because they have been playing so poorly lately. AC tied today leaving them 1 point out of 4, but more importantly Ronadlo messed up his knee again ruling him out for what looks to be the rest of the season. But on the bright side Pato and Kaka and Gattuso should be all back. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Calexico Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 I watched some of the first half at work and just missed the Senderos goal. People had the nerve to bother me with work. Then when I got home Adebayor had just scored when I was starting up my computer. I have no luck. I wonder what teams Wenger and Ferguson will put out this weekend. I cannot imagine they will be full strength sides with the Champions League starting back up four days later. I still can't belive this match isn't on TV. The match is on BBC this evening. I hear Wenger is putting out a second string side. Shame that, I love the cup still. Come on the Gooners! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Griddles Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 Well weather or not Wenger put in a second string side, they sure played like one. 4-0 Man U. CrazyLiverpool lost out to Barnsley so maybe Rafa's job is not safe anymore. Ac tied agian, but still moved into 4, for the moment. I am looking forward to the Champions League games this week, as they are the only televised soccer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jay Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 I guess it's a good thing I couldn't watch the match on TV, though listening to it wasn't much fun either. Sounded like Traore was having a hard time and overall nobody played too well. Makes me look forward to Wednesday even more. I do wish Arsenal would drop out of these cup competitions (if it must happen) in less spectacular fashion. I've heard that this win gives Man Utd confidence in the league now, but a team like Man Utd doesn't (or shouldn't) need a 5th round FA cup home win vs Arsenal where neither team put out a full strength team to make them believe they have a chance in league. Anyway, regardless of the team put out 4-0 isn't acceptable. The real test will be the match on April 12th. I watched the Liverpool match and couldn't believe it when I saw the 2nd Barnsley goal go in. The Barnsley keeper played out of his mind. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Welsh Rich Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Very poor game, if you were an Arsenal fan. I watched the first half then turned over and watched the rugby. The Liverpool game was certainly interesting, more than can be said for the Sheff Utd v 'Boro match... Full draw for FA Cup quarter-finals: Sheffield United or Middlesbrough v Cardiff City Manchester United v Portsmouth Bristol Rovers v West Brom Barnsley v Chelsea Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Calexico Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 We were a disgrace against United but the thing about giving them impetus for the league is rubbish. We were beaten there in the cup a few years ago and went on to win the league and the same happened to them when we beat them a while back in the cup too. Fuck me, Chelsea get Barnsley....why not mail the fucking cup to the King's Road all together and be done with it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Welsh Rich Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Yeah - I was hoping Man U would get Chelsea... would be nice to see some lower league clubs get through to the final... maybe even an all non-Premiership FA Cup final! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Griddles Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 maybe even an all non-Premiership FA Cup final! Like the powers that be would ever let that happen. The FA cup is meaningless in regards to the league. Next time Man U and Arsenal meet the gunners will have the desire to prevail. As far as Champions league goes Arsenal maybe extra motivated after their drubbing on the weekend, but this is the only trophy AC can win the rest of the season so they will want it as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Welsh Rich Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Yeah, plenty of press about the Oldies (Milan) v the Youngsters (Arsenal)... who will prevail? I'm looking forward to seeing Inter v Liverpool tonight... Inter seem to be strolling the Serie A, so will be nice to see what they're all about. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
m_thomp Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 would be nice to see some lower league clubs get through to the final Can't see an all non-Premiership final happening. And even a Man U / Chelsea versus a lower league club in the final would be a complete non-spectacle. Remember Man Utd vs Millwall? The most one-sided contest since British judicial system vs Dr Harold Shipman. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Griddles Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Champions league games are over. Just read the write up on ESPN of the Liverpool Inter game. I watched most of it, and the write up was awful. They say that the specter has been lifted from Anfeild. They had to use all 90 minutes to beat only ten men. The red card was horrible, should never have been given, both yellows were not yellows in my book. I still think that Inter will come out of this tie. Roma escaped from real Madrid, 2-1 in Rome. Totti once again showing how great of a player he is. Chelsea could not score against Olympiacos, but have the next leg at home so should go through. Tomorrows games should be more exiting. Lyon should give Man U a run for their money. And Arseanl AC maybe the best fixture of the entire tournament. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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