***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[Desert_Power]

Just wanted to note that halfway through La Liga (after thumping Deportivo 5-0), Barcelona has racked up 50 points with a goal differential of +46. Damn, they are a fun team to watch right now. I hope they keep it up.

A record setting first half of the season.Alves was absolutely on fire yesterday.

He was tremendous - that cross he had with the outside of the right foot on Henry's header was perfect. I love reading how Pep isn't satisfied either - he said there were things they didn't do right yesterday. I don't see him allowing the Blaugrana to get too pleased with themselves.

He also sent in a brilliant cross that's header was saved and then someone else picked up the goal on the rebound and a great free kick that nearly went in.Pep is certainly proving himself to be the right coach for this squad over and over again with remarks like after the game.Also, when talking in an interview about Kaka Messi stated he wished to retire at Camp Nou. Obviously not a dependable statement given his youth, but an interesting one.

 

[Desert_Power]

Finally, an interesting, completely unsolicited comment from my German friend, a huge fan of american sports, which relates to discussions in the trolling thread on this board. He watched the NFL playoffs this weekend and said this:

By the way, what has happened to this great sport? I watched three of the four games this weekend and I couldn't believe the amount of commercial breaks they had. I think, they kill this sport. One game took 3 1/2 hours and had only about 1 1/2 hours playing time. I couldn't stand it in the end. We get stupid advertisements while you at least see some more interesting ones. I couldn't stand it at the end and shut it off. I hear from a lot of Europeans who are watching the games that the many breaks turn them off theAmerican Football. They hurt themselves. I doubted for some time which Football is more exciting, but now I am sure it is our Football European style. There is so much more action and we don't have to endure these dreaded advertisements.

I replied that, if I'm not at the game or at a bar, I only watch NFL on dvr these days for this reason.

I haven't really watched lick of the NFL playoffs for this reason. The NFL is getting a big head thinking they're the number one American sport now.

I've had a lot of trouble just staying interested in most NFL games this post-season. I've never felt the NFL was boring before, but this season + playoffs are killing me.

As a whole football is becoming less and less enjoyable to watch. College football is something that I seem to have to force myself to even watch the big games of.

 

[Native]

Bayern is apprently very close to completing the long-expected deal to send Podolski back to Cologne, which is very important development for Landon Donovan's career if he hopes to stay in the bundesliga (Link). I have a good friend in Germany who is a huge Bayern fan, and this is what he wrote in an email to me two days ago:

Luckily they've got the bad affair of Podolskis contract almost solved. He will play the second half of the season in Munich (as they don't get another forward in time, - but Klinsmann has already announced that Dononvan is the first player to replace Klose or Toni, if they have to get out) and then go back to his beloved Cologne. He was a huge failure. I saw him quite often and believe that he will never become a superstar, for sure not by returning to lowly Cologne.

Donovan had a promising start to the season in two frienlies in U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia where he had two assists and one goal. I believe that Klinsmann wants him under all circumstances if he doesn't fail in the upcoming three months. He just has to convince the rest of the "rulers" in the club, like Rummenigge, Hoeness and Breitner. Donovan seems really determined to succeed this time.

As of two days ago, my friend did not expect Podolski to leave until after the season because Bayern had only Donovan and Podolski behind Toni and Klose, so I would say if they do sell Podolski this week or next, this can almost certainly be seen as a very strong positive for LD.In unrelated news, it appears Drogba played his last game for Chelsea last weekend, something I pined for in this thread probably about 50 pages back.

Finally, an interesting, completely unsolicited comment from my German friend, a huge fan of american sports, which relates to discussions in the trolling thread on this board. He watched the NFL playoffs this weekend and said this:

By the way, what has happened to this great sport? I watched three of the four games this weekend and I couldn't believe the amount of commercial breaks they had. I think, they kill this sport. One game took 3 1/2 hours and had only about 1 1/2 hours playing time. I couldn't stand it in the end. We get stupid advertisements while you at least see some more interesting ones. I couldn't stand it at the end and shut it off. I hear from a lot of Europeans who are watching the games that the many breaks turn them off the

American Football. They hurt themselves. I doubted for some time which Football is more exciting, but now I am sure it is our Football European style. There is so much more action and we don't have to endure these dreaded advertisements.

I replied that, if I'm not at the game or at a bar, I only watch NFL on dvr these days for this reason.

I haven't really watched lick of the NFL playoffs for this reason. The NFL is getting a big head thinking they're the number one American sport now.That's really interesting stuff about Podolski and Donovon. I hope Donovan gets some serious PT there and keeps his head in it. To me his biggest problem always seemed that he didn't want to challenge the comfort he had in being an American soccer star. If he pushes himself to be an international football star who knows where he could take himself.

A shame for Podolski though. After the 2006 World Cup I thought he was primed for an amazing career. Obviously its to early to sell him short, but right now his path is oddly mirroring that of a young Landon Donovan.

Podolski to Cologne completed but the transfer will take place after the season.

Very surprising move indeed.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

What's the deal with attendance in Serie A? Seems every match I see, including highlights, has huge huge swaths of empty seats

 

[kblitz]

Bayern is apprently very close to completing the long-expected deal to send Podolski back to Cologne, which is very important development for Landon Donovan's career if he hopes to stay in the bundesliga (Link). I have a good friend in Germany who is a huge Bayern fan, and this is what he wrote in an email to me two days ago:

Luckily they've got the bad affair of Podolskis contract almost solved. He will play the second half of the season in Munich (as they don't get another forward in time, - but Klinsmann has already announced that Dononvan is the first player to replace Klose or Toni, if they have to get out) and then go back to his beloved Cologne. He was a huge failure. I saw him quite often and believe that he will never become a superstar, for sure not by returning to lowly Cologne.

Donovan had a promising start to the season in two frienlies in U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia where he had two assists and one goal. I believe that Klinsmann wants him under all circumstances if he doesn't fail in the upcoming three months. He just has to convince the rest of the "rulers" in the club, like Rummenigge, Hoeness and Breitner. Donovan seems really determined to succeed this time.

As of two days ago, my friend did not expect Podolski to leave until after the season because Bayern had only Donovan and Podolski behind Toni and Klose, so I would say if they do sell Podolski this week or next, this can almost certainly be seen as a very strong positive for LD.In unrelated news, it appears Drogba played his last game for Chelsea last weekend, something I pined for in this thread probably about 50 pages back.

Finally, an interesting, completely unsolicited comment from my German friend, a huge fan of american sports, which relates to discussions in the trolling thread on this board. He watched the NFL playoffs this weekend and said this:

By the way, what has happened to this great sport? I watched three of the four games this weekend and I couldn't believe the amount of commercial breaks they had. I think, they kill this sport. One game took 3 1/2 hours and had only about 1 1/2 hours playing time. I couldn't stand it in the end. We get stupid advertisements while you at least see some more interesting ones. I couldn't stand it at the end and shut it off. I hear from a lot of Europeans who are watching the games that the many breaks turn them off the

American Football. They hurt themselves. I doubted for some time which Football is more exciting, but now I am sure it is our Football European style. There is so much more action and we don't have to endure these dreaded advertisements.

I replied that, if I'm not at the game or at a bar, I only watch NFL on dvr these days for this reason.

I haven't really watched lick of the NFL playoffs for this reason. The NFL is getting a big head thinking they're the number one American sport now.That's really interesting stuff about Podolski and Donovon. I hope Donovan gets some serious PT there and keeps his head in it. To me his biggest problem always seemed that he didn't want to challenge the comfort he had in being an American soccer star. If he pushes himself to be an international football star who knows where he could take himself.

A shame for Podolski though. After the 2006 World Cup I thought he was primed for an amazing career. Obviously its to early to sell him short, but right now his path is oddly mirroring that of a young Landon Donovan.

Podolski to Cologne completed but the transfer will take place after the season.

The writing was on the wall for some time now. And now that they have signed Ivica Olić, they pulled the trigger. Good for all sides

 

[andy_b]

What's the deal with attendance in Serie A? Seems every match I see, including highlights, has huge huge swaths of empty seats

Serie attendance has been weak for a while and then the scandal in 2006(?) took and even bigger bite out of the attendance. Also the mix of teams/cities has trended towards the smaller sides in recent years with the rise of the Sicilian clubs.In a 10 year time from from 1997 to 2007, Serie A attendance dropped from an average of 31k down to an average of 19k.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

What's the deal with attendance in Serie A? Seems every match I see, including highlights, has huge huge swaths of empty seats

Serie attendance has been weak for a while and then the scandal in 2006(?) took and even bigger bite out of the attendance. Also the mix of teams/cities has trended towards the smaller sides in recent years with the rise of the Sicilian clubs.In a 10 year time from from 1997 to 2007, Serie A attendance dropped from an average of 31k down to an average of 19k.

Such a jarring difference to watch the Chelsea game on Saturday with the stands jam packed and so close to the field, and then watch an AC Milan match where it looked like they were playing in an empty stadiumWeird

 

[Christo]

What's the deal with attendance in Serie A? Seems every match I see, including highlights, has huge huge swaths of empty seats

Serie attendance has been weak for a while and then the scandal in 2006(?) took and even bigger bite out of the attendance. Also the mix of teams/cities has trended towards the smaller sides in recent years with the rise of the Sicilian clubs.In a 10 year time from from 1997 to 2007, Serie A attendance dropped from an average of 31k down to an average of 19k.

Such a jarring difference to watch the Chelsea game on Saturday with the stands jam packed and so close to the field, and then watch an AC Milan match where it looked like they were playing in an empty stadiumWeird

That's another difference between the UK and the rest of Europe. Many of the stadiums on the continent are multi-purpose whereas the stadiums in the UK are built right up against the pitch. That was one of the beefs with Wembley Stadium. It wasn't set up like the rest of the stadiums in the UK so it was a more familiar setting for the visiting teams.

 

[Ed Wood]

And that Arsenal-Hull game last night was scary for 82 minutes.....I can't rave enough about Samir Nasri, as I've done all year. Sensational player...

Caught the last 25 minutes. Terrific action. If van Pressie isn't scoring, he's assisting. He's a beast. I think I've found my favorite team.As an aside, there's a gal at work who was raised in England. Her favorite team growing up was the Southampton Saints. They got relegated, I think, in 2005. Is there any way FSC would show any Southampton games and/or highlights that I could record? Thanks.

Very rarely....FA Cup games, maybe....otherwise you'll be lucky to find a 30-second highlight every week, if that.

Thanks, Steve.I see I spelled van Persie's name wrong above. I'll play one of my "noob cards" here. Thanks.

 

[The Z Machine]

FIFA named their "ideal 11" for 2008 today: http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/casillas...asdasftb_32/Tes

Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, John Terry, Puyol, Lahm; Kaká, Steven Gerrard, Xavi , Ribery; Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

Not a bad list IMO. I can't really complain about any of those guys, except maybe Ballack in place of Gerrard.

 

[Christo]

FIFA named their "ideal 11" for 2008 today: http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/casillas...asdasftb_32/Tes

Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, John Terry, Puyol, Lahm; Kaká, Steven Gerrard, Xavi , Ribery; Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

Not a bad list IMO. I can't really complain about any of those guys, except maybe Ballack in place of Gerrard.

Gerrard strikes me as a much more dangerous player than Ballack. The only place I might give Ballack the nod is in the air.

 

[Steve Tasker]

European bias

 

[andy_b]

The US is about to awaken from its long slumber to start up the final run in WCQing.

On Saturday the US plays a friendly against Sweden at the HDC. This will be followed by a likely great match against Mexico in Columbus on Feb 11.

The Sweden game will be on FSC and Galavsion.

The Mexico game will be on ESPN2 and Univision.

 

[The Z Machine]

FIFA named their "ideal 11" for 2008 today: http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/casillas...asdasftb_32/Tes

Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, John Terry, Puyol, Lahm; Kaká, Steven Gerrard, Xavi , Ribery; Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

Not a bad list IMO. I can't really complain about any of those guys, except maybe Ballack in place of Gerrard.

Gerrard strikes me as a much more dangerous player than Ballack. The only place I might give Ballack the nod is in the air.

They are both fantastic at taking free kicks (hard to separate them there), and I think that Gerrard likely plays better on his side of the half than Ballack, but I really do think there's something special about Ballak's ability to create offense and carry a team at times. I also think Ballack might be a better competitor overall. He's got a lot of fire in him.I'm not trying to put down Gerrard here... I think he definitely warrants strong consideration in a best 11 conversation.

BTW, apparently Sergio Ramos beat out Dani Alves by the slimmest of margins.

 

[Desert_Power]

FIFA named their "ideal 11" for 2008 today: http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/casillas...asdasftb_32/Tes

Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, John Terry, Puyol, Lahm; Kaká, Steven Gerrard, Xavi , Ribery; Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

Not a bad list IMO. I can't really complain about any of those guys, except maybe Ballack in place of Gerrard.

That team as a starting 11 that isn't very logical. No true striker in the bunch and four midfielders that essentially play the same roll as well as an attacking left back.

 

[Desert_Power]

FIFA named their "ideal 11" for 2008 today: http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/casillas...asdasftb_32/Tes

Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, John Terry, Puyol, Lahm; Kaká, Steven Gerrard, Xavi , Ribery; Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

Not a bad list IMO. I can't really complain about any of those guys, except maybe Ballack in place of Gerrard.

Gerrard strikes me as a much more dangerous player than Ballack. The only place I might give Ballack the nod is in the air.

They are both fantastic at taking free kicks (hard to separate them there), and I think that Gerrard likely plays better on his side of the half than Ballack, but I really do think there's something special about Ballak's ability to create offense and carry a team at times. I also think Ballack might be a better competitor overall. He's got a lot of fire in him.I'm not trying to put down Gerrard here... I think he definitely warrants strong consideration in a best 11 conversation.



BTW, apparently Sergio Ramos beat out Dani Alves by the slimmest of margins.

He wouldn't have if Spain hadn't taken the Euro, Alves is better. Also surprised not to see Maicon, he as given the nod by several players. Brasil should have a potent defense in 2010.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Gerrard >>> Ballack, IMO

 

[The Z Machine]

FIFA named their "ideal 11" for 2008 today: http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/casillas...asdasftb_32/Tes

Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, John Terry, Puyol, Lahm; Kaká, Steven Gerrard, Xavi , Ribery; Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

Not a bad list IMO. I can't really complain about any of those guys, except maybe Ballack in place of Gerrard.

That team as a starting 11 that isn't very logical. No true striker in the bunch and four midfielders that essentially play the same roll as well as an attacking left back.

Oh I agree that as a starting 11 it doesn't make much sense. But just like the FIFA World Player, these awards focus on offense, not defense. This team could drop 4 or 5 goals on anyone, and they'd be deadly on a counter.But they'd also probably give up 2-3 goals.

 

[The Z Machine]

He wouldn't have if Spain hadn't taken the Euro, Alves is better. Also surprised not to see Maicon, he as given the nod by several players. Brasil should have a potent defense in 2010.

Well they did and Ramos was a big part of that IMO.Alves is a great talent. He's on a team that's playing fantastically well right now. Nonetheless, I think Ramos is a better defender than Alves.Both have a number of good years ahead of them. We'll see which one ends up being considered the best in 10 years. This is like an Emmitt vs. Barry discussion in 1992.

 

[scoobygang]

I don't see how Ballack could make any best of 2008 team. He was hurt much of the season. He did little on the club side. He did help spearhead the upset of Portugal, but there are plenty of midfielders I would pick ahead of him. I'm not sure he's the top German attacking midfielder (I'd pick Schweinsteiger).

The lack of a true striker on that squad is really puzzling, particularly considering the years that Torres and Villa had.

Lahm makes all these teams, but he was a disaster on the defensive end at the Euros. He scored goals, but almost every attack came on his flank.

I would have left out at least one of the central midfielders, possibly Kaka, who just didn't have a 2008 that was remotely as good as his 2007. I suppose I can live without a holding midfielder, although it would be nice if the major awards recognized the value of the position for once.

 

[The Z Machine]

I don't see how Ballack could make any best of 2008 team. He was hurt much of the season. He did little on the club side. He did help spearhead the upset of Portugal, but there are plenty of midfielders I would pick ahead of him. I'm not sure he's the top German attacking midfielder (I'd pick Schweinsteiger).The lack of a true striker on that squad is really puzzling, particularly considering the years that Torres and Villa had. Lahm makes all these teams, but he was a disaster on the defensive end at the Euros. He scored goals, but almost every attack came on his flank.I would have left out at least one of the central midfielders, possibly Kaka, who just didn't have a 2008 that was remotely as good as his 2007. I suppose I can live without a holding midfielder, although it would be nice if the major awards recognized the value of the position for once.

I think your point is well made scooby, and I failed to recognize that Ballack was hurt for long stretches of 2008. Since I'm mostly a La Liga watcher, these things pass me by. I think Ballack had an outstanding EURO2008 though.You're right about Lahm as well. He got abused at times in the EUROs.So I retract my Ballack swap for Gerrard, who played very well in the Premiership in 2008.

 

[Desert_Power]

My Starting XI:

GK: Casillas

RB: Alves

LB: Maicon

CB: Rio Ferdinand

CB: John Terry

DM: Senna

AM: Xavi

AM: Schwienstieger

LW: C. Ronaldo

RW: Messi

ST: Torres

Coach: Guus Hiddink

 

[CletiusMaximus]

So I retract my Ballack swap for Gerrard, who played very well in the Premiership in 2008.

Gerrard was not only better on the club level, but he lead an english midfield that did not give up a single goal and were undefeated in the Euro 08 finals.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

what timing!

68'Goal! Liverpool 1, Everton 0. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Albert Riera.

 

[MrPhoenix]

what timing!

68'Goal! Liverpool 1, Everton 0. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Albert Riera.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

what timing!

68'Goal! Liverpool 1, Everton 0. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Albert Riera.

 

[guru_007]

ouch - Cahill with the equalizer.

Liverpool

Glancing over ManU's schedule, 4 of their next 6 are at home (Away @ WBA & West Ham)

Their most significant remaining matches are home vs Liverpool, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Man City. The only away match they have against any team in the top 10 for the remainder of this year is @ Wigan. (eta one game @ West Ham too)

The only thing that may get United is their heavy schedule as they are still alive in Carling Cup, FA Cup, and CL matches - so they have pretty much 2 games/week for awhile. But, Liverpool keeps dropping points left and right and Chelsea seems a team in disarray right now.

so I say

 

[The Z Machine]

My Starting XI:GK: CasillasRB: AlvesLB: MaiconCB: Rio FerdinandCB: John TerryDM: SennaAM: XaviAM: SchwienstiegerLW: C. RonaldoRW: MessiST: TorresCoach: Guus Hiddink

I know you Premiership guys love Torres, but I personally think David Villa is a better striker than he in the games I've watched. Maybe Torres game which draws heavily on through balls is most suited to England and not Spain, whereas Villa's ability to create off the dribble makes him more dangerous in other settings. IMO, it was pretty obvious which one of these two Aragonés preferred and it wasn't el Niño. We'll see if del Bosque continues that trend or not. Villa is pretty deadly in high level international competition, as he scored at least 3 goals in WC2006 and then 4 in EURO2008, even though he missed the final. I'm not saying that Villa had a better 2008, but rather that he might be a better striker.

 

[MrPhoenix]

ouch - Cahill with the equalizer. LiverpoolGlancing over ManU's schedule, 4 of their next 6 are at home (Away @ WBA & West Ham)Their most significant remaining matches are home vs Liverpool, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Man City. The only away match they have against any team in the top 10 for the remainder of this year is @ Wigan. (eta one game @ West Ham too)The only thing that may get United is their heavy schedule as they are still alive in Carling Cup, FA Cup, and CL matches - so they have pretty much 2 games/week for awhile. But, Liverpool keeps dropping points left and right and Chelsea seems a team in disarray right now.so I say

Thank god they don't play the games on paper.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

ouch - Cahill with the equalizer.

Liverpool

Glancing over ManU's schedule, 4 of their next 6 are at home (Away @ WBA & West Ham)

Their most significant remaining matches are home vs Liverpool, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Man City. The only away match they have against any team in the top 10 for the remainder of this year is @ Wigan. (eta one game @ West Ham too)

The only thing that may get United is their heavy schedule as they are still alive in Carling Cup, FA Cup, and CL matches - so they have pretty much 2 games/week for awhile. But, Liverpool keeps dropping points left and right and Chelsea seems a team in disarray right now.

so I say

I would have preferred the three points for Everton but will take the one. With another matchup this week in the FA Cup vs. Liverpool followed by Arsenal and ManU upcoming, this is a tough four game stretch for a team that has been hurt by injuries lately. I'm still hopeful for that fifth and final UEFA Cup spot even though they are 5 points behind Arsenal at this point.

 

[Steve Tasker]

My Starting XI:GK: CasillasRB: AlvesLB: MaiconCB: Rio FerdinandCB: John TerryDM: SennaAM: XaviAM: SchwienstiegerLW: C. RonaldoRW: MessiST: TorresCoach: Guus Hiddink

Great call on Senna...I was trying to think of my own, and Senna came to mind early. He had a great year...

 

[The Z Machine]

My Starting XI:GK: CasillasRB: AlvesLB: MaiconCB: Rio FerdinandCB: John TerryDM: SennaAM: XaviAM: SchwienstiegerLW: C. RonaldoRW: MessiST: TorresCoach: Guus Hiddink

Great call on Senna...I was trying to think of my own, and Senna came to mind early. He had a great year...

Senna had a great EURO2008 run, but he's played only OK for Villarreal thus far this season in La Liga. That's the thing about defensive MF's... it's tough to judge them without watching them closely, and I've only seen Senna play twice or so this year.

 

[Steve Tasker]

My Starting XI:GK: CasillasRB: AlvesLB: MaiconCB: Rio FerdinandCB: John TerryDM: SennaAM: XaviAM: SchwienstiegerLW: C. RonaldoRW: MessiST: TorresCoach: Guus Hiddink

Great call on Senna...I was trying to think of my own, and Senna came to mind early. He had a great year...

Senna had a great EURO2008 run, but he's played only OK for Villarreal thus far this season in La Liga. That's the thing about defensive MF's... it's tough to judge them without watching them closely, and I've only seen Senna play twice or so this year.

I've only seen highlights of him in La Liga, I was giving him a ton of points for his play in the Euros

 

[Christo]

My Starting XI:GK: CasillasRB: AlvesLB: MaiconCB: Rio FerdinandCB: John TerryDM: SennaAM: XaviAM: SchwienstiegerLW: C. RonaldoRW: MessiST: TorresCoach: Guus Hiddink

I know you Premiership guys love Torres, but I personally think David Villa is a better striker than he in the games I've watched. Maybe Torres game which draws heavily on through balls is most suited to England and not Spain, whereas Villa's ability to create off the dribble makes him more dangerous in other settings. IMO, it was pretty obvious which one of these two Aragonés preferred and it wasn't el Niño. We'll see if del Bosque continues that trend or not. Villa is pretty deadly in high level international competition, as he scored at least 3 goals in WC2006 and then 4 in EURO2008, even though he missed the final. I'm not saying that Villa had a better 2008, but rather that he might be a better striker.

They have completely different styles. It was clear Spain didn't know how to utilize Torres in EURO2008. He may be Spanish, but he's the classic British striker and fits Liverpool's system perfectly.

 

[Sebowski]

So I retract my Ballack swap for Gerrard, who played very well in the Premiership in 2008.

Gerrard was not only better on the club level, but he lead an english midfield that did not give up a single goal and were undefeated in the Euro 08 finals.

 

[Sebowski]

My Starting XI:GK: CasillasRB: AlvesLB: MaiconCB: Rio FerdinandCB: John TerryDM: SennaAM: XaviAM: SchwienstiegerLW: C. RonaldoRW: MessiST: TorresCoach: Guus Hiddink

I know you Premiership guys love Torres, but I personally think David Villa is a better striker than he in the games I've watched. Maybe Torres game which draws heavily on through balls is most suited to England and not Spain, whereas Villa's ability to create off the dribble makes him more dangerous in other settings. IMO, it was pretty obvious which one of these two Aragonés preferred and it wasn't el Niño. We'll see if del Bosque continues that trend or not. Villa is pretty deadly in high level international competition, as he scored at least 3 goals in WC2006 and then 4 in EURO2008, even though he missed the final. I'm not saying that Villa had a better 2008, but rather that he might be a better striker.

I agree completely. Hard to leave Eto'o off the way he is playing now, but I guess now is 2009. Kind of wierd to think of these year end awards when the seasons are split between two years so evenly.

 

[Steve Tasker]

####### Seriously?

 

[Steve Tasker]

US releases the roster for this weekend's Sweden friendly:

GOALKEEPERS (4): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Matt Pickens (Colorado Rapids)

DEFENDERS (6): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland), Ugo Ihemelu (Colorado Rapids), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaelland), Chris Wingert (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City Wizards), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire)

FORWARDS (4): Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire)

 

[Steve Tasker]

to Stuart Holden, Kenny Cooper, and Charlie Davies getting the nods.

I'd like to see Davies take on his league-mates, I'm sure he'll be more up for this game than anyone else on the roster.

Holden was superb in the Olympics, IMO. He's never been capped for the senior team though. I'd love to see him get the start, but I doubt it.

 

[Kendall]

Gerrard >>> Ballack, IMO

Agreed. Ballack seems to me to be the type of player that can flat out dominate players of lesser talent, but as soon as he the competition is equal he can't raise his game. Gerrard on the other hand seems to thrive on pressure and being the player to drive himself and his teammates to win tough games.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Gerrard >>> Ballack, IMO

Agreed. Ballack seems to me to be the type of player that can flat out dominate players of lesser talent, but as soon as he the competition is equal he can't raise his game. Gerrard on the other hand seems to thrive on pressure and being the player to drive himself and his teammates to win tough games.

I might take some heat from this, but I see Ballack as kinda over the hill, or approaching it fast. Not that he can't play with the big boys anymore, he's still a good player, but he's not the dominant force he was in 02, 03, 04, etc. It's just a product of getting older and having 13 years of experience....eventually it starts to catch up with you.I just Wiki'd their ages - Ballack is 32, Gerrard is 28.Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I think Ballack's best days are behind him. A few years ago, best XI, definitely. But it's 2009, and I don't even think he's the best player in Chelsea's midfield, let alone one of the best 4 MFs in the game.

 

[brewer]

####### Seriously?

I know, I would hate to have to become a Real fan! In all honestly though, there are so many of these types of rumors that I can't even begin to worry about it.

 

[Mjolnirs]

I might take some heat from this, but I see Ballack as kinda over the hill, or approaching it fast. Not that he can't play with the big boys anymore, he's still a good player, but he's not the dominant force he was in 02, 03, 04, etc. It's just a product of getting older and having 13 years of experience....eventually it starts to catch up with you.I just Wiki'd their ages - Ballack is 32, Gerrard is 28.Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I think Ballack's best days are behind him. A few years ago, best XI, definitely. But it's 2009, and I don't even think he's the best player in Chelsea's midfield, let alone one of the best 4 MFs in the game.

I would agree with most of this. Ballack's star is dimming. He's still a mainstay on Die Mannschaft. 2010 may not be his last WC, but it should be his last as the main guy in midfield. (assuming he even is then)

 

[Desert_Power]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id...571&cc=5901

Stay classy Madrid.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Watching Man City/Wigan. Wigan faces Liverpool next Wednesday.

Based on what I've seen, I don't like their chances. I just saw about 5 of them try to hack at the soccer ball in front of the Man City net and it looked like a bunch of special kids trying to kick a golf ball.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Watching Man City/Wigan. Wigan faces Liverpool next Wednesday.Based on what I've seen, I don't like their chances. I just saw about 5 of them try to hack at the soccer ball in front of the Man City net and it looked like a bunch of special kids trying to kick a golf ball.

mehI consider Wigan the "best of the rest" other than the top 7 (big 4 + Villa, Everton, Man City). Obviously they don't match up well with Liverpool, but not many teams do.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Watching Man City/Wigan. Wigan faces Liverpool next Wednesday.Based on what I've seen, I don't like their chances. I just saw about 5 of them try to hack at the soccer ball in front of the Man City net and it looked like a bunch of special kids trying to kick a golf ball.

mehI consider Wigan the "best of the rest" other than the top 7 (big 4 + Villa, Everton, Man City). Obviously they don't match up well with Liverpool, but not many teams do.

I will say Wigan is not losing because of a lack of effort. They're getting plenty of chances while Man City seems content to clam up and play defense.

 

[Steve Tasker]

And if you're watching a tape of Saturday's game, part of the reason Man City is playing defensively is because they had 10 men, IIRC.

 

[The Z Machine]

I doubt that Wenger leaves Arsenal before winning another Premiership title or playing in another CL final, but I could be wrong... maybe he's sick of the English fans and wants a new challenge.

Personally, I wouldn't take the Real job because it's likely they'll replace him in less than 2 seasons even if he does win a bunch. Plus, his hands would be way more tied in terms of buying/selling players at Real. The new president will have as much or more of a say than the coach. Plus there's Predrag Mijatovic the director of football to deal with (althought the article says that Wenger would be both manager and director).

 

[guru_007]

Watching Man City/Wigan. Wigan faces Liverpool next Wednesday.

Based on what I've seen, I don't like their chances. I just saw about 5 of them try to hack at the soccer ball in front of the Man City net and it looked like a bunch of special kids trying to kick a golf ball.

mehI consider Wigan the "best of the rest" other than the top 7 (big 4 + Villa Arsenal, Everton, Man City). Obviously they don't match up well with Liverpool, but not many teams do.

Wigan > Everton (especially an Everton without any strikers) and they are on par with City (for now)Wigan is one of the most underappreciated teams in the epl this year. Liverpool is struggling big time right now with scoring, and if they don't watch it, Wigan will steal some more points from them.

Ballack would probably be best served moving back to Germany. I like the guy a lot, but his game is not well suited for Chelsea. He is much more narrow player, and good on a set piece. He is absent often in the Chelsea attack. But, with Joe Cole out for the year now, they may alter some things. Ballack is still very good, I just don't think his game is suited for what Scolari wants to do.

I don't know what the hell is up with Man City either. They paid huge money for Bellamy, who is alright, but no where near special. I can't possibly see him and Robinho on the attack, they are both so small, central defenders are going to eat them up. On West Ham, he had made for a great attack combo with Carlton Cole and Dean Ashton (when healthy) as they were both much bigger/physical players. I can't see anyone on City close to this I dunno. And then City goes out and pays a ton for deLong, where they could have had him at year end for pennies on the dollar. Horrible decision making. City needs a playmaker and a goalkeeper, and basically addressed neither of these.

There was an awesome Carling Cup game this week. No, not the United 4-2 win vs Derby, but yesterday's extra time game between Spurs @ Burnley. Spurs had a 4-1 agg lead, and go out and lose 3-0! Leads to extra time, where the cream did rise to the top, unfortunately, would have been nice to see Burnley take it. Spurs fielded their "c" team that game, granted they have injury issues with King, Gomes and others, but still. It was a semi final matchup, they had to expect an all out attack from the home side.

Anyway, that sets up a United - Spurs Carling Cup final. A preview of this matchup will be seen this weekend when Spurs visit Old Trafford for their FA Cup matchup. Expect a thrashing, something along the lines of 2-0, 3-0.