***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)

[The Z Machine]

Also Valencia / Barça later today. Barça is in the thick of a tough match stretch. I think they have the players to make the run successful, but they can't afford any injuries to set them back.

 

[El Floppo]

I guess Jozy has been keeping a blog with the NYTimes.. .here's his latest entry:

The 19-year-old American striker Jozy Altidore, who has been contributing items for The Times’s Goal blog, checks in from Spain, where he is on loan from Villarreal to Deportivo Xerez and is recuperating from surgery on both of his big toes.Jozy Altidore signed with Villarreal, but is on loan to the Spanish second division club Deportivo Xerez. (Diego Tuson/Agence France-Presse – Getty Images)I’m back blogging and I’m now on Twitter. Check me out and follow me at JozyAltidore17. I thought it would be a good idea to set something up so I can stay in touch with the fans. It’s a cool idea and I think I’m doing it at a good time because a lot of things are going to be happening in the next year, what with all the national team games like the Confederations Cup, Gold Cup and the World Cup. And I think the players owe it to the fans to try and update them. That’s why I downloaded TwitterBerry.For a while, I was having problems getting it to work, but now it’s up and running and I’m adding people I want to follow, so check me out on twitter.com or on wefollow.com and click on the sports tab and search on soccer.And I promise to update people following me all the time. Really. Honest!As for me, I’m still laid up, resting and recuperating from surgery and both of my big toes. I’m just coming back and I have to say, man, it’s painful. Had problems with the toes for a little while and finally saw the time to get it done. I had to get it done or else they would have become badly infected. The doctor here in Jerez took off about half of each nail, they were humongous, the pieces were the size of a whole normal nail. It was the same procedure on both toes, but please don’t ask me exactly what all the medical stuff is all about.I hope to be back and healthy in time to finish the season. I know I’ve been missing a lot because I haven’t been able to do anything for two weeks. And Thursday was a big day because I got to go and see the doctor again. The toes are still bleeding and I have to change the bandages a couple of times a day. I hope he’s going to tell me I can start to wear shoes again, because I’m getting tired of just wearing flip-flops all the time. I’m expecting some good news and hope I can start running and getting my fitness back, although I don’t think I’ve lost all that much. It was tough coming back to Spain (hey, I’m just about fluent in Spanish and speak it all the time over here, but I’m a bit embarrassed when I get back to the States that I’m going to make some mistakes) because I had so much fun with the U.S. national team. We bounced back big against Trinidad after that rally against El Salvador. For me, I just wanted to play with energy and help the team any way I could. My goal throughout qualifying has been to try and give the team something different when needed, help out any way I can.I know everyone has been asking about me coming to Xerez and not getting any playing time. My job as a player is just to play, whatever environment I’m in. I’m not going to address the other things. I’ll give my 100 percent whenever I’m asked to go on the field. Hopefully Xerez will get promoted to La Liga, which would be the first time in club history, and that would be great. It would be great for the organization and for the city, which is absolutely a most beautiful place to play and live.My loan here is until the end of the season, then I don’t really know what happens. I suppose it will all be worked out over the summer and really depends on what Villarreal wants. I want to keep all my options open. I like Xerez, it’s a great city and has some intangibles that a lot of smaller clubs have. It would be good going with them to the top division next year, but ultimately I want to go and play with Villarreal, the club that bought me and I want to return the faith. At the same time, Villarreal owns me; if they want me to do something different, I’d have to take it into consideration. I trust them 100 percent.I want to be clear about this: I’ve never voiced any displeasure or had any problems since I came here. It was a difficult time, I was excited, but the club was winning games and I just had to wait, because no one can expect a coach to break up a team when things are going well.O.K., back from the doctor and I got the O.K. to start working out again next week. So follow me on Twitter and check back on the blog. All the best.

 

[The Z Machine]

Valencia up 2-1... This is getting to be a VERY good game.

Once again Messi is sick, but David Villa can make some moves too. I love both of their games. Silva and Villa together cause some major headaches for Barça's back line. Puyol not playing well as he already got away with a clear penalty that wasn´t called.

 

[The Z Machine]

BTW, I've been to Xerez (also known as Jerez in English) and it really is a beautiful small-ish town in Andalucía. It the sherry making region in Spain (that's where the English word sherry comes from). Lots of orange trees lingin the streets, good weather and friendly people. I'm gald Jozy's getting to experience it.

If anyone reads Jozy's blog and see interesting stuff, please re-post it here so we all can see it.

 

[Desert_Power]

Valencia up 2-1... This is getting to be a VERY good game.Once again Messi is sick, but David Villa can make some moves too. I love both of their games. Silva and Villa together cause some major headaches for Barça's back line. Puyol not playing well as he already got away with a clear penalty that wasn´t called.

It isn't a clear penalty when the striker is offside.

 

[The Z Machine]

Valencia up 2-1... This is getting to be a VERY good game.Once again Messi is sick, but David Villa can make some moves too. I love both of their games. Silva and Villa together cause some major headaches for Barça's back line. Puyol not playing well as he already got away with a clear penalty that wasn´t called.

It isn't a clear penalty when the striker is offside.

The offsides wasn't called, and Puyol took him down with feet and arms.

 

[The Z Machine]

Iniesta must have like 20% of Barça's touches this game.

 

[Desert_Power]

Valencia up 2-1... This is getting to be a VERY good game.Once again Messi is sick, but David Villa can make some moves too. I love both of their games. Silva and Villa together cause some major headaches for Barça's back line. Puyol not playing well as he already got away with a clear penalty that wasn´t called.

It isn't a clear penalty when the striker is offside.

The offsides wasn't called, and Puyol took him down with feet and arms.

The feed showed the flag up. I don't know where you saw feet contact at all. Puyol had his arm on him, but his contact isn't what took Villa down at all. Regardless, I am impressed by the ref not rewarding much of the diving from Valencia today.

 

[The Z Machine]

They have been diving a bit this game, I´ll admit that.

 

[Desert_Power]

Barca pulls even.

 

[The Z Machine]

Barca pulls even.

He didn´t touch him. Keeper was trying to draw the call there obviously.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Bayern lost a tough one to Schalke today 1-0 at home. Halil Altintop scored off a corner in the 21st minute with the game winner. Bayern had 62% possession, led 15-5 on corners and 22-8 on shots but just couldn't put one in the net. Neuer had a great game in goal for Schalke.

The match had 9 yellow cards with Bayern's Ribery and Schalke's Jermaine Jones going yellow/red so both teams finished with 10 players.

Bayern are now 3rd in the table, 3 points behind Wolfsburg who play on Sunday against Cottbus who are 17th in the table. Bayern are looking at being 6 back with 5 matches to play.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Barca pulls even.

Didn't get a chance to see the match - the recap I read placed a good deal of blame on Valdes for missing the ball on Maduro's goal. Was the blame deserved?

 

[Desert_Power]

Barca pulls even.

Didn't get a chance to see the match - the recap I read placed a good deal of blame on Valdes for missing the ball on Maduro's goal. Was the blame deserved?

Pretty much, it is Valdes. However, he did make some good stops today. The thing that killed Barca is that Valencia was too much quality for them to control the midfield. The way Valencia has been playing of late, I can't say I'm disappointed to get away with a point.

 

[The Z Machine]

Barca pulls even.

Didn't get a chance to see the match - the recap I read placed a good deal of blame on Valdes for missing the ball on Maduro's goal. Was the blame deserved?

Both goalies made errors. Valdes on Maduro's goal and Sánchez on the 2nd Barça goal.

 

[The Z Machine]

Just thought I'd let you all know that me and my crew got 12 tickets for WC2010 in South Africa. Just got the email notice today.

They are the Team Specific Ticket package for the US, all 3 first round games. Four seats together for each.

Right now we have a crew of 6 guys, but some are saying that they are doubtful. We're gonna keep applying for more.

I'm stoked already.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Bayern lost a tough one to Schalke today 1-0 at home. Halil Altintop scored off a corner in the 21st minute with the game winner. Bayern had 62% possession, led 15-5 on corners and 22-8 on shots but just couldn't put one in the net. Neuer had a great game in goal for Schalke.The match had 9 yellow cards with Bayern's Ribery and Schalke's Jermaine Jones going yellow/red so both teams finished with 10 players.Bayern are now 3rd in the table, 3 points behind Wolfsburg who play on Sunday against Cottbus who are 17th in the table. Bayern are looking at being 6 back with 5 matches to play.

Is it just the first two in Bundesliga that make the Champions League? If they don't make CL, Klinsmann is in trouble at that club.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Bayern lost a tough one to Schalke today 1-0 at home. Halil Altintop scored off a corner in the 21st minute with the game winner. Bayern had 62% possession, led 15-5 on corners and 22-8 on shots but just couldn't put one in the net. Neuer had a great game in goal for Schalke.The match had 9 yellow cards with Bayern's Ribery and Schalke's Jermaine Jones going yellow/red so both teams finished with 10 players.Bayern are now 3rd in the table, 3 points behind Wolfsburg who play on Sunday against Cottbus who are 17th in the table. Bayern are looking at being 6 back with 5 matches to play.

Is it just the first two in Bundesliga that make the Champions League? If they don't make CL, Klinsmann is in trouble at that club.

1 and 2 qualify automatically, 3 has to play in the early qualifying rounds, 4 and 5 make the UEFA Cup or Euroleague next season.Klinsmann has been on the hot seat all season, but you are right, if they finish below 2nd he is in serious trouble. Management has said he will be back next season, but we all know how that can change once the season ends.I belong to a Bayern e-mail group and I'm amazed at the level of upset going on. I'm a fan and of course I want my team to win every game, but realistically I know that isn't going to happen. There are so many people out there that think if the team does not finish first then the season is a complete failure. They seem to feel entitled to the title just because it is Bayern and forget that the other 17 teams are trying to win too.While this isn't a re-building season I think the loss of Kahn in net makes it pretty close in the defense. In league play they have lost 5 games by one goal and have drawn in six; I would wager that with Kahn in goal the team earns an extra 6-9 points in just those matches.

 

[The Z Machine]

Raúl scores 2 to take Real Madrid to 3-1 at Sevilla. I can't believe that this old man is still scoring goals. He's like 40 years old.

 

[El Floppo]

Just thought I'd let you all know that me and my crew got 12 tickets for WC2010 in South Africa. Just got the email notice today.They are the Team Specific Ticket package for the US, all 3 first round games. Four seats together for each.Right now we have a crew of 6 guys, but some are saying that they are doubtful. We're gonna keep applying for more.I'm stoked already.

Dude.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Raúl scores 2 to take Real Madrid to 3-1 at Sevilla. I can't believe that this old man is still scoring goals. He's like 40 years old.

I'm not surprised - he's the anti-Christ.

 

[The Z Machine]

Raúl scores 2 to take Real Madrid to 3-1 at Sevilla. I can't believe that this old man is still scoring goals. He's like 40 years old.

I'm not surprised - he's the anti-Christ.

I have no love for him. I think he was detrimental to the Spanish national team for years. As a leader, he was poor. I'm glad he's being replaced in that capacity by Casillas. The emergence of Villa and Torres as superstar strikers helps too.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Raúl scores 2 to take Real Madrid to 3-1 at Sevilla. I can't believe that this old man is still scoring goals. He's like 40 years old.

I'm not surprised - he's the anti-Christ.

I have no love for him. I think he was detrimental to the Spanish national team for years. As a leader, he was poor. I'm glad he's being replaced in that capacity by Casillas. The emergence of Villa and Torres as superstar strikers helps too.

It's not a coincidence the Spaniards won last summer without Raul around, in my opinion. And Villa and Torres can each dominate a match when on form - I hope Villa ends up at Camp Nou next year. HUGE week for Barcelona - Chelsea and then the Hated Ones.

 

[El Floppo]

Raúl scores 2 to take Real Madrid to 3-1 at Sevilla. I can't believe that this old man is still scoring goals. He's like 40 years old.

I'm not surprised - he's the anti-Christ.

I have no love for him. I think he was detrimental to the Spanish national team for years. As a leader, he was poor. I'm glad he's being replaced in that capacity by Casillas. The emergence of Villa and Torres as superstar strikers helps too.

It's not a coincidence the Spaniards won last summer without Raul around, in my opinion. And Villa and Torres can each dominate a match when on form - I hope Villa ends up at Camp Nou next year. HUGE week for Barcelona - Chelsea and then the Hated Ones.

Raul is th typical goal-scoring machine league player who just doesn't have it at the national level. (I'm looking at you, Taylor Twellman).

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Bayern lost a tough one to Schalke today 1-0 at home. Halil Altintop scored off a corner in the 21st minute with the game winner. Bayern had 62% possession, led 15-5 on corners and 22-8 on shots but just couldn't put one in the net. Neuer had a great game in goal for Schalke.

The match had 9 yellow cards with Bayern's Ribery and Schalke's Jermaine Jones going yellow/red so both teams finished with 10 players.

Bayern are now 3rd in the table, 3 points behind Wolfsburg who play on Sunday against Cottbus who are 17th in the table. Bayern are looking at being 6 back with 5 matches to play.

Is it just the first two in Bundesliga that make the Champions League? If they don't make CL, Klinsmann is in trouble at that club.

1 and 2 qualify automatically, 3 has to play in the early qualifying rounds, 4 and 5 make the UEFA Cup or Euroleague next season.Klinsmann has been on the hot seat all season, but you are right, if they finish below 2nd he is in serious trouble. Management has said he will be back next season, but we all know how that can change once the season ends.

I belong to a Bayern e-mail group and I'm amazed at the level of upset going on. I'm a fan and of course I want my team to win every game, but realistically I know that isn't going to happen. There are so many people out there that think if the team does not finish first then the season is a complete failure. They seem to feel entitled to the title just because it is Bayern and forget that the other 17 teams are trying to win too.

While this isn't a re-building season I think the loss of Kahn in net makes it pretty close in the defense. In league play they have lost 5 games by one goal and have drawn in six; I would wager that with Kahn in goal the team earns an extra 6-9 points in just those matches.

Klinsmann firedBayern has got to be one of the most high pressure jobs in sports - anything less that 1st or 2nd place is a failure.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Klinsmann fired

Bayern has got to be one of the most high pressure jobs in sports - anything less that 1st or 2nd place is a failure.

That's too bad. I really like him and think he could have made great progress with time. The pressure at Bayern is crazy and the expectations of the fans is unrealistic. You just can't be the champion every year. The Bundelsiga has been around 45 years and Bayern have been champion 20 times. Some years you just don't finish first.

 

[The Z Machine]

Bayern lost a tough one to Schalke today 1-0 at home. Halil Altintop scored off a corner in the 21st minute with the game winner. Bayern had 62% possession, led 15-5 on corners and 22-8 on shots but just couldn't put one in the net. Neuer had a great game in goal for Schalke.

The match had 9 yellow cards with Bayern's Ribery and Schalke's Jermaine Jones going yellow/red so both teams finished with 10 players.

Bayern are now 3rd in the table, 3 points behind Wolfsburg who play on Sunday against Cottbus who are 17th in the table. Bayern are looking at being 6 back with 5 matches to play.

Is it just the first two in Bundesliga that make the Champions League? If they don't make CL, Klinsmann is in trouble at that club.

1 and 2 qualify automatically, 3 has to play in the early qualifying rounds, 4 and 5 make the UEFA Cup or Euroleague next season.Klinsmann has been on the hot seat all season, but you are right, if they finish below 2nd he is in serious trouble. Management has said he will be back next season, but we all know how that can change once the season ends.

I belong to a Bayern e-mail group and I'm amazed at the level of upset going on. I'm a fan and of course I want my team to win every game, but realistically I know that isn't going to happen. There are so many people out there that think if the team does not finish first then the season is a complete failure. They seem to feel entitled to the title just because it is Bayern and forget that the other 17 teams are trying to win too.

While this isn't a re-building season I think the loss of Kahn in net makes it pretty close in the defense. In league play they have lost 5 games by one goal and have drawn in six; I would wager that with Kahn in goal the team earns an extra 6-9 points in just those matches.

Klinsmann firedBayern has got to be one of the most high pressure jobs in sports - anything less that 1st or 2nd place is a failure.

Real Madrid is worse.

 

[Desert_Power]

Raúl scores 2 to take Real Madrid to 3-1 at Sevilla. I can't believe that this old man is still scoring goals. He's like 40 years old.

I'm not surprised - he's the anti-Christ.

I have no love for him. I think he was detrimental to the Spanish national team for years. As a leader, he was poor. I'm glad he's being replaced in that capacity by Casillas. The emergence of Villa and Torres as superstar strikers helps too.

It's not a coincidence the Spaniards won last summer without Raul around, in my opinion. And Villa and Torres can each dominate a match when on form - I hope Villa ends up at Camp Nou next year. HUGE week for Barcelona - Chelsea and then the Hated Ones.

It is a huge week. And I am worried about el Classico. Madrid is only 4 back and somehow can't seem to lose despite a low quality of play. It is like teams just lose their heads against them.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Raúl scores 2 to take Real Madrid to 3-1 at Sevilla. I can't believe that this old man is still scoring goals. He's like 40 years old.

I'm not surprised - he's the anti-Christ.

I have no love for him. I think he was detrimental to the Spanish national team for years. As a leader, he was poor. I'm glad he's being replaced in that capacity by Casillas. The emergence of Villa and Torres as superstar strikers helps too.

It's not a coincidence the Spaniards won last summer without Raul around, in my opinion. And Villa and Torres can each dominate a match when on form - I hope Villa ends up at Camp Nou next year. HUGE week for Barcelona - Chelsea and then the Hated Ones.

It is a huge week. And I am worried about el Classico. Madrid is only 4 back and somehow can't seem to lose despite a low quality of play. It is like teams just lose their heads against them.

This gives Chelsea some hope in this game - that Barcelona is still fighting on three fronts. Chelsea has nothing left to play for in the EPL, comfortably in third with no chance of losing a CL spot. They have the FA Cup final against Everton next month, but are otherwise completely focused on this tournament. Unfortunately, their already-suspect defense will be at a severe disadvantage with Carvalho and Ferriera injured and Ashley Cole suspended. (Deco is also out, but that is irrelevant). Although I've had some harsh words for Cole in the past, he was doing a great job this season and is the type of player I think matches up well with Messi, if such a thing is possible. I understand Boswinga will be switched to the left side to take on Messi in this game, which I'm not entirely comfortable with. The best use for Essien will be to blanket Xavi, which I am looking forward to seeing. I expect to see Messi go down hard several times in the first 15-20 minutes - with at least one hard yellow by halftime. A 2-1 loss at Camp Nou would be acceptable.

 

[The Z Machine]

It is a huge week. And I am worried about el Classico. Madrid is only 4 back and somehow can't seem to lose despite a low quality of play. It is like teams just lose their heads against them.

This Clásico is bigger than most IMO. Real Madrid is a team playing like they think they have a shot at taking the title from Barça. Their quality of play has been below Barça's all season (that's not hard to do), but they've actually been playing OK, and definitely have the nose to win and score goals when they need them most (see last week's game in Sanchez Pizjuan). Plus, they've played well in the Bernabéu this year, having only lost twice. Barça has been lights out at home, but like most sides, play a bit worse on the road (not much, just a little bit).Both Barça and Real have tough roads ahead... this game may be the turning point, but then again, the winner will have to play hard through the end of the season. That will be tougher for Barça with both CL and Copa del Rey chases going on concurrently. They still can win the Spanish Triple.

 

[Desert_Power]

It is a huge week. And I am worried about el Classico. Madrid is only 4 back and somehow can't seem to lose despite a low quality of play. It is like teams just lose their heads against them.

This Clásico is bigger than most IMO. Real Madrid is a team playing like they think they have a shot at taking the title from Barça. Their quality of play has been below Barça's all season (that's not hard to do), but they've actually been playing OK, and definitely have the nose to win and score goals when they need them most (see last week's game in Sanchez Pizjuan). Plus, they've played well in the Bernabéu this year, having only lost twice. Barça has been lights out at home, but like most sides, play a bit worse on the road (not much, just a little bit).Both Barça and Real have tough roads ahead... this game may be the turning point, but then again, the winner will have to play hard through the end of the season. That will be tougher for Barça with both CL and Copa del Rey chases going on concurrently. They still can win the Spanish Triple.

What Real has done has been incredible, but that they didn't lose to Getafe and Atletico I will never understand. I have watched most of their matches this half of the year, and at no point have they looked like a side that should be on the run they are. And that is what gives me the most apprehension about the match, that they keep finding a way to win games they shouldn't.Also, you have got to wonder what part scheduling has played in this run for Real. Getting to play the team that Barca played the week prior has to be a big benefit for them.

 

[The Z Machine]

No doubt that Real has gotten luck, and they need that luck to continue in order to pull this off. Those 2 away games at Villareal and Valencia could be killer for them.

They don't deserve to be in this title race. Barça doesn't deserve to be in a title race with the year they've had in La Liga, but here we are. I for one am welcoming it. it adds quite a bit of excitement to a Clásico that would have been pretty dull.

 

[Desert_Power]

No doubt that Real has gotten luck, and they need that luck to continue in order to pull this off. Those 2 away games at Villareal and Valencia could be killer for them.They don't deserve to be in this title race. Barça doesn't deserve to be in a title race with the year they've had in La Liga, but here we are. I for one am welcoming it. it adds quite a bit of excitement to a Clásico that would have been pretty dull.

I am not welcoming it, midweek against Chelsea is all the excitement I need. Though, if a full strength Barca loses to the Real squad that is going to be on the field next week we don't deserve the title anyways. I just wish Real had more than one competition to be focusing on. Pep is going to have to put out the full lineup against both Chelsea and Real, those guys are going to be tired. Wasn't the game originally Sunday?

 

[Desert_Power]

Not getting a large amount of studying for international finance done ahead of this match. Very exciting day.

 

[Desert_Power]

Puyol benched for today.

 

[Desert_Power]

Cech

Ivanović -- Terry -- Alex -- Bosingwa

Obi Mikel -- Essien

Ballack -- Lampard

Drogba -- Malouda

Not starting Anelka is curious, attacking is the way to beat Barca. He should be in there.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Hiddink said he would attack, but has put Drogba up front alone in order to add Obi-wan to the midfield and focus on stopping Xavi and iniesta. Drogba will have to be a giant today to keep this interesting. It will be amazing if the Chels can escape from Camp Nou with something to play for next week. I'm checking out now - will watch this evening when I get home. Go blue

 

[Steve Tasker]

Marquez just ####ed up his knee

 

[scoobygang]

I don't get to see a lot of La Liga, so I have a question. And I'll ask it as diplomatically as possible. Is Dani Alves always such a little #####?

 

[The Z Machine]

Still 0-0... this isn't looking good for Barça.

 

[The Z Machine]

I don't get to see a lot of La Liga, so I have a question. And I'll ask it as diplomatically as possible. Is Dani Alves always such a little #####?

No. I´m not watching the match since I´m working hard today, but he doesn´t whine all that much as I recall. What's he doing today?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Cech just saved Chelsea's ###.

 

[Desert_Power]

I don't get to see a lot of La Liga, so I have a question. And I'll ask it as diplomatically as possible. Is Dani Alves always such a little #####?

You wouldn't be happy either if you kept getting fouled when the ball was on the other side of the pitch.Clear penalty not called there.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Enjoyed a pint of bitter sitting in an English pub for the first half. There could be worse places to be to enjoy the Champions League semi. ManU v. Arsenal tomorrow should be a fun match to be around as well considering the two English sides. Will also be here next week for the 2nd legs.

Planning on heading up to Glasgow this weekend to watch Rangers v. Hearts in person. Should be an excellent match considering both of their spots in the table and Rangers trying to knock Celtic out of the top spot.

 

[The Z Machine]

Sounds like Márquez will be out for a while. I read a report about a possible meniscus tear. Bad news.

That could really hurt Mexico's chances in the hexagonal. He's a leader on that team, and although he seems to play worse for el tri compared to the blaugrana, he's still the heart of that defense.

Could the USMNT go into Azteca and get a win or a draw??? I think it's possible.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Bojan has another great chance....

Barca should be winning this.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Sounds like Márquez will be out for a while. I read a report about a possible meniscus tear. Bad news.That could really hurt Mexico's chances in the hexagonal. He's a leader on that team, and although he seems to play worse for el tri compared to the blaugrana, he's still the heart of that defense.Could the USMNT go into Azteca and get a win or a draw??? I think it's possible.

Only a meniscus tear? That might not be too bad.It looked really, really bad when it happened though.

 

[Desert_Power]

Same exact game as a year ago. It is difficult to score when there are ten people between the ball and the goal for most of the game.

 

[Desert_Power]

Looked at it a few more times and Ballack really should have had a second yellow shown to him. Also Eto'o not offside on the through ball in the first part.

 

[Native]

Horrible match. But then again, I think that was Chelsea's objective - not to concede a goal at all costs.