***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (9 Viewers)

[CletiusMaximus]

Am I the only one that is stoked about seeing a Barça - ManU final?Are these two teams not the two best in Europe right now? Thank goodness it wasn't a reply of last year's final.

I am super stoked on the matchup. I've been saying for this Barca team to go down in history they to to not only sweep all competitions, but also beat Man-U along the way. Can't wait for it to happen. Hopefully Henry and Puyol will be back. Losing Alves and Abidal sucks, but I don't think it is too much to overcome. Messi-Ronaldo giving us an Ovechkin-Crosby Kobe-Lebron sidestory should be fun as well. Barca 3Man U 1There. I said it.

The game would be better if Barca were at full strength. I would love this result, but they will have to play better. I've only seen them play in the two games with Chelsea, so that is not much to go on. Eto'o was the most disappointing. I used to love that guy and wanted him at Chelsea when the drogba rumors were flying last summer. He was completely invisible in the semi's. Messi was also in bad form.

 

[kblitz]

Personally, I think the man of the match (aside from Iniesta's goal) was Lampard. His play in the back half of the midfield kept the shape and structure of the Chelsea defense that allowed only 1 shot on target for Barcelona... arguably the most stacked offensive team on the planet. That's impressive. Ballack did a very good job as well in this capacity. He challenged balls that he should have challenged, kept the shape of the midfield, and played passes that resulting in very good counter attacking opportunities. his tirade against the ref, while poor form, was understandable in light of the magnitude of the match and the quality of the officiating.

I thought Terry played better than anyone, but agree that Lampard played a wonderful game. Ballack is also impressive - he's an ###hole for sure, but has become a great team player, essentially moving from an offensive role with Germany to more of a defensive role these days with Chelsea, particularly in these two games where he was part of a midfield that did a great job.

Great avatar

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Personally, I think the man of the match (aside from Iniesta's goal) was Lampard. His play in the back half of the midfield kept the shape and structure of the Chelsea defense that allowed only 1 shot on target for Barcelona... arguably the most stacked offensive team on the planet. That's impressive. Ballack did a very good job as well in this capacity. He challenged balls that he should have challenged, kept the shape of the midfield, and played passes that resulting in very good counter attacking opportunities. his tirade against the ref, while poor form, was understandable in light of the magnitude of the match and the quality of the officiating.

I thought Terry played better than anyone, but agree that Lampard played a wonderful game. Ballack is also impressive - he's an ###hole for sure, but has become a great team player, essentially moving from an offensive role with Germany to more of a defensive role these days with Chelsea, particularly in these two games where he was part of a midfield that did a great job.

Great avatar

Its funny, but its tongue in cheek.Chelsea should have scored 3 or 4 goals in the two games and that's why they are playing for only one trophy this year. Drogba could have scored 3 or 4 goals himself, which makes his conduct all the more disgraceful. Pique's handball was a clear penalty, so I have to assume he simply didn't see that one. The red card was a judgment call where he had to determine whether Anelka had a clear goal scoring opportunity or not, and I think he got it right. The only really bad call was on Malouda in the box. I think it was a cowardly call to award a direct free kick but put him outside the box.

 

[The Z Machine]

The red card was bull####, there wasn't enough contact to warrant that call. The Piqué handball should have been a penalty though, as that one's the most clear to me.

The Barcelona defenders were out of position to make clean plays on the ball a lot of the night. They forced the ref's hand by playing poorly. Puyol's presence was surely missed.

Of course, the Chelsea game plan of defend at all costs, give up possession, and put 9 guys behind the ball was VERY cynical. While I think they deserved to win based on the facts on the field, I can't feel sorry for them. Furthermore, I firmly believe that Barcelona is a better team than Chelsea.

 

[El Floppo]

The red card was bull####, there wasn't enough contact to warrant that call. The Piqué handball should have been a penalty though, as that one's the most clear to me.The Barcelona defenders were out of position to make clean plays on the ball a lot of the night. They forced the ref's hand by playing poorly. Puyol's presence was surely missed.Of course, the Chelsea game plan of defend at all costs, give up possession, and put 9 guys behind the ball was VERY cynical. While I think they deserved to win based on the facts on the field, I can't feel sorry for them. Furthermore, I firmly believe that Barcelona is a better team than Chelsea.

I'm sure you know this- but amount of contact isn't the prerequisite for the red in that situation... it's about fouling the guy when he's got a clear goal-scoring opportunity (and the fouler is the last man back).That said- I agree that the red in that situation was a 1 in 10... the other 9 refs would've gone with a yellow.I agree 110% with everything else you said here- although I didn't think Chelsea was playing as cynically in the 2nd game, and went forward well and with far more aggression/bite than Barcelona managed until their goal. Their possession didn't challenge Cech all game.But again- I prefer Barca's style and am really happy it's not United v Chelsea again. The final will be a better, more entertaining and elegant game as a result.and whoever said E'to was horrible- ... wow.

 

[The Z Machine]

I don't think there was enough contact to warrant a foul, let alone a red card. It sure looked like Drogba tripped himself. No doubt Abbidal got beat on the play, but I don't think we see a red card very often in that situation... probably less than 10% of the time... more like 2% of the time.

I suppose the real loser in this match were the fans. We don't want the calls or lack of calls to directly impact the game, but that was definitely the outcome.

 

[Moe.]

if you give a card in that situation, doesn't it have to be red cause of the whole clear path thing? are his options not limited to red card or no foul at all?

 

[Desert_Power]

Guys, let's be very clear here. There was no contact by Abidal. It isn't a fact of amount of contact on a goal scoring opportunity. There is no way it is the right call in any interpretation. It was not even a foul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mli0x6vuxQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgtzSe6mU9Y

 

[Bonzai]

if you give a card in that situation, doesn't it have to be red cause of the whole clear path thing? are his options not limited to red card or no foul at all?

I agree. I didn't think there was contact, was there?

 

[The Z Machine]

It's true... Eto'o didn't have a good game at all. He got eaten up by Terry all game. Terry's a hell of a defender, so this isn't too surprising. I think the story would have been different if Henry would have been playing instead of Keita. I think that Barcelona's attacking "bite" is much stronger with Henry. Keita isn't bad, but he doesn't have the finishing or polish that Henry has. He's a better defender and plays well in the middle of the park, but that wasn't really needed in that game. Henry frees up Eto'o, but nonetheless it was a poor performance. He had few touches and what only 1 shot? That's not good if your team has 60+% possession.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Guys, let's be very clear here. There was no contact by Abidal. It isn't a fact of amount of contact on a goal scoring opportunity. There is no way it is the right call in any interpretation. It was not even a foul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mli0x6vuxQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgtzSe6mU9Y

It seems apparent that the referee saw that Abidal clipped Anelka's left foot when he crossed behind him. That is what I saw when I re-watched the replay a dozen times on Wednesday. The only other explanation is that Anelka tripped over his own feet, which seems a bizarre assumption to make. If the referee did not see contact, he should have given Anelka a yellow card. Otherwise, his only decision is whether or not it was a clear goal scoring opportunity.

 

[The Z Machine]

I thought it was Drogba that caused that red card, but it was Anelka, wasn't it?

BTW, what did you guys think about Piqué? I've been really impressed by his focus and drive this season. His technicals are getting better and better, and he really looks like the future for Barcelona. I think it's quite possible that he will eventually emerge as a leader for the blaugrana. He's perfect for it BTW, as he's a native Catalan and came through the Barça system. Consider me a fan.

In this latest Chelsea game, it sure looked like he was the one that was driving the team forward in the closing minutes. He was going end to end and putting it all out on the line. It sometimes looked like he was personally willing Barça to step up the rhythm of the attack. For much of the match, they played pretty low tempo, trying (unsucessfully) to break down the Chelsea defense with skill passing and some long crosses. Chelsea was too well drilled and regimented to allow any break downs from happening. Even though the Barça players had the advantage in acceleration and agility, this didn't translate into open passing lanes and cuts through the defense. As I said before, Lampard, Ballack, and Terry did exceptionally in their defensive capacity in the defensive middle of the pitch. The cumulative years of playing at a high level shown through IMO.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

It's true... Eto'o didn't have a good game at all. He got eaten up by Terry all game. Terry's a hell of a defender, so this isn't too surprising. I think the story would have been different if Henry would have been playing instead of Keita. I think that Barcelona's attacking "bite" is much stronger with Henry. Keita isn't bad, but he doesn't have the finishing or polish that Henry has. He's a better defender and plays well in the middle of the park, but that wasn't really needed in that game. Henry frees up Eto'o, but nonetheless it was a poor performance. He had few touches and what only 1 shot? That's not good if your team has 60+% possession.

I agree that Henry's value was apparent in this game and he will be important in the final. He knows english football and it seems is more comfortable or experience with european style of play.

 

[The Z Machine]

I think Anelka tripped on his own feet. It could have looked like Abidal clipped him, but I don't think that happened.

 

[The Z Machine]

One more thing on Keita bing there... it forced Iniesta to make more moves than he normally does. He was all over the attacking left side for the whole match. He had to do it all, and honestly, he was more dangerous than Messi (also because whenever Messi touched the ball there were 3 blue shirts on his ###).

The dribbling ability of Messi was also exceptional. It looks effortless at times, like he's jogging and the ball is on a short leash attached to his feet. Ridiculous.

 

[Desert_Power]

I think Anelka tripped on his own feet. It could have looked like Abidal clipped him, but I don't think that happened.

This. Anelka doesn't even begin to fall until after he is past where Abidal would have touched him if it had happened.

 

[Desert_Power]

I thought it was Drogba that caused that red card, but it was Anelka, wasn't it?BTW, what did you guys think about Piqué? I've been really impressed by his focus and drive this season. His technicals are getting better and better, and he really looks like the future for Barcelona. I think it's quite possible that he will eventually emerge as a leader for the blaugrana. He's perfect for it BTW, as he's a native Catalan and came through the Barça system. Consider me a fan.In this latest Chelsea game, it sure looked like he was the one that was driving the team forward in the closing minutes. He was going end to end and putting it all out on the line. It sometimes looked like he was personally willing Barça to step up the rhythm of the attack. For much of the match, they played pretty low tempo, trying (unsucessfully) to break down the Chelsea defense with skill passing and some long crosses. Chelsea was too well drilled and regimented to allow any break downs from happening. Even though the Barça players had the advantage in acceleration and agility, this didn't translate into open passing lanes and cuts through the defense. As I said before, Lampard, Ballack, and Terry did exceptionally in their defensive capacity in the defensive middle of the pitch. The cumulative years of playing at a high level shown through IMO.

The improvement of Piqué over the year has been quite phenomenal. He has gone from being a liability in the central defense to an asset back there. At the end he certainly seemed to be the one that wanted it the most.

 

[Desert_Power]

It's true... Eto'o didn't have a good game at all. He got eaten up by Terry all game. Terry's a hell of a defender, so this isn't too surprising. I think the story would have been different if Henry would have been playing instead of Keita. I think that Barcelona's attacking "bite" is much stronger with Henry. Keita isn't bad, but he doesn't have the finishing or polish that Henry has. He's a better defender and plays well in the middle of the park, but that wasn't really needed in that game. Henry frees up Eto'o, but nonetheless it was a poor performance. He had few touches and what only 1 shot? That's not good if your team has 60+% possession.

Eto'o really thrives on the counter attack or various attacks where there is space behind the defenders. Without that he is a lot less effective. Additionally, Barca needs to be able to stretch the field for him to find holes which is hard when Messi cannot get any space and Henry is not on the left flank. The whole Barcelona attack is thrown off when Iniesta is playing on the left instead of attacking in the middle with Xavi and you could really see that Wed.

 

[Desert_Power]

Guys, let's be very clear here. There was no contact by Abidal. It isn't a fact of amount of contact on a goal scoring opportunity. There is no way it is the right call in any interpretation. It was not even a foul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mli0x6vuxQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgtzSe6mU9Y

It seems apparent that the referee saw that Abidal clipped Anelka's left foot when he crossed behind him. That is what I saw when I re-watched the replay a dozen times on Wednesday. The only other explanation is that Anelka tripped over his own feet, which seems a bizarre assumption to make. If the referee did not see contact, he should have given Anelka a yellow card. Otherwise, his only decision is whether or not it was a clear goal scoring opportunity.

Why is it a bizarre assumption to make when the video does not really show anything different than that? It is not the right call if he thinks he saw contact when there was not any. It is still the wrong call.

 

[Desert_Power]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIiU8NFcCdQ&NR=1

Notice the only good cross of the night by Alves.

 

[brewer]

Guys, let's be very clear here. There was no contact by Abidal. It isn't a fact of amount of contact on a goal scoring opportunity. There is no way it is the right call in any interpretation. It was not even a foul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mli0x6vuxQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgtzSe6mU9Y

It seems apparent that the referee saw that Abidal clipped Anelka's left foot when he crossed behind him. That is what I saw when I re-watched the replay a dozen times on Wednesday. The only other explanation is that Anelka tripped over his own feet, which seems a bizarre assumption to make. If the referee did not see contact, he should have given Anelka a yellow card. Otherwise, his only decision is whether or not it was a clear goal scoring opportunity.

Why is it a bizarre assumption to make when the video does not really show anything different than that? It is not the right call if he thinks he saw contact when there was not any. It is still the wrong call.

I have no dog in this fight, but how you can watch those videos and be certain that there was no contact is beyond me.Edited to add, when watching the game, the camera angle was similar to the ref angle... and in real time, I thought it was definitely a foul.

 

[The Z Machine]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIiU8NFcCdQ&NR=1

Notice the only good cross of the night by Alves.

I noticed that too. Álves put his crosses long and wide all game... except for the last one, whose poor clearance led to the goal.

 

[El Floppo]

Guys, let's be very clear here. There was no contact by Abidal. It isn't a fact of amount of contact on a goal scoring opportunity. There is no way it is the right call in any interpretation. It was not even a foul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mli0x6vuxQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgtzSe6mU9Y

It seems apparent that the referee saw that Abidal clipped Anelka's left foot when he crossed behind him. That is what I saw when I re-watched the replay a dozen times on Wednesday. The only other explanation is that Anelka tripped over his own feet, which seems a bizarre assumption to make. If the referee did not see contact, he should have given Anelka a yellow card. Otherwise, his only decision is whether or not it was a clear goal scoring opportunity.

Why is it a bizarre assumption to make when the video does not really show anything different than that? It is not the right call if he thinks he saw contact when there was not any. It is still the wrong call.

I have no dog in this fight, but how you can watch those videos and be certain that there was no contact is beyond me.Edited to add, when watching the game, the camera angle was similar to the ref angle... and in real time, I thought it was definitely a foul.

Real-time and those replays look like Abidal very slightly clipped Anelka's foot as Abidal tried to pass behind him to avoid contact/foul- there's no other explanation for Anelka's foot moving like that causing him to go down. I still don't think it's worthy of Red.

 

[El Floppo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIiU8NFcCdQ&NR=1

Notice the only good cross of the night by Alves.

I noticed that too. Álves put his crosses long and wide all game... except for the last one, whose poor clearance led to the goal.

Alves was horrid all night... until that cross. And Barca kept giving him ball after ball after ball- their offense all night ended up on his feet and subsequently out of play.

There was a free kick somewhere towards the end of the game, and I saw Alves lining up to take it... I couldn't believe they'd let him near that thing after hitting orbit shanks all night. He didn't miss by much with it, however... so maybe a precursor of that cross.

 

[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.

Went to the Rangers match today (they won against Hearts 2-0 to remain 1 point behind Celtic, next weeks game, with 4 weeks to go in the SPL) at Ibrox and had a great time. Maurice Edu started and played very well, probably one of the scrappier players out there. He was constantly in the mix, making good tackles, stepping into passing lanes and distributing. A few of the Scots around me made positive comments about his recent play and hustle. I would have loved to be here next week for Celtic but I'm going to have to settle with reading about it in the news.

Looks like it was another great game in the HUGE Old Firm game versus Celtic. Lots of Rangers fans have taken to the guy...Rangers Forum - Edu thread

 

[Steve Tasker]

Anelka's a #####. Dude flops all game

 

[Moe.]

thanks for the link to that rangers forum, they're really going crazy over edu, calling him a young makelele but good in the air...awesome. hopefully bradley notices.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Mario Gomez with 4 goals today to lead Stuttgart past Wolfsburg 4-1. Why oh why can he not do that when playing for the national team?

The Bundesliga is coming down to the wire.

With 3 games left:

Wolfsburg - 60 points

Bayern - 60 points

Berlin - 59 points

Stuttgart - 58 points

Dortmund - 55 points

Hamburg - 55 points (4 games left)

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Rooting for Valencia today. If Los Che can beat Madrid, Barcelona could win La Liga with a victory tomorrow.

 

[Christo]

It's good to see Liverpool keeping the pressure on ManU.

 

[Desert_Power]

Rooting for Valencia today. If Los Che can beat Madrid, Barcelona could win La Liga with a victory tomorrow.

3-0 right now. Madrid is getting exposed.

 

[B Maverick]

Who is winning the Crouch bet?

It was pretty poor reffing all around this past week. Bottom line is Chelsea put the ref into that situation by not putting their chances away. Also, whos to say they would have even scored their PK's? The GKs get paid too. And when all is said and done, Ballack and Drogba should be ashamed and disiplinded in some way. That was absolutely discraceful of professional players.

I am excited to see Barca v United. Whoever the winner is it should be a better game then a Chelsea v United game would be.

GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED!!!

 

[Moe.]

crouch bet went over a long time ago, christo won.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Rooting for Valencia today. If Los Che can beat Madrid, Barcelona could win La Liga with a victory tomorrow.

3-0 right now. Madrid is getting exposed.

Barcelona burst their bubble last weekend. Nice to see them come back to Earth.

 

[eagles2007]

i don't want to hijack this thread, but i couldn't find the philly 2010 thread.

i hate the logo that has been leaked prior to monday's press conference. it lacks pizazz. the gold is too dull looking. and i don't like the name - philadelphia union? ugh.

 

[B Maverick]

crouch bet went over a long time ago, christo won.

was he pro crouch?what was the bet again?

 

[Desert_Power]

Rooting for Valencia today. If Los Che can beat Madrid, Barcelona could win La Liga with a victory tomorrow.

3-0 right now. Madrid is getting exposed.

Barcelona burst their bubble last weekend. Nice to see them come back to Earth.

They looked alot better then they were due to not having to face the top teams until the end of the season. Their run was against poor opponents and you could tell that they didn't have the quality to compete against top competition.

 

[Christo]

crouch bet went over a long time ago, christo won.

was he pro crouch?what was the bet again?

Z has to sport the lovely Crouch avatar until the beginning of next season.

 

[The Z Machine]

Yup here's the POS is in all his robotic idiotic glory.

In other news, the heart attack kids are at it again. My Atleti is down 2-0 to Espanyol in the 2nd half. These guys are Dr. jekyl and Mr. Hyde this year and their defense has been a liability all year. They are *this close* to being out of Europe entirely next year and to me, that means that they'll lose el Kun and/or Forlán this offseason, dealing them a half-decade or longer blow to their aspirations.

Ugh.

With a draw, they can stay afloat for another week, but a loss would put them in 7th. What a shame.

 

[The Z Machine]

2-2 now.

Ridiculous.

 

[The Z Machine]

Atlético takes it... 3-2

Forlán poaches another goal in the 93nd minute. He's got 27 in la Liga this year, which puts him in 2nd behind Eto'o. He's got another shot at el Pichichi after he won it 2 years ago sneaking up on everyone in the last few weeks of the season.

This game was absolutely bonkers. This team is a heart attack every single week. This time they're at home and give up 2 goals in the 1st half. Then come back to score 3 in the 2nd.

The best part is that Atlético had 10 guys since 30 minutes in. All the goals were scored with Atleti having 10 players, and Espanyol having 11. It looked like at times Atlético was a man up since they controlled the ball quite a bit and had way more scoring chances in teh 2nd half. The last goal might have been offsides, it was real close.

At least they keep it interesting, but #### man... I'm glad I'm not an overweight madrileño with heart troubles.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Barcelona could have clinched today, but gave away a two-goal lead at home to draw with Villarreal, 3-3. Abidal got another red card, but this one was probably more deserved.

 

[Desert_Power]

Barcelona could have clinched today, but gave away a two-goal lead at home to draw with Villarreal, 3-3. Abidal got another red card, but this one was probably more deserved.

It would have been a lot different if the fourth goal wasn't called back wrongly to make it 4-1.

 

[The Z Machine]

Don't worry blaugrana fans... your team will win la Liga eventually.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Don't worry blaugrana fans... your team will win la Liga eventually.

Yes, but will they have any players healthy enough to celebrate when they do?Iniesta tears muscle

 

[Desert_Power]

Don't worry blaugrana fans... your team will win la Liga eventually.

Yes, but will they have any players healthy enough to celebrate when they do?Iniesta tears muscle

Are we even going to have 11 players for the final?

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Don't worry blaugrana fans... your team will win la Liga eventually.

Yes, but will they have any players healthy enough to celebrate when they do?Iniesta tears muscle

Are we even going to have 11 players for the final?

Difficult to say, especially since we play Bilbao on Wednesday. They're not noted for their gentle play.

 

[The Z Machine]

Tough time for Barça. They've been the best team in Europe all year, and now, on the cusp of winning the Spanish triple, they are really really hurting. If Henry is a no-go for the Champions League final, expect to see Bojan or Gudjohnsen in there, which would be a big step down.

 

[Steve Tasker]

We won tonight 3-2....upped the record to 1-0-1 (W-D-L, of course). It was nice to get that 3 points and move up the table a bit.

Pretty exciting game, actually. We went up 1-0 in the 3rd minute and had a goal called back on offsides like 10 mins later. They scored a PK to make it 1-1 at halftime....we scored early in the 2nd....but we scored an own goal in the 80th-ish. Then, we look the lead for good in about the 87th off an own goal for them

Pretty crazy last 3 mins + stoppage time with us penned in our half and them failing to score on some late corners.

 

[bentley]

Thinking about becoming a fan of a EPL team. Arsenal or Liverpool?