What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

I believe the WNBA had better ratings on ESPN this year than MLS. If they don't pick up soon they're not going to have to worry about which time of year to play.

 
Twitter currently blowing up with accusations of Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos intentionally taking late yellows in order to get suspended for the final group stage match (as Real had already clinched the win) so they won't be suspended in the knockouts. Anyone see this? Thoughts?

 
Steve Tasker said:
Horrible performance from Arsenal today. All they needed was a point to guarantee advancement, and they couldn't get it vs. Braga.
As awful as it was, the nice part is all they have to do is win at home against Partizan Belgrade, who is mathematically out, and they'll still go through on goal differential.That said it was still an alarmingly bad showing.
 
Twitter currently blowing up with accusations of Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos intentionally taking late yellows in order to get suspended for the final group stage match (as Real had already clinched the win) so they won't be suspended in the knockouts. Anyone see this? Thoughts?
They were both for delay of game on free kicks in the waning minutes (Ramos' was on a goal kick of all things). There is zero doubt about what they were trying to do. Not much anyone can do about it though.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Twitter currently blowing up with accusations of Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos intentionally taking late yellows in order to get suspended for the final group stage match (as Real had already clinched the win) so they won't be suspended in the knockouts. Anyone see this? Thoughts?
Didn't see it, but it has happened before I think. IIRC, Rafa Marquez got one for Barcelona in a similar situation a few years ago.
 
Steve Tasker said:
Horrible performance from Arsenal today. All they needed was a point to guarantee advancement, and they couldn't get it vs. Braga.
As awful as it was, the nice part is all they have to do is win at home against Partizan Belgrade, who is mathematically out, and they'll still go through on goal differential.That said it was still an alarmingly bad showing.
The loss, as bad as it was, doesn't bother me as much as losing Fabregas again to his hamstring issue.
 
NEW YORK -- Colorado's victory over Dallas set a record-low for English-language U.S. television viewers for Major League Soccer's championship game.

The 2-1 win Sunday night received a 0.4 rating and 748,000 viewers on ESPN, Nielsen Media Research said Tuesday. That's down from a 0.7 rating and 1.14 million viewers for Real Salt Lake's win over Los Angeles in 2009.

Since the league started play in 1996, the previous low for viewers was 876,000 for San Jose's win over Chicago in 2003.

This year's game also received a 0.1 rating and 232,000 viewers on Spanish-language Galavision.

No surprise here, going against the NFL with two of the less popular teams in MLS and playing the final in Toronto.

 
Steve Tasker said:
Horrible performance from Arsenal today. All they needed was a point to guarantee advancement, and they couldn't get it vs. Braga.
As awful as it was, the nice part is all they have to do is win at home against Partizan Belgrade, who is mathematically out, and they'll still go through on goal differential.That said it was still an alarmingly bad showing.
The loss, as bad as it was, doesn't bother me as much as losing Fabregas again to his hamstring issue.
It's a new hamstring issue (the injury was to the other hamstring). I'm beginning to think Wenger is right and that some of this is in Fabregas' head.
 
Steve Tasker said:
Horrible performance from Arsenal today. All they needed was a point to guarantee advancement, and they couldn't get it vs. Braga.
As awful as it was, the nice part is all they have to do is win at home against Partizan Belgrade, who is mathematically out, and they'll still go through on goal differential.That said it was still an alarmingly bad showing.
Bad game, but the ref clearly robbed Vela of a PK right before Braga took control. That was a terrible call.
 
Mjolnirs said:
Mjolnirs said:
Halftime in Rome and Bayern leads AS Roma 2-0 on two Mario Gomez goals.
Bayern give up 3 second half goals to lose 3-2 :pickle:
What a collapse. It looked like the route was on at the half. Bayern has already clinched though, haven't they? I was surprised to see there "A" lineup out there.
 
Mjolnirs said:
Mjolnirs said:
Halftime in Rome and Bayern leads AS Roma 2-0 on two Mario Gomez goals.
Bayern give up 3 second half goals to lose 3-2 :goodposting:
What a collapse. It looked like the route was on at the half. Bayern has already clinched though, haven't they? I was surprised to see there "A" lineup out there.
Yes they have secured moving to the next round. The replay was at 11am this morning so I'll get to see what happened later.I don't know that I would call that their "A" lineup though. There were plenty of big names playing for Bayern with Gomez, Müller, Ribery and Lahm out there. But, they didn't have Butt in goal and Schweinsteiger, Von Bommel, Robben and Klose are all out with injuries. I think this was the first match that Ribery started in a few months and he didn't go 90.The worst part about the loss is the coefficient battle between Germany and Italy.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mjolnirs said:
Mjolnirs said:
Halftime in Rome and Bayern leads AS Roma 2-0 on two Mario Gomez goals.
Bayern give up 3 second half goals to lose 3-2 :wall:
What a collapse. It looked like the route was on at the half. Bayern has already clinched though, haven't they? I was surprised to see there "A" lineup out there.
Yes they have secured moving to the next round. The replay was at 11am this morning so I'll get to see what happened later.I don't know that I would call that their "A" lineup though. There were plenty of big names playing for Bayern with Gomez, Müller, Ribery and Lahm out there. But, they didn't have Butt in goal and Schweinsteiger, Von Bommel, Robben and Klose are all out with injuries. I think this was the first match that Ribery started in a few months and he didn't go 90.

The worst part about the loss is the coefficient battle between Germany and Italy.
I guess just seeing those guys in the lineup jumped out at me. When I saw the table before the lineups I thought I'd see a Bayern lineup of guys I've never heard of before.
 
Watched Real Madrid against Ajax last night. I haven't seen a lot of Barca this season, but it's hard to imagine a team playing better than Real right now. It was also a little sad seeing the great Ajax reduced to cynical fouling. I'm sure Cruyuff has already written a nasty op/ed.

Matchups just don't get tastier than Saturday's Clasico. I think this is the year the balance of power shifts back to Real, though. That attacking quartet for Real is just incredible. Ozil and DiMaria have been great. And Carvalho remains the most underrated defender in the world.

 
El Clásico is on monday. And nobody is playing like Real right now. If they can keep this form, they are going to win a treble this season.

 
Steve Tasker said:
Horrible performance from Arsenal today. All they needed was a point to guarantee advancement, and they couldn't get it vs. Braga.
As awful as it was, the nice part is all they have to do is win at home against Partizan Belgrade, who is mathematically out, and they'll still go through on goal differential.That said it was still an alarmingly bad showing.
The loss, as bad as it was, doesn't bother me as much as losing Fabregas again to his hamstring issue.
It's a new hamstring issue (the injury was to the other hamstring). I'm beginning to think Wenger is right and that some of this is in Fabregas' head.
During the Spurs game I told my brother (a big Arsenal and Cesc fan) that he looked like he didn't want to be there. I said, "his head is already at Camp Nou." This was before his handball in the box.The guy is all but gone. Time to find a new central mid, Gooners.
 
Steve Tasker said:
Horrible performance from Arsenal today. All they needed was a point to guarantee advancement, and they couldn't get it vs. Braga.
As awful as it was, the nice part is all they have to do is win at home against Partizan Belgrade, who is mathematically out, and they'll still go through on goal differential.That said it was still an alarmingly bad showing.
The loss, as bad as it was, doesn't bother me as much as losing Fabregas again to his hamstring issue.
It's a new hamstring issue (the injury was to the other hamstring). I'm beginning to think Wenger is right and that some of this is in Fabregas' head.
During the Spurs game I told my brother (a big Arsenal and Cesc fan) that he looked like he didn't want to be there. I said, "his head is already at Camp Nou." This was before his handball in the box.The guy is all but gone. Time to find a new central mid, Gooners.
Pretty sure they already have.
 
El Clásico is on monday. And nobody is playing like Real right now. If they can keep this form, they are going to win a treble this season.
Unfortunately, I think this is true.The first leg of El Clásico is in Barça on Monday. I think it's going to be a great game with both Messi and CRonaldo playing very well. But in reality, I think the missing piece was Di Maria, who's added that extra something for Real this year. He's been the difference maker in the games I've seen.If Real takes even a point in Camp Nou, then I think they win the league (yes, I know there's lots more football to play). If Barça wins a tight game, then they'll be neck and neck until the end.
 
Watched Real Madrid against Ajax last night. I haven't seen a lot of Barca this season, but it's hard to imagine a team playing better than Real right now. It was also a little sad seeing the great Ajax reduced to cynical fouling. I'm sure Cruyuff has already written a nasty op/ed.Matchups just don't get tastier than Saturday's Clasico. I think this is the year the balance of power shifts back to Real, though. That attacking quartet for Real is just incredible. Ozil and DiMaria have been great. And Carvalho remains the most underrated defender in the world.
I think it is on Monday. Hopefully it is televised.I recorded the Ajax game but haven't watched it yet. One player I am really interested in is Sergro Canales. I saw him a bit in some exhibition games, and noticed that he was a late sub against Ajax. There's no room in that midfield for a 19 year old this season, but I have a hunch this kid is going to be a great one for Real and Spain.
 
Sorry. Monday.

Canales didn't make an impression on me (I remember thinking he looked good in some preseason games, though). Pedro Leon started in Di Maria's place and was largely ineffective. They improved when Di Maria came on. Benzema played well in Higuain's spot. Ronaldo was ridiculous.

I think it was in last week's La Liga game where Di Maria made an absolutely absurd outside of his foot pass to Ronaldo at the back post for a goal. It curled away from the keeper and past like three defenders. It was ridiculous.

 
Some thoughts...

Did I watch a different MLS Cup than all you guys? I thought it was dreadful- albeit, with a couple of breathtaking moments at the end. Not much class out there for "the world", or even us hardcore MLS fans to get jazzed about. And let's host it in Greenland next time :confused:

--------

FU Benitez.

signed, every Inter fan on the planet.

--------

I was wondering about Alonso's yellow/red in the RM CL game.... he took about 28 run-ups to a deadball, with the team ahead a bunch at the very end of the game- looked to be waiting for "something" to happen. RM looks awfully good.

And for all this talk about Bale (who is playing amazing stuff), he's still behind CR and Messi, IMO. Bale is just starting to have to go up against 2 and 3 defenders, and has been a little limited when faced with that. CR almost looks to try and go against 3 guys routinely- and is routiney successful... and Messi... unbelievable. Nothing against Bale, who might be the most in-form player on the planet, but he's still behind those two guys.

--------

Man United... I still don't see how they keep up this level of success with the game they play. They don't really have anybody in MF to break a team down and nobody up front that's in form. Yet they still can't lose... or win much. But it's been a few years since I've enjoyed watching them play (pretty much since CR left). I'm at a point where I prefer the automaton Chelsea. :shiver: if I'm not getting to watch my yanks play (btw- Bolton in 5th?!). If there are no US guys, I prefer Spurs or Arsenal. And when there are no US guys, I eat sand.

eta... Happy T-day all my soccer pals!

 
Last edited by a moderator:
What kind of money are Spurs looking at for qualifying to the knockout round? Enough to buy a striker?
Defoe is a good striker.
Spurs will have plenty of money....they've been burned trying to sign strikers. Keane was dreadful. Pavluchenko has been meh at best, and Crouch is a decent option, imho. I agree that I think Defoe is good, but the problem is, Defoe, Jenas, Modric, these guys are ALWAYS hurt.And the problem with Spurs is definitely not in the attack. They are falling apart in the back, and with Huddlestone now out for a few months, they are gonna get desperate real quick.Pav is gonna leave, Krancjar is gonna leave, they gotta get themselves a healthy, young CB. They don't really need a striker at all. Fun team to watch though this Spurs.
 
Man United... I still don't see how they keep up this level of success with the game they play. They don't really have anybody in MF to break a team down and nobody up front that's in form. Yet they still can't lose... or win much. But it's been a few years since I've enjoyed watching them play (pretty much since CR left). I'm at a point where I prefer the automaton Chelsea. :shiver: if I'm not getting to watch my yanks play (btw- Bolton in 5th?!). If there are no US guys, I prefer Spurs or Arsenal. And when there are no US guys, I eat sand.eta... Happy T-day all my soccer pals!
:nerd:Sooooo, the team with the most goals in the premiership is not enjoyable to watch?
 
lol, can't wait to read the fake Dimitar Berbatov's Twitter later on today.

Also, Eddie Johnson just checked in for Fulham, and Dempsey has looked quite good today.

Arsenal thoughts forthcoming.

ETA - didn't realize this game was on delay. Looks like it finishes 1-1.

ETA 2 - pretty interesting that 3 of the players in Fulham's 11 are American-born at this point in the game. The country really has come a long way.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
guru_007 said:
Man United... I still don't see how they keep up this level of success with the game they play. They don't really have anybody in MF to break a team down and nobody up front that's in form. Yet they still can't lose... or win much. But it's been a few years since I've enjoyed watching them play (pretty much since CR left). I'm at a point where I prefer the automaton Chelsea. :shiver: if I'm not getting to watch my yanks play (btw- Bolton in 5th?!). If there are no US guys, I prefer Spurs or Arsenal. And when there are no US guys, I eat sand.eta... Happy T-day all my soccer pals!
:goodposting:Sooooo, the team with the most goals in the premiership is not enjoyable to watch?
Oh right. I forgot that most goals means enjoyable to watch for me.
 
Steve Tasker said:
lol, can't wait to read the fake Dimitar Berbatov's Twitter later on today.

Also, Eddie Johnson just checked in for Fulham, and Dempsey has looked quite good today.

ETA 2 - pretty interesting that 3 of the players in Fulham's 11 are American-born at this point in the game. The country really has come a long way.
#3 = ?
 
Steve Tasker said:
lol, can't wait to read the fake Dimitar Berbatov's Twitter later on today.

Also, Eddie Johnson just checked in for Fulham, and Dempsey has looked quite good today.

ETA 2 - pretty interesting that 3 of the players in Fulham's 11 are American-born at this point in the game. The country really has come a long way.
#3 = ?
Brede Hangeland.....born in the US to Norwegian parents, moved back to Norway as a child, represents (and captains, I believe) them internationally.
 
Financial Times odds for the 2018/2022 World Cup:

2018:

Russia 10/11

England 6/4

Spain/Portugal 7/2

Netherlands/Belgium 50/1 (shame too, I'd love to go to this one)

2022:

USA 9/2

Australia 3/1

Qatar 4/9

Japan 33/1

South Korea 40/1

ETA - slight mistake on my part. These odds are from bookmaker William Hill as of the time the FT article went to print. FT is officially predicting Russia in 2018 and the USA in 2022.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Oh right. I forgot that most goals means enjoyable to watch for me.
Tell me what you find enjoyable :mellow:Berbatov is simply fantastic - we call him the maestro out there. Nani has absolute flashes of brilliance out there. The central defense, when healthy, has to be considered among the top 5 in the world. Vidic is simply brilliant. Giggs, while limited due to injury and age is still a phenomenal player. Sure, not a Messi, or Xavi, but his soccer IQ is off the charts. Same can be said for Scholes, who has to be United's MVP this year. They've had tons of late winners and come backs from unlikely sources, I can't think of anyone with more off the bench than Machedo, and Hernandez has been an absolute revelation out there.Sure, I am biased. But this United team is pretty gifted, and I think they are plenty fun to watch.Derek > :shrug: I would poke fun at Bentley...well, hell maybe I will after tomorrow, but it appears there may be a QPR sighting in the premiership soon, which can only bring on more Christo.And Eephus, sorry about your Dons, gb. Swindon game the other day was a lot of fun too, although they let in a late equalizer.Looks to be getting cold in England.
 
Oh right. I forgot that most goals means enjoyable to watch for me.
Tell me what you find enjoyable :shrug:Berbatov is simply fantastic - we call him the maestro out there. Nani has absolute flashes of brilliance out there. The central defense, when healthy, has to be considered among the top 5 in the world. Vidic is simply brilliant. Giggs, while limited due to injury and age is still a phenomenal player. Sure, not a Messi, or Xavi, but his soccer IQ is off the charts. Same can be said for Scholes, who has to be United's MVP this year. They've had tons of late winners and come backs from unlikely sources, I can't think of anyone with more off the bench than Machedo, and Hernandez has been an absolute revelation out there.Sure, I am biased. But this United team is pretty gifted, and I think they are plenty fun to watch.Derek > :bye: I would poke fun at Bentley...well, hell maybe I will after tomorrow, but it appears there may be a QPR sighting in the premiership soon, which can only bring on more Christo.And Eephus, sorry about your Dons, gb. Swindon game the other day was a lot of fun too, although they let in a late equalizer.Looks to be getting cold in England.
I wanna shoot myself after today as a Michigan and Man City fan. What a terrible day.
 
Oh right. I forgot that most goals means enjoyable to watch for me.
Tell me what you find enjoyable :shrug:Berbatov is simply fantastic - we call him the maestro out there. Nani has absolute flashes of brilliance out there. The central defense, when healthy, has to be considered among the top 5 in the world. Vidic is simply brilliant. Giggs, while limited due to injury and age is still a phenomenal player. Sure, not a Messi, or Xavi, but his soccer IQ is off the charts. Same can be said for Scholes, who has to be United's MVP this year. They've had tons of late winners and come backs from unlikely sources, I can't think of anyone with more off the bench than Machedo, and Hernandez has been an absolute revelation out there.Sure, I am biased. But this United team is pretty gifted, and I think they are plenty fun to watch.Derek > :bye: I would poke fun at Bentley...well, hell maybe I will after tomorrow, but it appears there may be a QPR sighting in the premiership soon, which can only bring on more Christo.And Eephus, sorry about your Dons, gb. Swindon game the other day was a lot of fun too, although they let in a late equalizer.Looks to be getting cold in England.
I wanna shoot myself after today as a Michigan and Man City fan. What a terrible day.
Ouch. Now I want to shoot you every day.
 
Oh right. I forgot that most goals means enjoyable to watch for me.
Tell me what you find enjoyable :shrug:Berbatov is simply fantastic - we call him the maestro out there. Nani has absolute flashes of brilliance out there. The central defense, when healthy, has to be considered among the top 5 in the world. Vidic is simply brilliant. Giggs, while limited due to injury and age is still a phenomenal player. Sure, not a Messi, or Xavi, but his soccer IQ is off the charts. Same can be said for Scholes, who has to be United's MVP this year. They've had tons of late winners and come backs from unlikely sources, I can't think of anyone with more off the bench than Machedo, and Hernandez has been an absolute revelation out there.Sure, I am biased. But this United team is pretty gifted, and I think they are plenty fun to watch.Derek > :bye: I would poke fun at Bentley...well, hell maybe I will after tomorrow, but it appears there may be a QPR sighting in the premiership soon, which can only bring on more Christo.And Eephus, sorry about your Dons, gb. Swindon game the other day was a lot of fun too, although they let in a late equalizer.Looks to be getting cold in England.
Yeah, I'm sure it will suck again tomorrow. At least I've got the Cowboys and Longhorns to fall back on. On second thought, it's a good thing that I drink enough that I've killed all my feelings.QPR moving up? They should win the treble next year if my management of them in FIFA 10 is any historical predictor.
 
Oh right. I forgot that most goals means enjoyable to watch for me.
Tell me what you find enjoyable :shrug:Berbatov is simply fantastic - we call him the maestro out there. Nani has absolute flashes of brilliance out there. The central defense, when healthy, has to be considered among the top 5 in the world. Vidic is simply brilliant. Giggs, while limited due to injury and age is still a phenomenal player. Sure, not a Messi, or Xavi, but his soccer IQ is off the charts. Same can be said for Scholes, who has to be United's MVP this year. They've had tons of late winners and come backs from unlikely sources, I can't think of anyone with more off the bench than Machedo, and Hernandez has been an absolute revelation out there.Sure, I am biased. But this United team is pretty gifted, and I think they are plenty fun to watch.Derek > :bye: I would poke fun at Bentley...well, hell maybe I will after tomorrow, but it appears there may be a QPR sighting in the premiership soon, which can only bring on more Christo.And Eephus, sorry about your Dons, gb. Swindon game the other day was a lot of fun too, although they let in a late equalizer.Looks to be getting cold in England.
I wanna shoot myself after today as a Michigan and Man City fan. What a terrible day.
Ouch. Now I want to shoot you every day.
:bye:
 
Bayern with a 4-1 thrashing of Frankfurt today with 2 goals from Tymoshchuk, and 1 each from Müller and Gomez.

Up to 5th in the table.

 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top