B Maverick
Footballguy
AS Roma 2 - 3 Shakhtar Donetsk
2-1 home team in the first leg generally makes for a great second leg. Huge impetus for both teams to score first - if Barca gets the opening goal, it's 2-2 aggregate and they're winning on away goals. Arsenal scores first and they're up 3-1 and can't lose on away goals.Can't wait for March 82-1 isnt a great score for Barca but the away goal helps. Arsenal get the home win. Need at least 1 away goal if they draw or a win puts them through. Should be an exciting return leg.

What a fantastic game
LOVE the Champions League. Great games both days so far.What a fantastic gameLOVE the Champions League. Great games both days so far.
Good 24 hours for North London.What a fantastic gameLOVE the Champions League. Great games both days so far.
Good 24 hours for North London.
so glad I took of work for a 'dentist' appointment.ReportedWhat a fantastic gameLOVE the Champions League. Great games both days so far.
Good 24 hours for North London.
so glad I took of work for a 'dentist' appointment.
I was "working" so I semi-watched a stream of the game. What I saw should be mandatory viewing for people who say soccer is a dull game.What a fantastic game
Exactly my thoughts as I was watching it. Got into a conversation with furley about the in-game action of soccer versus football. Games like this destroy any NFL as far as pace of play and action moments, imo.Eephus said:I was "working" so I semi-watched a stream of the game. What I saw should be mandatory viewing for people who say soccer is a dull game.The Gator said:What a fantastic game
Un-#######-believable![]()

Might be going a bit off the grid here, but my MOTM was Koscielny. He was rock solid in the back, and his on-ball defending was so important. Every time Messi got the ball with a bit of space, Koscielny was there to cut him down. Obviously there's a lot of credit to go around. Szczesny was aggressive and smart, claimed a few crucial balls both in the air and on the ground. Despite Barca's possession, Fabregas and Wilshere certainly did their job, and Walcott and Nasri were dangerous all night. Great finishes on both goals....two world-class finishes. If Arshavin takes a touch on that goal, I bet he doesn't score...taking it first time was brilliant.Realistically, the tie is only halfway over. Arsenal did what they had to do, but of course they couldn't keep Barca out. Wouldn't surprise me to see Barca win, say 2-0 or 3-0 in the second leg....they get one early, Arsenal desperately need a goal, and Barca picks up 1-2 more on the counter. It gives me some hope, though...can't argue with a win.Un-#######-believable![]()
![]()
When you said "remember", I assumed this was going to be somebody like Steve Shak.After watching Szetela rise up through the nat youth ranks, I really had him pegged to be a big star for the US- great skills, size and feel for the game. ugh.I remember when he was one of the US's brightest young stars.
One of alleged brawling brothers at Boonton bar is former Major League Soccer player
Spartans Rule said:2-1 home team in the first leg generally makes for a great second leg. Huge impetus for both teams to score first - if Barca gets the opening goal, it's 2-2 aggregate and they're winning on away goals. Arsenal scores first and they're up 3-1 and can't lose on away goals.Can't wait for March 8B Maverick said:2-1 isnt a great score for Barca but the away goal helps. Arsenal get the home win. Need at least 1 away goal if they draw or a win puts them through. Should be an exciting return leg.![]()
Are you doing Be A Pro mode at all? We have a couple players in here. Tasker, we need to add you to the new team. Bonzai erased the FBG one in a fit of rage after I pummeled him, er, something like that. The details are fuzzy.Is there anywhere online you guys would recommend for getting up to speed on the world of soccer?
I have been watching more and more soccer since the World Cup (as well as playing more and more FIFA) and I am starting to get into it pretty good. Watched this game today and it was enjoyable.
The thing is I really don't know very much about the teams, players, etc outside of what I know from playing FIFA. Any good blogs or websites that would help me get up to speed?
Not that I'm not already on there enough... Need to add me to Flamengo. First team I ever liked. This is my go-to dumb my team down to play a friend in Fifa who sucks.Steve Tasker said:Let's bump this. Hasn't been updated in 7 months.This is the official who's a fan of what team(s) post. As many teams/leagues as you want to put in here.
Brazil
Flamengo - Abrantes
It is this year. They change their aways every year. Last year it was orange, year before it was yellow. I liked both of those. Hate these.Bizarre seeing Barca in that color. Is that their normal away jersey?
I think I will go with watching Rangers vs Sporting at 3. Hopefully I will get to see Edu play.Direct TV has a mix channel which is showing up to 8 games on the same screen. Right now I am watching 5 at the same time. This is a riot. You can even choose which of the 8 sub windows to get that specific commentaryAnyone have a recommendation for which game(s) to watch today for the Europa Cup? Direct TV looks like they have most of them airing for free again.

Spot on, Koscielny's best game as a Gunner... by quite a bit.Might be going a bit off the grid here, but my MOTM was Koscielny. He was rock solid in the back, and his on-ball defending was so important. Every time Messi got the ball with a bit of space, Koscielny was there to cut him down. Obviously there's a lot of credit to go around. Szczesny was aggressive and smart, claimed a few crucial balls both in the air and on the ground. Despite Barca's possession, Fabregas and Wilshere certainly did their job, and Walcott and Nasri were dangerous all night. Great finishes on both goals....two world-class finishes. If Arshavin takes a touch on that goal, I bet he doesn't score...taking it first time was brilliant.Realistically, the tie is only halfway over. Arsenal did what they had to do, but of course they couldn't keep Barca out. Wouldn't surprise me to see Barca win, say 2-0 or 3-0 in the second leg....they get one early, Arsenal desperately need a goal, and Barca picks up 1-2 more on the counter. It gives me some hope, though...can't argue with a win.Un-#######-believable![]()
![]()
Good to see my Derby County goalie of the future in Football Manager 11 is not only A. doing well in real life, but B. doing well for ARSENAL.Szczesny was aggressive and smart, claimed a few crucial balls both in the air and on the ground.

German-American Ponders U.S. TeamBy JACK BELLPublished: February 15, 2011 Some members of the United States military who at one time were based in Germany are turning into inadvertent benefactors of the United States men’s national team.The sons of American soldiers and German women — some of whom grew up in Germany, speak minimal English and hold United States passports — have had an influence in the American team since Thomas Dooley was discovered playing for Kaiserslautern and ended up with newly minted United States citizenship and a place on the field in the 1994 World Cup.Jermaine Jones, the son of an American military man, who was recently loaned from Schalke to Blackburn of the English Premier League, made his debut for the United States late last year. But Jones, a solid box-to-box midfielder, will turn 30 this year. By contrast, another German-American, forward/midfielder Timothy Chandler, 20, could be a welcome wild card for Coach Bob Bradley.On Saturday, Chandler, who is 6 feet 1 inch and 178 pounds, had a goal and two assists in Nuremberg’s 4-1 Bundesliga win over Vfb Stuttgart. He is in his first season with Nuremberg’s first team, which is in ninth place. Chandler was born in Frankfurt but holds a United States passport and said recently that he wanted to play for the American team.“I am interested in playing in for the U.S. national team more than I am interested in the German national team,” Chandler told the Yanks Abroad Web site. “But first thing is that I need to get more experience with Nuremberg. I followed the U.S. national team at the last World Cup, and I was extremely impressed with how much they’ve improved. They have gotten a lot better in past years, and I think they can still improve.”Jones, Chandler’s dual countryman, has settled in at Blackburn after falling out of favor with struggling Schalke. On Saturday, he played 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United.
Jozy Altidore, whose contract is owned by Villarreal in Spain but who has played on loan at Xerex and Hull City in England, got his first start since joining Bursaspor of Turkey’s top league in a 1-1 tie with Eskisenhirspor. Altidore was substituted after 77 minutes, but sparked an attack that led to the game’s opening goal, showing good skill, strength and pace as he carried the ball about 30 yards.Michael Bradley, the son of the national team coach, Bob Bradley, also departed Germany, going from Borussia Mönchengladbach to Aston Villa in England, where he became the 10th American to play in the Premier League this season. He saw his first action for Villa on Saturday.Goalkeeper Brad Guzan found himself in a strange predicament at Aston Villa, stuck behind the veteran American Brad Friedel. Now, Guzan is making the most of a two-month loan to Hull City of the League Championship. He has started eight consecutive games since Jan. 1 and has three shutouts as Hull has gone unbeaten in six matches and moved up six spots in the standings to 10th place.
Yeah, something like that.Played some games last night with MooLan while you were at the hockey game. We lost every one of them.Are you doing Be A Pro mode at all? We have a couple players in here. Tasker, we need to add you to the new team. Bonzai erased the FBG one in a fit of rage after I pummeled him, er, something like that. The details are fuzzy.Is there anywhere online you guys would recommend for getting up to speed on the world of soccer?
I have been watching more and more soccer since the World Cup (as well as playing more and more FIFA) and I am starting to get into it pretty good. Watched this game today and it was enjoyable.
The thing is I really don't know very much about the teams, players, etc outside of what I know from playing FIFA. Any good blogs or websites that would help me get up to speed?
I think this is the play they are talking about. Jozy's feet are pretty good for a guy who seemingly can't trapOther general news from the Times, including Jozy info.
Jozy Altidore, whose contract is owned by Villarreal in Spain but who has played on loan at Xerex and Hull City in England, got his first start since joining Bursaspor of Turkey’s top league in a 1-1 tie with Eskisenhirspor. Altidore was substituted after 77 minutes, but sparked an attack that led to the game’s opening goal, showing good skill, strength and pace as he carried the ball about 30 yards.
why in Gods name would the US need yet ANOTHER forward????? The depth at that position right now is legendary.Our top striker has scored an intimidating 7 goals in all competitions (league, domestic cup, Euro cup, friendly's, WCQ's and WC) in 2 full years.Our second best striker is so good that only Frankenstein himself has more stitches in his body.Shall I go on?From the NYTimes today... any Bundesliga peeps know this kid?German-American Ponders U.S. Team By contrast, another German-American, forward/midfielder Timothy Chandler, 20, could be a welcome wild card for Coach Bob Bradley.
Can't say I knew about him, but I'll keep an eye out now.From the NYTimes today... any Bundesliga peeps know this kid?

why in Gods name would the US need yet ANOTHER forward????? The depth at that position right now is legendary.Our top striker has scored an intimidating 7 goals in all competitions (league, domestic cup, Euro cup, friendly's, WCQ's and WC) in 2 full years.Our second best striker is so good that only Frankenstein himself has more stitches in his body.Shall I go on?From the NYTimes today... any Bundesliga peeps know this kid?German-American Ponders U.S. Team By contrast, another German-American, forward/midfielder Timothy Chandler, 20, could be a welcome wild card for Coach Bob Bradley.

Lhucks is in love with our 3rd best striker.why in Gods name would the US need yet ANOTHER forward????? The depth at that position right now is legendary.Our top striker has scored an intimidating 7 goals in all competitions (league, domestic cup, Euro cup, friendly's, WCQ's and WC) in 2 full years.Our second best striker is so good that only Frankenstein himself has more stitches in his body.Shall I go on?From the NYTimes today... any Bundesliga peeps know this kid?German-American Ponders U.S. Team By contrast, another German-American, forward/midfielder Timothy Chandler, 20, could be a welcome wild card for Coach Bob Bradley.![]()

oof, and it showed. Love seeing Wilson getting some time, though.Danny Wilson starting today in an odd squad vs. Sparta Prague.
...except that he plays for the scoomEdu is in a near perfect situation.At a club that will always be in European play.Gets consistent playing timeDraws what must be a good salaryPlays the identical role for Rangers that he does for the US
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/...conduct?cc=5901Heavily provoked my butt.Gattuso charged after Jordan fracas
February 17, 2011
AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been charged with gross unsporting conduct, UEFA has announced.
Gattuso, the Milan captain on the night, clashed with Tottenham coach Joe Jordan during Spurs' 1-0 Champions League win at the San Siro, and is now set to be punished by UEFA - with a lengthy ban likely.
UEFA's control and disciplinary body will discuss the case against the 33-year-old Italian on February 21.
Former Rangers midfielder Gattuso, who was booked during the match and also clashed repeatedly with Tottenham striker Peter Crouch, headbutted Jordan before being led away.
Gattuso had already been cautioned in the game for a rash challenge on Steven Pienaar, after which the Italian repeatedly hit the turf in anger. That booking ensured that Gattuso will serve a one-game suspension, missing the second leg at White Hart Lane on March 9. But that ban is certain to be extended when UEFA discuss the case.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has appealed for leniency from the governing body. He said: "What he did was an unpleasant episode that was not good, but he was heavily provoked. Of course you should not react like that but do not condemn everything.
"Gattuso has played 104 games in Europe and has been sent off once, in 2003 after a clash with [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, who is now his team-mate. In 25 years, since [silvio] Berlusconi became president of the company, Milan's conduct has been exemplary.''
Galliani added: "We are not thinking of stripping the vice-captaincy from Gattuso.''
UEFA rules stipulate a minimum three-match ban for assault, although the governing body have the power to dole out lengthier suspensions in exceptional cases.
Gattuso's agent Claudio Pasqualin has since stated that Jordan had used provocative language towards the midfielder prior to their clash. However, Spurs have declined to make an official comment on his claims.
Gattuso later apologised for his actions, saying: "I lost control. There is no excuse for what I did. I take my responsibilities for that.
"I didn't want to argue with players and I did it with him, but I was wrong to do what I have done.''
This is my story,This is my song,Follow the Hearts and You can't go wrong,Oh some say that Celtic and Rangers are grand,But the boys in maroon are the best in the land...except that he plays for the scoomEdu is in a near perfect situation.At a club that will always be in European play.Gets consistent playing timeDraws what must be a good salaryPlays the identical role for Rangers that he does for the US
they're almost as Protestant as RangersThis is my story,This is my song,Follow the Hearts and You can't go wrong,Oh some say that Celtic and Rangers are grand,But the boys in maroon are the best in the land...except that he plays for the scoomEdu is in a near perfect situation.At a club that will always be in European play.Gets consistent playing timeDraws what must be a good salaryPlays the identical role for Rangers that he does for the US
I actually never knew of the religious affiliations until after I became a fan (via the FIFA video games in the mid-00s). I was raised Catholic...Kinda loses meaning when you're thousands of miles away though...they're almost as Protestant as RangersThis is my story,This is my song,Follow the Hearts and You can't go wrong,Oh some say that Celtic and Rangers are grand,But the boys in maroon are the best in the land...except that he plays for the scoomEdu is in a near perfect situation.At a club that will always be in European play.Gets consistent playing timeDraws what must be a good salaryPlays the identical role for Rangers that he does for the US
Also, I bolded the key parts there.England
EPL
Arsenal - Steve Tasker, Sebowski, Z's wife, Brewer, Vipers, Major, Sparty
Blackpool - Jonessed
Chelsea - Native (pre-Abramovich), Cletius Maximus
Everton - Senor Schmutzig, eagles2007
Fulham - Christo
Hull - QuizGuy66
Liverpool - MrPhoenix, Bentley, Kendall, Z Machine, SmoovySmoov, editor47, Gator, PIK95, Texas Football, Sleeping King
Manchester City - editor47, Derek, TitusIII
Manchester United - B Maverick, AAABatteries, JuniorNB, Bonzai, AcerFC, Txns8, Ted Lange as your Bartender
Newcastle - Polsonov, Scoobygang
Tottenham - GoFishTN, Jonessed
WBA - Steve Tasker
"Big 4 + any team with an American" - El Floppo
Championship
Ipswich Town - Texas Football, Sparty
Queen's Park Rangers - Christo, Bentley
Blue Square Bet Premier aka Conference National
AFC Wimbledon - Eephus
Also, I bolded the key parts there.England
EPL
Arsenal - Steve Tasker, Sebowski, Z's wife, Brewer, Vipers, Major, Sparty
Blackpool - Jonessed
Chelsea - Native (pre-Abramovich), Cletius Maximus
Everton - Senor Schmutzig, eagles2007
Fulham - Christo
Hull - QuizGuy66
Liverpool - MrPhoenix, Bentley, Kendall, Z Machine, SmoovySmoov, editor47, Gator, PIK95, Texas Football, Sleeping King
Manchester City - editor47, Derek, TitusIII
Manchester United - B Maverick, AAABatteries, JuniorNB, Bonzai, AcerFC, Txns8, Ted Lange as your Bartender
Newcastle - Polsonov, Scoobygang
Tottenham - GoFishTN, Jonessed
WBA - Steve Tasker
"Big 4 + any team with an American" - El Floppo
Championship
Ipswich Town - Texas Football, Sparty
Queen's Park Rangers - Christo, Bentley
Blue Square Bet Premier aka Conference National
AFC Wimbledon - Eephus
Hopefully it can be updated soon to Npower League 2 or whatever the next sponsor decides to call itMy almost six year old son has been a Spurs fan for a couple of years now and even has a Spurs flag over his bed. You better put him on the list. He is also a fan of Italy as he's half and "Papa Mike" came from there. As for Spurs he thinks Luca Modric should change his name to Luke "his name" and he thinks "Gareth Bale runs the fastest but Van Der Vart has a better shot." He also said "Luca Modric is the best on Spurs because he has tricky moves." As for his general EPL thoughts...."Nani dives on the ground too much because thats what everyone does in Portugal." "Wayne Rooney is the best player in England, even better than Drogba." "Nobody likes Chelsea...or the Yankees." "I don't like Blackburn but I like Blackpool." "Van Persie should have stayed on the Netherlands." "How come Robbin isn't on Spurs, they could use him." "Why would Fernando Torres want to leave Liverpool?" "Is it because of their name?" "Liver-Pool.....that's silly" "Steven Gerrard will never leave Liverpool, right dad?" He helps make Saturday mornings great at our house. And he loves soccer like no other. Last week I was watching a match, Pool-Wig I think. My almost two year old daughter walks into the room, looks at the TV and says "Is that Man-Chesta dad?" Good times!<-- Spurs

It could be worse. My son's a Chelsea supporterMy almost six year old son has been a Spurs fan for a couple of years now and even has a Spurs flag over his bed. You better put him on the list. He is also a fan of Italy as he's half and "Papa Mike" came from there. As for Spurs he thinks Luca Modric should change his name to Luke "his name" and he thinks "Gareth Bale runs the fastest but Van Der Vart has a better shot." He also said "Luca Modric is the best on Spurs because he has tricky moves." As for his general EPL thoughts...."Nani dives on the ground too much because thats what everyone does in Portugal." "Wayne Rooney is the best player in England, even better than Drogba." "Nobody likes Chelsea...or the Yankees." "I don't like Blackburn but I like Blackpool." "Van Persie should have stayed on the Netherlands." "How come Robbin isn't on Spurs, they could use him." "Why would Fernando Torres want to leave Liverpool?" "Is it because of their name?" "Liver-Pool.....that's silly" "Steven Gerrard will never leave Liverpool, right dad?" He helps make Saturday mornings great at our house. And he loves soccer like no other. Last week I was watching a match, Pool-Wig I think. My almost two year old daughter walks into the room, looks at the TV and says "Is that Man-Chesta dad?" Good times!<-- Spurs![]()
. He came by it honestly because his godfather is from West London.I was trying to teach my one year old the words to "#### off Chelsea FC" last weekend, but my wife's backhand put a stop to it.It could be worse. My son's a Chelsea supporterMy almost six year old son has been a Spurs fan for a couple of years now and even has a Spurs flag over his bed. You better put him on the list. He is also a fan of Italy as he's half and "Papa Mike" came from there. As for Spurs he thinks Luca Modric should change his name to Luke "his name" and he thinks "Gareth Bale runs the fastest but Van Der Vart has a better shot." He also said "Luca Modric is the best on Spurs because he has tricky moves." As for his general EPL thoughts...."Nani dives on the ground too much because thats what everyone does in Portugal." "Wayne Rooney is the best player in England, even better than Drogba." "Nobody likes Chelsea...or the Yankees." "I don't like Blackburn but I like Blackpool." "Van Persie should have stayed on the Netherlands." "How come Robbin isn't on Spurs, they could use him." "Why would Fernando Torres want to leave Liverpool?" "Is it because of their name?" "Liver-Pool.....that's silly" "Steven Gerrard will never leave Liverpool, right dad?" He helps make Saturday mornings great at our house. And he loves soccer like no other. Last week I was watching a match, Pool-Wig I think. My almost two year old daughter walks into the room, looks at the TV and says "Is that Man-Chesta dad?" Good times!<-- Spurs![]()
. He came by it honestly because his godfather is from West London.
...except that he plays for the scoomEdu is in a near perfect situation.At a club that will always be in European play.Gets consistent playing timeDraws what must be a good salaryPlays the identical role for Rangers that he does for the US
