***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)

[Good Posting Judge]

Question about the Ribery almost-goal that he put in but was waived off-sides: If it hits a defender first, before an attacking player touches it, shouldn't it not be offsides?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zb9azMogN4

 

[Sebowski]

So what does Tottenham's lineup look like next year

Modric to Chelsea?

Bale to ??? (betting not Barca. They need to spend their cash on D)

Adebayor back to City?

 

[TLEF316]

I don't get how Bale fits at Barca. He's obviously talented, but I don't see their system taking advantage of a player like him. They're always going to attack through the middle and I think that the really good stuff he does out wide would be wasted.

 

[Christo]

Question about the Ribery almost-goal that he put in but was waived off-sides: If it hits a defender first, before an attacking player touches it, shouldn't it not be offsides?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zb9azMogN4

No, he was offside when the ball was kicked. It becomes an offense if he gained an advantage by being in that position. The ball hitting the defender is irrelevant.

 

[Ursa M]

Question about the Ribery almost-goal that he put in but was waived off-sides: If it hits a defender first, before an attacking player touches it, shouldn't it not be offsides?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zb9azMogN4

No, he was offside when the ball was kicked. It becomes an offense if he gained an advantage by being in that position. The ball hitting the defender is irrelevant.

This. Many years ago, there used to be a "played on" rule so that if it hit a defender after being kicked, the offside that would have been called was null. That hasn't been the case for a very long time. It all comes down to when the ball is kicked / played and where the recipient / nearest attacking players are.

 

[Spartans Rule]

I don't get how Bale fits at Barca. He's obviously talented, but I don't see their system taking advantage of a player like him. They're always going to attack through the middle and I think that the really good stuff he does out wide would be wasted.

They'd use him as a wingback, like Dani Alves on the right. Here's an article where Alves talks about the possibility of him going to Barca and how he'd fit.

"The idea Bale has of football is really quite similar to the Brazilian perspective," Alves says. "He is a full-back in the Brazilian style. In Europe they play more defensively so they tend to play him as a winger, but in my team he would be a full-back. He is a spectacular player."

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I don't get how Bale fits at Barca. He's obviously talented, but I don't see their system taking advantage of a player like him. They're always going to attack through the middle and I think that the really good stuff he does out wide would be wasted.

The "word" was that he was going to play LB, but I think this thing has been mostly drummed up by the media or Bale's people. You're right, he doesn't fit, and he'd up a good chunk of their transfer budget. Not to mention his, um, liberal shot selection. Alba seems like a done deal for 12mm, and is a much better fit.

 

[Spartans Rule]

I don't get how Bale fits at Barca. He's obviously talented, but I don't see their system taking advantage of a player like him. They're always going to attack through the middle and I think that the really good stuff he does out wide would be wasted.

The "word" was that he was going to play LB, but I think this thing has been mostly drummed up by the media or Bale's people. You're right, he doesn't fit, and he'd up a good chunk of their transfer budget. Not to mention his, um, liberal shot selection. Alba seems like a done deal for 12mm, and is a much better fit.

While I think Bale could work as a left back, I agree Alba does seem like the more sensible option in terms of both $ and fit.

 

[LHUCKS]

I've given up trying to understand roster selection. There's always a few decisions that make absolutely no sense to meAt least the Orosco-Fiscal disaster is finally over.

Ditto Ricardo Clark.

Zusi over Adu...please.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

Final stats from uefa.com

               Bayern - ChelseaShots            24         6Shots on goal     7         3Corners          20         1Offsides          1         2Fouls Committed  14        26Yellow Cards      1         4

In all competitions Bayern finished 37-6-11 scoring 121-39 and came in 2nd in Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League.The year of

Bayern dominated the match. Unbelievable turn of events. A lot of arguments for both sides of the soccer coin in this match, one of the most dramatic aspects of soccer is that David really can eek out Goliath in the close game. Was rooting for Bayern throughout though, they were playing so well.

 

[Sebowski]

I don't get how Bale fits at Barca. He's obviously talented, but I don't see their system taking advantage of a player like him. They're always going to attack through the middle and I think that the really good stuff he does out wide would be wasted.

There is also the idea that they have been figured out and need to change up their tactics. I'm not saying I agree with that, but Bale might fit whatever new system they are thinking about. No way to know for sure.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I don't get how Bale fits at Barca. He's obviously talented, but I don't see their system taking advantage of a player like him. They're always going to attack through the middle and I think that the really good stuff he does out wide would be wasted.

There is also the idea that they have been figured out and need to change up their tactics. I'm not saying I agree with that, but Bale might fit whatever new system they are thinking about. No way to know for sure.

I doubt it. The whole Masia is set up to play tiki-taka, 4-3-3. I can't see any major tweaks coming. Even switching to 4-2-3-1 (like Spain) is a real bad fit for the composition of the first-team squad.

 

[derek245583]

So what does Tottenham's lineup look like next year Modric to Chelsea?Bale to ??? (betting not Barca. They need to spend their cash on D)Adebayor back to City?

I dont see how City have room for Adabeyor...I think Modric would look nice there though...

 

[Sebowski]

Rednapp on players wanting to leave if Spurs miss out on CL. This was before the final:

"That idea gets a bit over-hyped,'' said the 65-year-old, whose team host Fulham on Sunday in the last game of the season.

"When Gareth came to Tottenham, they weren't in the Champions League. When Luka Modric came here, they were nowhere near.

"He didn't come here because they were in the Champions League, he came here because they were a good club, on decent money and had a chance to play in the Premier League.

"Are you telling me people aren't going to sign for Chelsea next year if they don't win the Champions League this year because they won't make it next year? Of course they'll sign for Chelsea, if they are paid the right money and get the right contract, they are going to a fantastic club in London.

"They will still go to Chelsea. They will go to Liverpool because it is a great club and they will still come to Tottenham because it's a great club.''

One of these things isn't like the others....

 

[Slapdash]

Rednapp on players wanting to leave if Spurs miss out on CL. This was before the final:

"That idea gets a bit over-hyped,'' said the 65-year-old, whose team host Fulham on Sunday in the last game of the season.

"When Gareth came to Tottenham, they weren't in the Champions League. When Luka Modric came here, they were nowhere near.

"He didn't come here because they were in the Champions League, he came here because they were a good club, on decent money and had a chance to play in the Premier League.

"Are you telling me people aren't going to sign for Chelsea next year if they don't win the Champions League this year because they won't make it next year? Of course they'll sign for Chelsea, if they are paid the right money and get the right contract, they are going to a fantastic club in London.

"They will still go to Chelsea. They will go to Liverpool because it is a great club and they will still come to Tottenham because it's a great club.''

One of these things isn't like the others....

Liverpool?

 

[NYCelt]

Dont know if this was covered here but let me ask the question. After Chelsea won on kicks John Terry goes to the locker room gets togged out and runs up to the celebration in uniform? Biggest tool in the game by a landslide.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Dont know if this was covered here but let me ask the question. After Chelsea won on kicks John Terry goes to the locker room gets togged out and runs up to the celebration in uniform? Biggest tool in the game by a landslide.

He's up there, but Joey Barton is stiff competition.

 

[NYCelt]

Agree. But Barton never captained his country and is just a complete nutter.

 

[Christo]

Dont know if this was covered here but let me ask the question. After Chelsea won on kicks John Terry goes to the locker room gets togged out and runs up to the celebration in uniform? Biggest tool in the game by a landslide.

He was dressed during the game. So was Meireles.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

So what does Tottenham's lineup look like next year Modric to Chelsea?Bale to ??? (betting not Barca. They need to spend their cash on D)Adebayor back to City?

I dont see how City have room for Adabeyor...I think Modric would look nice there though...

I remember reading Mancini comments to the effect of that they'll try to work something out with Spurs, and failing that, they'll ship him elsewhere. But they were definitely going to ship him.MC already linked with Llorente, btw.

 

[GoFishTN]

His wages are much higher than what Spurs normally pay, so unless he's willing to take a cut he's not going to stay permanently.

I would assume Modric is gone and Bale will probably be gone too. Hope they don't slide down to mid-table next season.

 

[Spartans Rule]

My favorite summer transfer rumors all involve Anzhi Makhachkala.

The recently retired Roberto Carlos is now director of football and their transfer budget is 250 million pounds. They're willing to pay 45 million for Van Persie and give him the same 15 million a year contract as Eto'o. If he's not interested, they've got lots of other targets.

I've got to think at least one more big name bites this year. The money being thrown around is insane.

 

[GoFishTN]

My favorite summer transfer rumors all involve Anzhi Makhachkala.

The recently retired Roberto Carlos is now director of football and their transfer budget is 250 million pounds. They're willing to pay 45 million for Van Persie and give him the same 15 million a year contract as Eto'o. If he's not interested, they've got lots of other targets.

I've got to think at least one more big name bites this year. The money being thrown around is insane.

 

[Sebowski]

So many rumors right now. 90% have to be total BS. When does the window open? Might be fun to try a contest to see who can nail the most transfers. Something like:

Modric: Chelsea

Adebayor: Malaga

Tezez: Inter

etc...

Most correct guesses wins.

 

[Slapdash]

So many rumors right now. 90% have to be total BS. When does the window open? Might be fun to try a contest to see who can nail the most transfers. Something like:Modric: ChelseaAdebayor: MalagaTezez: Interetc...Most correct guesses wins.

Barcelona: Alba and Javi Martinez

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I doubt it. The whole Masia is set up to play tiki-taka, 4-3-3. I can't see any major tweaks coming. Even switching to 4-2-3-1 (like Spain) is a real bad fit for the composition of the first-team squad.

Would be a horrible overreaction if they overhauled things after this season. Some of their key players are getting a bit older, but they were still on 91 points with a +80-something GD and dominated Chelsea in the CL semis. No need to make sweeping changes IMO.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Herculez Gomez is the first US player to win both the MLS Cup and the Mexican Championship.

 

[TLEF316]

Yup. In the games that I saw this year, the difference was that they didn't have Puyol running around like a mad man breaking up every single play. Dude seemed to be EVERYWHERE the last couple of years.

They've got enough young guys to keep the creative juices going when Xavi is finished. Just need to tighten up at the back.

 

[NewlyRetired]

May 20 Roster Release Quote Sheet: MNT Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann

Quotes from U.S. Men's National Team head coach regarding the May 20, 2012 roster release

“We are excited now to get towards full numbers with the MLS guys and also the players from Europe who are coming in with great form,” said Klinsmann. “We want them to pick up the rhythm as fast as possible and make them understand that we are taking the next couple weeks very seriously. We will continue with our rhythm of two trainings a day and see where the players are really at before we make our final decisions on the 23-man roster for the upcoming games.”

On the fact that many of the remaining European-based players are competing for trophies:

“It’s really awesome to see. Michael Parkhurst is playing right now for the chance to be Danish champions. Gooch is playing in the Portuguese Cup final. Herculez Gomez is playing for a title in Mexico. Terrence Boyd won the title with Dortmund Under-23 team and they moved up from the fourth division to the third. It would be awesome of these guys come in with their chests puffed out. The more success they have with their club teams, the more confident they are.”

On some of the newer MLS players who have earned the opportunity to be called in:

“Graham Zusi left a very strong impression in the January camp. Geoff Cameron is a guy that is really knocking at the door, with a very strong January camp but also very strong performances for Houston. You have Chris Wondolowski who is scoring and scoring. This is what he loves to do and his attitude and his spirit is just great for a team to have.”

On Juan Agudelo and his situation:

“We have Juan Agudelo coming in after a difficult first part of the season for him, not qualifying for the Olympics, struggling with an injury, and now with the trade to Chivas USA that we hope gives him a lift because he couldn’t pass by Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper at the Red Bulls. He has an opportunity now, and we want him to grab it and make clear to everyone that he deserves to be a starter no matter where he plays.”

On Brek Shea:

“We have watched Brek during the last few months, and given his performances and some of the other issues we felt he should be on the standby list. He’s still a young player with a lot of talent, and also a lot to learn.”

On the process of cutting the roster down from 27 to 23 players by May 25:

“When you go into a training camp period like this you have additional players for several reasons.  First you want to see where they are at, you want to put them through testing, and you want to cover your bases. In our camps, because of the high intensity training sessions we always have the risk that somebody gets injured, so you need to understand where the pool of players is in case you have to make a change. There is the displeasure obviously of having to tell players that it was great to bring them and they brought everything to the table that they could, but now we have to choose the final 23 for the games. Those are very honest and straight forward discussions. Still, it’s important for the guys that don’t make the cut that they still feel a part of this process. They are knocking at the door to become part of the roster. Similar things will happen two years down the road. You start with a bigger group and step by step you cut it down, and basically on the last day you have to name the final 23. Now we have the advantage going into these four weeks that even if a player doesn’t make the cut, he’s still on the standby list in case something happens.”

 

[Mjolnirs]

Gotta admit, I felt pretty Dentist-like after the game. Chelsea pulling that out really rubbed me the wrong way. Ugh.

Me too. I was fairly neutral on Chelsea up to this point, but after the way they played vs Barca and Bayern I can't think of a less deserving champion.They were either completely outclassed or playing for PKs from the kickoff and only bothered to try and score after they went down 1-0.

High possession teams, like Barcelona and Bayern, have to figure out how to crack that type of defense open and score. Until that happens this strategy will continue.Having said that, Bayern had all the chances in the world. Gomez was completely off his game. Schweinsteiger was gassed in the end (being out 1/2 the season does that.)Nearly every corner that Robben took sailed over the box and I wasn't thrilled they had him take the PK in extra time, but that wasn't the worst one I've seen him take. And of course once again in a title match Bayern change their shape late to ice the game and it costs them. It seems the 'prevent defense' philosophy exists and fails in both versions of football.I have to add though that Petr Čech had a great game and his work during on all six spot kicks was amazing.I watched the match at a bar with some friends and one of them is an annoying AS Roma fan. Near the end of the match he was giving me a hard time about how Bayern couldn't score and were going to lose. I asked how Roma was doing in the final and he didn't seem to appreciate it. I then asked how they did in the CL overall and he mumbled that they didn't qualify. I said maybe they'll do better next season. He again mumbled they didn't qualify. So I suggested he just shut up and watch the game.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Yup. In the games that I saw this year, the difference was that they didn't have Puyol running around like a mad man breaking up every single play. Dude seemed to be EVERYWHERE the last couple of years. They've got enough young guys to keep the creative juices going when Xavi is finished. Just need to tighten up at the back.

Mascherano had a really great year playing in defense exclusively. I remember seeing his successful tackles/interception numbers somewhere, and he's light-years ahead of Pique this year.Al Jazeera already has deals in place with two major carriers:http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/7954240/al-jazeera-launch-2-sports-channels-us

 

[The Z Machine]

Yup. In the games that I saw this year, the difference was that they didn't have Puyol running around like a mad man breaking up every single play. Dude seemed to be EVERYWHERE the last couple of years. They've got enough young guys to keep the creative juices going when Xavi is finished. Just need to tighten up at the back.

Mascherano had a really great year playing in defense exclusively. I remember seeing his successful tackles/interception numbers somewhere, and he's light-years ahead of Pique this year.Al Jazeera already has deals in place with two major carriers:http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/7954240/al-jazeera-launch-2-sports-channels-us

DirecTV better be one of those. There's a lot of pubs that have DTV that would be SOL if they couldn't show some critical la liga and serie a games.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yup. In the games that I saw this year, the difference was that they didn't have Puyol running around like a mad man breaking up every single play. Dude seemed to be EVERYWHERE the last couple of years. They've got enough young guys to keep the creative juices going when Xavi is finished. Just need to tighten up at the back.

Mascherano had a really great year playing in defense exclusively. I remember seeing his successful tackles/interception numbers somewhere, and he's light-years ahead of Pique this year.Al Jazeera already has deals in place with two major carriers:http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/7954240/al-jazeera-launch-2-sports-channels-us

DirecTV better be one of those. There's a lot of pubs that have DTV that would be SOL if they couldn't show some critical la liga and serie a games.

I posted something a while back in that the guys controlling this strongly suggested/hinted that it won't be on DirecTV. They specifically mentioned that you are likely to have to change suppliers if you want to watch these games. But that could just be posturing as they try and get carriers. I would not be shocked if it was only on a few carriers for this season and then expand next season.

 

[Slapdash]

I doubt it. The whole Masia is set up to play tiki-taka, 4-3-3. I can't see any major tweaks coming. Even switching to 4-2-3-1 (like Spain) is a real bad fit for the composition of the first-team squad.

Would be a horrible overreaction if they overhauled things after this season. Some of their key players are getting a bit older, but they were still on 91 points with a +80-something GD and dominated Chelsea in the CL semis. No need to make sweeping changes IMO.

I don't see the need to make big changes at all. The attack faltared during the year because Villa, Sanchez, and Pedro all were dealing with injuries most of the season and especially down the stretch. They just need to recover IMO. Left back and central back are big holes for the squad right now though and they need to plug in some players to help there. Alba is rumored to be already signed. Martinez is my favored opition for the central back because he will bring some size to go along with his technicals. A goalkeeper would also be a great buy.

 

[Slapdash]

Yup. In the games that I saw this year, the difference was that they didn't have Puyol running around like a mad man breaking up every single play. Dude seemed to be EVERYWHERE the last couple of years. They've got enough young guys to keep the creative juices going when Xavi is finished. Just need to tighten up at the back.

Mascherano had a really great year playing in defense exclusively. I remember seeing his successful tackles/interception numbers somewhere, and he's light-years ahead of Pique this year.Al Jazeera already has deals in place with two major carriers:http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/7954240/al-jazeera-launch-2-sports-channels-us

DirecTV better be one of those. There's a lot of pubs that have DTV that would be SOL if they couldn't show some critical la liga and serie a games.

Pubs seem pretty apathetic towards non-English games anyways in my experience.

 

[The Z Machine]

Yup. In the games that I saw this year, the difference was that they didn't have Puyol running around like a mad man breaking up every single play. Dude seemed to be EVERYWHERE the last couple of years. They've got enough young guys to keep the creative juices going when Xavi is finished. Just need to tighten up at the back.

Mascherano had a really great year playing in defense exclusively. I remember seeing his successful tackles/interception numbers somewhere, and he's light-years ahead of Pique this year.Al Jazeera already has deals in place with two major carriers:http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/7954240/al-jazeera-launch-2-sports-channels-us

DirecTV better be one of those. There's a lot of pubs that have DTV that would be SOL if they couldn't show some critical la liga and serie a games.

Pubs seem pretty apathetic towards non-English games anyways in my experience.

I'm thinking about not being able to show el clásico. ESPN has carried the game because they have a deal with Gol, but that deal may not happen with Al Jazeera.As to your comments on Barça, I would agree. I don't think that they need to revamp their offense this offseason. Maybe rededicate to working Cesc into the rotation better, and less reliance on Xavi for pulling the strings. I think they should keep Villa, and maybe bring in a striker with some height for a change of pace, hold-up role.Puyol was a critical piece of the team. His motor was tremendous, but he's definitely lost a step or two and isn't the same player he was 4 years ago, when he was fantastic in EURO2008. He can still be a spot starter, but that should be their primary goal, finding a CB-LB that has a motor and excellent tackling. They don't grow on trees...

 

[B Maverick]

Congrats to Chelsea. It was a great game to watch. Bayern just couldnt seem to get the goals and had plenty of chances. Drogba, what can be said? He is s stud, like him or not. And I have said on many occasions that Chelsea probably beat United last year in the CL and possible the EPL if Drogba plays ahead of Torres...

Now on to the summer...

Bye to Owen. Time to make room for a young guy

Bye to Berbatov (thanks for 2010/2011). He just didnt fit into the style United like to play these days. Great touch but not fleet of foot, esp when Nani, Valencia, Welbeck, Chicharito and Rooney can fly.

Bye to Nani? Hello to?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yup. In the games that I saw this year, the difference was that they didn't have Puyol running around like a mad man breaking up every single play. Dude seemed to be EVERYWHERE the last couple of years. They've got enough young guys to keep the creative juices going when Xavi is finished. Just need to tighten up at the back.

Mascherano had a really great year playing in defense exclusively. I remember seeing his successful tackles/interception numbers somewhere, and he's light-years ahead of Pique this year.Al Jazeera already has deals in place with two major carriers:http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/7954240/al-jazeera-launch-2-sports-channels-us

DirecTV better be one of those. There's a lot of pubs that have DTV that would be SOL if they couldn't show some critical la liga and serie a games.

Pubs seem pretty apathetic towards non-English games anyways in my experience.

I'm thinking about not being able to show el clásico. ESPN has carried the game because they have a deal with Gol, but that deal may not happen with Al Jazeera.

I have read a ton on this subject and while nothing is set in stone of course, everything I have read indicates that they will not sublicense any games like Florida C Corp did (the money behind Gol TV).

 

[Slapdash]

Congrats to Chelsea. It was a great game to watch. Bayern just couldnt seem to get the goals and had plenty of chances. Drogba, what can be said? He is s stud, like him or not. And I have said on many occasions that Chelsea probably beat United last year in the CL and possible the EPL if Drogba plays ahead of Torres...

 

[Moe.]

Euro predictions? I think I'm most interested in Group C.

Group A: Russia & Poland advance, Greece/Czech out

Group B: Germany & Netherlands, Portugal/Denmark

Group C: Spain & Croatia, Italy/Ireland

Group D: Ukraine & France, Sweden/England

Netherlands over Russia

Spain over France

Germany over Poland (really tempted to pick an upset here)

Ukraine over Croatia

Netherlands over Spain

Germany over Ukraine

Netherlands over Germany

 

[The Z Machine]

Congrats to Chelsea. It was a great game to watch. Bayern just couldnt seem to get the goals and had plenty of chances. Drogba, what can be said? He is s stud, like him or not. And I have said on many occasions that Chelsea probably beat United last year in the CL and possible the EPL if Drogba plays ahead of Torres...Now on to the summer...Bye to Owen. Time to make room for a young guyBye to Berbatov (thanks for 2010/2011). He just didnt fit into the style United like to play these days. Great touch but not fleet of foot, esp when Nani, Valencia, Welbeck, Chicharito and Rooney can fly.Bye to Nani? Hello to?

Could Arsenal make a move for Berbatov? He might fit their system well.

 

[The Z Machine]

Yup. In the games that I saw this year, the difference was that they didn't have Puyol running around like a mad man breaking up every single play. Dude seemed to be EVERYWHERE the last couple of years. They've got enough young guys to keep the creative juices going when Xavi is finished. Just need to tighten up at the back.

Mascherano had a really great year playing in defense exclusively. I remember seeing his successful tackles/interception numbers somewhere, and he's light-years ahead of Pique this year.Al Jazeera already has deals in place with two major carriers:http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/7954240/al-jazeera-launch-2-sports-channels-us

DirecTV better be one of those. There's a lot of pubs that have DTV that would be SOL if they couldn't show some critical la liga and serie a games.

Pubs seem pretty apathetic towards non-English games anyways in my experience.

I'm thinking about not being able to show el clásico. ESPN has carried the game because they have a deal with Gol, but that deal may not happen with Al Jazeera.

I have read a ton on this subject and while nothing is set in stone of course, everything I have read indicates that they will not sublicense any games like MediaPro did (the money behind Gol TV).

Then that might mean no clásico on DirecTV. I think the sublicencing thing is dumb anyway. Sell your best games to someone else? No way. Make them pay for the whole season.BTW, these SOBs better make this shizz in HD otherwise I might have to issue another fatwa like I did against Qatar.

 

[Moe.]

BTW, these SOBs better make this shizz in HD otherwise I might have to issue another fatwa like I did against Qatar.

Seconded. I'll be shocked if it's not HD, but TWC still doesn't carry GolTV in HD whereas other providers do. Makes no sense to me, if the channel is available in HD and you offer the channel, why not have it in HD? So frustrating. Like watching a game with your TV behind an aquarium or something.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I was out of town all weekend and DVR'd the game. I know the end result and have read all about it. Is it worth watching? TIA

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Mata and Torres added to Spain's squad. Here's the current 23-man roster, still pending Barca and Athletic players:

Goalkeepers:

Iker Casillas Real Madrid

Pepe Reina Liverpool

David De Gea Manchester United

Defenders:

Raul Albiol Real Madrid

Jordi Alba Valencia

Alvaro Arbeloa Real Madrid

Alvaro Domínguez Atletico Madrid

Nacho Monreal Malaga

Sergio Ramos Real Madrid

Juanfran Torres Atletico Madrid

Midfielders:

Isco Alarcon Malaga

Xabi Alonso Real Madrid

Santi Cazorla Malaga

Benat Betis

Javi García Benfica

Bruno Soriano Villarreal

David Silva Manchester City

Jesus Navas Sevilla

Juan Mata Chelsea

Attackers

Adrian Lopez Atletico Madrid

Alvaro Negredo Sevilla

Fernando Torres Chelsea

Roberto Soldado Valencia

 

[NewlyRetired]

27 Man RosterKeeper: Howard, Guzan, RimandoDefenders: Bocanegra, Cameron*, Castillo, Cherundolo, Goodson*, Morales, Gooch*, Parkhurst*Midfielders: Beckerman, Bradley, Corona, Dempsey, Edu, Johnson, Jones, Torres, Williams, Zusi*Forwards: Agudelo*, Altidore*, Boyd*, Donovan*, Gomez*, Wondolowski*

Here is a quick break down of what leagues are supplying the players for the 27 man roster as of the end of last seasonMLS: 7 (Rimando, Cameron, Beckerman, Zusi, Agudelo, Donovan, Wondolowski)Bundesliga: 5 (Cherundolo, Morales*, Johnson, Jones, Williams)MFL: 4 (Castillo, Corona, Torres, Gomez)EPL: 3 (Howard, Guzan, Dempsey)SPL: 2 (Bocanegra, Edu)Danish Superliga: 2 (Parkhurst, Goodson)Serie A: 1 (Bradley)Portugal Div 1: 1 (Gooch)Holland Div 1: 1 (Altidore)Other 1 (no idea how to classify Boyd)Morales's team has been relegated to Bundesliga 2 for next season

 

[NewlyRetired]

I was out of town all weekend and DVR'd the game. I know the end result and have read all about it. Is it worth watching? TIA

I personally hated the game because I hate watching teams I don't support play for PK's. But it depends on how you enjoy watching a game I guess.

 

[Moe.]

I was out of town all weekend and DVR'd the game. I know the end result and have read all about it. Is it worth watching? TIA

Honestly, no. Gary Neville made it a lot worse for me than it normally would have been. Something about his voice drives me nuts. I'd start at 75 minutes or so and just go forward from there.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I was out of town all weekend and DVR'd the game. I know the end result and have read all about it. Is it worth watching? TIA

I personally hated the game because I hate watching teams I don't support play for PK's. But it depends on how you enjoy watching a game I guess.

I generally have a lot of trouble watching a game if I already know the ending, but I can watch if it's just a great, fascinating game. Most sources made it sound like Bayern pretty well killed them though. Maybe I'll start in the 75th like Moe said.

 

[B Maverick]

Congrats to Chelsea. It was a great game to watch. Bayern just couldnt seem to get the goals and had plenty of chances. Drogba, what can be said? He is s stud, like him or not. And I have said on many occasions that Chelsea probably beat United last year in the CL and possible the EPL if Drogba plays ahead of Torres...

Now on to the summer...

Bye to Owen. Time to make room for a young guy

Bye to Berbatov (thanks for 2010/2011). He just didnt fit into the style United like to play these days. Great touch but not fleet of foot, esp when Nani, Valencia, Welbeck, Chicharito and Rooney can fly.

Bye to Nani? Hello to?