***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (7 Viewers)

[The Z Machine]

Lol @ Real

Too bad Barça didn't #### the bed as well this week. They are even on points with Rayo right now, who look like they want a at least a 3rd season in la primera.

My boys play tomorrow with a home opener vs. Athletic. Should be a fun match. Is Llorente already gone?

 

[Mjolnirs]

Bayern beat Fürth 3-0 with goals from Müller, Mandzukic, and an own goal. The own goal should have been credited to Robben, but since it clipped a defender on the way in he didn't get credit for it.

FC Bayern 	1-0-0 	3:0Düsseldorf 	1-0-0 	2:0Dortmund 	1-0-0 	2:1M'gladbach 	1-0-0 	2:1Frankfurt 	1-0-0 	2:1Wolfsburg 	1-0-0 	1:0Nürnberg 	1-0-0 	1:0

9 matches, 22 goals. A busy weekend in the Bundesliga.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Some thoughts...

- Another dull as #### draw for Arsenal. What a snoozer. Amazing what happens when a team sells its best goal-scorer and arguably-best creator right before the season starts, isn't it?

- Tremendous lack of a killer instinct from the Arsenal offense, much like last season....but last season they had RvP to bail them out with timely goals. Arsenal had 67% of possession and 2 shots on net. That's a telling stat...classic Arsenal trying to pass their way into the net.

- Arteta was my MOTM. Very solid in the deep-lying role once again, seemingly as Song's replacement. Still though, he doesn't create as well as Song from so deep.

- Please take Diaby out of the lineup, ASAP. I thought he was dreadful. Gave the ball away cheaply a bunch of times and was way too passive in the final 3rd. I'd love to see Ramsey replace him next game.

- I know Wenger has liked the 4-3-2-1 lately, but I really think I'd like a more traditional 4-4-2 next time. Cazorla-Arteta-Ramsey-Walcott across the midfield/wings with Giroud and Podolski up top. I know Wenger likes the big guy in the lone striker role, but they need to get Podolski into a position to put the ball in the net. I know he's been playing more as a winger/midfielder of late, but he's the best bet they have to get going on the scoreboard. I don't know, they've gotta mix it up somehow, the offense is just too passive for my liking at the moment.

- Defense was fine again. No real problems. I still think Mertesacker and Jenkinson will be exposed sooner rather than later with Liverpool, City, and Chelsea coming for 3 of their next 4 matches. Hopefully some other guys can come back from injury in the meantime.

- I thought Geoff Cameron looked really good, which was a positive.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Lol @ RealToo bad Barça didn't #### the bed as well this week. They are even on points with Rayo right now, who look like they want a at least a 3rd season in la primera.My boys play tomorrow with a home opener vs. Athletic. Should be a fun match. Is Llorente already gone?

Not sold yet, but I think they're holding him out. He wants to go to Juve.

 

[Sebowski]

Some thoughts...- Another dull as #### draw for Arsenal. What a snoozer. Amazing what happens when a team sells its best goal-scorer and arguably-best creator right before the season starts, isn't it?- Tremendous lack of a killer instinct from the Arsenal offense, much like last season....but last season they had RvP to bail them out with timely goals. Arsenal had 67% of possession and 2 shots on net. That's a telling stat...classic Arsenal trying to pass their way into the net.- Arteta was my MOTM. Very solid in the deep-lying role once again, seemingly as Song's replacement. Still though, he doesn't create as well as Song from so deep.- Please take Diaby out of the lineup, ASAP. I thought he was dreadful. Gave the ball away cheaply a bunch of times and was way too passive in the final 3rd. I'd love to see Ramsey replace him next game.- I know Wenger has liked the 4-3-2-1 lately, but I really think I'd like a more traditional 4-4-2 next time. Cazorla-Arteta-Ramsey-Walcott across the midfield/wings with Giroud and Podolski up top. I know Wenger likes the big guy in the lone striker role, but they need to get Podolski into a position to put the ball in the net. I know he's been playing more as a winger/midfielder of late, but he's the best bet they have to get going on the scoreboard. I don't know, they've gotta mix it up somehow, the offense is just too passive for my liking at the moment.- Defense was fine again. No real problems. I still think Mertesacker and Jenkinson will be exposed sooner rather than later with Liverpool, City, and Chelsea coming for 3 of their next 4 matches. Hopefully some other guys can come back from injury in the meantime.- I thought Geoff Cameron looked really good, which was a positive.

And Gervinho completely disappeared.

 

[El Floppo]

That City v Reds game WAS a good one to watch.

Felt like Liverpool was playing way above themselves- lots of crisp passing and movement and fantastic shape defensively. I still Suarez the human, but love Suarez the player- especially chasing down defensively.

 

[lord_helmet]

That City v Reds game WAS a good one to watch.Felt like Liverpool was playing way above themselves- lots of crisp passing and movement and fantastic shape defensively. I still Suarez the human, but love Suarez the player- especially chasing down defensively.

What's that about suarez the human? You know him do you?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Messi should win the Balloon of Gold.

That is all.

 

[Sebowski]

That City v Reds game WAS a good one to watch.

Felt like Liverpool was playing way above themselves- lots of crisp passing and movement and fantastic shape defensively. I still Suarez the human, but love Suarez the player- especially chasing down defensively.

What's that about suarez the human? You know him do you?

We all got to know him a little on his reality show a while back.My link

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Modric to RM is done.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Speaking of RM, interesting that TOO was pushing for a goal so early by taking off Diarra for Benzema, and then Marcelo for Callejon right before Getafe went ahead. RM looks like they were in some sort of 3-4-3, and Albiol got torched by Adrian Colunga (who had just subbed on), Ramos, the only CB, had to come over, leaving Barrada open for a pretty easy goal.

I get that you want to push to get the three points, but both subs just seem like they were giving up too much. Not that I'm complaining.

 

[The Z Machine]

Callejon simply isn't at the requisite level to be that sub that opens up a team. I understand holding Benzema in reserve due to amtch fatigue, but I wouldn't have taken Marcelo off unless there was anfitness issue. I really don't like the guy, but he's a hell of a player. Also, I don't think I'd have the guts to leave Ramos as the lone CB. It's asking for a screw-up.

 

[derek245583]

Messi should win the Balloon of Gold. That is all.

I am glad I get to watch him on a regular basis. He is amazing. Does things nobody else does and makes them look easy

 

[lord_helmet]

That City v Reds game WAS a good one to watch.

Felt like Liverpool was playing way above themselves- lots of crisp passing and movement and fantastic shape defensively. I still Suarez the human, but love Suarez the player- especially chasing down defensively.

What's that about suarez the human? You know him do you?

We all got to know him a little on his reality show a while back.My link

Sorry but I don't get it? Only thing I can think of is the episode with Patrice evra, I hope no one is judging suarez because of a witch hunt started by the biggest drama queen in soccer.

 

[Bonzai]

 

[lord_helmet]

Touche But still, I'd be careful not to just swallow anything the media feeds you. There's always more facets to things, than the black & white pictures they paint. Seriously

 

[The Gator]

That City v Reds game WAS a good one to watch.

Felt like Liverpool was playing way above themselves- lots of crisp passing and movement and fantastic shape defensively. I still Suarez the human, but love Suarez the player- especially chasing down defensively.

What's that about suarez the human? You know him do you?

We all got to know him a little on his reality show a while back.My link

My link

 

[Major]

That City v Reds game WAS a good one to watch.Felt like Liverpool was playing way above themselves- lots of crisp passing and movement and fantastic shape defensively. I still Suarez the human, but love Suarez the player- especially chasing down defensively.

What's that about suarez the human? You know him do you?

yeah, we both follow him on the Twitter.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Callejon simply isn't at the requisite level to be that sub that opens up a team. I understand holding Benzema in reserve due to amtch fatigue, but I wouldn't have taken Marcelo off unless there was anfitness issue. I really don't like the guy, but he's a hell of a player. Also, I don't think I'd have the guts to leave Ramos as the lone CB. It's asking for a screw-up.

I agree. Here's the goal at 1:54.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXi1bGUfGsU

 

[GoFishTN]

Modric to RM is done.

I'm hearing £33M now. Hopefully that's correct and they can use it to bring in a couple of more players before the window closes.Edit: OL has confirmed Lloris talks are back on. Looks like Spurs are moving.

 

[El Floppo]

Touche But still, I'd be careful not to just swallow anything the media feeds you. There's always more facets to things, than the black & white pictures they paint. Seriously

Sounds like you've never watched the guy play. I don't know a thing about him off the field, but on the field he's a complete scumbag- diving, hacking and whining with impunity. And that has nothing to do with whatever happened with Evra. Take away those three things and he's a fantastic player. Great player even with those three things- but it still makes him a scumbag. And yes- that speaks to his humanity.

 

[Sebowski]

That City v Reds game WAS a good one to watch.

Felt like Liverpool was playing way above themselves- lots of crisp passing and movement and fantastic shape defensively. I still Suarez the human, but love Suarez the player- especially chasing down defensively.

What's that about suarez the human? You know him do you?

We all got to know him a little on his reality show a while back.My link

Sorry but I don't get it? Only thing I can think of is the episode with Patrice evra, I hope no one is judging suarez because of a witch hunt started by the biggest drama queen in soccer.

Just an obligatory horse face joke.I actually defended Suarez with the Evra thing.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Touche But still, I'd be careful not to just swallow anything the media feeds you. There's always more facets to things, than the black & white pictures they paint. Seriously

Sounds like you've never watched the guy play. I don't know a thing about him off the field, but on the field he's a complete scumbag- diving, hacking and whining with impunity. And that has nothing to do with whatever happened with Evra. Take away those three things and he's a fantastic player. Great player even with those three things- but it still makes him a scumbag. And yes- that speaks to his humanity.

Your opinion. I see him get continually hacked, and never get a call.

 

[El Floppo]

Touche But still, I'd be careful not to just swallow anything the media feeds you. There's always more facets to things, than the black & white pictures they paint. Seriously

Sounds like you've never watched the guy play. I don't know a thing about him off the field, but on the field he's a complete scumbag- diving, hacking and whining with impunity. And that has nothing to do with whatever happened with Evra. Take away those three things and he's a fantastic player. Great player even with those three things- but it still makes him a scumbag. And yes- that speaks to his humanity.

Your opinion. I see him get continually hacked, and never get a call.

I see him get hacked too. Doesn't mean he isn't also diving, whining and hacking as well.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Cavani re-upped at Napoli, reportedly with a huge buyout clause.

 

[jonessed]

Touche But still, I'd be careful not to just swallow anything the media feeds you. There's always more facets to things, than the black & white pictures they paint. Seriously

Sounds like you've never watched the guy play. I don't know a thing about him off the field, but on the field he's a complete scumbag- diving, hacking and whining with impunity. And that has nothing to do with whatever happened with Evra. Take away those three things and he's a fantastic player. Great player even with those three things- but it still makes him a scumbag. And yes- that speaks to his humanity.

Your opinion. I see him get continually hacked, and never get a call.

I see him get hacked too. Doesn't mean he isn't also diving, whining and hacking as well.

You make Suarez angry. Suarez eat you.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Cavani re-upped at Napoli, reportedly with a huge buyout clause.

*taps nose*

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Touche But still, I'd be careful not to just swallow anything the media feeds you. There's always more facets to things, than the black & white pictures they paint. Seriously

Sounds like you've never watched the guy play. I don't know a thing about him off the field, but on the field he's a complete scumbag- diving, hacking and whining with impunity. And that has nothing to do with whatever happened with Evra. Take away those three things and he's a fantastic player. Great player even with those three things- but it still makes him a scumbag. And yes- that speaks to his humanity.

Your opinion. I see him get continually hacked, and never get a call.

I see him get hacked too. Doesn't mean he isn't also diving, whining and hacking as well.

Sometimes, tis true. I think it's a product of his reputation at this point, which is sad. Case in point was last week, when he got a card from about 70 yards away for throwing his hand up in the air when he didn't get a call after being hacked. Later on, a West Brom player did the same exact gesture, and said "#### off" to Phil Dowd while right next to him, and got nothing. Mike Tyson has been forgiven for biting Evander Holyfield. He's in The Hangover and on Comedy Central Roasts now. Just would like to see the Suarez haters get over it, cause he's class as a player.

 

[Slapdash]

Touche But still, I'd be careful not to just swallow anything the media feeds you. There's always more facets to things, than the black & white pictures they paint. Seriously

Sounds like you've never watched the guy play. I don't know a thing about him off the field, but on the field he's a complete scumbag- diving, hacking and whining with impunity. And that has nothing to do with whatever happened with Evra. Take away those three things and he's a fantastic player. Great player even with those three things- but it still makes him a scumbag. And yes- that speaks to his humanity.

Your opinion. I see him get continually hacked, and never get a call.

I see him get hacked too. Doesn't mean he isn't also diving, whining and hacking as well.

Sometimes, tis true. I think it's a product of his reputation at this point, which is sad. Case in point was last week, when he got a card from about 70 yards away for throwing his hand up in the air when he didn't get a call after being hacked. Later on, a West Brom player did the same exact gesture, and said "#### off" to Phil Dowd while right next to him, and got nothing. Mike Tyson has been forgiven for biting Evander Holyfield. He's in The Hangover and on Comedy Central Roasts now. Just would like to see the Suarez haters get over it, cause he's class as a player.

Soccer is very unforgiving in its narratives, probably because too much goes on every week for most people to really follow it all.

 

[lord_helmet]

Sounds like you've never watched the guy play.

I rarely miss a Liverpool game. While not always pretty (or British), I don't hold his actions on the field against him. He's doing everything in his power to win, that's what winners do you know, sometimes he crosses the line for what is considered good etiquette in the PL.That's supposed to make him a bad person?

 

[The Gator]

Let's focus on the footy skillz

And one of my favorite quotes from tweeter, maybe by Robbie Fowler, can't recall 100%.

"Suarez could nutmeg a mermaid"

 

[NewlyRetired]

* Only 4 days until the window closes and Dempsey is still training with the youth sides. A seemingly silly rumor is going around Twitter than Sunderland is now interested

* Claudio Reyna was in the running for the Timbers job but Ives just tweeted that Caleb Porter was offered the position.

 

[Eephus]

* Only 4 days until the window closes and Dempsey is still training with the youth sides. A seemingly silly rumor is going around Twitter than Sunderland is now interested

Sunderland doesn't really make sense. They're no closer to the Champions League than Fulham is and they just spent £25M on Adam Johnson and Stephen Fletcher.

 

[El Floppo]

Sometimes, tis true. I think it's a product of his reputation at this point, which is sad. Case in point was last week, when he got a card from about 70 yards away for throwing his hand up in the air when he didn't get a call after being hacked. Later on, a West Brom player did the same exact gesture, and said "#### off" to Phil Dowd while right next to him, and got nothing. Mike Tyson has been forgiven for biting Evander Holyfield. He's in The Hangover and on Comedy Central Roasts now. Just would like to see the Suarez haters get over it, cause he's class as a player.

Totally- have said from the get go that he's a fantastic player. I don't care about "haters" or whatever- seems an easy dismissal of legitimate beefs with a diving, whining, dirty player- regardless of how admirable the rest of his qualities are on the field.His rep probably doesn't help with the refs. That last game, I saw him take challenges that looked like fouls, but he didn't get the calls- assuming because the refs have seen him dive enough they question whether anything he gets hit with is a foul. And there were clear dives on the day as well. Along with hacks. Along with whining- his yellow was a long time coming after repeatedly yelling and gesticulating at anybody wearing black all game. I thought he was lucky to go uncarded as long as he did.

I think of Rooney- a guy who went ballistic at the drop of a hat and would chase guys down who knocked into him and flat out hack them. Don't think of him diving really, or embellishing- but whiney rage at refs and hacking deluxe brought his game way down, IMO. And refs stood ready with the whistle and hand on backpocket as soon as they (and the everybody watching) saw his blood boil and his eyes roll back. But he has somehow gotten over the worst of that and I respect him more as a player and person (who plays) as a result.

 

[El Floppo]

Sounds like you've never watched the guy play.

I rarely miss a Liverpool game. While not always pretty (or British), I don't hold his actions on the field against him. He's doing everything in his power to win, that's what winners do you know, sometimes he crosses the line for what is considered good etiquette in the PL.That's supposed to make him a bad person?

yes. of course. eta: the laughy thing was really a response to your laughy thing... makes about as much sense for the sake of the argument.

 

[Slapdash]

* Only 4 days until the window closes and Dempsey is still training with the youth sides. A seemingly silly rumor is going around Twitter than Sunderland is now interested

Sunderland doesn't really make sense. They're no closer to the Champions League than Fulham is and they just spent £25M on Adam Johnson and Stephen Fletcher.

Neither is Liverpool.

 

[Eephus]

* Only 4 days until the window closes and Dempsey is still training with the youth sides. A seemingly silly rumor is going around Twitter than Sunderland is now interested

Sunderland doesn't really make sense. They're no closer to the Champions League than Fulham is and they just spent £25M on Adam Johnson and Stephen Fletcher.

Neither is Liverpool.

True but LFC is a bigger club by almost any measure than Fulham or Sunderland.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Sometimes, tis true. I think it's a product of his reputation at this point, which is sad. Case in point was last week, when he got a card from about 70 yards away for throwing his hand up in the air when he didn't get a call after being hacked. Later on, a West Brom player did the same exact gesture, and said "#### off" to Phil Dowd while right next to him, and got nothing. Mike Tyson has been forgiven for biting Evander Holyfield. He's in The Hangover and on Comedy Central Roasts now. Just would like to see the Suarez haters get over it, cause he's class as a player.

Totally- have said from the get go that he's a fantastic player. I don't care about "haters" or whatever- seems an easy dismissal of legitimate beefs with a diving, whining, dirty player- regardless of how admirable the rest of his qualities are on the field.His rep probably doesn't help with the refs. That last game, I saw him take challenges that looked like fouls, but he didn't get the calls- assuming because the refs have seen him dive enough they question whether anything he gets hit with is a foul. And there were clear dives on the day as well. Along with hacks. Along with whining- his yellow was a long time coming after repeatedly yelling and gesticulating at anybody wearing black all game. I thought he was lucky to go uncarded as long as he did.

I think of Rooney- a guy who went ballistic at the drop of a hat and would chase guys down who knocked into him and flat out hack them. Don't think of him diving really, or embellishing- but whiney rage at refs and hacking deluxe brought his game way down, IMO. And refs stood ready with the whistle and hand on backpocket as soon as they (and the everybody watching) saw his blood boil and his eyes roll back. But he has somehow gotten over the worst of that and I respect him more as a player and person (who plays) as a result.

He is one of those players that definitely runs a little too much in the red, that's for sure. I do wish he could get that under control. He's nowhere near players like Ronaldo in terms of diving, though.

 

[Slapdash]

Sometimes, tis true. I think it's a product of his reputation at this point, which is sad. Case in point was last week, when he got a card from about 70 yards away for throwing his hand up in the air when he didn't get a call after being hacked. Later on, a West Brom player did the same exact gesture, and said "#### off" to Phil Dowd while right next to him, and got nothing. Mike Tyson has been forgiven for biting Evander Holyfield. He's in The Hangover and on Comedy Central Roasts now. Just would like to see the Suarez haters get over it, cause he's class as a player.

Totally- have said from the get go that he's a fantastic player. I don't care about "haters" or whatever- seems an easy dismissal of legitimate beefs with a diving, whining, dirty player- regardless of how admirable the rest of his qualities are on the field.His rep probably doesn't help with the refs. That last game, I saw him take challenges that looked like fouls, but he didn't get the calls- assuming because the refs have seen him dive enough they question whether anything he gets hit with is a foul. And there were clear dives on the day as well. Along with hacks. Along with whining- his yellow was a long time coming after repeatedly yelling and gesticulating at anybody wearing black all game. I thought he was lucky to go uncarded as long as he did.

I think of Rooney- a guy who went ballistic at the drop of a hat and would chase guys down who knocked into him and flat out hack them. Don't think of him diving really, or embellishing- but whiney rage at refs and hacking deluxe brought his game way down, IMO. And refs stood ready with the whistle and hand on backpocket as soon as they (and the everybody watching) saw his blood boil and his eyes roll back. But he has somehow gotten over the worst of that and I respect him more as a player and person (who plays) as a result.

He is one of those players that definitely runs a little too much in the red, that's for sure. I do wish he could get that under control. He's nowhere near players like Ronaldo in terms of diving, though.

The Ronaldo diving meme is another one I had in mind when I said:

Soccer is very unforgiving in its narratives, probably because too much goes on every week for most people to really follow it all.

 

[Slapdash]

* Only 4 days until the window closes and Dempsey is still training with the youth sides. A seemingly silly rumor is going around Twitter than Sunderland is now interested

Sunderland doesn't really make sense. They're no closer to the Champions League than Fulham is and they just spent £25M on Adam Johnson and Stephen Fletcher.

Neither is Liverpool.

True but LFC is a bigger club by almost any measure than Fulham or Sunderland.

I know, just poking fun.

 

[derek245583]

Cavani re-upped at Napoli, reportedly with a huge buyout clause.

Damn, that is the guy I wanted

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Cavani re-upped at Napoli, reportedly with a huge buyout clause.

Damn, that is the guy I wanted

Do you own PSG?

 

[lord_helmet]

yes. of course. eta: the laughy thing was really a response to your laughy thing... makes about as much sense for the sake of the argument.

I guess I found it laughable that you judge someone so easily, how inappropriate of me. I must be a bad person.

 

[guru_007]

This Falcao kid is pretty good. Two beauties already in the net in the first half, and earlier had a strong header that he just missed on

 

[Eephus]

Nice Grantland article about PSG's underwhelming start

 

[The Z Machine]

3-0 good guys today.

Nice way to open up at home.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Falcao goals for everyone!

 

[The Z Machine]

This Falcao kid is pretty good. Two beauties already in the net in the first half, and earlier had a strong header that he just missed on

Probably a top 3 striker in la liga, and top 10 in the world. The drop from Kun and Forlán to Falcao isn't much...

 

[derek245583]

Cavani re-upped at Napoli, reportedly with a huge buyout clause.

Damn, that is the guy I wanted

Do you own PSG?

No just a member of the MCFC supporters

 

[Eephus]

Cavani re-upped at Napoli, reportedly with a huge buyout clause.

Damn, that is the guy I wanted

Do you own PSG?

No just a member of the MCFC supporters

There's a resemblance