***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (8 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

Hitler Reacts to Donovan's Absence

 

[CletiusMaximus]

CL Prediction

Spoiler

Bayern

Spoiler

Does this mean that you'll become a lifelong BM fan some time this spring?

Spoiler

This seems like actual resentment, as it's not particularly funny and you bring it up every few months or so.Why does my following Barca (for approx. two years now), bother you so much?

Spoiler

Since I'm not particularly funny and recycle my stuff every few months, this isn't really out of the ordinary.I don't know, just seems like you started following soccer and decided to throw yourself into the most dominant team in the history of the world. Seems uninspired.

As opposed to Liverpool? Liverpool isn't exactly Hull.Barcelona being really good was secondary, to me, to being entertaining to watch. And being on TV. And not being in England. And not being historically tied to Franco.I think it would be a close call as to which club has a more glorious history. I would guess Barca has more domestic silverware but Liverpool has done better in euro competitions. I do think it's funny for an American soccer fan who's chosen Liverpool to make this particular comment.

 

[Steve Tasker]

From ESPN.

Sierra Leone fans hail Kei Kamara debut

Norwich striker Kei Kamara said his Premier League debut over the weekend generated a lot of interest in his home country of Sierra Leone, according to reports.

The 28-year-old, who is on loan from Sporting Kansas City in the MLS, came off the bench in a draw against Fulham.

"They say all the cinemas were full. I don't even know what it would have been like out there," the forward told the BBC. "There's going to be a bunch of yellow shirts out there with my name on it."

Kamara has come a long way since fleeing the battle fields of Sierra Leone's civil war and migrating to the United States as a refugee.

He came through the NCAA system and earned a draft to MLS side Columbus Crew in 2006, before moving on to San Jose, Houston and then Kansas. Kamara has 14 international caps.

His Norwich signing was confirmed before January's transfer deadline, but his international clearance did not come through until last week.

"After the move became official, for Norwich's last game against QPR everybody was in the cinemas thinking I was playing," he told the BBC after playing the last five minutes against the Cottagers.

"It's a good thing my phone doesn't work right now because if it did I would be having so many phone calls.

"I represent my country wherever I go but being here now -- it's the talk of the town. "If I do well people might recognize where I'm from, maybe they will Google Sierra Leone a little bit more.

"When I go to the national team, everybody always asks, 'when are you going to England?' because it's basically the only game that's screened all around the world."

Kamara, who had an unsuccessful trial at Stoke in December, admits his path to the English top flight has been far from straightforward, but is an opportunity he will aim to seize.

"I left Sierra Leone after the civil war ended, when I was 14. I lived in Gambia for two years and at 16 I moved to the USA through a refugee programme, so I could go to school," he said.

"I figured out to get scholarships at college I would have to play soccer, so I did that for two years. Then I got drafted to the MLS and have been in the league for seven years and now I am here."

Kamara is already a cult figure among Norwich fans, having made a big impression with his positive interviews and through social media.

"I am just honoured to be here. It gave me goosebumps just warming up on the side and hearing my name being called. I loved it and I am looking forward to playing more games here," he said.

Norwich manager Chris Hughton said Kamara needs more match fitness, having only trained with his new teammates for a few days after his midweek arrival from the United States.

"I don't think it is far off. By the next game I should definitely be in shape," said Kamara, who has headed off with the rest of the Norwich squad for some warm-weather training in Abu Dhabi as they have no match for a fortnight.

"It is about working hard from now and making it a regular thing," he said. "I am a man who can score some goals, but it is also about work-rate -- when you come into a team like this and see people working so hard, if you can work as hard as them then the goals come easily."

Norwich has the option to buy Kamara should his short-term move from Sporting Kansas City prove a success.

The striker said: "I belong to Kansas City, but I am not here to mess around and just hang about.

"I am coming here to make a statement about myself and show I can play amongst people I have watched on television."

Information from Press Association was used in this report.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Grant Wahl @GrantWahlSource: USSF aiming for home WCQ venues June 11 (PAN) Seattle; June 18 (HON) Salt Lake; Sept 10 (MEX) Columbus; Oct 11 (JAM) Kansas City.

 

[ffldrew]

Liverpool - what a giant failure so far todayAnfield is in shock

 

[The Gator]

Anyone who wants to see a player on the take, watch Glenn Johnson today. Terrible

 

[jonessed]

I can't believe Liverpool even got that penalty. Another Suarez flop. Good to see justice done in the end.Ben Foster was on fire.

 

[jonessed]

Anyone who wants to see a player on the take, watch Glenn Johnson today. Terrible

You can add Agger to that. No excuse for a centre-back to lose their man like that on a spot kick. McCauley beat him by a good two yards.Then Lukaku blows by him like he's standing still. Lukaku is a good striker, but he's not that quick. That was ridiculous.

 

[GoFishTN]

It amuses me that Swansea and Norwich are both above their old managers new clubs.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Another Suarez flop.

I didn't see it, so I can't comment, but I do find it funny that you are so "anti-flop", being that you go on and on about what a great player Gareth Bale is. Pot meet kettle.

 

[gianmarco]

I can't believe Liverpool even got that penalty. Another Suarez flop. Good to see justice done in the end.Ben Foster was on fire.

 

[The Gator]

Anyone who wants to see a player on the take, watch Glenn Johnson today. Terrible

You can add Agger to that. No excuse for a centre-back to lose their man like that on a spot kick. McCauley beat him by a good two yards.Then Lukaku blows by him like he's standing still. Lukaku is a good striker, but he's not that quick. That was ridiculous.

Yup, that Lukaku one was just dumb and even then the ball is kicked directly at Reina who has it go by him. to Foster for keeping them in the game until they could sucker punch, he had a great game.

Please loan Shelvey out. Loved the way he started the season, but he's really regressed. He's got the first touch of Christy Brown.

 

[The Gator]

Another Suarez flop.

I didn't see it, so I can't comment, but I do find it funny that you are so "anti-flop", being that you go on and on about what a great player Gareth Bale is. Pot meet kettle.

It was soft. There was contact and he went down, but very very soft.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Lukaku!!!!!

 

[Good Posting Judge]

General question:Which second place CL team(s) have the best chance of pulling an upset?I think Celtic might have the best shot, given how much of a low-scoring affair those games are going to be.

 

[Slapdash]

Interestingly, Barcelona has extended Pinto for another year. Makes me wonder if Valdes may leave sooner than his contract expiring. Pinto is a fine keeper in his own right; he won the Zamora in his decade at Celta and is an excellent penalty stopper. Here was one of his jokes from the announcement: "I do not want to end up like Puyol," he said. "I want to retire before I am 50. That all depends on how I feel. The day I stop believing is the day that, for honour and dignity, I will stop." This follows a busy month from Barcelona's management having extened Xavi and Puyol until 2016 while Messi re-upped till 2018. Iniesta is in discussions to extend until 2017.

 

[jonessed]

Another Suarez flop.

I didn't see it, so I can't comment, but I do find it funny that you are so "anti-flop", being that you go on and on about what a great player Gareth Bale is. Pot meet kettle.

They are both great players and they both flop. Why would those opinions need to be mutually exclusive?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Lukaku!!!!!

gesundheit** Pretty sure I've made this exact same joke somewhere in this thread, but what the hell.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Somewhere, Brendan Rodgers is staring forlornly at three names in an envelope.

 

[jonessed]

General question:Which second place CL team(s) have the best chance of pulling an upset?I think Celtic might have the best shot, given how much of a low-scoring affair those games are going to be.

There are a lot of pretty even match-ups.PSG - ValenciaMalaga - PortoDortmund - ShakhtarUnited - RMI would pick any of those underdogs before I would pick Celtic to beat Juventus.

 

[honky kong]

Anyone who wants to see a player on the take, watch Glenn Johnson today. Terrible

By the second half, I kept thinking "How's he going to #### this up?" every time he touched the ball. Unbelievable.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Interestingly, Barcelona has extended Pinto for another year. Makes me wonder if Valdes may leave sooner than his contract expiring. Pinto is a fine keeper in his own right; he won the Zamora in his decade at Celta and is an excellent penalty stopper. Here was one of his jokes from the announcement: "I do not want to end up like Puyol," he said. "I want to retire before I am 50. That all depends on how I feel. The day I stop believing is the day that, for honour and dignity, I will stop." This follows a busy month from Barcelona's management having extened Xavi and Puyol until 2016 while Messi re-upped till 2018. Iniesta is in discussions to extend until 2017.

Busquets is in talks too (currently through 2015), apparently RM and others have been lurking.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Another Suarez flop.

I didn't see it, so I can't comment, but I do find it funny that you are so "anti-flop", being that you go on and on about what a great player Gareth Bale is. Pot meet kettle.

They are both great players and they both flop. Why would those opinions need to be mutually exclusive?

Touche. Was just funny after seeing you post about Bale. You can probably factor in some general pissiness after that defeat, as well.

 

[Moe.]

General question:Which second place CL team(s) have the best chance of pulling an upset?I think Celtic might have the best shot, given how much of a low-scoring affair those games are going to be.

I haven't looked at the odds or anything but I kinda like Shakhtar to advance. Wouldn't be surprised if Porto beats Malaga either.

 

[The Gator]

Anyone who wants to see a player on the take, watch Glenn Johnson today. Terrible

By the second half, I kept thinking "How's he going to #### this up?" every time he touched the ball. Unbelievable.

worst game I've seen him play.

 

[jonessed]

Another Suarez flop.

I didn't see it, so I can't comment, but I do find it funny that you are so "anti-flop", being that you go on and on about what a great player Gareth Bale is. Pot meet kettle.

They are both great players and they both flop. Why would those opinions need to be mutually exclusive?

Touche. Was just funny after seeing you post about Bale. You can probably factor in some general pissiness after that defeat, as well.

I know. Defeats like that are especially painful.Foster was playing out of his mind, Suarez was off, and Agger had a howler. That's all it takes.

 

[The Gator]

Foster's save on Gerrard's shot was amazing. Going to his left, he stabs at the ball to his right and has the strength to get it outside the post.

 

[jonessed]

Foster's save on Gerrard's shot was amazing. Going to his left, he stabs at the ball and has the strength to get it outside the post.

That wasn't an easy penalty save either. It was well placed and low.

 

[The Gator]

Foster's save on Gerrard's shot was amazing. Going to his left, he stabs at the ball and has the strength to get it outside the post.

That wasn't an easy penalty save either. It was well placed and low.

YupSee those go in off the keeper's hands often. He must have skillets in those gloves.

 

[Moe.]

If you could only record/watch one of today's games, which one would you go with? I'm thinking Valencia-PSG will be more entertaining.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I thought this was an interesting comment from a German soccer writer. Definitely an interesting perspective (and he's right).

A transfer to the Premier League still fills the dreams of most German players, though Honigstein believes the growth of the Bundesliga has made them more discriminating. "In the late '90s, German internationals would jump to any Premier League team, be it Middlesbrough or Newcastle," he said. "That gravitational pull does not exist anymore as big German clubs can now offer competitive wages and players know they can only improve their career if a Manchester United or Chelsea comes calling." That sense of renewed confidence comes through as Honigstein handicaps Bayern Munich's round-of-16 clash with Arsenal. "Germans had genuine respect for the Arsenal of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Marc Overmars, but as soon as Lukas Podolski moved there, some people began to doubt how good they can be. While he is a talented player, the Arsenal of old would never have looked at him, and his arrival is seen as a sign they are no longer a true superpower."

 

[Sebowski]

If you could only record/watch one of today's games, which one would you go with? I'm thinking Valencia-PSG will be more entertaining.

That's the one I'm going with.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Gonna try to watch both if I can avoid spoilers on PSG/Valencia. Juve/Celtic is going to be low-scoring, but I think Juventus is a really interesting team to watch.

 

[Sebowski]

I thought this was an interesting comment from a German soccer writer. Definitely an interesting perspective (and he's right).

A transfer to the Premier League still fills the dreams of most German players, though Honigstein believes the growth of the Bundesliga has made them more discriminating. "In the late '90s, German internationals would jump to any Premier League team, be it Middlesbrough or Newcastle," he said. "That gravitational pull does not exist anymore as big German clubs can now offer competitive wages and players know they can only improve their career if a Manchester United or Chelsea comes calling." That sense of renewed confidence comes through as Honigstein handicaps Bayern Munich's round-of-16 clash with Arsenal. "Germans had genuine respect for the Arsenal of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Marc Overmars, but as soon as Lukas Podolski moved there, some people began to doubt how good they can be. While he is a talented player, the Arsenal of old would never have looked at him, and his arrival is seen as a sign they are no longer a true superpower."

I think they are being very harsh on Podolski, but what else is new. Also, it isn't like Arsenal broke the bank on the game and anointed him a savior or anything. He was brought in for depth and has worked his way into a big role. Germans are just on the hate side right now of a long time love/hate relationship of Podolski, and this is just another cheap shot.

 

[jonessed]

I thought this was an interesting comment from a German soccer writer. Definitely an interesting perspective (and he's right).

A transfer to the Premier League still fills the dreams of most German players, though Honigstein believes the growth of the Bundesliga has made them more discriminating. "In the late '90s, German internationals would jump to any Premier League team, be it Middlesbrough or Newcastle," he said. "That gravitational pull does not exist anymore as big German clubs can now offer competitive wages and players know they can only improve their career if a Manchester United or Chelsea comes calling." That sense of renewed confidence comes through as Honigstein handicaps Bayern Munich's round-of-16 clash with Arsenal. "Germans had genuine respect for the Arsenal of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Marc Overmars, but as soon as Lukas Podolski moved there, some people began to doubt how good they can be. While he is a talented player, the Arsenal of old would never have looked at him, and his arrival is seen as a sign they are no longer a true superpower."

I think they are being very harsh on Podolski, but what else is new. Also, it isn't like Arsenal broke the bank on the game and anointed him a savior or anything. He was brought in for depth and has worked his way into a big role. Germans are just on the hate side right now of a long time love/hate relationship of Podolski, and this is just another cheap shot.

I agree. Giroud was their big signing. Podolski was added for depth.Arsenal aren't a superpower anymore though. Fabregas, Nasri, and RVP were all one their prime when they left. That doesn't happen to big teams. They are in the second tier along with Tottenham, Liverpool, and Everton now. Fans seems to want to blame Wenger, but I think he has done as well as he always has. He's a fantastic manager, but he can't control the changing landscape of the game. If people want to come in and blow hundreds of millions for a shot at a trophy there isn't much he can do about it.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Cazorla was the biggest Arsenal of the summer. He was the one who was Arsenal's "record transfer signing" (16 million pounds). Giroud went for 13 million and Arsenal got a sweetheart deal on Podolski for 10.9 million, which was below his market value, because of quirk of his contract.In any case, all three were signed to be starters. Podolski is on 100K/week. That's not a squad player's salary.

 

[guru_007]

I agree. Giroud was their big signing. Podolski was added for depth.Arsenal aren't a superpower anymore though. Fabregas, Nasri, and RVP were all one their prime when they left. That doesn't happen to big teams. They are in the second tier along with Tottenham, Liverpool, and Everton now. Fans seems to want to blame Wenger, but I think he has done as well as he always has. He's a fantastic manager, but he can't control the changing landscape of the game. If people want to come in and blow hundreds of millions for a shot at a trophy there isn't much he can do about it.

I'm not sure how you think Giroud was their big signing over Podolski, transfer fee was the same, they are only a year apart, and Podolski is a much more accomplished player with over 100 International appearances for Germany and a more accomplished resume, imho.If anything Cazorla was their 'big' signing.But, I agree with the above that the German press has been bitter towards Podolski for years now. His years at BM were not all that good, and since he's moved on BM has become a powerhouse again, and strikers like Gomez have become a revelation. Podolski fared quite a bit better at Koln, but wasn't able to bring the club to any great heights.German press seems to have it out for Podolski, always placing blame on him not producing at Klinsmann or Klose like levels.

 

[Slapdash]

I thought this was an interesting comment from a German soccer writer. Definitely an interesting perspective (and he's right).

A transfer to the Premier League still fills the dreams of most German players, though Honigstein believes the growth of the Bundesliga has made them more discriminating. "In the late '90s, German internationals would jump to any Premier League team, be it Middlesbrough or Newcastle," he said. "That gravitational pull does not exist anymore as big German clubs can now offer competitive wages and players know they can only improve their career if a Manchester United or Chelsea comes calling." That sense of renewed confidence comes through as Honigstein handicaps Bayern Munich's round-of-16 clash with Arsenal. "Germans had genuine respect for the Arsenal of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Marc Overmars, but as soon as Lukas Podolski moved there, some people began to doubt how good they can be. While he is a talented player, the Arsenal of old would never have looked at him, and his arrival is seen as a sign they are no longer a true superpower."

That whole article is pretty good. Here is the link: http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/3357?cc=5901

 

[Slapdash]

But, I agree with the above that the German press has been bitter towards Podolski for years now. His years at BM were not all that good, and since he's moved on BM has become a powerhouse again, and strikers like Gomez have become a revelation. Podolski fared quite a bit better at Koln, but wasn't able to bring the club to any great heights.German press seems to have it out for Podolski, always placing blame on him not producing at Klinsmann or Klose like levels.

I think the German press is more concerned with his decline in international play from such a promising start. They way he played in WC 2006 and Euro 2008 is going to put high expectations on any young player.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It is a shame in this round that UEFA won't have the games start times offset a bit so that both games could be watched live. No one is going to gain an advantage over playing in the second game of the day, unlike a what small advantage could be gained in the group stage.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Juve scores early after some shoddy defending by Ambrose, but Celtic's had a couple decent half-chances.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Juve scores early after some shoddy defending by Ambrose, but Celtic's had a couple decent half-chances.

Wonderful game so far. Constant attacking play.

 

[NewlyRetired]

http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/shea-burnley-reserves-653359.aspx

Shea's Impressive Start

BREK SHEA marked his first appearance in Stoke City colours with a goal in the behind-closed-doors encounter with Burnley at the Britannia Stadium.

The United States international, who completed a deadline day move from MLS side FC Dallas, netted a second half header as the Potters hit back after falling two goals behind in the first period to The Clarets in the reserve match on Tuesday afternoon.

Shea was one of a number of key figures who featured in a strong City side alongside the likes of Michael Owen, Charlie Adam and Wilson Palacios, while Marc Wilson took another step along the comeback trail by completing the entire 90 minutes.

Both Shea and Wilson operated down the left hand side of the City line-up as they aimed to prove their fitness ahead of next week’s trip to Fulham.

The fact that both players came through the match unscathed and turned in strong displays is a boost to manager Tony Pulis ahed of that next outing.

Burnley also fielded a strong side with former Potter Martin Paterson and Wales international Sam Vokes leading the line for the Championship club, while first-teamers Brian Stock, Marvin Bartley and January signing Dane Richards also started.

After a slow start to the match, Burnley took the lead after a wayward Owen back-pass went straight to Paterson who dribbled the ball into the box and forced Sorensen out of his goal. He then set-up strike partner Vokes, who had the simple task of sidefooting the ball into an empty net from twelve yards to give the visitors an 18th minute lead.

Vokes got his and Burnley’s second just five minutes later with a powerful header from a corner as he outjumped the Stoke defence. Sorensen managed to get a hand to the ball, but could only push it against the crossbar as the ball crossed the line.

Under-21s defender Ben Heneghan came close to getting a goal back for City, but Clarets ‘keeper Brian Jensen did well to stop his goalbound header and the veteran ‘keeper kept out Adam’s driven free-kick just before the break.

City were much improved in the second-half and managed to get on the score-sheet through debutant Shea. The tall left winger, who looked lively throughout the match, met Adam’s corner and placed his header into the bottom corner of the net.

Adam and Shea then fired wide as Stoke searched for an equaliser, but couldn’t break down a Burnley side which held on to claim a 2-1 victory.

But the impressive display of Shea on his return from a long injury lay-off will excite Potters fans with the winger making lots of neat touches and powerful runs, so supporters will be hoping to see the new signing in first team action in the coming weeks.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

This is a really fun game. Great crowd too. Pirlo is a joy to watch.

 

[jonessed]

Celtic aren't breaking fast enough. They are letting Juventus get nine behind the ball before they try and break them down.

 

[Spartans Rule]

I may have to switch to Celtic-Juve even though I don't get that one in HD. PSG just shredding Valencia with fast counters in the first half. Only had about 40% possession but they don't need it with Lavezzi and Moura dribbling through the defense like it's not there.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Early away goals can really take the air out of these home/home cup ties.

 

[jonessed]

Early away goals can really take the air out of these home/home cup ties.

Especially against a side like Juventus. They play a disciplined back line normally anyway.This ref certainly isn't helping Celtic.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Very impressed with Emilio Izaguirre. He is going to make an already decent Honduras side stronger when he returns for the Mexico qualifier.

 

[jonessed]

Well, that's the end of Celtic. Effort can only get you so far. Juventus was just too good for them.