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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

Spurs leap Chelski today. Should be a great race for 3rd and 4th with them and Arsenal. Arsenal and Chelsea each have a game in hand on Spurs. Arsenal's only focus while Spurs have Europa and Chelsea have Europa and FA Cup.

I'll take:

Arsenal 3rd

Chelsea 4th

and Spurs heartbroken again for 5th. It is just the Spurs' way.

 
Spurs leap Chelski today. Should be a great race for 3rd and 4th with them and Arsenal. Arsenal and Chelsea each have a game in hand on Spurs. Arsenal's only focus while Spurs have Europa and Chelsea have Europa and FA Cup. I'll take:Arsenal 3rdChelsea 4thand Spurs heartbroken again for 5th. It is just the Spurs' way.
I think the Spurs will finish top 4 if Bale stays healthy, along with Arsenal who have the easiest run-in. I don't see Chelski really competing for an admittedly lame duck Rafa Benitez, and I see them finishing 5th.
 
Spurs leap Chelski today. Should be a great race for 3rd and 4th with them and Arsenal. Arsenal and Chelsea each have a game in hand on Spurs. Arsenal's only focus while Spurs have Europa and Chelsea have Europa and FA Cup.

I'll take:

Arsenal 3rd

Chelsea 4th

and Spurs heartbroken again for 5th. It is just the Spurs' way.
:hot: :rant: :censored:
 
Spurs leap Chelski today. Should be a great race for 3rd and 4th with them and Arsenal. Arsenal and Chelsea each have a game in hand on Spurs. Arsenal's only focus while Spurs have Europa and Chelsea have Europa and FA Cup.

I'll take:

Arsenal 3rd

Chelsea 4th

and Spurs heartbroken again for 5th. It is just the Spurs' way.
I think the Spurs will finish top 4 if Bale stays healthy, along with Arsenal who have the easiest run-in. I don't see Chelski really competing for an admittedly lame duck Rafa Benitez, and I see them finishing 5th.
You did that on purpose, didn't you?
 
Spurs leap Chelski today. Should be a great race for 3rd and 4th with them and Arsenal. Arsenal and Chelsea each have a game in hand on Spurs. Arsenal's only focus while Spurs have Europa and Chelsea have Europa and FA Cup.

I'll take:

Arsenal 3rd

Chelsea 4th

and Spurs heartbroken again for 5th. It is just the Spurs' way.
I think the Spurs will finish top 4 if Bale stays healthy, along with Arsenal who have the easiest run-in. I don't see Chelski really competing for an admittedly lame duck Rafa Benitez, and I see them finishing 5th.
You did that on purpose, didn't you?
Of course. It was either that, Spuds or Scum, and I was feeling charitable but a little sarcastic. It's like calling USC, "Southern Cal".
 
Bayern with an absolute shellacking of Hamburg today 9-2 after going up 8-0 after 68 minutes.

Goals from Pizarro (4!), Robben (2), Schweinsteiger, Shaqiri and Ribery

Bayern now has a 20 point lead with 7 matches to go.

 
Martin O'Neill sacked at Sunderland
I'm actually amazed he lasted this long.
The usual suspects are being trotted out as possible successors: Mark Hughes, McClaren, DiMatteo, Owen Coyle
Dang, I thought he was hired in late 2010, not 2011. I don't see how a new (retread) manager is going to get results over the last 7 or 8 games unless the players completely tuned him out, which I haven't heard anyone say.
 
I have a dumb question:Sometimes when a dude scores a goal, he'll run around and blow on his thumb, like he's blowing up a balloon. What does this mean?
I think the first guy to do it did it as a tribute to his kid, who was in the thumb-sucking stage. I've always taken it that way.
I believe this is correct.It is actually an extension of the Bebeto tribute to his new born son in WC 1994(see link below), when he did the "rock the cradle" celebration that many have copied in multiple sports over the years.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbhaDnd-5kg
Video!?!? :excited:

 
Martin O'Neill sacked at Sunderland
I'm actually amazed he lasted this long.
The usual suspects are being trotted out as possible successors: Mark Hughes, McClaren, DiMatteo, Owen Coyle
I would rather have O'Neill in this situation than any of those guys.
Paolo Di Canio is supposedly in talks to take over on Tyneside. His press conferences will at least be more entertaining than the others.

 
Martin O'Neill sacked at Sunderland
I'm actually amazed he lasted this long.
The usual suspects are being trotted out as possible successors: Mark Hughes, McClaren, DiMatteo, Owen Coyle
I would rather have O'Neill in this situation than any of those guys.
Paolo Di Canio is supposedly in talks to take over on Tyneside. His press conferences will at least be more entertaining than the others.
Is Curbs available??
 
Ok, by my count these are the following players who were missing from the last two qualifiers that played this weekend

Howard, Donovan, Chandler, Castillo, Fab, Torres, and Williams.

Also Cher was healthy enough to make the bench and Stewart Holden started and went 62 minutes for Wednesday in their big 2-0 win to keep them just out of the relegation zone. Even Boca saw playing time.

 
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Martin O'Neill sacked at Sunderland
I'm actually amazed he lasted this long.
The usual suspects are being trotted out as possible successors: Mark Hughes, McClaren, DiMatteo, Owen Coyle
I would rather have O'Neill in this situation than any of those guys.
Paolo Di Canio is supposedly in talks to take over on Tyneside. His press conferences will at least be more entertaining than the others.
Looks like Di Canio is official nowhttp://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1395059/sunderland-hires-manager-paolo-di-canio-on-2%C2%BD-year-deal?cc=5901

SUNDERLAND, England - Paolo Di Canio signed a 2½-year contract to become Sunderland manager on Sunday, replacing the fired Martin O'Neill and tasked with ensuring the relegation-threatened club retains its Premier League status.

Sunderland lost 1-0 at home to Manchester United on Saturday for its eight straight match without a win, leading to O'Neill's dismissal with the team only one point above the drop zone in 16th place.

"Paolo is hugely enthused by the challenge that lies ahead of him. He is passionate, driven and raring to get started," owner Ellis Short said in a statement. "The sole focus of everyone for the next seven games will be to ensure we gain enough points to maintain our top-flight status. I think that the chances of that are greatly increased with Paolo joining us."
 
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Ok, by my count these are the following players who were missing from the last two qualifiers that played this weekendHoward, Donovan, Chandler, Castillo, Fab, Torres, and Williams.Also Cher was healthy enough to make the bench and Stewart Holden started and went 62 minutes for Wednesday in their big 2-0 win to keep them just out of the relegation zone. Even Boca saw playing time.
It would be really great to see Holden back with the national team.

 
Ok, by my count these are the following players who were missing from the last two qualifiers that played this weekendHoward, Donovan, Chandler, Castillo, Fab, Torres, and Williams.Also Cher was healthy enough to make the bench and Stewart Holden started and went 62 minutes for Wednesday in their big 2-0 win to keep them just out of the relegation zone. Even Boca saw playing time.
It would be really great to see Holden back with the national team.
I agree. He would have been entering his prime for this cycle and would have likely fit nicely in JK's usage of midfielders.
 
There was a discussion last week in here about how CONCACAF and UEFA handle qualifying. I saw this last night and thought worth sharing:

DFB chief against 'pre-qualification'By Stephan Uersfeld, Germany CorrespondentThe German Football Association (DFB) president, Wolfgang Niersbach, has said he believes a 'pre-qualifying' stage for World Cup and European Championship qualification would be more damaging to smaller countries than helpful to bigger nations.Speaking before Germany's recent back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan, coach Joachim Low called for the introduction of 'pre-qualifying' stage to help cut down the schedule for national teams.The idea is that smaller nations would compete against each other first to help limit the number of so-called 'meaningless'fixtures between countries of contrasting statures."The schedule is packed, and corrective actions are needed," Low had told kicker. "Personally, I'd prefer the introduction of pre-qualification."However, Niersbach, also speaking to kicker, said that although he understood Low's point of view, he preferred the current system and said the DFB would not be calling for change."It is my deep conviction to treat the smaller nations with all respect.Against Kazakhstan, we witnessed what a game against us can mean for such a country," he said. "I back the competition for all 53 countries."However, Niersbach, running for the UEFA executive committee on May 24, said he believed the expansion of the European Championship to 24 teams was a bad idea."I believe the expansion of the competition to 24 teams is a setback. The template with 16 nations is much clearer," he added."The excitement during the qualification period will decrease even more when 23 out of 53 nations qualify. But that's what UEFA decided, by democratic vote."
 
Man City vs. Chelsea coming to St. Louis in MayTickets go on sale on April 2nd. I'll be getting some for sure
Saw this related news from Wahl today"We already knew Manchester City and Chelsea are playing a friendly in St. Louis on May 23, but what has yet to be announced is the two Premier League giants will play a second game as well at Yankee Stadium in New York City on May 25. It's on the same day as the Champions League final, and the plan is for the Champions League final to be shown on video screens in Yankee Stadium before the friendly. If all goes well with Man City-Chelsea, the idea is to continue holding two such friendlies every year at the end of the club season in the U.S. between teams that know each other well."

 
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For US Nats fans, we have quite a full plate this year

In April: U17 WC Qualifying Tournament (US group games are April 7th and 11th)

In Late May/Early June: Senior friendlies against Belgium and Germany

In June: 2014 WC qualifiers (June 7th, 11th, and 18th)

In June: 2013 U20 WC (US group games are June 21st, 24th and 27th

In July: Gold Cup (US group games are July 9th, 13th, and 16th)

In September: 2014 WC Qualifiers (September 6th, and 10th)

In October: 2014 WC Qualifiers (October 11th and 15th)

In October: 2013 U17 WC (if US qualifies in April)

In December: 2014 WC Draw (if US qualifies)

 
I have a serious thing for Coutinho :wub:
He showed a little at Inter(and loans) of what he could do. What he is showing now is worthy of man-crushes.

Imagine what he could be in 2-3 years. At 8.5M this could be one of the best Liverpool transfers of all time.

He was hyped similar to Neymar a few years ago. Coutinho has proved it(so far) and I am not convinced Neymar could do anything in Europe unless he is placed in Barcelona or a high end Serie A team.

I lean towards Coutinho simply because I hate Neymars hair.

 
NewlyRetired said:
Man City vs. Chelsea coming to St. Louis in MayTickets go on sale on April 2nd. I'll be getting some for sure
Saw this related news from Wahl today"We already knew Manchester City and Chelsea are playing a friendly in St. Louis on May 23, but what has yet to be announced is the two Premier League giants will play a second game as well at Yankee Stadium in New York City on May 25. It's on the same day as the Champions League final, and the plan is for the Champions League final to be shown on video screens in Yankee Stadium before the friendly. If all goes well with Man City-Chelsea, the idea is to continue holding two such friendlies every year at the end of the club season in the U.S. between teams that know each other well."
Chelsea have 9 games in 22 days from March 30-April 21, including a trip to Russia. At least one of the league games will have to be rescheduled again due to the FA Cup semi's, and if they advance in that Cup or the European Cup there will likley be more rescheduling. Fighting for the 4th EPL spot and wanting to advance in both tournaments, every game is essential. The EPL season is currently scheduled to end on May 19 with a potentially huge game against Everton. That's four days before the game in St Louis, with the NYC game two days later. Roy Hodgson, under presure since England drew at Montenegro last week, is now squawking that none of his Chelsea/Man City internationals will be able to make the US trip due to important friendlies scheduled May 29 and June 2. Several other Chelsea players have international committments that might take them out of contention as well. I know everyone understands what exhibition football is all about, but I've got a feeling the fans at these games are going to be seeing very few Chelsea regulars, a few reserves and probably a bunch of youth players. I'm sure the NYC game will sell well, but I personally can't image paying to watch a CL game on a big screen with thousands of guidos at Yankee Stadium, followed by an exhibition of kids and zombies running a half-speed 90 minute kickaround.

 
Do you guys remember George Weah? He was one of the best players in the world in the mid 90's.

He has a son who is in the US youth system. Timothy Weah, 13, has trained with the US U14's and various select teams. He was the youngest player selected for a tour of Spain this year. Grew up in NY.

He just recently (a few days ago) got a chance to move to London and have a trial with Chelsea.

 
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Huge Champions League games! Europe has changed their clocks so start times are an hour earlier then the last couple match days. Xavi and Alba are both dinged. Pedro is suspended. Could see an interesting Barca lineup. Hoping for Tello and Villa flanking Messi and Fabergas in Xavi's place if Xavi can't go. Really hope Xavi can go...

 
Two great games today. I've got some contractors at the house so am "working from home". Toni Kroos probably still has nightmares of Andrea Pirlo from Euro 2012 and PSG will be a tough test for FCB. It seems like just a few weeks ago we had Bayern, FCB and ManU all sitting on huge leads in their league tables, prepping for serious runs at a treble. All three still have a lock on their league titles, but ManU has been eliminated from the FAC and CL and Barcelona knocked out of the Copa. Juve now has a decent lead in Serie A, but was eliminated from the Coppa Italia. PSG has a six point lead in Ligue 1 and is into the quarter finals of the Coupe de France, so still has a three front fight and probably doesn't have the depth to be competitive in all three. Bayern are really the interesting team remainig at the moment for me. They significantly added to their depth last summer with Mandzukic, Martinez, Dante, Pizarro, Shaqiri. They have a 20 point lead over 2nd in the Bundesliga and have an easy path in the DFB Pokal, having reached the semifinals with three lower/mid-table teams left. They are totally focused on the Champions League right now and have the resources and depth to bring home a historic treble. Juve will be a great test today.

 
The US/Germany friendly at RFK on June 2 also opened for public sale this morning. Still haven't pulled the trigger, but am very tempted.
How much are these running?
Forgive the crappy formatting:

$250 On-Field Seats

$150 Boxes & Suites

$125 Club Seats

$95 Mezzanine & VIP Midfield

$68 Midfield

$55 Lower Sideline

$48 Lower Endline & Upper Sideline

$38 Upper Endline

 
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The US/Germany friendly at RFK on June 2 also opened for public sale this morning. Still haven't pulled the trigger, but am very tempted.
I think this will be a fun game. If I am not mistaken, this is the 100th anniversary game for US Soccer. The German squad may not be the full squad. I believe any German team involved in either the CCL Final or the German Cup Final won't have players called up. Also the Real Madrid Germans may not be available and as well as a handful of other names.
 
The US/Germany friendly at RFK on June 2 also opened for public sale this morning. Still haven't pulled the trigger, but am very tempted.
I think this will be a fun game. If I am not mistaken, this is the 100th anniversary game for US Soccer.The German squad may not be the full squad. I believe any German team involved in either the CCL Final or the German Cup Final won't have players called up. Also the Real Madrid Germans may not be available and as well as a handful of other names.
Schurrle you jest.

I guess I'll just have to root against Dortumund.

 
The US/Germany friendly at RFK on June 2 also opened for public sale this morning. Still haven't pulled the trigger, but am very tempted.
I think this will be a fun game. If I am not mistaken, this is the 100th anniversary game for US Soccer.The German squad may not be the full squad. I believe any German team involved in either the CCL Final or the German Cup Final won't have players called up. Also the Real Madrid Germans may not be available and as well as a handful of other names.
Schurrle you jest.

I guess I'll just have to root against Dortumund.
I am not familiar with these "shutdown regulations" that will prevent some other players from being called. Have you ever heard of them?

http://bundesligafanatic.com/german-national-team-announces-u-s-tour-in-2013/

"Although the Bundesliga season ends on the weekend of May 18, Real Madrid German internationals Sami Khedira and Mesut Özil will still be involved in domestic league play while Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker, as well as Lazio’s Miroslav Klose, will unlikely be available for national team duty because of shutdown regulations. With the Champions League final scheduled for May 25 in London, as well as the DFB Pokal final scheduled for June 1 in Berlin, Low could possibly be missing a significant portion of his regular national team roster. Germany’s U-21s meanwhile will be preparing for the U-21 European Championship in Isreal mid June."

 
The US/Germany friendly at RFK on June 2 also opened for public sale this morning. Still haven't pulled the trigger, but am very tempted.
I think this will be a fun game. If I am not mistaken, this is the 100th anniversary game for US Soccer.The German squad may not be the full squad. I believe any German team involved in either the CCL Final or the German Cup Final won't have players called up. Also the Real Madrid Germans may not be available and as well as a handful of other names.
Schurrle you jest.

I guess I'll just have to root against Dortumund.
I am not familiar with these "shutdown regulations" that will prevent some other players from being called. Have you ever heard of them?

http://bundesligafanatic.com/german-national-team-announces-u-s-tour-in-2013/

"Although the Bundesliga season ends on the weekend of May 18, Real Madrid German internationals Sami Khedira and Mesut Özil will still be involved in domestic league play while Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker, as well as Lazio’s Miroslav Klose, will unlikely be available for national team duty because of shutdown regulations. With the Champions League final scheduled for May 25 in London, as well as the DFB Pokal final scheduled for June 1 in Berlin, Low could possibly be missing a significant portion of his regular national team roster. Germany’s U-21s meanwhile will be preparing for the U-21 European Championship in Isreal mid June."
When did Israel move to Europe?

 

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