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

[B Maverick]

<------------------------------

FERGUSON'S RED AND WHITE ARMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tense game, could have gone either way. Lots of blood sweat and tears for both sides.

Tevez with 2 chances early, Carrick as well. Giggs should have burried his, would have made the day that much sweeter.

Chelsea hit 2 or 3 posts.

Pitch was terrible, players slipping and falling all over. Chelsea's goal would have been saved IMO if VDS doesnt slip.

As bad as people heap it on Ronaldo (and his miss was atrocious), Drogba and J Cole are far worse. Cole should have been booked if not tossed well before his subbing and Drogba's tossing.

And yes, Tevez probably should of been tossed for his pile driver on the chelsea player.

The reffing was aweful both ways. Some very odd calls on fouls, corners and goalkicks. Not to mention the double yellow early and Hargreaves yellow for being elbowed in the face.

Congrats to Chelsea for a hard fought game and sticking in for a long tough season. 2nd place in the EPL and in Europe is nothing to be ashamed of, as much as it hurts losing both to United. Alittle luck and the day is yours.

Congrats to Manchester United for the double. Honoring the 50th anniversary of the munich disaster with a double is a sweet way to do it. 40 years since their first CL win is also an honor!

Lets hope Ronaldo stays in Manchester. Wonder what Giggs is going to do with the appearance record and his amazing amount of titles? VDS is probably gone. 2-1 in CL Finals, congrats to him.

Chelsea is going to have a tough offseason. Did Grant earn the right to stay? Rumors of a mass exodus of players?

Its going to be a long offseason.

 

[Native]

Ugh. I feel sick. So close. Terry will likely replay that penalty miss for the rest of his life.

Congrats to Manu.

 

[awesomeness]

Embarrasing. Terry ought to be ashamed. I hope he loses his 'C' next year.

That's a bit harsh - I'm shocked it didn't happen more with that rain.

I can't stand Man U winning the CL and EPL in the same year, their fans won't shut up. And i bet Terry would feel better if he gets some sort of punishment, maybe he wouldn't be as angry with himself if he receives some punishment.

 

[jpeace121]

Embarrasing. Terry ought to be ashamed. I hope he loses his 'C' next year.

That's a bit harsh - I'm shocked it didn't happen more with that rain.

I can't stand Man U winning the CL and EPL in the same year, their fans won't shut up. And i bet Terry would feel better if he gets some sort of punishment, maybe he wouldn't be as angry with himself if he receives some punishment.

I'm sorry, but this is ridiculous. The only way Terry loses the armband is if he isn't with Chelsea next year. I hate to see Man U win as well, as a Liverpool supporter it was tough to support either team in this match. But if you want to put blame on someone for this, its Drogba. Or the pitch. Terry clearly slips before he strikes the ball. Either way, to say that Terry should lose the armband because of his miss is . Should Man U ship Ronaldo away because he missed his?

 

[ffldrew]

Embarrasing. Terry ought to be ashamed. I hope he loses his 'C' next year.

That's a bit harsh - I'm shocked it didn't happen more with that rain.

I can't stand Man U winning the CL and EPL in the same year, their fans won't shut up. And i bet Terry would feel better if he gets some sort of punishment, maybe he wouldn't be as angry with himself if he receives some punishment.

I'm sorry, but this is ridiculous. The only way Terry loses the armband is if he isn't with Chelsea next year. I hate to see Man U win as well, as a Liverpool supporter it was tough to support either team in this match. But if you want to put blame on someone for this, its Drogba. Or the pitch. Terry clearly slips before he strikes the ball. Either way, to say that Terry should lose the armband because of his miss is . Should Man U ship Ronaldo away because he missed his?

IMO Drogba isn't to blame - at that point it was headed to penalties no matter what and Terry still would have kicked in the first 5. Ronaldo is very very lucky to not be wearing the goat horns after this one.

 

[jpeace121]

Embarrasing. Terry ought to be ashamed. I hope he loses his 'C' next year.

That's a bit harsh - I'm shocked it didn't happen more with that rain.

I can't stand Man U winning the CL and EPL in the same year, their fans won't shut up. And i bet Terry would feel better if he gets some sort of punishment, maybe he wouldn't be as angry with himself if he receives some punishment.

I'm sorry, but this is ridiculous. The only way Terry loses the armband is if he isn't with Chelsea next year. I hate to see Man U win as well, as a Liverpool supporter it was tough to support either team in this match. But if you want to put blame on someone for this, its Drogba. Or the pitch. Terry clearly slips before he strikes the ball. Either way, to say that Terry should lose the armband because of his miss is . Should Man U ship Ronaldo away because he missed his?

IMO Drogba isn't to blame - at that point it was headed to penalties no matter what and Terry still would have kicked in the first 5. Ronaldo is very very lucky to not be wearing the goat horns after this one.

I agree, to an extent. You could argue that if Drogba is out there, he is certainly shooting before Anelka, who maybe is to blame. It was not a well taken penalty from him. You get into a lot of 'what ifs' here, but I just think its wrong to put this loss at Terry's feet.

 

[doughboydeluxe]

Replay on ESPN2 right now if you missed it earlier.

 

[TwinTurbo]

Embarrasing. Terry ought to be ashamed. I hope he loses his 'C' next year.

That's a bit harsh - I'm shocked it didn't happen more with that rain.

I agree, that's a bit harsh. His plant foot slips on the wet ground as he follows through with the kick. If anything I feel bad for the guy. But that's why they make studs for wet and dry conditions. And let's not forget Terry headed away the game winner by Giggs as well and kept his team in the game. I'm not a follower of either club but what a classic game and a great win for Manchester United. The tension all throughout that game was incredible.

 

[awesomeness]

Embarrasing. Terry ought to be ashamed. I hope he loses his 'C' next year.

That's a bit harsh - I'm shocked it didn't happen more with that rain.

I can't stand Man U winning the CL and EPL in the same year, their fans won't shut up. And i bet Terry would feel better if he gets some sort of punishment, maybe he wouldn't be as angry with himself if he receives some punishment.

I'm sorry, but this is ridiculous. The only way Terry loses the armband is if he isn't with Chelsea next year. I hate to see Man U win as well, as a Liverpool supporter it was tough to support either team in this match. But if you want to put blame on someone for this, its Drogba. Or the pitch. Terry clearly slips before he strikes the ball. Either way, to say that Terry should lose the armband because of his miss is . Should Man U ship Ronaldo away because he missed his?

why would i blame the turf? Everyone played under that disadvantage, not just Terry. None of the other players had problems taking there penalties, i dont see why Terry gets a free pass.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Replay on ESPN2 right now if you missed it earlier.

Thank you for posting this!My recording from the broadcast cut off just after Cole's pk hit the net. That put Chelsea up 4:3, I come in here and read Man U wins

 

[Steve Tasker]

Just finished watching the game on satellite delay.....what a finish!

 

[Steve Tasker]

As an Arsenal fan....it was tough to choose sides in this one...didn't want to see Man U win the double, but they deserved it.

 

[jpeace121]

Embarrasing. Terry ought to be ashamed. I hope he loses his 'C' next year.

That's a bit harsh - I'm shocked it didn't happen more with that rain.

I can't stand Man U winning the CL and EPL in the same year, their fans won't shut up. And i bet Terry would feel better if he gets some sort of punishment, maybe he wouldn't be as angry with himself if he receives some punishment.

I'm sorry, but this is ridiculous. The only way Terry loses the armband is if he isn't with Chelsea next year. I hate to see Man U win as well, as a Liverpool supporter it was tough to support either team in this match. But if you want to put blame on someone for this, its Drogba. Or the pitch. Terry clearly slips before he strikes the ball. Either way, to say that Terry should lose the armband because of his miss is . Should Man U ship Ronaldo away because he missed his?

why would i blame the turf? Everyone played under that disadvantage, not just Terry. None of the other players had problems taking there penalties, i dont see why Terry gets a free pass.

And I don't see why you blame the loss on Terry. His clearance off the line kept Chelsea in the game.

 

[El Floppo]

Embarrasing. Terry ought to be ashamed. I hope he loses his 'C' next year.

That's a bit harsh - I'm shocked it didn't happen more with that rain.

I can't stand Man U winning the CL and EPL in the same year, their fans won't shut up. And i bet Terry would feel better if he gets some sort of punishment, maybe he wouldn't be as angry with himself if he receives some punishment.

I'm sorry, but this is ridiculous. The only way Terry loses the armband is if he isn't with Chelsea next year. I hate to see Man U win as well, as a Liverpool supporter it was tough to support either team in this match. But if you want to put blame on someone for this, its Drogba. Or the pitch. Terry clearly slips before he strikes the ball. Either way, to say that Terry should lose the armband because of his miss is . Should Man U ship Ronaldo away because he missed his?

why would i blame the turf? Everyone played under that disadvantage, not just Terry. None of the other players had problems taking there penalties, i dont see why Terry gets a free pass.

wtf?This is ridiculous and quasi-ignant stuff here. Terry has been amazing for Chelsea for years now... but by slipping at a horrible moment, he should be... punished? Goofily wrong.Caught the game on Spanish feed at work, so it was mostly a radio broadcast... in Spanish... for me. I'd sneak a peak when the commentary hit a crescendo (caught the replays of both goals), and watched all the PKs. But it was hard to get a sense of the game.Did one of the teams dominate? Any players step it up? How did Drogba get the boot? Deserved? Any other highlights?

 

[Steve Tasker]

wtf?This is ridiculous and quasi-ignant stuff here. Terry has been amazing for Chelsea for years now... but by slipping at a horrible moment, he should be... punished? Goofily wrong.Caught the game on Spanish feed at work, so it was mostly a radio broadcast... in Spanish... for me. I'd sneak a peak when the commentary hit a crescendo (caught the replays of both goals), and watched all the PKs. But it was hard to get a sense of the game.Did one of the teams dominate? Any players step it up? How did Drogba get the boot? Deserved? Any other highlights?

Drogba definitely deserved the red. He slapped one of the Man U players, might have been Vidic, I'm not sure.

 

[MarshallPlan]

wtf?This is ridiculous and quasi-ignant stuff here. Terry has been amazing for Chelsea for years now... but by slipping at a horrible moment, he should be... punished? Goofily wrong.Caught the game on Spanish feed at work, so it was mostly a radio broadcast... in Spanish... for me. I'd sneak a peak when the commentary hit a crescendo (caught the replays of both goals), and watched all the PKs. But it was hard to get a sense of the game.Did one of the teams dominate? Any players step it up? How did Drogba get the boot? Deserved? Any other highlights?

Drogba definitely deserved the red. He slapped one of the Man U players, might have been Vidic, I'm not sure.

It was Vidic and deserved.

 

[The Z Machine]

ManU did deserve the double. They are a better team, and the best in the world right now. COngrats.

Now, time for EURO2008l, baby!

 

[Steve Tasker]

Z Machine, I'm in the Euro league right?

 

[The Z Machine]

Z Machine, I'm in the Euro league right?

Sure... if it ever gets off the ground that is.Personally, I'm leaving for Venezuela (and a nice Caribbean island) for 9 days starting on Friday. I won't be back until June 1.Maybe someone can step up and organize this thing, seeing as I'll be out of commission for a stretch.Bueller? Anyone? Bueller?

 

[walnutz]

Embarrasing. Terry ought to be ashamed. I hope he loses his 'C' next year.

I will echo a lot of other sentiments here. To blame say Terry should be ashamed is plenty harsh. I am a United fan and just feel awful for Terry. He has always been a class act as far as I am concerned. Not sure if you ever played awesomeness but try stepping up to the spot in pouring down rain in one of the biggest games of your life. It is not easy. It happens and I am sure Terry will replay that kick in his head for eternity. Great game though. Drogba is like a walking time bomb. I was not surprised by his actions and the send off was righteous.

 

[Iupurbut]

I took off the next two Wednesdays to watch the U.S. play England and Spain, I suggest you do the same.

U S A!

 

[El Floppo]

I took off the next two Wednesdays to watch the U.S. play England and Spain, I suggest you do the same.U S A!

u21 US vs Turkey on FSC right now (Toulon Cup).

 

[HellToupee]

just watched the game and I'm glad I set the two shows after the game to be tivo'd as I would have missed the extra time & PK ...hate both teams but ManU had a great season .....drogba is a dope ...what the hell was Ronaldo doing on his pk?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Z Machine, I'm in the Euro league right?

Sure... if it ever gets off the ground that is.Personally, I'm leaving for Venezuela (and a nice Caribbean island) for 9 days starting on Friday. I won't be back until June 1.Maybe someone can step up and organize this thing, seeing as I'll be out of commission for a stretch.Bueller? Anyone? Bueller?

How long will it take to set up....I could probably do it....

 

[eagles2007]

for those against the PK shootout, what would be your alternative? i've seen and had this discussion ad nauseum over the years. i don't like it, but i don't see how much longer you can play. i mean, it was already 1:30 a.m. there.

they played 75 minutes with no goals. do you want to play another 60? 90? 120?

 

[eagles2007]

here's a rule i'd change: no subs after the 90th minute in a game like this. (no subs in the final 5 mnutes of a regular-season game). for a game like this, PKs should be taken by the guys who are in there all game. in a regular-season game, watching coaches milk the final few minutes can be sickening.

 

[kerpow]

What I thought was great was that both teams were actually trying to score in extra time, most other clubs would play more cautiously and roll the dice in penalties.

I think Chelsea were the better team on the night but Man U over the season.

It will be interesting to see what happens at Chelseas next season, I'm expecting a bit of an exodus. Drogba for sure, Lampard and Sheva most likely and older guys like Makele could move on as well

 

[Steve Tasker]

here's a rule i'd change: no subs after the 90th minute in a game like this. (no subs in the final 5 mnutes of a regular-season game). for a game like this, PKs should be taken by the guys who are in there all game. in a regular-season game, watching coaches milk the final few minutes can be sickening.

I understand that, but sometimes you want a guy out there to take a PK who didn't start...Nani and Anderson both scored for Man U and didn't start, IIRC. I see it as a strategic move more than anything.

 

[jpeace121]

Z Machine, I'm in the Euro league right?

Sure... if it ever gets off the ground that is.Personally, I'm leaving for Venezuela (and a nice Caribbean island) for 9 days starting on Friday. I won't be back until June 1.Maybe someone can step up and organize this thing, seeing as I'll be out of commission for a stretch.Bueller? Anyone? Bueller?

I don't mind setting it up. Have we decided on a host or format yet?

for those against the PK shootout, what would be your alternative? i've seen and had this discussion ad nauseum over the years. i don't like it, but i don't see how much longer you can play. i mean, it was already 1:30 a.m. there. they played 75 minutes with no goals. do you want to play another 60? 90? 120?

Bring back the replay.

 

[guru_007]

Thoughts on yesterdays game.

I'm happy with the result, but pretty much don't care for pk's. I just don't get it. Tournament is played as a home and home series, with clear and cut tie-breaker rules. Now, we have to deal with the soccer lottery to determine the champ? I just don't think it's a very fair indicator of the better side.

United was much the better the first half, however, Chelsea was clearly better in the second. The ot's were back and forth, no clear cut advantage, although I think Giggs had clearly the best opportunity for the winner, and Terry made an absolutely brilliant play to keep his team alive.

The footing was also clearly an issue throughout the entire match, but hey, it's soccer, it was raining, it's to be expected.

As a huge Rooney fan, I think he played a terrific game and I was disappointed to see him subbed for. He was terrific in both the front and back, as United basically just went with him forward a lot, and let him try to settle any long balls and set the attack (well, at least when they weren't able to clearly win the ball in midfield and build the attack). The long ball to Ronaldo which led to the Tevez butcher and the Cech save on Carrick was an absolutely great play, both to win the ball on defense and then the pass. I was very disappointed in the way Ferguson handled the second half, but hey, who am I to argue with success? I really don't think Tevez was well suited for this game, and Scholes was very clearly not a factor in the second half at all.

As far as Chelsea goes, I like the fire Joe Cole plays with a lot. Sure there were a few times that he was a bit over the top, but hell, Rooney is much the same. Ballack really had a few great chances and squandered all of them. He is super talented, but I dunno, something about playing with a top flight team in England doesn't suit his confidence. And although I'm sure the rules dictate Drogba be sent off for his flick on Vidic, come on. There was plenty of testy play throughout, I dunno, I would have had a hard time giving him the red card there. More mysterious to me, is what the hell set that whole thing off??? I mean, there was a Chelsea guy down, and United had possession and sent the ball to touch. Then Tevez starts waving his arms for United to press forward, and all hell breaks loose.

And for the record, I was sure VDS was saving that Anelka kick. I have two of my kids as witnesses...I swear, when he went up there he slammed his hands together, got pumped up and he just knew he was making the save. I was pumped. Sure, I was a bit boozed up at the time, but I just knew he was saving that last one.

 

[andy_b]

I don't mind setting it up. Have we decided on a host or format yet?

a couple of links have been listed. Just google Euro 2008 fantasy and you will see a bunch of choices.Choose anyone that you can set up a private division and just create a new thread with the info.

 

[brewer]

The Champions League Final that never was.....

So, I had to work during the live broadcast of the game.

No problem right, set the DVR to record and watch it later.....

Stay out of the soccer thread at FBG, check.

Don't go to ESPN or any other sporting site, check.

So, I'm sitting at my desk and one of our students comes in and says, Christiano Ronaldo!



Ok, I'm pretty peeved, but oh well. No harm done. I don't know when or how he scores and certainly don't know the outcome.

So, I'm driving home.

Don't turn on ESPN Radio, check.

I switch to a top 40 station and listen to a couple of new, mind numbing songs. Can't wait to get home and turn the game on....

At this point the DJ comes on and says, "I want to give a shout out to Manchester United"

WTF?



Since when did top 40 DJs start paying attention to soccer and feel the need to comment on it?

 

[brewer]

I'm happy with the result, but pretty much don't care for pk's. I just don't get it. Tournament is played as a home and home series, with clear and cut tie-breaker rules. Now, we have to deal with the soccer lottery to determine the champ? I just don't think it's a very fair indicator of the better side.

Totally agree. It's kind of like deciding the NCAA Men's basketball championship with a free throw shooting contest.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

This was a real gut-punch game for me watching on replay late last night. Extremely disappointed to end the season with no hardware when three cups were well within reach for the Blue. Having been a Chelsea fan for over 20 years, I only recently have come to appreciate what it takes to compete in two or more competitions in the same season so hats off to ManU on a deserved double. Other than an occasional run in the FAC, Chelsea had never really been competitive in anything until very recently and it was only then that I began to realize how impressive an accomplishment ManU's treble was ('99 or '00?).

As for last night, I thought Chelsea played well and certainly could have won the game, but no real complaints. At least I finally got to see my team play in a CL final which was a great feeling. There were a few confusing calls but nothing extraordinary. If one has to name a goat from the Chelsea side last night, I would say I was very disappointed with Essien on the first goal. There could have been better pressure on Brown and Cech could have had better position, but I thought Essien completely misjudged the ball in the air and inexcusably left Cronaldo get free for an easy goal. The announcers were pattering on and on about the great service and great goal, but I really thought it was a gift from Essien and an easy finish into the open net. Of course, Chelsea's equalizer was also largely a gift so again no complaints.

Chelsea has signed a young Portugese defender from Porto (Jose Bosingwa) and will certainly get someone to compete with Anleka as Drogba's replacement. Good riddance to Drogba - one of my favorite players when he was signed (I actually bought a Drogba jersey a few weeks after they brought him in) and arguably the best striker in the EPL, I am nonetheless sick of his antics and attitude and will be happy to be rid of him. Bosingwa is a right back, which could mean we will see some welcomed changes with the formation as many Chelsea fans think Grant needs to find a better way to use Essien's aggressiveness. I expect Grant to stay and believe he has earned that. I hope and expect Lampard to also stay at Chelsea. Otherwise I just hope they maintain the core players and would hope to see some improvement next season from some of the younger guys like Kalou and Mikel (maybe Sinclair). They have to decide what they are going to do with Sidwell but it appears he will also be gone.

Looking forward to Euro '08 and to an interesting off season.

 

[Christo]

I'm happy with the result, but pretty much don't care for pk's. I just don't get it. Tournament is played as a home and home series, with clear and cut tie-breaker rules. Now, we have to deal with the soccer lottery to determine the champ? I just don't think it's a very fair indicator of the better side.

Totally agree. It's kind of like deciding the NCAA Men's basketball championship with a free throw shooting contest.

I thought that's what happened in all basketball games.

 

[brewer]

I'm happy with the result, but pretty much don't care for pk's. I just don't get it. Tournament is played as a home and home series, with clear and cut tie-breaker rules. Now, we have to deal with the soccer lottery to determine the champ? I just don't think it's a very fair indicator of the better side.

Totally agree. It's kind of like deciding the NCAA Men's basketball championship with a free throw shooting contest.

I thought that's what happened in all basketball games.

Yah, I figured I would get that... how about a 3 point shooting contest?

 

[The Z Machine]

No host format has been decided. Personally, I don't like the "pick anyone you want on your team" thing, but if that's the way it is, then that's the way it is.

As I recall, this is a "fun", i.e. no pay league, right? Just to make the tourney more interesting.

 

[andy_b]

The roster for the US game was released a couple of days ago. Any guesses on a starting lineup?

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS (3): Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC)

DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Lewis (Derby County)

FORWARDS (5): Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Josh Wolff (Out of Contract)

=====================================================

Here is my guess

Howard

Cherundolo, Gooch, Boca, Spector

Donovan Bradley Clark Lewis

Clint EJ

DMB will get some work in this game, and Adu will likely come on if the US are behind. Wolff will be on if EJ is having one of his "my head is up my ######" games.

 

[The Z Machine]

- Yahoo doens't seem to be offering a EURO2008 fantasy game.

- UEFA/McDonalds is offering a salary-cap (100m€) type league - http://en.fantasy.euro2008.uefa.com/M/rules.mc - 4-4-3 formation (which is strange, because with the goalie, that makes 12 players...)

- The Telegraph (UK Newspaper) is offering a salary-cap (£50m) type league - http://fantasyeuro.telegraph.co.uk/CleverT...enthowtoplay.do - 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formations available

- Metro (a free daily UK Newspaper) is offering a salary-cap type league (75 stars for 11 players) - http://eurofantasyfootball.metro.co.uk/def...aspx?page=rules

- ESPN is not offering a EURO2008 fantasy game. They have a bunch of other leagues though (EPL, MLS, La Liga, Argentina, etc.) - http://games.espn.go.com/frontpage/deporte...=gn_dep_FAN_FAN

I think those are the best options...

Also there's some "Pick 'Em" league through Yahoo (Eurosport) - http://euro.predictor.yahoo.eurosport.co.uk/

 

[The Z Machine]

The roster for the US game was released a couple of days ago. Any guesses on a starting lineup?U.S. ROSTER BY POSITIONGOALKEEPERS (3): Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC)DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)MIDFIELDERS (6): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Lewis (Derby County)FORWARDS (5): Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Josh Wolff (Out of Contract)=====================================================Here is my guessHowardCherundolo, Gooch, Boca, SpectorDonovan Bradley Clark LewisClint EJDMB will get some work in this game, and Adu will likely come on if the US are behind. Wolff will be on if EJ is having one of his "my head is up my ######" games.

Personally, I'd love to see more of Feilhaber in the MF. I'm not sold on Ricardo Clark there just yet. I'm also not a huge fan of Spector on the left, and would prefer Bocanegra there instead. Finally, I think the US might take up a 4-5-1 and remove either Dempsey or EJ, having 5 of these 6 Donovan, Bradley, Feilhaber, Adu, DMB, and Lewis in the midfield instead.

 

[andy_b]

The roster for the US game was released a couple of days ago. Any guesses on a starting lineup?

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS (3): Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC)

DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Lewis (Derby County)

FORWARDS (5): Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Josh Wolff (Out of Contract)

=====================================================

Here is my guess

Howard

Cherundolo, Gooch, Boca, Spector

Donovan Bradley Clark Lewis

Clint EJ

DMB will get some work in this game, and Adu will likely come on if the US are behind. Wolff will be on if EJ is having one of his "my head is up my ######" games.

Personally, I'd love to see more of Feilhaber in the MF. I'm not sold on Ricardo Clark there just yet. I'm also not a huge fan of Spector on the left, and would prefer Bocanegra there instead. Finally, I think the US might take up a 4-5-1 and remove either Dempsey or EJ, having 5 of these 6 Donovan, Bradley, Feilhaber, Adu, DMB, and Lewis in the midfield instead.

I think this is pretty likely. They will announce that Landon is starting up top but the formation will likely play out more like a 4-5-1

 

[ffldrew]

The roster for the US game was released a couple of days ago. Any guesses on a starting lineup?

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS (3): Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC)

DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Lewis (Derby County)

FORWARDS (5): Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Josh Wolff (Out of Contract)

=====================================================

Here is my guess

Howard

Cherundolo, Gooch, Boca, Spector

Donovan Bradley Clark Lewis

Clint EJ

DMB will get some work in this game, and Adu will likely come on if the US are behind. Wolff will be on if EJ is having one of his "my head is up my ######" games.

Personally, I'd love to see more of Feilhaber in the MF. I'm not sold on Ricardo Clark there just yet. I'm also not a huge fan of Spector on the left, and would prefer Bocanegra there instead. Finally, I think the US might take up a 4-5-1 and remove either Dempsey or EJ, having 5 of these 6 Donovan, Bradley, Feilhaber, Adu, DMB, and Lewis in the midfield instead.

I think this is pretty likely. They will announce that Landon is starting up top but the formation will likely play out more like a 4-5-1

Ugh - Eddie Johnson. Are they playing with gigantic nets?

 

[andy_b]

The roster for the US game was released a couple of days ago. Any guesses on a starting lineup?

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS (3): Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC)

DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Lewis (Derby County)

FORWARDS (5): Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Josh Wolff (Out of Contract)

=====================================================

Here is my guess

Howard

Cherundolo, Gooch, Boca, Spector

Donovan Bradley Clark Lewis

Clint EJ

DMB will get some work in this game, and Adu will likely come on if the US are behind. Wolff will be on if EJ is having one of his "my head is up my ######" games.

Personally, I'd love to see more of Feilhaber in the MF. I'm not sold on Ricardo Clark there just yet. I'm also not a huge fan of Spector on the left, and would prefer Bocanegra there instead. Finally, I think the US might take up a 4-5-1 and remove either Dempsey or EJ, having 5 of these 6 Donovan, Bradley, Feilhaber, Adu, DMB, and Lewis in the midfield instead.

I think this is pretty likely. They will announce that Landon is starting up top but the formation will likely play out more like a 4-5-1

Ugh - Eddie Johnson. Are they playing with gigantic nets?

Pathetic the lack of depth the US has up top that EJ can keep getting on the squads with his current play. Jozy was left off the squad and the rumor is he won' play until the Argentina game in his back yard.

 

[B Maverick]

Thoughts on yesterdays game.

I'm happy with the result, but pretty much don't care for pk's. I just don't get it. Tournament is played as a home and home series, with clear and cut tie-breaker rules. Now, we have to deal with the soccer lottery to determine the champ? I just don't think it's a very fair indicator of the better side.

United was much the better the first half, however, Chelsea was clearly better in the second. The ot's were back and forth, no clear cut advantage, although I think Giggs had clearly the best opportunity for the winner, and Terry made an absolutely brilliant play to keep his team alive.

The footing was also clearly an issue throughout the entire match, but hey, it's soccer, it was raining, it's to be expected.

As a huge Rooney fan, I think he played a terrific game and I was disappointed to see him subbed for. He was terrific in both the front and back, as United basically just went with him forward a lot, and let him try to settle any long balls and set the attack (well, at least when they weren't able to clearly win the ball in midfield and build the attack). The long ball to Ronaldo which led to the Tevez butcher and the Cech save on Carrick was an absolutely great play, both to win the ball on defense and then the pass. I was very disappointed in the way Ferguson handled the second half, but hey, who am I to argue with success? I really don't think Tevez was well suited for this game, and Scholes was very clearly not a factor in the second half at all.As far as Chelsea goes, I like the fire Joe Cole plays with a lot. Sure there were a few times that he was a bit over the top, but hell, Rooney is much the same. Ballack really had a few great chances and squandered all of them. He is super talented, but I dunno, something about playing with a top flight team in England doesn't suit his confidence. And although I'm sure the rules dictate Drogba be sent off for his flick on Vidic, come on. There was plenty of testy play throughout, I dunno, I would have had a hard time giving him the red card there. More mysterious to me, is what the hell set that whole thing off??? I mean, there was a Chelsea guy down, and United had possession and sent the ball to touch. Then Tevez starts waving his arms for United to press forward, and all hell breaks loose.

And for the record, I was sure VDS was saving that Anelka kick. I have two of my kids as witnesses...I swear, when he went up there he slammed his hands together, got pumped up and he just knew he was making the save. I was pumped. Sure, I was a bit boozed up at the time, but I just knew he was saving that last one.

Aside from the cross to ronaldo, I dont think rooney had much of an impact on the game at all. He cant judge a header and was largely invisible. Tevez on the other hand is a work horse and was all over the field. Dissapointed in his finishing as he had 2 great chances. Scholes was tough early but after his head was bloodied he was nonexistant as well.As for what set off the melee and the red card was the perceived slight by chelsea that tevez didnt play the ball back to them after they intentionally knocked it out on the injury. IMO it was an answer to chelsea doing the same earlier in the game and the fact that it was Joe Cole just sitting in the box and not really hurt. Its the unwritten rule and Chelsea bent it earlier and Tevez picked a good time to give it back.

Ballack, Lampard and Drogba all got in Tevez's face and started jawing and pushing and drogba ended up slapping vidic in the face right in front of the ref.

 

[jpeace121]

I'm setting it up on the UEFA site. New thread coming shortly.

 

[ffldrew]

Thoughts on yesterdays game.

I'm happy with the result, but pretty much don't care for pk's. I just don't get it. Tournament is played as a home and home series, with clear and cut tie-breaker rules. Now, we have to deal with the soccer lottery to determine the champ? I just don't think it's a very fair indicator of the better side.

United was much the better the first half, however, Chelsea was clearly better in the second. The ot's were back and forth, no clear cut advantage, although I think Giggs had clearly the best opportunity for the winner, and Terry made an absolutely brilliant play to keep his team alive.

The footing was also clearly an issue throughout the entire match, but hey, it's soccer, it was raining, it's to be expected.

As a huge Rooney fan, I think he played a terrific game and I was disappointed to see him subbed for. He was terrific in both the front and back, as United basically just went with him forward a lot, and let him try to settle any long balls and set the attack (well, at least when they weren't able to clearly win the ball in midfield and build the attack). The long ball to Ronaldo which led to the Tevez butcher and the Cech save on Carrick was an absolutely great play, both to win the ball on defense and then the pass. I was very disappointed in the way Ferguson handled the second half, but hey, who am I to argue with success? I really don't think Tevez was well suited for this game, and Scholes was very clearly not a factor in the second half at all.As far as Chelsea goes, I like the fire Joe Cole plays with a lot. Sure there were a few times that he was a bit over the top, but hell, Rooney is much the same. Ballack really had a few great chances and squandered all of them. He is super talented, but I dunno, something about playing with a top flight team in England doesn't suit his confidence. And although I'm sure the rules dictate Drogba be sent off for his flick on Vidic, come on. There was plenty of testy play throughout, I dunno, I would have had a hard time giving him the red card there. More mysterious to me, is what the hell set that whole thing off??? I mean, there was a Chelsea guy down, and United had possession and sent the ball to touch. Then Tevez starts waving his arms for United to press forward, and all hell breaks loose.

And for the record, I was sure VDS was saving that Anelka kick. I have two of my kids as witnesses...I swear, when he went up there he slammed his hands together, got pumped up and he just knew he was making the save. I was pumped. Sure, I was a bit boozed up at the time, but I just knew he was saving that last one.

Aside from the cross to ronaldo, I dont think rooney had much of an impact on the game at all. He cant judge a header and was largely invisible. Tevez on the other hand is a work horse and was all over the field. Dissapointed in his finishing as he had 2 great chances. Scholes was tough early but after his head was bloodied he was nonexistant as well.As for what set off the melee and the red card was the perceived slight by chelsea that tevez didnt play the ball back to them after they intentionally knocked it out on the injury. IMO it was an answer to chelsea doing the same earlier in the game and the fact that it was Joe Cole just sitting in the box and not really hurt. Its the unwritten rule and Chelsea bent it earlier and Tevez picked a good time to give it back.

Ballack, Lampard and Drogba all got in Tevez's face and started jawing and pushing and drogba ended up slapping vidic in the face right in front of the ref.

After Vidcic smacked Drogba's hand away and shoved him a bit.This was going to be(and was) a street fight and FIFA had a referee who was poorly prepared for it. It showed on that first yellow caution - that turned it into a major bickering affair right from the get go and he let some heavy hand fighting go(or worse the Tevez takedown for example) and then called little ticky tack calls. And after 90+ minutes of that a little skirmish blows up - sad officiating in such a big game - reminiscent of some recent World Cup affairs. Referee should have been there and explained to Tevez exactly what he wanted him to do - he would have been there right at the start and the players wouldn't have started the bickering and had they he could have issued yellows right away.

 

[guru_007]

Aside from the cross to ronaldo, I dont think rooney had much of an impact on the game at all. He cant judge a header and was largely invisible. Tevez on the other hand is a work horse and was all over the field. Dissapointed in his finishing as he had 2 great chances. Scholes was tough early but after his head was bloodied he was nonexistant as well.

Sorry, we must have been watching two different games. Rooney made a ton of defensive plays, and often was able to settle the ball in the attacking zone and play it off to a teammate. Tevez was constantly being dispossesed, make half hearted defense runs, and basically butchering offenses chances left and right. Tevez runs hard in the offensive zone, but not at all on defense. Tevez doesn't need to judge a header because everyone on the pitch is a full head taller than him. Tevez's game is much more suited against a team like Arsenal which keeps the ball on the grass more often than not. I'm not a very big Tevez fan, and would not shed a tear if he were to leave.

 

[jpeace121]

I'm setting it up on the UEFA site. New thread coming shortly.

Link

 

[awesomeness]

Embarrasing. Terry ought to be ashamed. I hope he loses his 'C' next year.

I will echo a lot of other sentiments here. To blame say Terry should be ashamed is plenty harsh. I am a United fan and just feel awful for Terry. He has always been a class act as far as I am concerned. Not sure if you ever played awesomeness but try stepping up to the spot in pouring down rain in one of the biggest games of your life. It is not easy. It happens and I am sure Terry will replay that kick in his head for eternity. Great game though. Drogba is like a walking time bomb. I was not surprised by his actions and the send off was righteous.

Perhaps losing the 'C' for the season would be harsh, but i was thinking that if Terry received some punishment then he wouldn't replay the kick in his head for eternity. Sort of like someone who feels guilt for a crime, if they receive some punishment their guilt decreases significantly. In all honesty scoring on a penalty kick really isn't all that hard, your just 12 yards out from the goal. Terry is the captain of England and Chelsea, he is up for a penalty kick to win the Champions league. The fact that he missed, even though its because he slipped, can only be described as a choke of epic proportions.

 

[Christo]

The roster for the US game was released a couple of days ago. Any guesses on a starting lineup?

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS (3): Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC)

DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Lewis (Derby County)

FORWARDS (5): Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Josh Wolff (Out of Contract)

=====================================================

Here is my guess

Howard

Cherundolo, Gooch, Boca, Spector

Donovan Bradley Clark Lewis

Clint EJ

DMB will get some work in this game, and Adu will likely come on if the US are behind. Wolff will be on if EJ is having one of his "my head is up my ######" games.

Personally, I'd love to see more of Feilhaber in the MF. I'm not sold on Ricardo Clark there just yet. I'm also not a huge fan of Spector on the left, and would prefer Bocanegra there instead. Finally, I think the US might take up a 4-5-1 and remove either Dempsey or EJ, having 5 of these 6 Donovan, Bradley, Feilhaber, Adu, DMB, and Lewis in the midfield instead.

I think this is pretty likely. They will announce that Landon is starting up top but the formation will likely play out more like a 4-5-1

Ugh - Eddie Johnson. Are they playing with gigantic nets?

Pathetic the lack of depth the US has up top that EJ can keep getting on the squads with his current play. Jozy was left off the squad and the rumor is he won' play until the Argentina game in his back yard.

Depth? What about skill too? When the best striker you have isn't even playing internationally any more you know you have problems.