***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)

[The Z Machine]

A Spanish commentator just said something along the lines of, "If we can't beat the United States, there's no way we'll win Euro2008."

So it's not like the Spaniards are taking this game lightly.

 

[B Maverick]

missed the 1st half but so far in the 2nd Eddie Johnson is CRAP. If you want to be elite you need to get those headers on goal and score. How did he miss?

Spain is pushing forward, they could score any second if US isnt careful.

 

[B Maverick]

Add Frankie H to the list of players that need to go along with Wolff and EJ.

Sweet goal by Spain. Great turn, ran 1 US player into another, split a third and went to goal. Beauty to watch.

The announcers keep commenting on Adu and how great he played in the 1st half. Anyone give their feedback? I know Andy will be fair where the announcers always appear to have a man crush on him.

 

[The Z Machine]

Didn't listen or gamecast the 2nd half. So I can't comment. All I know is that they said that the US couldn't break out from it's half for a long time. Spain was pouring on the pressure.

Seems like this was a better game, but that the US was again overmatched in terms of on the ball skills and control. The Spanish announcers were complaining of a lack of Spanish midfield presence in the 1st half, so maybe the US was doing something worthwhile there, but it probably didn't continue in the 2nd.

Why wasn't DMB playing BTW?

 

[B Maverick]

Why wasn't DMB playing BTW?

I thought he was? At least I thought I heard his name once....The parts of the 2nd half i saw were EJ passing it to the opposing GK a couple times and missing a header from 8 yards out. He was marked well but good strikers get that on goal. Spain pushing forward and basically knocking the ball around the 18 yard box without issue from the US. Hedjuck barrelling into people then questioning the call.2nd half was ugly for the US. The saving Grace was Spain couldnt slot more then the 1

 

[The Z Machine]

I saw DMB listed as a sub on the marca.com site. Did he come off before the end?

Spanish announcers were somewhat impressed by Bradley at times. It seems they liked him as an intelligent player. Some positive comments were made about Adu and Gooch as well.

 

[Steve Tasker]

How ugly was it?

I'm reading about it but it's not saying much. Anyone see the game?

 

[TLEF316]

just finished watching on ESPN2. The goal was beautiful. Dude took the contact like a champ, split 3 guys and buried it. Nice finish

I'm not the most educated viewer, but i thought Adu played pretty darn well. You could tell that the Spanish defenders were nervous when he had the ball. He was able to hold possession and create a few chances. He was easily the best US player on the field. Had a couple of very nice first touches, but Spain recovered nicely.

Howard had a few nice stops in the first half (came out in the 2nd). He bobbled one tricky ball that floated just out of his reach. But he was able to recover and get it out of danger.

Edu played alright. Pretty much the only player other than Adu that was able to hold possesion. The 2 of them did a decent job advancing the ball up the middle.

Eddie Johnson just stinks. The dude has no feel for the game and botches every single opportunity. He had 3 legit chances and literally whiffed on all of them. The missed header was terrible. I could have finished that one.

Overall, much better than the England game, but the difference in vision and ball skills is very very noticeable, even to the untrained eye.

 

[The Z Machine]

I think it's great to see that Adu and Edu had good games and that Bradley can play up at a high level as well.

Those things bode VERY well for the future of US soccer. If Altidore gets better while in Spain, that's a CORE group of young players that will be solid through the middle-front for the US, where it's notoriously been the weakest.

I'm actually pleased as a result of this game.

BTW, how did Pearce play? I'm not sold on him. What about Gooch? Heard he got burnt on the run by Xavi.

 

[prefontaine]

I watched the full game. Freddy Adu shows flashes. He is still too soft and looks more to get fouled or to find another player than to aggressively go to goal, but you can't deny his talents. Without Donavon the US sadly has little to no creativity. Adu brought some of that when no one else could. I remain hopeful when I watch a guy like Dempsey but I've seen enough of him now that I don't think he'll ever come together. It's getting to the point that I'm thinking he will be nothing more than a peripheral player and a marginal national teamer.

Anyway, EJ was brutal. Adu found him on a nice ball and he flashed the speed but the finish ended up a waste. Eddie Lewis was probably the strongest player in the first half which tells me how lacking this team is. Bradley was up and down as usual. He is obviously a Tab Ramos kind of player and could potentially develop more than that. But he needs to develop fast because our midfield is devoid of talent. Plugging Donavon and DMB in there will help, but right now, this is my biggest area of concern. The US had virtually no ball control at all in the 2h. Beasley came on at half and played the right side a bit. He still looks lost there which is a shame because it is a way to get he and Lewis on the pitch at the same time.

In the back, they were fairly solid. Onyewu and Boca are a nice pairing. I'd like to see more class from the outside backers and god help us if Heyduk is the best we can scrounge up. I love his effort but I don't ever want to see him running in circles because he isn't sure where he is supposed to be again. I understand our depth isn't great but surely there is somebody that needs the time on the field. Heath Pearce btw seemed better than last game and if he can play like this consistently I think he's got a spot.

One other comment...we desperately need someone to take free kicks. Donavon is okay on corners but there is a place on this team for someone who can be truly dangerous.

 

[TLEF316]

I think it's great to see that Adu and Edu had good games and that Bradley can play up at a high level as well.Those things bode VERY well for the future of US soccer. If Altidore gets better while in Spain, that's a CORE group of young players that will be solid through the middle-front for the US, where it's notoriously been the weakest.I'm actually pleased as a result of this game.BTW, how did Pearce play? I'm not sold on him. What about Gooch? Heard he got burnt on the run by Xavi.

pearce didn't do much. he made a couple of ok runs up the flank, but nothing came of it. He didn't really make any significant impact that i could see. Onyewu was his typical self. He's big and physical but gets himself out of position a lot. Then he has to foul to stop the attacker. This time, the guy stayed on his feet and put it in. The US defense overall was just ok. Spain just wasn't that accurate with their shots. US surrendered two free kicks in very dangerous position. Spain hit the cross bar on one.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I remain hopeful when I watch a guy like Dempsey but I've seen enough of him now that I don't think he'll ever come together. It's getting to the point that I'm thinking he will be nothing more than a peripheral player and a marginal national teamer.

Really?I didn't see the game today, but IMHO Dempsey has been a top 3, if not the best, player that the USMNT has had in the past 4 years or so. I think he's one of the truly good players in the squad.

 

[TLEF316]

yeah, Adu is soft, but you could at least tell that Spain was aware of him. When anyone else touches the ball (especially Johnson) the opposing team's back line can pretty much just wait for someone to make a poor touch, because it's going to happen. Adu had a few pretty good first touches that just didn't amount to anything. Once he gets a little stronger, i think he'll be able to beat that next guy and get more shots off in the box.

 

[prefontaine]

I think it's great to see that Adu and Edu had good games and that Bradley can play up at a high level as well.Those things bode VERY well for the future of US soccer. If Altidore gets better while in Spain, that's a CORE group of young players that will be solid through the middle-front for the US, where it's notoriously been the weakest.I'm actually pleased as a result of this game.BTW, how did Pearce play? I'm not sold on him. What about Gooch? Heard he got burnt on the run by Xavi.

Gooch and Boca both did really. It was a pretty move though. Gooch played pretty well otherwise though. No bad penalties which is what I was focused on.

 

[TLEF316]

I remain hopeful when I watch a guy like Dempsey but I've seen enough of him now that I don't think he'll ever come together. It's getting to the point that I'm thinking he will be nothing more than a peripheral player and a marginal national teamer.

Really?I didn't see the game today, but IMHO Dempsey has been a top 3, if not the best, player that the USMNT has had in the past 4 years or so. I think he's one of the truly good players in the squad.

he was absolutely invisible today. he contributed nothing at all.

 

[prefontaine]

I remain hopeful when I watch a guy like Dempsey but I've seen enough of him now that I don't think he'll ever come together. It's getting to the point that I'm thinking he will be nothing more than a peripheral player and a marginal national teamer.

Really?I didn't see the game today, but IMHO Dempsey has been a top 3, if not the best, player that the USMNT has had in the past 4 years or so. I think he's one of the truly good players in the squad.

He has the talent to be a very very good player. But I haven't seen him do much against quality competition. He's too cute. I played with a lot of guys like him. When he has the ball he looks spectacular and everyone overrates him. But he doesn't demand the ball. He doesn't play enough defense. And frankly he doesn't work enough.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I remain hopeful when I watch a guy like Dempsey but I've seen enough of him now that I don't think he'll ever come together. It's getting to the point that I'm thinking he will be nothing more than a peripheral player and a marginal national teamer.

Really?I didn't see the game today, but IMHO Dempsey has been a top 3, if not the best, player that the USMNT has had in the past 4 years or so. I think he's one of the truly good players in the squad.

He has the talent to be a very very good player. But I haven't seen him do much against quality competition. He's too cute. I played with a lot of guys like him. When he has the ball he looks spectacular and everyone overrates him. But he doesn't demand the ball. He doesn't play enough defense. And frankly he doesn't work enough.

Those are good points.He's not a pure out-and-out striker like Brian McBride was in his prime. But I think there's a lot worse players the USMNT could put in there over Dempsey.Did Beasley play? You can basically take what you said about Dempsey, change the name to Beasley, and that's how I feel about him. Did he look ok?

 

[TLEF316]

Beasley was obviously rusty. They played him on the right side. It's hard to judge anyone who came in after half time, because once Adu went out, everything broke down up front.

 

[Christo]

I remain hopeful when I watch a guy like Dempsey but I've seen enough of him now that I don't think he'll ever come together. It's getting to the point that I'm thinking he will be nothing more than a peripheral player and a marginal national teamer.

Really?I didn't see the game today, but IMHO Dempsey has been a top 3, if not the best, player that the USMNT has had in the past 4 years or so. I think he's one of the truly good players in the squad.

 

[Christo]

I remain hopeful when I watch a guy like Dempsey but I've seen enough of him now that I don't think he'll ever come together. It's getting to the point that I'm thinking he will be nothing more than a peripheral player and a marginal national teamer.

Really?I didn't see the game today, but IMHO Dempsey has been a top 3, if not the best, player that the USMNT has had in the past 4 years or so. I think he's one of the truly good players in the squad.

He has the talent to be a very very good player. But I haven't seen him do much against quality competition. He's too cute. I played with a lot of guys like him. When he has the ball he looks spectacular and everyone overrates him. But he doesn't demand the ball. He doesn't play enough defense. And frankly he doesn't work enough.

I watched just about every Fulham game that was televised this year. He was the only bright spot on that team until McBride and Bullard got healthy. I'd say the EPL qualifies as quality competition. Didn't he also score the goal that kept Fulham in the EPL in 06-07 as well?

 

[jpeace121]

Thoughts from the match:

EJ = suck

Hejduk = suck

Wolff = suck

If any of these guys even see the bench for a qualifier, someone's paying someone off. Johnson isn't even fast anymore (Puyol stuck with him on a breakaway, and Puyol is what, 50?), and he has zero confidence in taking defenders on. I thought Adu looked good. He is growing, both as a player and as a man, so I'm not sure the 'soft' tag is fair. Bradley and Edu worked well together in the midfield.

Dempsey seems stuck in between being a striker and a midfielder. He doesn't have the pure finishing ability, attacking skill or nose for the net to be a striker, and he doesn't have the defensive prowess or desire to get back that it takes to be a wide midfielder. I know he gets bounced around a lot between club and country, but he needs to try and focus on being one or the other, and force his coaches to see him as either a striker or midfielder. I think the fact that he hasn't done that leads to some of the problems, like the ones he had today. He had virtually no real contribution in this match.

I thought that Hodgson was crazy for benching Bocanegra, but his form of late seems to indicate that Hodgson made a good choice. I don't like what I've seen from Boca lately. He looks tentative and slow, and tends to ball watch. I don't know if he leans too much on Gooch or what, but he doesn't look good (both he and Gooch got flat out smoked by Xavi on the goal. He made them look silly). I thought Pearce had a solid game. Nothing great, but we don't have much to choose from at left back, so I think he has a chance to make himself the first choice at that position.

We desperately need someone to step up on this team. They can't depend on Donovan all the time. We need another player that can create something out of very little. The difference between these two teams tonight was a player like Xavi who can create a goal scoring chance with little more than their own skill and creativity. Donovan can't do it on his own. Adu shows glimpses that he might be able to be that kind of player, but only time will tell if he can raise his game to that level.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Why is Frankie taking a spot on this team? Its most baffling.

 

[Mjolnirs]

I just finished watching the game. The last 20 minutes of the first half was the bright spot for the US overall. We had an occasional chance on goal, one or two that should have been put in, but other than that the offense was invisible.

I'm not impressed with Bradley, the player. He does seem to have skill, but he makes some stupid mistakes. I've seem him commit a bad foul just outside the box in each of the last two games. We cannot allow world class competition free kicks from the top of the box.

I have not heard from Desert Power all day so I'm hoping that means he made it to the game. Maybe we'll get a first hand report tomorrow.

 

[Texas Football]

It appears that a few Englishmen may lose their first cap according to http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/i...als/7437052.stm this.

With the 5+6 rule possibly looming it seems to me FIFA is cracking down on the Prem and FA. I sort of agree with 5+6 or some sort of action, but losing a cap seems to be reach if it was agreed.

I also hope the deal Altidore is true. We really need the US team to have palyers in competition outside of the MLS. I know some here are fans of the league, but I would prefer players in the top half Championship league teams than MLS. I have no knowledge of Recreacional(sp) that Altidore is headed to, but he needs out of US experience.

 

[El Floppo]

A Spanish commentator just said something along the lines of, "If we can't beat the United States, there's no way we'll win Euro2008."So it's not like the Spaniards are taking this game lightly.

Sounds the opposite to me ... if they can't beat a creampuff like the US, how are they going to win Euro... that kind of thing.eta: I'm always interested to read/hear foreign commentators insight- even tangential- about the US squad.

 

[El Floppo]

I;ve been on vacation since the England game essentially- and that's the only one I've seen so far (is the Spain game being rebroadcast?), so I'll comment on that one.

DREADFUL.

Until Adu came onto the field, the US were playing like my 11month old son (who can't walk yet- but he learned how to kick a soccer ball while on vacation!) against men. Not sure whether this was a choice as a team, to play ultra-conservatively and on their heals... but that was the end result to a player.

Dempsey tried, but since about March, the guy seems to have nothing left. Maybe carrying Fulham for those months when McBride and Bullard went down took it all out of him- maybe he's carrying some small niggling injuries that need to heal... he just looks off.

EJ started off brutally- the first 50-60 minutes, his first touch was always a clanger (causing Floppo to rain curses at the TV set), but he seemed to settle in at some point in the second half and start to show flashes of what we've all expected/seen from him in the past. Flashes, mind you- but that's better than nothing considering his amateurish play since moving to Fulham.

Bradley and Clarke... now- I kinda like both these players, but whoa... they were horribly, horribly outclassed out there. Almost every decision with the ball was a bad one, and they both seemed to be backed up right on top of the central defense most of the game. eEngland's attack flowed freely and easily through the center of the MF without much resistance from eiher of them.

DMB... he tried too, but played like he's been injured since the fall. Off-form throughout his game (first touch, vision, pace), but also showed occasional flashes. Couldn't hit a freekick to save his life.

Boca and Gooch... tough to play with your central MFs right on top of you, but I thought they did adequately. I'd like to think one of them could've done a better job keeping a body on Terry for that goal, but otherwise seemed to do their job.

Hejduk... really?

Cherundolo... not much chance for him to push forward, and he seemed up agasint it when he did. tough day for him. Still my favorite US player- or at least the US player I think compares the best against class opponents.

Peirce... not a highlight for him- I've seen him play a lot better, but against lesser competition. Hopefully this was an exception and not the rule for how he does against top teams.

Edu... forgettable.

Adu... memorable. As soon as he stepped onto the field, the complexion of the US attack changed. The only player who looked comfortable with the ball on his foot, and the only player who made the English at least think twice before allowing the US to blunder their way to losing the ball. Once again, had the skill, vision, ability AND willingness to use all three. I see that he started against Spain- I'm really interested to read in here how he did. Did NOT look soft.

 

[andy_b]

Here are my comments from yesterday

* Edu and Adu both stood out. Edu looks to be a more polished player than Clark and might have a chance to grab a starting spot during qualification. His game is solid. Freddy played very well, arguably his best in a US uniform. His touches elicited excitement from an audience who watches some of the best players on the planet on a regular basis. Nice touches, and sprung EJ a couple of times with lightening quick decisions. If he is to play striker though, he has to be more involved closer to the net.

* EJ = The suck. Sorry, I am usually not down on players much but he continues to never show anything against above average defenders. He will get his goals in early qualifying but that could actually be bad for the US in thinking that he will be able to help them against the better clubs.

* Can some one please find the real Clint Dempsey for me? For years I watched this kid play a couple of miles from my house for the Revs and he was one of the most energetic, imaginative and "get forward" players we have ever produced. A couple of years in England and now he seems scared to do anything with the ball and never crashes the box like he made a name for himself in MLS doing.

* I like Bradley but I will go to my grave saying we can not get out of the first round (assuming we qualify) playing 4 defenders AND 2 defensive mid fielders. I don't think the formation is doing him or the team any favors.

* Gooch and Boca continue to play well together but to be fair, Gooch was turned like a top on the gorgeous Spanish goal

* As for the subs, lets just be thankful in real games this can not happen.

Over all, as bad as the England game was, I think the first half (where it was a pretty even game) was much more indicative of where this team is. How the US is going to get goals against good teams still remains a mystery to me. Donovan, and Jozy are going to be critical to this team. I only pray that Jozy sees playing time in Spain, even if its on loan some where.

 

[TLEF316]

watching the game yesterday, i got the feeling that a couple of more talented attacking players (altidore and donovan, plus a full game of Adu) would have made a big diference. Our best 11 would have had a great shot at getting a result last night (although, to be fair, spain was missing 1 or 2 guys as well).

eddie johnson can't be on the field against a good side. The dude is just awful. He's a total stiff out there.

 

[andy_b]

eddie johnson can't be on the field against a good side. The dude is just awful. He's a total stiff out there.

He is the epitome of why a great athlete doesn't always make a great soccer player.The one time he was able to showcase his wide receiver speed, his first touch was so poor that he allowed the guy he left in the dust to catch back up and resulted in a weak attempt on goal.

 

[B Maverick]

How much space was Adu given compared to other players? In space he has the footskills to be a great player. BUt against a very physical team I have my doubts about how effective he can be. In close quarters vs guys with size and speed I am yet to see him be effective.I am glad to hear he looked good and I realize he is young. I sincerely hope I am wrong about him and he develops into the central MF/Playmaker the US desparately needs. That is 1 of the 2 major holes (a pure goal scorer is the other) that US have.

Dempsey seems stuck in between being a striker and a midfielder. He doesn't have the pure finishing ability, attacking skill or nose for the net to be a striker, and he doesn't have the defensive prowess or desire to get back that it takes to be a wide midfielder. I know he gets bounced around a lot between club and country, but he needs to try and focus on being one or the other, and force his coaches to see him as either a striker or midfielder. I think the fact that he hasn't done that leads to some of the problems, like the ones he had today. He had virtually no real contribution in this match.

If Altidore can be the pure scorer then maybe Dempsy would be a good fit as the 2nd forward or attacking MF (depending on formation).

 

[andy_b]

How much space was Adu given compared to other players? In space he has the footskills to be a great player. BUt against a very physical team I have my doubts about how effective he can be.

almost none. He was converged by 2 to 3 people almost every time he had the ball. He drew his normal amount of fouls after beating guys and then being bumped.

 

[B Maverick]

How much space was Adu given compared to other players? In space he has the footskills to be a great player. BUt against a very physical team I have my doubts about how effective he can be.

almost none. He was converged by 2 to 3 people almost every time he had the ball. He drew his normal amount of fouls after beating guys and then being bumped.

good to know. thanks.

 

[andy_b]

not a big Harkes fan but one comment was chillingly accurate.

4 years after he retired from international soccer, McBride is still our best striker

 

[jpeace121]

Dempsey seems stuck in between being a striker and a midfielder. He doesn't have the pure finishing ability, attacking skill or nose for the net to be a striker, and he doesn't have the defensive prowess or desire to get back that it takes to be a wide midfielder. I know he gets bounced around a lot between club and country, but he needs to try and focus on being one or the other, and force his coaches to see him as either a striker or midfielder. I think the fact that he hasn't done that leads to some of the problems, like the ones he had today. He had virtually no real contribution in this match.

If Altidore can be the pure scorer then maybe Dempsy would be a good fit as the 2nd forward or attacking MF (depending on formation).

As for the attacking MF, would he be better than the other options there (Donovan now, maybe Adu in the future)? He hasn't shown the creative attacking ability to be a playmaker, IMHO. I think 2nd forward is where he belongs, and I don't know why Bradley won't put him up there, unless he just hasn't shown the ability needed for the position in training. I think he takes too many plays off to be a midfielder. I think his best chance is, as you mention, a 2nd forward paired up with a target forward. Problem is, we don't have one of those either.

 

[D_House]

It's back!

 

[prefontaine]

Dempsey seems stuck in between being a striker and a midfielder. He doesn't have the pure finishing ability, attacking skill or nose for the net to be a striker, and he doesn't have the defensive prowess or desire to get back that it takes to be a wide midfielder. I know he gets bounced around a lot between club and country, but he needs to try and focus on being one or the other, and force his coaches to see him as either a striker or midfielder. I think the fact that he hasn't done that leads to some of the problems, like the ones he had today. He had virtually no real contribution in this match.

If Altidore can be the pure scorer then maybe Dempsy would be a good fit as the 2nd forward or attacking MF (depending on formation).

As for the attacking MF, would he be better than the other options there (Donovan now, maybe Adu in the future)? He hasn't shown the creative attacking ability to be a playmaker, IMHO. I think 2nd forward is where he belongs, and I don't know why Bradley won't put him up there, unless he just hasn't shown the ability needed for the position in training. I think he takes too many plays off to be a midfielder. I think his best chance is, as you mention, a 2nd forward paired up with a target forward. Problem is, we don't have one of those either.

I'd like to see Kenny Cooper get some time as a target forward.

 

[andy_b]

Dempsey seems stuck in between being a striker and a midfielder. He doesn't have the pure finishing ability, attacking skill or nose for the net to be a striker, and he doesn't have the defensive prowess or desire to get back that it takes to be a wide midfielder. I know he gets bounced around a lot between club and country, but he needs to try and focus on being one or the other, and force his coaches to see him as either a striker or midfielder. I think the fact that he hasn't done that leads to some of the problems, like the ones he had today. He had virtually no real contribution in this match.

If Altidore can be the pure scorer then maybe Dempsy would be a good fit as the 2nd forward or attacking MF (depending on formation).

As for the attacking MF, would he be better than the other options there (Donovan now, maybe Adu in the future)? He hasn't shown the creative attacking ability to be a playmaker, IMHO. I think 2nd forward is where he belongs, and I don't know why Bradley won't put him up there, unless he just hasn't shown the ability needed for the position in training. I think he takes too many plays off to be a midfielder. I think his best chance is, as you mention, a 2nd forward paired up with a target forward. Problem is, we don't have one of those either.

I'd like to see Kenny Cooper get some time as a target forward.

I have been waving the Cooper flag for a while now. Big strong guy with some good foot skills. I for the life of me can't figure out why EJ gets chance after chance but someone like Cooper is ignore.

 

[The Z Machine]

It's back!

¿Eh?

 

[Tremendous Upside]

It's back!

¿Eh?

The thread was accidentally closed a little while ago

 

[The Z Machine]

Gotta love the myopia of Mexican football:

Mexico stars wary of Sven arrival

A number of Mexico's players have expressed their concerns at the expected arrival of Manchester City's Sven-Goran Eriksson as their new boss.

The Swede looks set to leave Eastlands next week, with Central America expected to be his next destination.

Despite an impressive coaching record, and prior international experience with England, his potential new charges are unsure that he possesses the necessary credentials for the job.

"In Mexico it is generally assumed that the coach has to be someone from Mexico, and that the coach would have spent a year learning about the side," said former Bolton striker Jared Borgetti.

"I don't think that Eriksson is the correct decision as many of the players don't speak English and I doubt that he knows much about Mexican football."

Some of the other senior players to air their opinions on behalf of the squad were Antonio Naelson, Luis Perez, Johnny Magallon, Gonzalo Pineda, Ricardo Osorio and Aaron Galindo.

"I think that it would be useful if the new coach was someone who knows more about Mexican football, but the players cannot make this decision," said Naelson.

"He is a well known coach in Europe which is promising for Mexico, but I would prefer someone from this country."

Perez added: "Personally I think the new coach must know a lot about the game in this country as we don't have much time from now until the next World Cup begins.

"If we were talking about four years then I wouldn't have a problem in bringing in a coach like Eriksson."

Magallon is another concerned about the language barrier, saying: "One of the most important things is that many of us don't speak English.

"Maybe he won't have a problem making us understand what he wants on the pitch, but what worries me most is whether he will have enough time to get to know the players and if the supporters will back him."

Finally, defensive midfielder Pineda is worried that Eriksson may disrupt the continuity in the side by running the rule over previously untested players.

"A new coach which doesn't know much about our football is going to start calling up many players for testing and that will result in us losing the hard work which has been put in to his point," he said.

OK, what the hell is so special about Mexican football? Javier Aguirre has done a lot of good at my Atlético Madrid, and amazingly, he's Mexican!. It's not like they play some special game that has different rules than the rest of the world, or some super, special formation and style that no one else has. In fact, they've rarely won anything of note!

 

[The Z Machine]

It's back!

¿Eh?

The thread was accidentally closed a little while ago

I assume that happened when I was on vacation.Haters.

 

[andy_b]

It's back!

¿Eh?

The thread was accidentally closed a little while ago

I assume that happened when I was on vacation.Haters.

you were on vacation 17 minutes ago?

 

[Tremendous Upside]

It's back!

¿Eh?

The thread was accidentally closed a little while ago

I assume that happened when I was on vacation.Haters.

No, like 45 minutes ago

 

[The Z Machine]

No, although I wasn't at work then... I was on the train. A short vacation.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I'm very disappointed that Chelsea missed out on Mark Hughes - congrats to City on a great hire. Very little confidence in Roman's ability to find a good manager at this point as the circus continues.

 

[Christo]

I'm very disappointed that Chelsea missed out on Mark Hughes - congrats to City on a great hire. Very little confidence in Roman's ability to find a good manager at this point as the circus continues.

Who's still out there?

 

[Desert_Power]

I was down by the left hand goal right behind the goal the full match. No time for a full update right now, but I did get threatened by the police for the sheer amount of yelling I was doing at EJ as the game wore on.

 

[Desert_Power]

Also, hung out with Landon Donovan's wife for a while and me and some buddies even talked to him on the phone, pretty cool girl.

 

[andy_b]

Also, hung out with Landon Donovan's wife for a while and me and some buddies even talked to him on the phone, pretty cool girl.

For people that don't know, Landon is married to Bianca Kajlich who is in the TV show Rules of Engagement.For a short balding guy, he didn't do too bad for himself

I have seen worse reasons for not wanting to spend a whole season in Germany

 

[jpeace121]

Ronaldo says he wants to be at Real next season

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed he 'wants to play for Real Madrid' -, according to respected Brazilian website Terra - and has vowed not to discuss the subject further until after Euro 2008.

Terra claim to have carried out an exclusive interview with the Portugal international in which he said: 'I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them.

'However, it does not depend on me.'

The interview continued with Ronaldo stating his hope that the announcement would bring closure to the speculation linking him with a possible move to the Bernabeu.

He added: 'From today I'm not going to talk about this topic with anyone at all.

'I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships. Don't ask me any questions because I won't answer.'

Should the report prove correct then it would be a huge blow to United who have repeatedly insisted their star player would still be at Old Trafford for the 2008-09 campaign.

Ronaldo, 23, scored 42 goals for the Premier League and European champions last season.

It could also spark a major row between United and Madrid with the Red Devils stating last month they may report the Spanish club to FIFA for making their pursuit of Ronaldo public.

Madrid president Ramon Calderon conceded yesterday the signing of Ronaldo 'seems impossible' but could now step up attempts to sign the former Sporting Lisbon man.

One player who is keen to be reunited with Ronaldo is Madrid's former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who told Spanish daily paper Marca: 'He'd be an important signing for Madrid because this is a club which signs the best players in the world, and that's what Cristiano is.

'Cristiano could bring a lot of things to this club. He's young, he has everything and a long sporting career ahead of him.

'For Madrid he would be a great signing.'