Football "soccer"

[Gaz-DanaWalker]

Chris is correct.
Football has taken over the Movies thread.
Post away!

My earlier post

Glasgow Celtic announced they are goin to make bout 20 football "soccer" camps in America. They obviously see something good happening out of it.
And the LA Galaxy manager "coach" has said he thinks David "the toss pot" Beckam will be more famous than Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Glasgow Celtic announced they are goin to make bout 20 football "soccer" camps in America. They obviously see something good happening out of it.
Ant the LA Galaxy manager "coach" has said he thinks David "the toss pot" Beckam will be more famous than Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan.

Of course something good will come of it.
Why not get another 300 million people excited about the one true World Game? Why not get more local support for home grown talent. I'm all for it.

As for Becks being more popular than T.Woods and/or M. Jordan.....um.....thats like saying the ocean is more blue than the sky. Stupid, redundant, and you can't prove it. Those three are in very select company, in that there names/faces are already known world wide. The only other person(s) (not just athelete, but persons) that may fall in this category are, IMO, Nelson Mendella, Pele and the incomparable Muhamad Ali.

[AugustusBot]

lol @ the thread title :).

[Lotus 111s]

A quote from the Movies thread thought i would bring it here.

I disagree.
My stance is that the only way that the majority of Americans will watch soccer (or any sport for that matter) is if they have some international success. This hasn't happened.....yet. It will though, and that's when you'll see big changes. This is no different than other games.
Hockey enjoyed some great exposure and an increased fan base after the '80 Olympic win. Not much happened for USA Hockey since, and interest has all but disappeared.
Baseball, once dominated by (almost exclusively) Americans, with good to great TV numbers and attendance, is now stacked with Latin/South American players, and interest is wanning (B.Bonds is helping bring some viewers, but more like the type of people that stop to watch a car crash8)7).
American football is a league that plays in exclusivly US cities, with 95% of rosters being US kids. FFS, Euro NFL is seen as a joke. No different than how those in the UK view the Premiership vs. Major League Soccer.

League play is one thing. I don't think that MLS will ever stand against La Liga, Seria A, Premiership or hell, even the Bundasleiga (I don't know where to start with the spelling here, so go easy on me....).
International play on the other hand, is something that 300 million could get behind. Trust me Bru, you may not like the sound of it, but its true. American's, by and large, enjoy things only when they can point to other parts of the world and say "Nah Nah Nah nah boo boo, we kicked your butts! Hot Dang, we good at socca!" Until that day comes, soccer will remain, to the vast majority of Amercs, a side show.

You are pretty much spot on with that mass9 if the Americans want to play the rest of the world at sport other than Athletics football is the only option, as not in a million years will the rest of the world take up American(handball)Football or Baseball.

We laugh at A.Football over here, what with all the pads on and stopping constantly, we play Rugby a proper MANS sport were at the end of careers most players look like a character from a Horror film, they all have mashed up features from the constant punching/elbows/knees/headbutts that go on in it, no padding required we just get up and carry on. Look at Australian Rules my GOD those dudes makes me laugh complete nutters that run around with short sleeve shirts on and batter the fuck out of each other, crazy crazy game what must they think of A.Football i have no idea.

The reason football is the most watched sport on the planet is because its the best sport on the planet or in the universe, it can be played anywhere anytime with anything that resembles a ball, you don't need money or college tuition to get anywhere in football just skill, size doesn't even matter look at Maradonna can you imagine him in American(handball) football.

Simple truth is North America is missing out on the greatest competitive sport there is.

[nofear360]

The reason football is the most watched sport on the planet is because its the best sport on the planet or in the universe, it can be played anywhere anytime with anything that resembles a ball
That's so true. I remember the times when me and my friends back in Slovenia didn't know what do during lunch periods, so we made a "ball" out of paper, set up 2 goals with our school bags, and voila! We were playing football before you knew it :).

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Simple truth is North America is missing out on the greatest competitive sport there is.

UNTRUE!!!!!

Major League Soccer (http://web.mlsnet.com/index.jsp)

I would imagine that this is the equivilant of, ermm.....3rd / 4th division in Europe. Becks is just the first of many that will end their careers here, as the money will be decent, and the level of play will be sooooooo much easier than they're used to.
Its not much, but its the best we've got right now. It will NEVER rival the big Euro leagues for prestige, but the level of play is constantly improving.

I still remain firm in my beliefs that we will see a dramatic shift in a North American's point of view of the game of soccer once there is some international success.

[Lotus 111s]

UNTRUE!!!!!

Major League Soccer (http://web.mlsnet.com/index.jsp)

I would imagine that this is the equivilant of, ermm.....3rd / 4th division in Europe. Becks is just the first of many that will end their careers here, as the money will be decent, and the level of play will be sooooooo much easier than they're used to.
Its not much, but its the best we've got right now. It will NEVER rival the big Euro leagues for prestige, but the level of play is constantly improving.

I still remain firm in my beliefs that we will see a dramatic shift in a North American's point of view of the game of soccer once there is some international success.

My comment was aimed at the fact Americans mainly (not all) play sports that are not played by the rest of the world in a competitive manner, so for instance A.Football only has only 300 million to choose there next big star from were as Football has about 4-5 billion, which makes competition for places that much more fierce. I know that is hardly accurate stats or analysis but you get my drift (i hope).

To be honest the American football team had quite a good world cup in Japan/Korea 2002 they got to the Quarters which is a good result but how many of those players played in America and how many in Europe? and i would guess it hardly made the newspapers let alone TV over there. It will be along time before American football (soccer) is going to be recognized as a major player in world football.

[360NORML]

International success will be a factor in improving the popularity of soccer in USA and Canada (can't really say N.America since Mexico and Costa Rica are crazy about the game) but whats even more important is actual soccer fans in the two country showing an interest in their national team and local pro-teams. That is the crux and hold up. Why should/would general sports fans in the two countries show any interest in a sport when a good majority of soccer fans don't really care all that much about the sport locally already.

Speaking of the two countries USA is gonna glide past Canada in the Gold Cup Semi's tomorrow night. :)


To be honest the American football team had quite a good world cup in Japan/Korea 2002 they got to the Quarters which is a good result but how many of those players played in America and how many in Europe?

13 of the players on that roster were MLS based (16 if you count those who spent time/developed in MLS) and of the starters in most games it was somewhere between 5-7 were from MLS.


and i would guess it hardly made the newspapers let alone TV over there. It will be along time before American football (soccer) is going to be recognized as a major player in world football.

Untrue, the success of the US nats was all over the press in 02. I remember after the Cup several players made the rounds on the Late night entertainment shows.

[Lotus 111s]

Untrue, the success of the US nats was all over the press in 02. I remember after the Cup several players made the rounds on the Late night entertainment shows.

Did it have much affect on the popularity, did attendances go up, better TV coverage of games, bigger lower leagues?? or has America forgot all about it after the fact they didn't get past Round one in Germany 2006. This a genuine question not a sarcastic comment btw ;)

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Untrue, the success of the US nats was all over the press in 02. I remember after the Cup several players made the rounds on the Late night entertainment shows.

See?!!!!???!??!!!!!
The SUCCESS of the team got them some media coverage.
The game is fun, but the only real reason to play is to win. If you're not winnnig at elite levels, its not fun. Period. If your team/country isn't winning, its not fun. Especially true to a sport that's new to a great many people.

I'm a dreamer though. I see the future where the World Cup truely is representative of the world. I see a future where Canada and America exploit years and years and years of immigration, and churn out players from all corners fo the world, but wearing their native colours. I see a future where North American players, drawing on many varied cultural backgrounds, are among the greats of the game.

I have seen the future brother.........
sad its so far off.;(

[Lotus 111s]

The game is fun, but the only real reason to play is to win. If you're not winnnig at elite levels, its not fun. Period. If your team/country isn't winning, its not fun.

Trust me when i say you get used to losing (in the National Comps at least), we bloody invented the game, we have what is considered the best league in the world and how many bloody times have we one the world cup.

ONCE, BLOODY ONCE in 1966 long before i was born, every 4 years i go through the same agonising pain of hearing how, we have got the team do this, the team to do that, the best player at this, the best player at that. Then what happens we bloody lose(usually due to either penalty's or someone getting sent off) its AGONISING, truly heart breaking to watch us lose, but would i miss it for anything in the world, NEVER coz that is what makes this game so great.

I LOVE IT _o_ _o_ _o_ _o_ _o_

[Ivan Joidherpus]

I feel your pain Lotus111, just not with soccer, as my family is Italian, and I've proudly seen 3 of the 4 titles.....Too bad I was so young for the first two that I don't actually REMEMBER seeing any of it, but if the old man says I was there, I've got to take his word.

As for being used to losing, well, you Euros may not feel my pain, but I'm a Toronto Maple Leafs fan..... 8)7.....I swear to God, one more chant of "SIXTY SEVEN......SIXTY SEVEN.....SIXTY SEVEN" and I'm going to snap!!!>:)

Thyron could probably sympathize:'(

[360NORML]

Did it have much affect on the popularity, did attendances go up, better TV coverage of games, bigger lower leagues?? or has America forgot all about it after the fact they didn't get past Round one in Germany 2006. This a genuine question not a sarcastic comment btw ;)

In the inbetween years I don't think it helped all that much. Interest in MLS and lower leagues increased slightly but nothing seriously noticable unless your fixated on the sport. But the success of the US in 02 really did boost the interest and media attention for the Cup in 06. For the first time ever the WC draw was shown on ESPN and not FSC (fox soccer channel). The overall ratings were up this time around, granted that might be due to the games being played in Europe providing afternoon starts compared to 02 which saw games starting for me at 6am.

To put it more concise, the success of 02 led to extra coverage and intereset in 06 which lead to MLS finally getting a TV contract, the US mens nats getting more coverage (the U-20's WC will actually be aired on an English language cable channel), increased coverage of the Champions League, Euro leagues, and even a deal to show Euro 08 on ESPN.

Its a slow process but chugging along. Especially, when you consider that the first time any nationwide English language channel showed a WC game was in 1990 and those were tape delayed and edited.

[Chris]

You know why I don't like 'Football' or Soccer?

1. Low scoring. 90 minutes of running around sweating and for what? A tied game of 1 - 1. Americans hate tied games. They also hate games that are low scoring period. We can't stand 'almost' getting a point 67 times a game, and actually getting a goal 2 times a game. It's like we need a scenery change. Why not just watch the game in the last 15 mintues since that's when something usually happens anyway, right?

I'm not saying this sport is more athletic than that sport, or this sport is more manlier than this other sport. I just think that's the problem for us. It gets boring. Why do you think there's so many fights after your UK/Europe games? It's because so many people invest hours upon hours of nothingness, that when they lose they have to take their frustrations out somewhere.

As always, i'm joking but have serious points within.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Soccer is boring?......and yet, most weekends in the states involve standing around an oval track watching cars make 4 left hand turns.:?

Perhaps if the next striker to light La Liga on fire was named Bubba Ray Johnson we'd see a different response. I'm not bashing Amercs. Its an admirable trait. They love their own. Too bad its almost exclusively their own.

[Studley]

You know why I don't like 'Football' or Soccer?

1. Low scoring. 90 minutes of running around sweating and for what? A tied game of 1 - 1. Americans hate tied games. They also hate games that are low scoring period. We can't stand 'almost' getting a point 67 times a game, and actually getting a goal 2 times a game. It's like we need a scenery change. Why not just watch the game in the last 15 mintues since that's when something usually happens anyway, right?

Any excuse to post this clip :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TTMDyJeqMo

The funniest thing is, there was actually a Mexico v Portugal game in the last World Cup...

[Chris]

Soccer is boring?......and yet, most weekends in the states involve standing around an oval track watching cars make 4 left hand turns.:?



You're actually comparing Nascar (which I hate) to all of European football? :?

I bet less than a third of Americans even watch that crap. Anyway, love the stereotype. (Which Americans also get blamed for all of the time.)

1. We love Jesus.
2. We're all fat and own stock in all of fast food.
3. We hate everyone that isn't us.
4. We're stupid cowboys.
5. We all own guns and shoot eachother.

[360NORML]

1. Low scoring. 90 minutes of running around sweating and for what? A tied game of 1 - 1. Americans hate tied games. They also hate games that are low scoring period.

This really bums me out about todays American sports fan. The beauty of a tight hockey game, a solid pitching dual in baseball, or a defensive hard nosed A.Football game is lost on way too many Americans.

[Chris]

It's sad, but don't you agree? Maybe YOU aren't that way, but I think most Americans are.

[360NORML]

Oh, I completely agree Chris.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

At the end of the day, soccer is a universal language. Its growing here. But like all good things, it'll take time. Again, I'll stress, this will never be Seria A or La Liga. Never ever ever ever. I'm not dellusional. But, in time, an American or a Canadian will make a significant impact on a Euro league team, and then, only then, will people REALLY get behind our respective programs.

360NRML, I can't wait to see tomorrow's game. Its in Chicago, isn't it? do you by chance know what the kickoff time is? (in eastern time???)

[360NORML]

At the end of the day, soccer is a universal language. Its growing here. But like all good things, it'll take time. Again, I'll stress, this will never be Seria A or La Liga. Never ever ever ever. I'm not dellusional.

completely agree


360NRML, I can't wait to see tomorrow's game. Its in Chicago, isn't it? do you by chance know what the kickoff time is? (in eastern time???)

Yup game is in Chicago
Kickoff is 7pm (EST)

[AugustusBot]

At the end of the day, soccer is a universal language.
lol.
you bring me nonstop amusement.

[wakeboardnmoto]

ummm anyone interested im soccer "football" (im american) and people getting beat the fuck up should go watch green street hooligans cause its sweet

[Lotus 111s]

You know why I don't like 'Football' or Soccer?

1. Low scoring. 90 minutes of running around sweating and for what? A tied game of 1 - 1. Americans hate tied games. They also hate games that are low scoring period. We can't stand 'almost' getting a point 67 times a game, and actually getting a goal 2 times a game. It's like we need a scenery change. Why not just watch the game in the last 15 mintues since that's when something usually happens anyway, right?


Funny you should say that this happened last night.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6766603.stm

You can't say that is boring.

To be honest this is incredibly rare scoreline

I do remember though when the World Cup '94 was coming up, that Americans wanted to put 'zones' into the game so defenders could only defend, midfielders only stay in midfield and strikers up front. The reason was to increase the scoring, how on earth that was supposed to work only the complete fool who thought it up must know, needless to say it was responsible for many football fans suffering an early death due to laughing so much that they suffocated to death. 8)7 8)7 8)7

[Ivan Joidherpus]

lol.
you bring me nonstop amusement.

I'm glad to bring joy to your otherwise pathetic existance. Here's a cookie little boy. Now go away and let the grown ups talk. Buh bye now....see ya.

Funny you should say that this happened last night.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6766603.stm

You can't say that is boring.


That was ludicris. Believe it or not, I heard this yesterday on the sports radio station I listen to driving home somtimes. Not because we in Canada are so wrapped up in the excitment of the Euro U21's, but because as you say, it was an incredibly rare scoreline. I thought the guy was kidding at first.:?

[Lotus 111s]

That was ludicris. Believe it or not, I heard this yesterday on the sports radio station I listen to driving home somtimes. Not because we in Canada are so wrapped up in the excitment of the Euro U21's, but because as you say, it was an incredibly rare scoreline. I thought the guy was kidding at first.:?

I just wished i had watched it now, i could of with my mates, we decided instead to all play Colin McRae Dirt last night. DAMN IT :'(

Glad to here that you do get reports from European football over there.


To put it more concise, the success of 02 led to extra coverage and intereset in 06 which lead to MLS finally getting a TV contract, the US mens nats getting more coverage (the U-20's WC will actually be aired on an English language cable channel), increased coverage of the Champions League, Euro leagues, and even a deal to show Euro 08 on ESPN.

Well i must admit i am surprised and pleased to hear it, as far as i am concerned the more merrier. Amazed you are getting Euro '08 TV coverage. Maybe then just maybe MLS might start rising in status in the eyes of Americans.

[renisindahouse]

fuck "soccer" fuck rugby and if u dont like my comments then fuck u 2



big fat american out

[AugustusBot]

fuck "soccer" fuck rugby and if u dont like my comments then fuck u 2



big fat american out

lol. i didnt think there'd be a single post in this soccer thread that i'd agree with...

but there is. this man speaks the truth!


I'm willing to bet the lot of you spend more time watching sports each week than I, or many others around the world, spend playing an MMO. What's the difference? I partake, you watch. I progress, you watch people progress. I get involved in a community of like minded people, you get involved in a community of like minded people. People are fanatics about stats while the sport isnt actually on, people are fanatic about their items and stats and whatnot while they're not actually playing. People get drunk watching sports, people get drunk playing video games... etc.

fuck soccer, fuck any sport that isn't Buckeyes football,

-american out.

[renisindahouse]

lol. i didnt think there'd be a single post in this soccer thread that i'd agree with...

but there is. this man speaks the truth!


I'm willing to bet the lot of you spend more time watching sports each week than I, or many others around the world, spend playing an MMO. What's the difference? I partake, you watch. I progress, you watch people progress. I get involved in a community of like minded people, you get involved in a community of like minded people. People are fanatics about stats while the sport isnt actually on, people are fanatic about their items and stats and whatnot while they're not actually playing. People get drunk watching sports, people get drunk playing video games... etc.

fuck soccer, fuck any sport that isn't Buckeyes football,

-american out.

lol the thing im trying to point out is certin people like certin things dont put them down cuz of it if someone wants to watch cars going in circles then so be it all i care about is american football nothing else

[Lotus 111s]

1. We love Jesus.
2. We're all fat and own stock in all of fast food.
3. We hate everyone that isn't us.
4. We're stupid cowboys.
5. We all own guns and shoot eachother.

See Chris, we have reasons to think these things, 2+3 are reinforced by the below comment from a highly intelligent American.

fuck "soccer" fuck rugby and if u dont like my comments then fuck u 2
big fat american out



The thing i am trying to point out is certain people like certain things, don't put them down because of it.

I suggest you take your own advice then renisindahouse, oh and i corrected your fantastic take on the English language.

[Chris]

Any excuse to post this clip :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TTMDyJeqMo.

that's the best!

[Ivan Joidherpus]

CANADA GOT JOBBED!!!!!!
:-(:-(:-(:-(:-(:-(

For anyone that doesn't know, Canada played the USA in one of the semi finals matches for the Gold Cup last night.
With the score at 2-1 for the USA, Canada brought the ball up field, and one of their player lobbed it up to the top of the box. At this point, all 4 players (2 CDN, 2 US) were in parallel with each other. As the ball crossed above their heads, one of the USA players touched it with his head, sending the ball forward about a meter. A CDN player got to the ball and fired it into the back of the net and guess what?

The called a bloody OFFSIDE. Replays proved this incorrect, but the goal was still disallowed. What a fucking joke!

I would try to find a video on YouTube, but I'm at work and the site is blocked.
:-(:-(:-(:-(:-(

[Nekro Neko]

Of course something good will come of it.
Why not get another 300 million people excited about the one true World Game? Why not get more local support for home grown talent. I'm all for it.

As for Becks being more popular than T.Woods and/or M. Jordan.....um.....thats like saying the ocean is more blue than the sky. Stupid, redundant, and you can't prove it. Those three are in very select company, in that there names/faces are already known world wide. The only other person(s) (not just athelete, but persons) that may fall in this category are, IMO, Nelson Mendella, Pele and the incomparable Muhamad Ali.


Michael Jackson should be added to that list.

[Lotus 111s]

CANADA GOT JOBBED!!!!!!
:-(:-(:-(:-(:-(:-(

The called a bloody OFFSIDE. Replays proved this incorrect, but the goal was still disallowed. What a fucking joke!(

The wonders of the offside rule, THE most complicated rule in sport. ;) ;) ;)

[Ivan Joidherpus]

The wonders of the offside rule, THE most complicated rule in sport. ;) ;) ;)

That's just it.
By the rules themselves, what happened on the field WAS NOT in any way shape or form an offside.8)7

The one common element that all sports share is that officiating seldom makes much sense.

Good job, you blind fucking turd gobblers.

Michael Jackson should be added to that list.

I'd say he's more INFAMOUS than famous but I get what you mean.

[Lotus 111s]

Good job, you blind fucking turd gobblers.

I always wonder who actually wants to be referee/official at a sports game in today's micro-analysed world. I guess they get to see the sport from the best possible view but for me that's the only benefit.

I say best of luck to them really as it is a lot of responsibility especially in some games, like say the play-off final in England to get promoted to the Premiership this year was worth a cool £60 million quid, that's the biggest prize in sport there is. Imagine making a mistake like the one you talked about in that game.

[renisindahouse]

See Chris, we have reasons to think these things, 2+3 are reinforced by the below comment from a highly intelligent American.







I suggest you take your own advice then renisindahouse, oh and i corrected your fantastic take on the English language.

which is what? also the big fat american comment was sarcasm . "non americans" tend to think we are fat asses

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Congrats to the Dutch site users on the under 21 Euro championship. I know it was a few days ago, but I've been gone for a while and haven't been able to post.

Also, I would normally congratulate the USA on their Gold Cup victory, however, it was tainted after the disallowed goal vs. Canada in the semis. Yup, I'm holding a grudge and I'm happy with my choice.

Also, renisindahouse is allowed to make stupid comments. Obviously, anyone with a love for the Detroit Lions has some serious mental health issues. Seriously dude.....the Lions? WTF are you smoking? They have been, perhaps, the worst TEAM in a major sport over the past 20 years. You poor misguided young man. Its sad really......

[Lotus 111s]

"non americans" tend to think we are fat asses

No not just non-Americans.

From American Sports Data Inc.


The Latest Statistics on America’s Obesity Epidemic

The recent IHRSA/ASD Obesity/Weight Control Report publishes “real” research statistics on America’s growing obesity epidemic. These alarming statistics reveal a dangerously overweight U.S. population.

Obesity in proliferating in the United States: 3.8 million people are over 300 pounds, over 400,000 people (mostly males) carry over 400 pounds and the average adult female weighs an unprecedented 163 pounds!

Until now, the publication of the most crucial and powerful statistics on obesity -- raw bodyweight averages for the American population -- had scrupulously been avoided by the most faithful keepers of the public health record, the CDC. While the CDC has the most comprehensive and widely disseminated public health statistics on dieting, weight loss research and obesity in America, their focus on the polite abstraction of Body Mass Index (BMI) rather than actual bodyweight has hindered America’s war on obesity.

The National Center for Health statistics has been tracking America’s obesity problem for over four decades. The following statistics support the growing concern regarding the obesity problem in America.

-- Between 1962 and the year 2000, the number of obese Americans grew from 13% to an alarming 31% of the population.
-- 63% of Americans are overweight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) in excess of 25.0.
-- 31% are obese with a BMI in excess of 30.0.
-- Childhood obesity in the United States has more than tripled in the past two decades.
-- According to the U.S. Surgeon General report obesity is responsible for 300,000 deaths every year.

I underlined the most frightening statistic, i didn't think it was that bad myself to be honest.

[Chris]

BMI is the most stupid equation created by man.

It seems the American Academy of Pediatrics wants parents to have their kids' Body Mass Index tested annually to look for signs of obesity. Well, first of all, BMI is bullshit. Body-fat ratios are much more indicative of fat, not weight. All body builders are obese by BMI standards. Kate Moss is pudgy by this ridiculous yardstick. And secondly, stupid tests like this are why my insurance premiums are so high.
Kate Moss:http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4281/katemosscj2.jpg

Yes, that's right. I think the Body Mass Index is stupid, mainly because it does not take into account muscle mass.
Like I said.

[JasonA]

Football Soccer = Foccer...

just passing the time...

[Sage]

Ive got a question, im looking for a soccer game and was wondering which game is the best between, fifa 07, PES6 and fifa 06 world cup?

[Lotus 111s]

Ive got a question, im looking for a soccer game and was wondering which game is the best between, fifa 07, PES6 and fifa 06 world cup?

That is THE most difficult question to answer in Console games, you can get demo's of these game from XB Live. That would be my first suggestion, have you got XBL though???.

IF not

It's down to personal preference really, i am from PES camp, i have been playing Pro Evo since the SNES days. For me it is still easily streets ahead of Fifa in terms of gameplay. If though you prefer better presentation and all the correct player names then FIFA wins that hands down.

Very difficult to answer. Try the demo's first if you can.

[YoinkIRL]

Soccer sucks. No explanation necessary.

[renisindahouse]

Also, renisindahouse is allowed to make stupid comments. Obviously, anyone with a love for the Detroit Lions has some serious mental health issues. Seriously dude.....the Lions? WTF are you smoking? They have been, perhaps, the worst TEAM in a major sport over the past 20 years. You poor misguided young man. Its sad really......

i would say something but canada isnt a real country so ill let u have ur day8)

[360NORML]

CANADA GOT JOBBED!!!!!!
:-(:-(:-(:-(:-(:-(



Yup.

Also, I would normally congratulate the USA on their Gold Cup victory, however, it was tainted after the disallowed goal vs. Canada in the semis. Yup, I'm holding a grudge and I'm happy with my choice.


sore loser ;)

[Ivan Joidherpus]

I'm STILL happy with my choice, and the Lions still stink.

[renisindahouse]

I'm STILL happy with my choice, and the Lions still stink.

i hope that changes soon

[Sage]

Well ive always loved pro evo(since the days of iss) but ive heard the 360 version of PES6 is really bare.PS I do have live,sort of(long story), but i have a 2gb cap on my broadband so i cant download more than one demo a month.

[Lotus 111s]

i have a 2gb cap on my broadband so i cant download more than one demo a month.

Dude that sucks big time, a new ISP needed there for sure. I download more than that EVERY day.

Anyway back to Pro Evo if you liked playing it on the SNES then you have no worries Pro Evo all the way, sure the 360 version isn't as good as the PS2 and PC versions but it is still way better than any FIFA ever made in my eyes.

[360NORML]

I like both but more of a FIFA fan personally. Either way though I wouldn't get either of last years games and just wait for the 08 version to come out. Both versions really lacked depth and from all previews I've seen so far that is not the case this time around.

[Curry]

Congrats to the Dutch site users on the under 21 Euro championship. I know it was a few days ago, but I've been gone for a while and haven't been able to post.
Which reminds me... I have to pester our UK friends with "13-12" a few times O-)

[Sage]

Look, you know how it is when you have friends over, you NEED a soccer game and since my school holidays have just started i need one, stat.PS Lotus you dont understand the broadband situation in South Africa, its dire man (go look at telkom.co.za if you dont believe me and remember the rand/pound exchange rate is 1/14 pounds)

[Curry]

Look, you know how it is when you have friends over, you NEED a soccer game and since my school holidays have just started i need one, stat.PS Lotus you dont understand the broadband situation in South Africa, its dire man (go look at telkom.co.za if you dont believe me and remember the rand/pound exchange rate is 1/14 pounds)
The page may be mighty slow, but "DSL Up to 4096kbps now only R413.00 p/m" doesn't seem to expensive if that really equals about 40 euro?

Sure, it's like 25/mth here but by no means stellar differences?

[Sage]

i think they are talking about the line rental only because this is the(rough) bill we get at the end of the month: telkom closer plan 6(this includes line rental for 4mb adsl line with a few other perks such as free minutes. this is about about 699 rand),2gb cap(299),normal phone line rental(99). this adds up to 1100(110 euros) rand.PS we would change to the cheaper "dobroadband" packages but we cant cancel our 24 month contract or we will be liable to pay a penalty for doing so.

[Lotus 111s]

Which reminds me... I have to pester our UK friends with "13-12" a few times O-)

Don't even go there Curry, you have a underachieving national side just like we do. ;)

Lotus you dont understand the broadband situation in South Africa, its dire man (go look at telkom.co.za if you dont believe me and remember the rand/pound exchange rate is 1/14 pounds)

Well i guess it doesn't sound good really, but hey this might help you feel better i pay £23.99 per month(thats 35Euros or 344 ZAR's) for a 1mb connection but if i lived 2 miles closer to the exchange i would be on 8mb for exactly the same money. That is known as Rip-Off Britain.

[Sage]

Harsh! To me it looks all companies in the public/private sectors are out to screw us over, if its not the with the prices its something else.PS is that for uncapped?

[Lotus 111s]

Harsh! To me it looks all companies in the public/private sectors are out to screw us over, if its not the with the prices its something else.PS is that for uncapped?

No it is supposed to be 15gb a month but they never enforce it, i regularly do 30-40gb per month, they haven't said a word to me about it yet. If they do i will throw the £23.99 for a 1mb connection instead of 8mb in their face.

[Sage]

They dont enforce mine that much either. Im on 8gbs at the moment(i downloaded over 2gbs on my first day, i downloaded dirt, anime and watched reviews from gametrailers).

[nofear360]

They enforce mine every freaking month :(. Reach the limit (12gb) and you're left with a dial up connection.

[Lotus 111s]

They enforce mine every freaking month :(. Reach the limit (12gb) and you're left with a dial up connection.

Now that sounds harsh, over here they usually just charge your extra per 1gb you go over your limit, but not many company's really enforce it so i guess we are lucky like that.

[nofear360]

Here you have to pay 5 euros for 5 extra gbs or wait till the end of a month to get ADSL connection back.

[xboxguy]

i get unlimited broadband, about 4000 kb/s for about $50 or $60 a month. it's pretty reliable, but during storms and stuff, it's the first thing to go out.

along with the topic, i know a ton of people who play soccer, at my former high school soccer was very popular, and tons of my friends still watch it. i have never been into sports, although i have been on a swim team, played baseball for 10 years, and played american football for 3 years. if someone comes to my house and tries to watch espn i want to punch them. i like watching any kind of offroad racing and that's about it when it comes to watching events.

[Chris]

i have never been into sports

although i have been on a swim team, played baseball for 10 years, and played american football for 3 years


........:?

[Sage]

off topic: Is cricket picking up in the states?

[Lotus 111s]

off topic: Is cricket picking up in the states?

Sage, please don't make laugh like that it hurts to much. :D :D

[Ivan Joidherpus]

off topic: Is cricket picking up in the states?

lol, no. I doubt it ever will. A stick and ball game that isn't called Baseball will never make any headway in the USA.

Canada, on the other hand.....
Being home to large groups of South Asian groups, as well as many from the West Indies, cricket is growing here. Albeit, slowly, but growing still. I would not put money on it becoming a big sport here though. The game just doesnt translate well when compared to most North American sports.

Although my argument still remains that for a country to truly embrace ANY sport, international success is almost always a pre-req. And this ain't happening any time soon.

[360NORML]

off topic: Is cricket picking up in the states?

Kinda. The influx of immigrants from cricket loving nations has boosted the interest a bit. The ashes tournament got a bit of pub and there were a few places in Minnesota where you could watch the last Cricket World Cup. But all in all as Mass9 said our stick and ball game is Baseball.

The best way to describe Cricket in the US is that its like soccer in the 70's before Pele came to play for the NASL.

[Lone Goat]

off topic: Is cricket picking up in the states?

i picked one up last night.... after i stepped on it. it wouldn't shutup i was tryin to sleep.


but really,, i've NEVER seen it here in the states....

[Sage]

I know it seems a dumb question but i was playing cricket 05, at a friends house(i would never buy that shitty game) and there was actually a USA team so i was just curious about the cricket situation in the states.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

don't forget Sage, the States has over 300 million people.
There's bound to be enough people in that 300 mil to fill the roster of a cricket team.

Back on topic:

The Under 20 World Cup starts tomorrow night.
This is probably the largest sporting event to come to Canada since the Olympics in '88. I can't wait. The opening match is tomorrow night here in Toronto.

Canada v. Chile

I fully expect Canada to make it out of the group stages. Anything less would be a tremendous disappointment. TBH, we should make the quarters at least. This is a very promising group of young guys, many of whom are playing in the MLS, with a handful playing in the Premiership and a couple others playing in the German and Dutch leagues. This should be a blast.

[360NORML]

I am totally stoked for the U-20's to start. I read that they are predicting a sellout crowd of 55,000 in Montreal for Saturdays double header of USA vs. S.Korea and Brazil vs. Poland. I bet the yanks will get a warm welcome from our neighbors to the north after the Gold Cup Semi-final match mess. :D

Before that though I get to watch the US take on the Argies in Copa America tonight.

[Lotus 111s]

The Under 20 World Cup starts tomorrow night.

Keep me informed mass, i will not be watching it as it is only u20's and i watch enough football as it is. Still like to know the scores though.

Oh and best of luck for your team/country.

[360NORML]

Knock-out stages are set for the U-20's. Sorry to see Canada not make it out of the group stage, Mass9. USA is looking solid with Freddy Adu so far having an amazing tourney. He scored 3 against Poland and then just tore Brazil apart.

Adu made this amazing move in the Brazil game to break two Brazilian defenders that would lead to the game winner.

if anyone is interested I'm posting a link someones blog that has a video of the hightlights from game.

link (http://topdrawersoccer.com/NationalTeamBlog/?p=165)

[Thryon]

The Under 20 World Cup starts tomorrow night.
This is probably the largest sporting event to come to Canada since the Olympics in '88. I can't wait. The opening match is tomorrow night here in Toronto.


I watched TSN (one of Canada's Sport only channel) last night, and they actualy talked about the U-20 tournament...somewhere in between golf and racing I think. It was a small little blurb that lasted 1 minute. In contrast, a hockey trade of no consequence demanded an hour conversation by a panel of experts. Sorry Mass...maybe in Toronto people care about soccer, but the rest of Canada could pretty much care less.

[Nayse-BTC]

You're actually comparing Nascar (which I hate) to all of European football? :?

I bet less than a third of Americans even watch that crap. Anyway, love the stereotype. (Which Americans also get blamed for all of the time.)

1. We love Jesus.
2. We're all fat and own stock in all of fast food.
3. We hate everyone that isn't us.
4. We're stupid cowboys.
5. We all own guns and shoot eachother.

yeh, thats only 80 to 90 % of the populace. dont know about owning stock though. football is pretty good on a sunny sunday morn, special brew in one hand, crappy flyaway in the other. but seeing a prat like beckham get paid millions for kicking that ball around is beyond lunacy. i thought the americans had jocks n big ass college leagues n shit- i dont think 'soccer' is gonna stay in the public eye long.

i picked one up last night.... after i stepped on it. it wouldn't shutup i was tryin to sleep.


but really,, i've NEVER seen it here in the states....

hahahah, good for you sun- cricket is a truly boring sport- baseball is much better. and none of that 'its just rounders' crap, its a good game to play.
(like paint drying to watch tho)

[Chris]

(like paint drying to watch tho)

Sounds like 'soccer'.

[Nayse-BTC]

Sounds like 'soccer'.

yup, but less hitting people when you leave the match, unfortunetly

[Ivan Joidherpus]

I watched TSN (one of Canada's Sport only channel) last night, and they actualy talked about the U-20 tournament...somewhere in between golf and racing I think. It was a small little blurb that lasted 1 minute. In contrast, a hockey trade of no consequence demanded an hour conversation by a panel of experts. Sorry Mass...maybe in Toronto people care about soccer, but the rest of Canada could pretty much care less.

I'll go back to my original point, unless there is some form of international success, soccer won't ever be anything more than an economical way to get your kids some excercise during the summer.

Had Canada got out of the group stage (shit, had they won a game, and shit again, had they even scored ONE FUCKING GOAL!!!!!) there probably would've been more talk on this tournament. What a fucking disaster. If we weren't thehost nation, I doubt we would've even qualified. They played like they were scared. Scared!?!?!?!? WTF? Ok, Chile is no slouch, but Austria is a marginal european soccer nation at best and Congo is a fucking 3rd world country. How can a 3rd world country produce a better soccer program than a member of the G8?

This mediocricy in soccer should not be acceptable. The problem as it stands is that Canadian soccer seems unwilling or unable to attract foreign coaches for our national program. We can fill a net with pucks, we are making headways into major league baseball and the NBA, but are inpet at guiding talented youngsters to actual international success. Most of our Under 20's play in pro leagues throughout the world. They have some skill. They aren't the greatest, but these guys aren't shit either. We just don't have the infrastructure in place and the tactics aren't here either.

This had better change. Its just sad otherwise.:'(

yup, but less hitting people when you leave the match, unfortunetly

Play hockey.
Lots of hitting.

[nofear360]

This had better change. Its just sad otherwise.:'(
You need Beckham :D.

[Gaz-DanaWalker]

SCOTLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SCOTLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SCOTLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FUCKN FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lotus 111s]

SCOTLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SCOTLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SCOTLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FUCKN FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You know what even though i am English and do not really care about Scottish football, i loved it as well for one simple reason you beat the French and that makes me happy, also you are sitting top of the table above Italy and the French which (no disrespect here) is a fucking miracle. I hope you make it to the finals (your first big tournament for 10 years) nothing would make me happier than a England vs Scotland match at the Euro 2008 tourney, then i could rip into my next door neighbour when we beat you ;)

WELL PLAYED THE SCOTS. _o_

[Sotha]

The only team that matter - Everton FC

Bring on the uefa cup glory :)

[Gaz-DanaWalker]

You know what even though i am English and do not really care about Scottish football, i loved it as well for one simple reason you beat the French and that makes me happy, also you are sitting top of the table above Italy and the French which (no disrespect here) is a fucking miracle. I hope you make it to the finals (your first big tournament for 10 years) nothing would make me happier than a England vs Scotland match at the Euro 2008 tourney, then i could rip into my next door neighbour when we beat you ;)

WELL PLAYED THE SCOTS. _o_

why thankyou!

yeah its fukn amazin wer at the top against the europes no.1 and 2.

Howz about and england v scotland final.(if we qualify cause wev still got a shit load to do.)

never gona happen but fingers crossed!

[Lotus 111s]

Howz about and england v scotland final.

Not a chance, England will fuck up long before we get to the final.

Hey we can dream though it would be totally amazing if that was the final. I couldn't begin to imagine the rivalry it would stir up across England and Scotland, damn it would be great fun.

Best of luck on qualifying.

[Jamzy No 2]

i want scotland to get through the grope stages partly cause well i dunno just always liked the scottish football(evan choose to watch celtic yesterday)
and partly cause it'd knock out either italy or france and thirdlly cause unless i like the bigger team i tend to like underdogs

id love a final with either scotland, france or germany you know providing we win if i knew we were going to lose id like ckeck republic (i know quite a random team but i enjoy the way they play there football) rather than sum1 who would rub it in our face till the end of time

PS since this is my 1st post in the football thread i thought it'd be wise to tell u i support man u

PS2 chelsea 1-1 rosenburg
dosen't that just bring a smile to ur face

[Rossko_UK]

Lol, Scottish football is so weak compared to nearly every other league in Europe (I don't include Welsh or Irish leagues in that before some smart arse says anything, I'm talking major EU leagues). It's a joke; a striker like Chris Sutton can score 30+ goals up there, but can't get more than about five in a real league.

Also, the Mighty Spurs will win the UEFA Cup so long as we can sort out our behind-the-scenes problems.

[Jamzy No 2]

yay man u won

i don' think scotlands that bad there better than norway and chelsea only drew 1-1 with rosenburg(i know i just had to bring it up again)

evan tonight rangers were impressive beating the champions of germany 2-1

i don' think there as good as any of the major leagues but there not as bad as ur making them out to be theres alot of teams in the champions league which are worse and relly shouldn't be getting in evrey season

celtic impressed last year as well to make it to the last 16 in the group they were in was impressive

but celtic bottom of there group this year
i think rangers will fight for 2nd but ultimatly end up in the uefa cup

[360NORML]

evan tonight rangers were impressive beating the champions of germany 2-1



I don't think German champs means all that much this year. Seems Bayern gobbled up all the talent the Bundesliga had to offer in the off-season. Speaking of Bayern Munich that's the club that'll win the UEFA Cup this season.

[nofear360]

Wow, I'm really behind on the football scene. Really gotta start paying attention again :P. Didn't even know Champions League's started already. Embarrassing, I know.

Anyway, I'm happy to see Real Madrid won their first game. It shouldn't be much of a task for them to go to next round. Lazio seems like the only decent team in the group ...

[Lotus 111s]

Jose Mourhino has left Chelsea by mutual consent, yeah like fuck he has, he was made to leave by Roman Abramovich as he is a arrogant fucking prick with much to bigger ego.

This news has made my week/year.

Fucking superb.

[screamidge]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44127000/jpg/_44127283_avram_chelsea_203.jpg


Chelsea have confirmed that Avram Grant has replaced Jose Mourinho as the new manager at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourhino has left Chelsea by mutual consent, yeah like fuck he has, he was made to leave by Roman Abramovich as he is a arrogant fucking prick with much to bigger ego.

This news has made my week/year.

Fucking superb.

i coudlnt agree with u more mate

[nofear360]

YES!!

[Jamzy No 2]

stupid move by chelsea because no matter how much u hate the guy he is a great manager and i don't think avram grant will be up to the job...

which being a man u supporter is great news he was a excellent manager ill be the 1st to say it but hey what do i care if chelea sack the only manager to thatas ever won the premire league in 50 years for them or that took them to 2 champions league semis in 3 years

great manager, stupid move by chelsea.great for man u, liverpool and arsenal

very happy it happened i would have only been worried if the replacment was either lippi or hiddick but they didn't so YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

[Gaz-DanaWalker]

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_02/Mcfadden_468x367.jpg

.....................P...W....D....L.....F.....A.. ..GD...PTS
1 Scotland.......10...8....0....2....20.....8...12.. .24
2 Italy.............10...7...2.....1....17....7....1 0...23
3 France..........10...7...1.....2....21....3....18. ..22
4 Ukraine..........9....4...1.....4....11....12...-1...13
5 Lithuania........9....3...1.....5.....7....11...-4...10
6 Georgia.........10...2....1.....7....14...17...-3....7
7 Faroe Islands.10....0...0.....10....3...35..-32....0

[Rossko_UK]

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_02/Mcfadden_468x367.jpg

.....................P...W....D....L.....F.....A.. ..GD...PTS
1 Scotland.......10...8....0....2....20.....8...12.. .24
2 Italy.............10...7...2.....1....17....7....1 0...23
3 France..........10...7...1.....2....21....3....18. ..22
4 Ukraine..........9....4...1.....4....11....12...-1...13
5 Lithuania........9....3...1.....5.....7....11...-4...10
6 Georgia.........10...2....1.....7....14...17...-3....7
7 Faroe Islands.10....0...0.....10....3...35..-32....0

Even if you get through, you won't make it out of the group stages next year.

[Gaz-DanaWalker]

Even if you get through, you won't make it out of the group stages next year.

You got one o these crazy future ball things or something?
you should be able to see England getn humped up the bum from South Africa. Different class.

going by our performances over the last few games i think we stand a great chance in qualifying for the tournament and believe we can progress to the knockout stages.

Scotland could win 9 out of 12 matches and still not qualify.
How shite and dissapointing would that be?lol

[Sage]

Wait... did you just insult my team?!

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Being of Italian decent, when I saw the group for Euro qualifying I was pretty happy. I mean, we'd get to watch France fail again, and who doesn't like that?!!!???!

but if you'd have bet me $100000 that Scotland would be leading the division, I'd have lost that bet in a second. Not for nothing, I'm not trying to insult the team/country, but its not exactly as if Italy, France and the Ukraine are push overs, right?

anyways, the way they've been playing, its hard to discount the reality that they may be able to progress further than originally thought.

so long as Italy is one of the two teams to come from the group I don't really care who the other is, but I'd def say my rooting interest lies with the Scots to come out of the group with Italy. I just do not like France, lol.

[Rossko_UK]

After all I said, England lost to Russia tonight meaning we may not qualify...

I'm pretty upset about the whole thing.

[Chris]

me too.

[Gaz-DanaWalker]

Wait... did you just insult my team?!

not at all. i said they were a different class.:P

[Lotus 111s]

After all I said, England lost to Russia tonight meaning we may not qualify...

I'm pretty upset about the whole thing.

Yup we fucking suck, overpaid pre-madonna's who can't be bothered. What was Rooney thinking, bloody shrek lookalike was probably thinking about how he is going to spend this weeks £100,000 pay check.


AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH H. :-( :-(

[Jamzy No 2]

yes i was sad and mentioned it to quiteunusual and bleach and ended up with a speach about about the fact they hate football

sad both scotland and england lost can't see neither quilfying now but if scotland get there act together for italy they stand a chance

i know itll never happen but how good would it be if russia beat isreal and the andora took down russia...

[Lotus 111s]

i know itll never happen but how good would it be if russia beat isreal and the andora took down russia...

It's never going to happen, England are all but out and they deserve it as far as i am concerned. Were as Scotland i think have put in a sterling effort and fully deserve to qualify it would be a shame if they didn't, if they do i will be cheering them on all the way as England are not going to be there.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Scotland will qualify, along with Italy from that group. Blind hatred of the French national team may be behind my prediction, but I doubt I'll be wrong.

The Russians aren't exactly world beaters, but you're 100% right. England has kind of played themselves OUT of the tourney qualifiers. They don't deserve to be there from what I've seen (mostly highlights......erm? lowlights? lol). While they're not out officially, their future looks dim.

[Chris]

Why do you guys hate the French so much? I understand why some Americans do.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

In almost any sport, playoffs (or in this case, a MAJOR international soccer tournament) can/will breed hatred. Its just as simple as that. I don't hate the french people.....just their soccer team.


Scorpio:
"By the way Homer, what's your least favourite country? Italy or Frace?"

Homer:
"hm.....France"

Scorpio:
"hahahahaha. No one EVER says Italy."

:D so true!

[Chris]

Well, right. But it isn't like everyone in the forum is from one country. EVERYONE seems to hate France. Even the Dutchies on here, and the crew doesn't even really like football.

[Gaz-DanaWalker]

Scotland v's England next year??????
Hmmm.:P

[HylianHitman]

So England have finally crashed out of the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

a Euro cup without England.....sad day in the UK.
oh well, Italy is in (really wish that Scotland could've made it out of the group here too), so lets see if my boys can be reigning World and Euro champs!

Less than a year to go until the Euro. Can't wait, but I'm sure many on this board have lost all their interest in the tourney.....until it starts!

[Rossko_UK]

Sad to say I probably won't even bother watching any games next Summer now, just not interested.

At least McClaren has gone. Time to start afresh.

[46Matt]

Sad to say I probably won't even bother watching any games next Summer now, just not interested.

At least McClaren has gone. Time to start afresh.

Same here, the Euros just don't quite have the same draw to it as the world cup does

[Ivan Joidherpus]

lol, you two only say that because England isn't in it.
sour grapes I declare!!!

but I must admit, it does leave a bad taste in my mouth, knowing how crazy you Brits are for this awesome game and that you won't be a part of this tourney.

[HylianHitman]

We won't be a part of it for a good reason.

[JasonA]

lol, you two only say that because England isn't in it.
sour grapes I declare!!!

but I must admit, it does leave a bad taste in my mouth, knowing how crazy you Brits are for this awesome game and that you won't be a part of this tourney.

I for one do not like anything about football - I only bother to watch the world cup on and off. So every 4 yrs I watch football. Other than that - running up and down a field just irritates me.

[Lotus 111s]

We deserve to be out, we are stupid enough to employ someone who has yet to achieve anything in club football, absolute bollox. Whats worse is he is going to get 2million pay-off. FOR FUCKING FAILING AT HIS JOB.

I can't write anymore about it, just gets my blood boiling.

Lets hope the FA have the sense to bring back the Home Nations tourney that would at least make next summer a bit more enjoyable.

I for one will watch the Euro's as i am a football fan once the tourney starts i will not be able to resist.

[HylianHitman]

Having Steve McClaren in the first place just screams compromise.

[Rossko_UK]

We deserve to be out, we are stupid enough to employ someone who has yet to achieve anything in club football, absolute bollox. Whats worse is he is going to get 2million pay-off. FOR FUCKING FAILING AT HIS JOB.

I can't write anymore about it, just gets my blood boiling.

Lets hope the FA have the sense to bring back the Home Nations tourney that would at least make next summer a bit more enjoyable.

I for one will watch the Euro's as i am a football fan once the tourney starts i will not be able to resist.

That's not entirely true. He was Middlesbrough's most successful manager, getting them to the UEFA Cup final. He also helped Man United to win the treble in '99 as the second in command, amongst other things.

He's certainly achieved quite a bit in his managerial career, but sadly the step up to international level was one too many/too soon.

[Lotus 111s]

That's not entirely true. He was Middlesbrough's most successful manager, getting them to the UEFA Cup final. He also helped Man United to win the treble in '99 as the second in command, amongst other things.

He's certainly achieved quite a bit in his managerial career, but sadly the step up to international level was one too many/too soon.

I remember very well when he left Man utd and Alex Ferguson said that he was a long way from being capable of managing a TOP level club, and would most likely fail for a very long time. Oh how right Fergy was (and i fucking hate saying that).

Also he got to the UEFA cup final on the back of some of the biggest luck EVER seen in modern day football with those ridiculous comebacks, then when they did get to the final they were completely outplayed.

Oh and to be Middlesborough's most successful manager is not to hard, they have barely won anything in the top flight.

[HylianHitman]

It was said of McClaren that he tends to bring luck to the table, no doubt because of the UEFA Cup run. I'd say it was a shame that his 'luck' couldn't save England, but with the way we played, we'd have only gotten our asses handed to us in the finals.

[Lotus 111s]

It was said of McClaren that he tends to bring luck to the table, no doubt because of the UEFA Cup run. I'd say it was a shame that his 'luck' couldn't save England, but with the way we played, we'd have only gotten our asses handed to us in the finals.

He must of gave the luck to the Russian's as they can't believe they are in the finals.

I wouldn't care if we would of been handed are arse's in the finals, at least we would of been there.

[HylianHitman]

I know what you mean, and yet we failed to manage even that.

[Rossko_UK]

I remember very well when he left Man utd and Alex Ferguson said that he was a long way from being capable of managing a TOP level club, and would most likely fail for a very long time. Oh how right Fergy was (and i fucking hate saying that).

Also he got to the UEFA cup final on the back of some of the biggest luck EVER seen in modern day football with those ridiculous comebacks, then when they did get to the final they were completely outplayed.

Oh and to be Middlesborough's most successful manager is not to hard, they have barely won anything in the top flight.

All true, the guy is much better as an assistant than he ever will be a head coach.

[The_Glovner]

a Euro cup without England.....sad day in the UK.
oh well, Italy is in (really wish that Scotland could've made it out of the group here too), so lets see if my boys can be reigning World and Euro champs!

Less than a year to go until the Euro. Can't wait, but I'm sure many on this board have lost all their interest in the tourney.....until it starts!

Sad day in the UK? LOL

Not quite, that cheered the rest of the UK right up.

And before the English start jumping on that statement, it ain't got anything to do with the team, there is no xenophobia being shown.

Just really that the rest of the UK can do without hearing Motson compare games in any way possible to England's never to be forgotten historic 1966 World Cup win and to be honest it was so long ago the comparisons are becoming more and more ridiculous with every major tournement.

[46Matt]

All is not lost, the U21's are doing very well, 6 games, 5 wins and a draw in their qualifying group, and the players actually want to play, either that or they are scared of being ripped into by Stuart Pearce!

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Sad day in the UK? LOL


my bad.....:P
but to be fair, Scotland didn't qualify either, so I guess it would be a sad day in MOST of the UK. For that matter, I don't think Ireland or Wales qualified either (could be wrong, don't think so but still....) so I guess my original comment was in fact correct.

Should've read:
Sad day in UK, as none of England, Scotland, Ireland and/or Wales will be part of the Euro cup next summer.

better now? or worse? :P

[The_Glovner]

better now? or worse? :P

Meh, more accurate anyway.

Most of us (realists) in Scotland aren't hugely dissapointed. The team did a lot better than everyone (worldwide, not just Scotland) would have thought with the group we had.

But our team had been so shit until this (Cheers Mr Vogts) that it was actually quite a good result at the end of the day, lets us hold some hope for the future with our young lads and there a lot more of the youngsters coming up in the ranks in the domestic game so all good things.

Now don't get me wrong, obviously we would have liked to have been there, but the fundemental difference is that unlike England (deny it all you want, but watch the media and try and tell me otherwise) we didn't "expect" to be there.

So yeah, ain't exactly over the moon, but really ain't that upset.

The worst thing about Scotland not being there and England not making it either is now I have nobody to shout for. The usual way it works is, Scotland don't go through, England does and then we get to support everyone that England plays against.

[Rossko_UK]

Haha yeah everyone expects England to qualify. And to be fair, we have enough decent players that makes this expectation realistic. That's why, when the players go out who are on £100,000 a week and give a performance that suggest they don't give it shit, it pisses people off.

The thing with the Scottish is your team is weaker than the English (as is Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland). So finishing third in a group such as Scotland's is of course quite a triumph, and rightly so. But let's be honest, England have a far superior team on paper; that's where the expectation comes from, and that's why the disappointment is so much for many.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

There are some things in sport that are expected. England isn't the only country with heavy expectations on their shoulders.

Canada is expected to compete/win every hockey tournament, the world over.
American are expected to be world beaters in basketball and track.
Asians are expected to excel in diving and speed skating.
The Norwegian, Swiss and Italian ski teams are always expected to do well.

and for the most part, the European soccer superpowers SHOULD be expected to be a part of every major tournament.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is that England has no greater/lessar expectations than does France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Spain and/or Portugal). Of course, when you have a great team on paper, it makes you just that much bigger a target, doesn't it.

Still, its a shame......as a long suffering Leafs fan (41 years without the cup this year) I can definately sympathize with the fans of English soccer (42 years without THE Cup this year).

[HylianHitman]

The funny thing is some sections of the media (tabloid papers especially) always claim our side will win whatever big tourney. Not just in football either, but in other sports too. Formula 1 is big here again because of Lewis Hamilton, for example. They also said the England football team of a few years ago was the golden generation. I'll believe that when we win back the World Cup. As far as I know, our golden generation was in 1966.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

The dreamer that I am......

I envision a future where the caliblre of talent on display in the Gold Cup is equal to that in the Euro. Where a North American team has a legitimate shot at a World Cup. Where the MLS will not be just a haven for older players looking for that one, last, big pay cheque......

*pinch*
then I woke up.....

let's just say that I WISH the Canadian mens team had the same type of lofty expectations on them. As it is, we couldn't even compete with a South African team in a friendly last week.....and they were fielding their reserves against our starters!!!!

oi.....its a long road, and it appears to be uphill.

[HylianHitman]

The England side have quite a hill to climb too. Their first step is to stop being pompous chavs and man up. They could take a look at our rugby team. I can believe that they'd be considered one of the best teams in the world. They managed to turn around their rugby World Cup campaign and make it to the final. Unlike the Middlesbrough discussion, they weren't completely outclassed by South Africa.

[Rossko_UK]

The funny thing is some sections of the media (tabloid papers especially) always claim our side will win whatever big tourney. Not just in football either, but in other sports too. Formula 1 is big here again because of Lewis Hamilton, for example. They also said the England football team of a few years ago was the golden generation. I'll believe that when we win back the World Cup. As far as I know, our golden generation was in 1966.

Well we should have won the Euros in '96, we had a cracking team then. A sad day that was when Twat Southgate (that was his first name right?) missed that penalty. Since then, well, there's not been a lot to cheer about.

[HylianHitman]

Well I had meant the days under Sven, but we probably had more of a chance back then.

Penalty shootouts have never been our side's strong point. Of course penalties could have been avoided, but that's just the way it went on the day. :(

Btw Twat Southgate as you call him, now manages lowly Middlesbrough :D

[Lotus 111s]

A sad day that was when Twat Southgate (that was his first name right?) missed that penalty.

Thanks for the chuckle Ross 'Twat' is a polite way of saying it, then again who is the bigger twat South'can't hit a barn door'gate for taking a penalty or Venebals for letting him take one.

[Rossko_UK]

Thanks for the chuckle Ross 'Twat' is a polite way of saying it, then again who is the bigger twat South'can't hit a barn door'gate for taking a penalty or Venebals for letting him take one.

Haha yeah true. Although I was a big fan of Venables, mainly because he was a Spurs man once :X

[Gaz-DanaWalker]

C'MON RANGERS!!!!!!!!

[Lotus 111s]

C'MON RANGERS!!!!!!!!

Congrats dude, you were really lucky to get through but deserved it from sheer effort. Better than my team did (Liverpool) against lucky rich fuckers Chelsea. I will be supporting Rangers and Man U in the finals.

Good luck.

[Gaz-DanaWalker]

cheers bro.

We were extremely lucky to hold off to penaltys last night.
I hope the final is going to be an exciting game. I dont want to see them defend and play the long ball all game. I think Walter Smith should think bout using 2 strikers.

im goin down to Manchester for the Man Utd final for the atmosphere.

[Strawbs]

I know soccer is big across the pond but I personally do not fancy it. O-) I played a lot of sports when I was a kid and soccer was one that I just never enjoyed all that much. I'm a big fan of baseball, (US) football, and golf. I also enjoy playing basketball.

[360NORML]

Champions League final today! I can't wait for the 2010 final so I can actually watch the game live and not after work. Whats everybodys prediction? Who do ya want to win? I'm not a big fan for either team so I'll just be hoping for an exciting match. My prediction United wins 2-1.

[46Matt]

Not even going to watch it as it will likely be like most end of season finals, a boring stale match. Not sure whether the players are tired or if its because they have one eye on their summer hols but they are normally crappy.

[kidkit]

That seems like a silly reason to miss a sporting event... You never know what might happen (italy france wasn't that exciting, but the headbutt! Hell yeah!)

[HylianHitman]

Manchester United vs Chelsea in the Champions League final is a pretty big thing over here.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

FACT: There are over 50000 english football fans in Moscow today.

FACT: There are not enough hotel rooms in Moscow today to house all the 50000 said fans.

FACT: Moscow police added 6000 officers to their street forces for this week.

FACT: Moscow police have also banned public consumption of booze for the week ("in Russia!??!??! WTF? are you kidding me?" was my reaction :P)

FACT: The fans of ManU were forced to land at one airport, while the fans for Chelsea were forced to land at a different airport in Moscow to avoid confrontations in the terminal. Rival political leaders don't land at separate airports.

MEGA FACT: mass9 stuck in the office this afternoon, and will be forced to watch a replay later tonight......;(

[kidkit]

FACT: kidkit skipped the afternoon to watch the match :)

[Gaz-DanaWalker]

FACT: I went all the way to Manchester to watch this at the Trafford Bar next to Old Trafford.

FACT: It was one of my favourite experiences ever!!!!

Anyone on here go to old trafford after the game for the party???
I got interviewed for KEY103 Radio. Is this a big radio station???

[Lotus 111s]

I got interviewed for KEY103 Radio. Is this a big radio station???

Er never heard of them.

As for the game thoroughly enjoyed it, i am a Liverpool supporter so as long as Chelsea didn't win i was happy. For me though the best moment of the match came with 6mins of ET left when Drogba (donkey as we call him) got sent off, that was just fantastic and was one of those sweet moment's in sport that you dream of watching/witnessing live. I and so many of my mates hate him as he is a whining (hence the donkey name) cheating ass wipe of a human being.

Also unlucky to Rangers but the best team really did win that match.

[360NORML]

USA vs. England today.

Also here is the new MLS Seattle soccer teams jersey with sponsor:

http://www.soundersfc.com/uploadedImages/Home/080528xboxjersey.jpg

press release (http://www.soundersfc.com/Article.aspx?id=1596) on the news

[Lotus 111s]

Well Euro 2008 has started watched the Swiss Vs Czech's not a bad game at all for the opener. Just watching the Portugal Vs Turkey game and that's pretty good to.

Can't help but feel disappointed that England are not in it though just takes a little something away from the whole excitement, shame but still going to watch it and hope France or Germany don't win it. sorry to any French or Germans reading this, nothing against you personally just got something against your teams.

[HylianHitman]

They probably get it, Lotus. They're probably laughing their heads off at the fact that none of the home countries are in the finals.

[Lotus 111s]

They probably get it, Lotus. They're probably laughing their heads off at the fact that none of the home countries are in the finals.

Personally i think England, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and Germany should get automatic entry to the competition to make sure it has the best possible teams in it. the others can fight for the rest of the spaces. Or maybe getting in on FIFA seedings, something like that anyway.

Guess i am just gutted at the fact we are to shit to qualify from a very easy group.

[HylianHitman]

They might have good teams on paper (like England), but that doesn't always mean they'll perform well on the day and win. If that was the case, Greece wouldn't have won back in '04.

[Lotus 111s]

Greece wouldn't have won back in '04.

One of the luckiest tournament wins EVER, after France's world cup win of course. ;)

[Rossko_UK]

Personally i think England, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and Germany should get automatic entry to the competition to make sure it has the best possible teams in it. the others can fight for the rest of the spaces. Or maybe getting in on FIFA seedings, something like that anyway.

Guess i am just gutted at the fact we are to shit to qualify from a very easy group.

Lol that's a ridiculous idea. Arguably the best teams are in the Finals, and England are not one of them. Hence the whole qualification thing;it's sorts the shit teams from the good teams, and quite frankly England didn't deserve to be there, as much as that hurts me to say it.

[Chris]

Lol that's a ridiculous idea. Arguably the best teams are in the Finals, and England are not one of them. Hence the whole qualification thing;it's sorts the shit teams from the good teams, and quite frankly England didn't deserve to be there, as much as that hurts me to say it.

Just like in American sports, everyone seems to think it's a popularity contest. Not a skill contest.

[HylianHitman]

I think our national side will improve under Fabio Capello. He's a sight better than fucking Steve McClaren.

[Lotus 111s]

I think our national side will improve under Fabio Capello. He's a sight better than fucking Steve McClaren.

Steve McClaren is the biggest ever fuck up by the FA. He has never achieved anything as a manager and never will. Utter useless fucking wanker.

Excuse my language.


Lol that's a ridiculous idea. Arguably the best teams are in the Finals, and England are not one of them. Hence the whole qualification thing;it's sorts the shit teams from the good teams, and quite frankly England didn't deserve to be there, as much as that hurts me to say it.

The thing is this was a idea banded about recently by Sepp Blatter or Michel Platini can't remember which one, but yes you are right we didn't deserve to be there going by our qualification campaign, i am sure though once we were at the contest we would of actually played football instead of standing on the pitch daydreaming how to spend next week's £100,000 pay check like certain players did **cough** F.Lampard **cough** W.Rooney **cough** R.Ferdinand, a few others as well.

Back to the Euro's anyway and i see Germany have lost none of their luck, I think Poland played very well shame really they didn't win. Although can't see Germany winning much playing this poorly.

I will be supporting Romania later on today though hoping that France fall out at the first hurdle.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Expectations seldom match reality.
The teams that SHOULD be there ARE there.

One of the luckiest tournament wins EVER, after France's world cup win of course. ;)

'92 Denmark perhaps?
though '92 may have been more Devine Intervention vs. dumb luck.8)7

and if I could aska favour gentlemen, say a prayer for the Azzuri (yeah.....I can just see all the UK-ers and Irish bums doing THAT!!! lol). The group of death gets underway today, and I'm gutted because we no longer have cable services in my office, hence, no games this afternoon.

I'll be doing my best to avoid the outside world until I can watch the replays later tonight from home.

:(

[HylianHitman]

You're in Canada, you shouldn't have too much to worry about. Now if this was ice hockey, you'd be in some deep shit.

[46Matt]

Expectations seldom match reality.
The teams that SHOULD be there ARE there.



'92 Denmark perhaps?
though '92 may have been more Devine Intervention vs. dumb luck.8)7

and if I could aska favour gentlemen, say a prayer for the Azzuri (yeah.....I can just see all the UK-ers and Irish bums doing THAT!!! lol). The group of death gets underway today, and I'm gutted because we no longer have cable services in my office, hence, no games this afternoon.

I'll be doing my best to avoid the outside world until I can watch the replays later tonight from home.

:(

Obviously not enough praying was done :P

[Lotus 111s]

Obviously not enough praying was done :P

Or just the fact that Italy are the oldest team in the tournament and were simply not good enough, well done the Dutch for breaking a 30yr losing streak you fully deserved the win and that second goal will probably be the Team goal of the tournament.

As for the Romania Vs France game the less said about that pile of stinking shit the better.

[The_Glovner]

Personally i think England, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and Germany should get automatic entry to the competition to make sure it has the best possible teams in it. the others can fight for the rest of the spaces. Or maybe getting in on FIFA seedings, something like that anyway.

Guess i am just gutted at the fact we are to shit to qualify from a very easy group.

Going by that idea Scotland deserved to be there this year far more than England did.

[Lotus 111s]

Going by that idea Scotland deserved to be there this year far more than England did.

I agree totally that Scotland's performance during qualification was outstanding really and you DID deserve to be there probably more than England did, i was gutted for you really, at least if you had made it i would of had a team to genuinely support.

[Rossko_UK]

I agree totally that Scotland's performance during qualification was outstanding really and you DID deserve to be there probably more than England did, i was gutted for you really, at least if you had made it i would of had a team to genuinely support.

Why is it that most English supporters will support another home nation in a tournament, but all the other home nations never support England? I've always wondered this.

[HylianHitman]

They'd probably support one another or go without.

[The_Glovner]

I think I can clear this up, it has nothing to do with the country but the arrogance of the media concerning the team.

Or thats my reason. Looking on the media coverage of the qualifiers it was bigger news that England wasn't about to qualify than the fact that Scotland was on the verge in what was easily the most difficult group. Reason? Because it is expected of England and this is brandished about by the media that England is (supposedly) the greatest team on the planet, which obviously going by results in major tournements is a lot of shit. So what do we hear in reply to this? Constant referals to fucking 1966. It was over 40 years ago yet everytime England exit the tunnel we have to sit and listen to, "This year, with this team, England should recreate the greatness of 19 fucking 6 cocking 6". Most of the people that use it as a boast weren't even fucking born when it happened and so the saying goes you are only as good as your last game.

So for me it's this constant expectence from the Eglish media that England is almost "owed" another tournement win that makes me either not support or support the other team, I can't think of any other teams that show this blatent arrogance.

Coupled with the fact that England aren't that great anyway, its a team full of big names with even bigger egos that can't play for shit together.

[Lotus 111s]

..... England aren't that great anyway, its a team full of big names with even bigger egos that can't play for shit together.

You forgot the grossly overpaid part of that.

Edit:

Infact i think instead of win bonuses there should be loss fines, say £75.000 per player per loss or maybe 1 months wages, i bet they would play better then.

[Lotus 111s]

Well played to the Croats infact fucking fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed watching the Germans getting beaten.

Also well played Romania, they should of won the game, the Italians didn't deserve a thing from that game.

Now i am going to become a temporary Dutchmen, for the France Vs Holland game.

COME ON HOLLAND

[nofear360]

Can't wait to see the match!!

[Lotus 111s]

Well played to Holland, really are looking like the team of the tournament along with Spain so far, bye bye France even if you somehow squeeze into second round you have nothing any of the top teams can't deal with.

[nofear360]

I was lolling throughout the whole match! :D That last goal was just icing on the cake.

[HylianHitman]

The Croats really are a black horse, aren't they?

[Lotus 111s]

The Croats really are a black horse, aren't they?

Yeah they are, i think they have a good chance to sneak it.

Spain didn't look so great against the Swedes last night but still think they are in with a shout along with the Dutch.

[46Matt]

I'm glad that we picked up Modric before the tournament as I think there would be a fair few people looking to sign him now.

I think that it will be Holland's year though, they look really strong all over the pitch.

[360NORML]

Man am I glad I took the day off to watch the Portugal/Germany match.

[HylianHitman]

It looks like Portugal are going out.

[Chris]

I'm glad I don't watch this poop.

[max2663]

Holland vs Germany in the final is my extremely biased opinion

[HylianHitman]

You would say that Chris. Just because soccer isn't an American sport. I think that's it really.

[Chris]

You would say that Chris. Just because soccer isn't an American sport. I think that's it really.

So? :'(

[Lotus 111s]

You would say that Chris. Just because soccer isn't an American sport. I think that's it really.

Don't even go there dude, they will never understand why the most played sport in the world is not something they are any good at. We are talking about a country that call there own internal (as in only America play it) competitions 'World Series', COME ON wtf is that about.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Don't even go there dude, they will never understand why the most played sport in the world is not something they are any good at. We are talking about a country that call there own internal (as in only America play it) competitions 'World Series', COME ON wtf is that about.

re: World Series
not JUST American teams......The Toronto Blue Jays are a part of MLB as well. (holders of the '92 and '93 titles.....yeah, that's right BACK-TO-BACK baby!!!! too bad it was 15+ years ago. Glory days, eh?)

re: America and soccer
If anyone thinks the USA will NOT be a soccer powerhouse in the near-mid future is lying to only themselves. $$$$$ alone says it will be so. If there's anything the USA likes more than anything, its winning. Give them a taste, and the rest of the world had better watch out. It won't happen tomorrow. It won't happen in the next 4 years, but their time is coming.....in my own humble opinion of course ;)

back on topic:
Let's go Russia, Let's go Italy, Let's go Turkey (playing like gangbusters, I don't think they'll keep it up against the Croats, but whatever....). The Germs look to have an easy march to the finals, while the weekend games are going to be insane. I can't wait, I'm on pins+needles.

[Lotus 111s]

So much for Croatia being the Dark Horse of the tournament, they have firmly passed that title to the Turks. Amazing result, guess it means the Germans are in the final for certain now, AGAIN. :(

[HylianHitman]

Teams from two countries hardly make it a World Series, mass. The World Cup (of soccer) is more aptly named, considering that teams from all over the world participate in it.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

@ Hitman, obviously!!! 8)7
I was just making a passing comment.

re: Euro's

How does everything Gus Hiddink touch turn to gold?
Considering Spain owned possesion of the ball (practically!) the whole game, and how snake bitten they seemed to be around the net and that the Russian's are seemingly getting stronger with each game, how can I not give them a fair chance of winning this semi?

oh, and if Germany ISN'T in the finals, I'll eat my own shoes for breakfast. After all, its the most important meal of the day.

[Chris]

:O

[Lotus 111s]

oh, and if Germany ISN'T in the finals, I'll eat my own shoes for breakfast. After all, its the most important meal of the day.

My money is on Germany getting to the finals, that will not stop me supporting the Turks like mad tonight.

\o/ \o/ Turkey, Turkey, Turkey, Turkey, Turkey, Turkey, Turkey, Turkey, Turkey, Turkey. \o/ \o/

[Lotus 111s]

As usual the bloody Germans get all the luck and go through to yet ANOTHER final!!!!!

The Turks should of won that game, they played better, had the better chances, just didn't have the luck that Germans seem to be able to find.

Now my hope is Russia or Spain win in the finals by at least a 4-0 thrashing, some chance i know but i can dream.

Well best of luck to Russia though, they really are in a good position to beat the Spanish, although if Spain play to their potential they will win it easily, i just think the Russian's deserve to win the tournament for playing so well after a terrible start. Still good luck to both really as am i not that bothered as long as they beat Germany in the finals.

[nofear360]

I don't get why everybody is hating on the Germans so much ... like it or not, they have a great team. I don't think it's all down to luck ...

[Ivan Joidherpus]

sadly, I still think Zee Germans are going to take it this time.

Russia will win today. I base that on the absolutely lackluster performance by Spain v. Italy (both teams played probably the WORST MATCH of the tournament so far....were ALL the players stuck in mud or wearing ankle weights?) and the fact that Russia have played better and better with each passing match since the return of Arshavin (sp? can't be bothered to look it up).

oh, and of course, the midas touch of Gus will help too.

[nofear360]

(both teams played probably the WORST MATCH of the tournament so far....were ALL the players stuck in mud or wearing ankle weights?)
Agreed, that match sucked SOOO BAD. The most boring match of the tournament for sure!

Can't wait to see Spain vs. Russia later today. Me and my friends will be watching it at some pub again. The atmosphere is much better that way :).

Oh, and my bet's on Russia as well.

[360NORML]

Hmmm, thinking about it now Spain hasn't really shined in the tourney except for their first match against the Russians but I still think they will get past Russia. In my opinion Russia caught a Dutch team that cruised through the group stage off guard. Kinda like what happened to Portugal in my opinion both teams went into the knock-out stage over confident and not truly tested.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

возможно в следующий раз парни

Maybe next time guys.......;(

ah well, I guess given my options I'm now cheering for Germany. Why do I feel dirty just typing that sentence? ugh....

[HylianHitman]

I'm not deciphering that. Did Russia lose or something?

[nofear360]

I'm not deciphering that. Did Russia lose or something?
Don't you have a TV?? :P

They lost, yeah ;).

[Lotus 111s]

ah well, I guess given my options I'm now cheering for Germany. Why do I feel dirty just typing that sentence? ugh....

I am never speaking to you EVER again mass, you should be hung,drawn and quartered for saying such things. ;) ;)

Poor Russia they really were outclassed by the Spaniards, if Spain play like that in the final they should beat Germany, you just can't bet against the Germans though, they will probably get the most ridiculous luck as usual and win it.

All i can say is,

COME ON SPAIN

[HylianHitman]

I am never speaking to you EVER again mass, you should be hung,drawn and quartered for saying such things. ;) ;)

Poor Russia they really were outclassed by the Spaniards, if Spain play like that in the final they should beat Germany, you just can't bet against the Germans though, they will probably get the most ridiculous luck as usual and win it.

All i can say is,

COME ON SPAIN

Dude, I think it was Geoff Hurst who pretty much said the same thing.

[Lotus 111s]

Thank you Spain, i have never enjoyed such a boring game of football as i did this one, i was a little drunk though :drunk:, i have never celebrated a goal quite like this, still quite pissed typing this, poor old Germany luck run out did it? such a shame!.

Oh Spain we love you, we do, oh Spain we love you we do, oh Spain we love you.....................................

Now i goto wait 6-7 weeks before i watch another football game, damn how do you survive that?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Oh Spain we love you, we do, oh Spain we love you we do, oh Spain we love you.............................
Oh Spain we love you, we do, oh Spain we love you we do, oh Spain we love you.............................

[Lotus 111s]

Woo Hoo well done Spain, thank god the German luck ran out. They were completely outclassed and frankly it showed that the Germans didn't really deserve to be in the final, just that bloody luck got them there.

Still well done to Spain for breaking that 44 year curse of not winning anything major, maybe now England can follow suit and break there long standing drought in 2 years at the World Cup Finals (if we get there of course).

Now to last 6-7 weeks without a game of football :'(

[Rossko_UK]

Did you forget that you'd already posted something earlier this morning?!

But yeah I was delighted for Spain, glad the Krauts didn't win, hate them with a passion (I've never forgiven them for Euro '96). Crappy game though as you said.

[Chris]

What'd they do in '96?

[Ivan Joidherpus]

@ Chris

they beat England, that's what they did.

@ Lotus

I'm glad you're happy, but I must admit, I'm scared!!!
For the first time in my 27 years on this earth, the Spainish national team DIDN'T self destruct in the quarter-final of a major international tournament.

WTF?!?!??!!! has the world gone mad??? 8)7

Truth be told, this tournament had its share of exciting games (think Netherlands v. Russia, or ANYTHING involving those guys from Turkey) but also its share of bores (think yesterday's final game.....BORING!!!!!).

So......are we thinking of World Cup qualifiers yet? I am....O-)

[Lotus 111s]

Did you forget that you'd already posted something earlier this morning?!

OOOPPPPS :o I was very drunk last night, watched the game at a mate's house and got bolloxed, i can't even remember typing it in my GF said it took me bloody ages to do it, i didn't check this morning when i typed the other post, oh well it was worth two post's i enjoyed it so much.

[46Matt]

@ Chris

they beat England, that's what they did.

@ Lotus

I'm glad you're happy, but I must admit, I'm scared!!!
For the first time in my 27 years on this earth, the Spainish national team DIDN'T self destruct in the quarter-final of a major international tournament.

WTF?!?!??!!! has the world gone mad??? 8)7

Truth be told, this tournament had its share of exciting games (think Netherlands v. Russia, or ANYTHING involving those guys from Turkey) but also its share of bores (think yesterday's final game.....BORING!!!!!).

So......are we thinking of World Cup qualifiers yet? I am....O-)

More interested in the new prem season, only 7 more weeks! Woo :)

[46Matt]

Well anyone here who happens to be a Liverpool FC supporter should be super happy now with the imminent signing of Robbie Keane. He was our best player of recent memory and always gave his all. Personally my favourite player and will be a big loss.

[Lotus 111s]

Well anyone here who happens to be a Liverpool FC supporter should be super happy now with the imminent signing of Robbie Keane. He was our best player of recent memory and always gave his all. Personally my favourite player and will be a big loss.

I am a BIG Liverpool supporter and although i think Robbie Keane would be a good signing, i don't think he is worth the touted £20 Milllion that's being thrown around maybe £10-12 Million would be be a more reasonable fee.
All i know is i am bloody glad we got rid of Crouch, i had enough of his CONSTANT giving away of free kicks for climbing over people when there is no need, as he is 6" taller than most people playing, also both Liverpool and England resort to the long ball game when he is on.

[46Matt]

Trust me he will be worth every penny, he is worth way more than berbatov, of the two i would rather berbatov went as Keane has a far bigger impact on games

[Lotus 111s]

Trust me he will be worth every penny, he is worth way more than berbatov, of the two i would rather berbatov went as Keane has a far bigger impact on games

I would prefer Berbatov, he oozes class, were as Keane although good is more of a traditional British(Irish in his case) work hard, play tough but not massively creative player. Also i think players that have moved around alot always have this ability to not fit into a team when they should and Keane has had some serious transfer money spent on him now.

As i was writing this i thought i would find out how much was spent on him and bumped into this http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~1353008,00.html £20.3 Million for a player that ONLY scored 15 Prem goals last season, he better not disappoint at that money, Liverpool now must have the most expensive strike partnership in the Premiership, we still won't win it though as we are severely lacking in quality players everywhere else.

[tt189]

What are you talking about please tell in detail.

[Lotus 111s]

What are you talking about please tell in detail.

Errrr !?!?!?!?!

Football and in mine and matt's case Keane moving to Liverpool, you have only got to read back half a dozen posts to get that !??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[HylianHitman]

Dude, maybe he doesn't care.

[Lotus 111s]

Dude, maybe he doesn't care.

Your right but still i get carried away sometimes and just start typing.

Mental note don't reply to spammers.

[46Matt]

Woo, new prem season kicks off tomorrow, i have my new sky+ box fitted and subscription to sky sports at the ready and will make it my own mission to watch as many games as possible, might draw the line if they show 'boro v wigan tho.

[Lotus 111s]

Woo, new prem season kicks off tomorrow, i have my new sky+ box fitted and subscription to sky sports at the ready and will make it my own mission to watch as many games as possible, might draw the line if they show 'boro v wigan tho.

Should of gone for Sky+HD well worth it, watching football in HD, nothing like it. Although it will not make BorovsWigan a good game to watch though :P. Now all we need is MOTD in HD and the world will be sorted ;)

[46Matt]

Isn't there a BBC HD channel already? Then again I'm not sure if the world is ready for a High def. Mark Lawrenson!

[Lotus 111s]

Isn't there a BBC HD channel already? Then again I'm not sure if the world is ready for a High def. Mark Lawrenson!

Oh yeah there is BBC HD, has been for 2 years, trouble is they show next nothing on it, there has been live football broadcast on it, never MOTD though. They really need to get there asses in gear or maybe there is some stupid reason like SKY brought all the HD rights or something to Premiership games, whatever the reason i want MOTD in HD NOW.

[Chris]

New 360 controller confirmed but only limited edition... (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3169498)

can anyone find where I can import/preorder this?

[Rossko_UK]

New 360 controller confirmed but only limited edition... (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3169498)

can anyone find where I can import/preorder this?

I don't know any of the major UK retailers who ship internationally. Your best bet might be here (http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop), or maybe Play-Asia (do they sell UK-based stuff?).

I might buy a few and sell them, I reckon US guys would snap them up.

This also serves as a lesson to America: enjoy a decent sport next time!

[Lotus 111s]

New 360 controller confirmed but only limited edition... (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3169498)

can anyone find where I can import/preorder this?

Should be made the de-facto standard, worldwide, for 360 pads. The only real failing of the 360 pad for me is the d-pad and there are games i would only buy on the PS3 simply because of the d-pad.

[Chris]

Same here. Get it out before Street Fighter 4 releases.

[Lotus 111s]

While bored today waiting to start my new job in a week i bumped in to this video, put a smile on my face at least.

http://www.break.com/index/bootyful-soccer-video.html

[whatev]

Anybody watch the American Football game over there this weekend? I watched on TV, it was a great game! I know the NFL is pretty irrelevant over there, but was anybody inteerested in the NFL @ all after watching?

FYI, I'm an NFL fanboy so ...

[46Matt]

So a pretty interesting weekend for us Spurs fans (I know there are atd least a couple more other than me here :))

To say I was shocked when watching the telly on Sunday and seeing Harry Redknap as our new manager would be an understatement. Personally I think it is a brilliant deal but I really didn't expect Ramos to be ousted so hastily. I mean after all the effort that the board went through to get their man the last time I thought that they would end up sticking by him to the detriment of the club so they didnt have to admit that they made a mistake.

How Ramos has won as much as has is a miff to me. I've never seen a less organised team than Spurs have been this season, and to an extent last season. I think it didnt show so much last year as due to the Keane Berbatov pairing his hand was forced and he had to shape the team around them. However this year just picking 5 midfielders and letting them get on with it just doesn't work. On more than one occasion I've seen players standing looking at the bench and shrugging their shoulders as they don't know what role they are expected to play.

Hopefully Harry can sort it out and get some stability back, at least he hasn't got the meddling Commoli to contend with.

Anybody watch the American Football game over there this weekend? I watched on TV, it was a great game! I know the NFL is pretty irrelevant over there, but was anybody inteerested in the NFL @ all after watching?

FYI, I'm an NFL fanboy so ...

I watched a little bit not enough to get into it though. I never understood the rules until a while back so I got a Madden game and at least it makes a bit of sense now. It's an ok game, I don't get all the hype really, give me 'real' football anyday;)

[Rossko_UK]

I tried to watch the NFL, but the bloody commentators (on UK tele at least) spent more time discussing the NFL-going-international thing than they did commenting on the game, which really hacked me off. It also hurt to see the Wembley pitch getting so badly treated, considering it's a bitch already to deal with for our real football stars.

And the Spurs situation blew me away. I went into work at 8AM Sunday morning and thought my mate was winding me up! Had to be naughty and go online during work hours to see what the hell was going on. I didn't agree with others that Ramos should go, I always felt he should be given time, need consistency etc. But 'Arry is awesome so I'm delighted about that. Anyone else I wouldn't have been happy!

[spunky2007]

i must admit i thought they would have stuck with Ramos till January at least, although im a gooner and enjoy seeing spurs suffer i thought Ramos would have come good in the end. Managers get hardly any time at all in footy these days, its a ruthless business. you got the right man in for the job now though.

Not so sure about Tony Adams at Pompey, he was a disaster at Wycombe so i just hope he has learned alot between now and then. Fingers crossed he suceeds, after all he is a god in all gooners eyes.

[Rossko_UK]

Hey you're from Newquay, I'm currently on holiday in Falmouth!

If you get a chance you should check out some of the quotes from Adams in the Daily Mail today, bloody hilarious and bizarre!

[46Matt]

i must admit i thought they would have stuck with Ramos till January at least, although im a gooner and enjoy seeing spurs suffer i thought Ramos would have come good in the end. Managers get hardly any time at all in footy these days, its a ruthless business. you got the right man in for the job now though.

Not so sure about Tony Adams at Pompey, he was a disaster at Wycombe so i just hope he has learned alot between now and then. Fingers crossed he suceeds, after all he is a god in all gooners eyes.

Big game tonight though! See if Harry can work some magic and get a result at the Emirates.

[spunky2007]

Hey you're from Newquay, I'm currently on holiday in Falmouth!

If you get a chance you should check out some of the quotes from Adams in the Daily Mail today, bloody hilarious and bizarre!

you certainly picked a nice time to visit the tropics of Cornwall! not usually a Autumn/winter holiday destination. but welcome anyway! now remember whilst you're down here, never visit Camborne or Redruth its halloween all year round there and you will be asked to show your passport and dont forget to buy yourself a bright red hoody with "Newquay - Lifeguard" on it. even if you dont go to newquay its a must have for all tourists!! (us locals cant stand them!)

yeah big game for the gooners tonight, sods law Harry will do the magic like he normally does and snatch a victory over us. (but i hope he doesnt!!)

[46Matt]

What a game last night!!! Piss poor defending by both teams but that was a crazy last 5 mins.

[Rossko_UK]

I went fucking mental when that fourth goal for us went in last night! It felt like a win after the rollercoaster of emotions that was felt for 90 mins. If there was ever a good advert for the real football, this was it.

[46Matt]

Same here, I think Bentley's celebrating summed up the feelings of every Spurs fan. Was it just me or did the pitch invader guy look like Malbranque?

[Rossko_UK]

Same here, I think Bentley's celebrating summed up the feelings of every Spurs fan. Was it just me or did the pitch invader guy look like Malbranque?

Haha I wasn't really looking, I was jumping round the room like a lunatic! I'd had a few beers too so my emotions were sky high!

[spunky2007]

you wouldnt believe how gutted i was when that final whistle went!!!! it was a game in which i think we dominated and should have won reasonably comfortably. (i think at one point martin tyler even questioned whether it would be a reversal of the 5-1 score last season), but i give credit to spurs for their comeback and passion to not give up, but im just sooo annoyed that a team of arsenal's quality can let a game slip away from them like that?!

as you have said it was a great advert for the premiership and for every neutral out there it must have been a superb watch.......... but im still going to mope and be miserable about it! :-(

[Lotus 111s]

for every neutral out there it must have been a superb watch..........

I can safely say it was a great game for us neutrals, especially as Arsenal didn't win (Liverpool fan incase you're wondering), i just hope we can beat them on Saturday, i have this feeling we won't as we have been very lucky lately and without Torres we really have no decent striker's to scare a defense.

[Jamzy No 2]

I watched it live on the tv. It was one of the best games I've seen for a long time. I reckon maybe Chelsea-Spurs last season was better, but i only managed to catch the highlights for that. It's not evrey week you get such a brilliant game like that and I enjoyed evrey minute of it.


And for the record, it was a deffo foul on Bently before the Silvestre goal in my oppinion. Then again I think Jenas fouled someone before Bently scored so it dosn't bother me.

[46Matt]

The Chelsea game last season was an awesome game, Keanes goal at the end was genius. I get the feeling that Saturday will be the day Robbie returns to form :(

[Lotus 111s]

I get the feeling that Saturday will be the day Robbie returns to form :(

Lets hope so as for £20 million he looks massively overpriced at the moment, we need him now as Torres is out for a few games.

[Rossko_UK]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Fuck all you Liverpool fans!

[Lotus 111s]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Fuck all you Liverpool fans!

Now that's not nice, what's it like all the way down there? propping up the table? at least we have a small chance of winning something significant this year ;) also you know that you need skill not luck to get anywhere, and you were so fucking lucky on sat and wed and you know that, Man city will probably put 7 past you.

[46Matt]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Fuck all you Liverpool fans!

I couldnt believe it! What a week.

[Rossko_UK]

So as a Spurs fan I find the whole Sol Campbell issue rather amusing.

While I am not in any way racist, I find the whole issue of arresting those chanting as somewhat unfair (for our American friends (http://wallscometumblingdown.wordpress.com/2008/12/11/redux-sol-sol-wherever-you-may-be-football-abuse-and-human-rights/).

"He's big/He's black/He takes it up the crack/Sol Campbell, Sol Campbell."

This is it to the tune of Lord of the Dance:

Sol, Sol, wherever you may be/You're on the verge of lunacy/And we don't give a fuck if you're hanging from a tree/You Judas cunt with HIV.

I can't be the only one that lol'd right?!

I've also heard far worse chanting in my time too which has never seen any action. And considering how much these wankers earn, I think they could probably deal with any such abuse by buying a new car or something. Just seems silly to me.

[Jamzy No 2]

lmao. no, you're not the only one.

I'm also here to show a little bit of pride. my local team (in the Confrence North) won 6-3 at the weekend. Get in thier Gateshead!!

[46Matt]

I'm sure that there has been worse chanting, they just chose now as the time to make an example of it.

I wonder if Jason Lee ever got over the "pineapple on his head" chant? :D

[Lotus 111s]

So as a Spurs fan I find the whole Sol Campbell issue rather amusing.

While I am not in any way racist, I find the whole issue of arresting those chanting as somewhat unfair (for our American friends (http://wallscometumblingdown.wordpress.com/2008/12/11/redux-sol-sol-wherever-you-may-be-football-abuse-and-human-rights/).



I can't be the only one that lol'd right?!

I've also heard far worse chanting in my time too which has never seen any action. And considering how much these wankers earn, I think they could probably deal with any such abuse by buying a new car or something. Just seems silly to me.


Have you been on the receiving end of racial abuse?, i have the whole time i was at school just for being half Italian, you really can't appreciate what it feels like, and no amount of money will make it bearable, the quicker they stamp out these neanderthal spineless fools the better. Whats worse barely a single one would have the guts or even the inclination to do it face to face in the street, so why should they be allowed to just because they are in a crowd and think they have anonymity. Nothing gets my back up more than this subject.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Have you been on the receiving end of racial abuse?, i have the whole time i was at school just for being half Italian, you really can't appreciate what it feels like, and no amount of money will make it bearable, the quicker they stamp out these neanderthal spineless fools the better. Whats worse barely a single one would have the guts or even the inclination to do it face to face in the street, so why should they be allowed to just because they are in a crowd and think they have anonymity. Nothing gets my back up more than this subject.

WORD!

I find it a bit alarming that the amount of money someone makes is inversly related to how they should be treated as a human being. Racism and bigotry are beyond inexcusable. They are stupid acts and verbal volleys fired by cowards and close minded fools. A new car wouldnt change that. Two new cars wouldnt' change that. A new Lambo.....maybe.....lol.

Attacking someone's contract, or the amount of money they make is totally cool with me, provided the player in question is playing like a bum. But to say its ok to throw rascist remarks out there just because "they make a lot of money".....well....I can't see the logic there.

Besides, there are just as many white players who aren't earning their pay cheques, right? as pointed out above me:

"Lets hope so as for £20 million he looks massively overpriced at the moment.....

guess it's time to make fun of his culture/religion/nationality/sexual orientation? :P

[Rossko_UK]

Woo, Newcastle relegated! Good times!