Football (Soccer to those across the pond)

[pyan]

Yes, much as I like Blackpool's style of play, over the season and on the day Wet Spam deserved to come up and join us in the Premiership.

(oh, I enjoyed writing that so much - in fact, I'm going to say it again...)

Yes, much as I like Blackpool's style of play, over the season and on the day Wet Spam deserved to come up and join us in the Premiership...


Probably just as well for Big Sam's health: I've never seen anyone go as close to having apoplexy in the technical area as he does on a regular basis.

[Snowdog]

I thought Blackpool were much the better side today, but two mistakes and missing a hatful of chances cost them dear. West Ham, despite my disliking them, deserved promotion based on their form over the season.

Since no-one else has said it, congratulations to Reading on their promotion, a victory for teamwork over individual ability. They are likely to struggle most of the three promoted sides next season though.

re: Liverpool. While I'm sorry that Dalglish got the sack, I think it was inevitable. His signings haven't really worked out and his obvious loyalty to them meant that Liverpool were going to struggle to move forward. Kuyt is better than Henderson but never got a game. They really need to freshen up the midfield for next season with a proper playmaker rather than just using identikit hard running midfielders with limited ability, plus a striker who can both score and bring other players in. I would ditch Henderson, Carroll and Spearing and try to get players like Sigurdson and Clint Dempsey as replacements. Lucas coming back would also be a big boost.

I don't think it's fair to critiscise Gerrard. He's carried Liverpool for years and maybe he simply can't physically do it any more. With Adam injured he had once again to be playmaker and goal-getter and this season it was beyond him.

Liverpool can't compete with the big spenders for big-name players, so they have to buy wisely, like Newcastle did this season. I think the right players are available, if the new manager can just spot them.

[Moonbat]

Well done to Chelsea, quite an amazing victory considering Bayern were at home.

It seems odd but I was really pleased for Roman, even though he is a billionaire oil tycoon who probably has suits worth more than my house, I still felt pleased that he had finally got that thing he was after.

And he only had to launder £300'000'000 of his money through the Premiership

[allmywires]

Obviously congratulations to Chelsea, whatever *cough*underhand*cough* tactics they employed it worked for them, so fair play. They've been waiting long enough for it.

It just mad me a wee bit sad to remember 2005 and how beautiful it was. Then fast forward to now when LFC is on the decline to mediocrity. Fair to say we won't be getting a night like that in the near future.

I miss when football wasn't about the owners and the millions. It's sad to think Chelsea were considered the underdogs tonight (though obviously playing Bayern at home was somewhat of an advantage) considering the many hundreds of millions Roman had put in, and the fact they had a £50 million striker on the bench.

Excuse me while I weep into my keyboard...

[No One]

YEEEEES \o/

An Epic fairytale - budgeted at 300,000,000 (laundered )

[Ursa major]

Originally Posted by No One

(laundered )

It's funny you should use that word. When Bayern kept shooting and missing, I did wonder whether Bob Oliver Francis Howard (the protagonist of the Charles Stross "Laundry" series) was both real and a Chelsea fan, and was using some sort of occult power to keep the ball out of the Chelsea net.

[The Ace]

Sheesh ! It's a long time since I've seen a demo job like that in the Scottish Cup.

HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN 5 - 1 HIBERNIAN.

Right now, I'm glad I'm a long way from Hampden or Edinburgh.

[nixie]

Originally Posted by The Ace

Sheesh ! It's a long time since I've seen a demo job like that in the Scottish Cup.

HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN 5 - 1 HIBERNIAN.

Right now, I'm glad I'm a long way from Hampden or Edinburgh.

Snap, and it was painful to watch even for a neutral.

[Connavar]

You dont i dont mind Chelsea won despite i dislike Roman and his club. I just find little creepy how its like they didnt defend well but still Bayern couldnt score like Gullitt was right about the blue angel on the crossbar. Chelsea did a horrible match tactics wise. Bayern had Robben penalties, they lead in the end of penelty shootut.

Sometimes its not the better team who wins but the luckiest and its that i dont like.

If Chelsea won in regular time i would say yes there is a real champion. I hate penalties shootouts, it belittles both teams.

[pyan]

Originally Posted by Connavar

I hate penalties shootouts, it belittles both teams.

I don't think anyone actually likes them, Conn, but what's the alternative? Extra-extra time? A replay? But what if it's still tied after that?

At least there's some football skills involved in a shootout. Better than tossing a coin, or sharing the trophy...

[Connavar]

Originally Posted by pyan

I don't think anyone actually likes them, Conn, but what's the alternative? Extra-extra time? A replay? But what if it's still tied after that?

At least there's some football skills involved in a shootout. Better than tossing a coin, or sharing the trophy...

People i know like them because of the fate on the lines. The luck basicly, there is skill involved but not much. Schweingsteiger hits the post in and out has nothing to do with skill and more with luck.

I hate them when its a long tournament like CL. I feel cheated afterwards always.

Extra-extra time is much better. Like in NHL playoffs, NBA playoffs. Overtime until someone wins it.

[alchemist]

Originally Posted by Connavar

People i know like them because of the fate on the lines. The luck basicly, there is skill involved but not much. Schweingsteiger hits the post in and out has nothing to do with skill and more with luck

On the contrary, it's all to do with skill and nerve. Put the ball far emough into the corner, with enough power, and the keeper won't stop it. There's nothing unlucky about a weak or misplaced shot.
That said, I'd prefer an ice hockey-style run from the centre circle, fifteen seconds to score, keeper has to stay in the penalty area. Or seven aside until somebody scores.

[pyan]

Originally Posted by Conn

Extra-extra time is much better. Like in NHL playoffs, NBA playoffs. Overtime until someone wins it

Most of the players were suffering, especially with cramp after an extra 30 minutes. And the last 15 minutes last night were not exactly exciting, because no-one's going commit players forward if one goal decides it - they're going to pack their own goalmouth.

Originally Posted by Nemesis the Warlock

Or seven aside until somebody scores.

Or how about just keep on playing, but taking off a player from each side every three minutes?...

[alchemist]

Exactly, pyan. It wouldn't take long before somebody scores, and it favours pacey/skilful teams.

[The Ace]

It appears we have a long way to go;

USA 5 - 1 Scotland.

We have one more friendly before the World Cup campaign starts and I'm very worried.