General Soccer Thread

[Arkansas Bronco]

Just figured I would make a thread that could be used by anyone wanting to talk about there team, Soccer news, ect.

[Jens1893]

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/1539/72784716wd5.jpg

MAAAAAAAAAAARCOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

http://www.cc97.de/news_dir/images/0711.jpg

Stuttgart City Rulez!

[Dagmar]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42334000/jpg/_42334755_barryferguson270.jpg

Rangers 3-0 Hibernian

Rangers turned in a fantastic first half display to tear a wretched Hibernian apart at Ibrox. :thumbsup:

[Arkansas Bronco]

The Chelsea/Arsenal game was one hell of a match. Anyone know what is keeping Henry out. It helped my Blues with him out so I defiantly am not complaining.

[Dagmar]

The Chelsea/Arsenal game was one hell of a match. Anyone know what is keeping Henry out. It helped my Blues with him out so I defiantly am not complaining.

Did you watch on the Fox Soccer Channel? What an ending. Can't believe Chelski didn't score!

[Jens1893]

The Chelsea/Arsenal game was one hell of a match. Anyone know what is keeping Henry out. It helped my Blues with him out so I defiantly am not complaining.

Terry On-ree is taking a few weeks off as he feels he cannot play and is nursing a neck injury. He´s a little eccentric sometimes ... but it´s not unusual for international players to be tired in December after basically having little rest during the summer.

The point doesn´t help Chelsea a bit ...

One man I´ve lost a whole lot of respect for is Henrik Larsson. Him signing a 3 month loan deal at MUFC is absolutely idiotic, especially as Ferguson is only signing him for his personal ego. Shearer and Henke were the 2 that had always escaped him ... I thought he was above that.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Did you watch on the Fox Soccer Channel? What an ending. Can't believe Chelski didn't score!

FSC keeps my Saturday and Sunday morning exciting :thumbs: Cant believe Lamps hit the bar even more suprising is when Essien did because he had a pretty simple shot. I realy thought Lehmann and Drogba were about to get hit with reds.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

and Chelsea is now 8 pts behind United

[Jens1893]

didnt you say pardew was save, eddie? just pray magnusson wont pony up for eriksson

[epicSocialism4tw]

Essien's strike to tie up that match was absolutely classic. What a rocket.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Essien's strike to tie up that match was absolutely classic. What a rocket.

No lie on that and that ball sliced back at least 5 feet. Ballak hit one (bad hit) but it had some serious movement on it also.

[Dagmar]

Essien's strike to tie up that match was absolutely classic. What a rocket.

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[Arkansas Bronco]

What realy kills me is that people here in the US dont see this as a serious game. Very little padding, alot of pysical contact, very precise execution. I know the Us will never realy relate becauses we want to see alot of action and on top of that we dont want to look at a sport that we are innferrior at. I for one that played about 10 years knows the type of game this is and I love it.

[Dagmar]

What realy kills me is that people here in the US dont see this as a serious game. Very little padding, alot of pysical contact, very precise execution. I know the Us will never realy relate becauses we want to see alot of action and on top of that we dont want to look at a sport that we are innferrior at. I for one that played about 10 years knows the type of game this is and I love it.

Every American loves to play and hates to watch. When I 1st moved here in 03 it was the sport I saw most played, and that was Fort Collins who love their American Football (CSU barf...).

They just HATE to watch.

Make every kid that starts watch Brazil v Italy 1970 I say...

[epicSocialism4tw]

What realy kills me is that people here in the US dont see this as a serious game. Very little padding, alot of pysical contact, very precise execution. I know the Us will never realy relate becauses we want to see alot of action and on top of that we dont want to look at a sport that we are innferrior at. I for one that played about 10 years knows the type of game this is and I love it.


I played competitive soccer from age 5 to my early 20's. It's the best team game on the planet. I have no doubts about that, and I've played all American sports competitively as well.

[Arkansas Bronco]

When does the winter transfer season come around?

[Jens1893]

When does the winter transfer season come around?

Transfer window opens Jan 1st and closes Jan 31st, but it´s hard as **** to find players in January. Most players are cup tied and good luck trying to convince a club to sell a decent player in the middle of the season.

Tricampeon Boca? Bosteros hijos de putas!!!!!!

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/soccer/12/13/bc.la.spt.soc.argentine.ap/p1_estudiantes_1213.jpg

[Jens1893]

Goodness bloody me, the CL is such a joke ... always the same clubs against each other. Where´s the fun when you play the same teams every year?

FC Porto v Chelsea
Celtic v AC Milan
PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal
Lille v Manchester United
Roma v Lyon
Barcelona v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich
Internazionale v Valencia

Except for the Roma and Liverpool ties those teams have all met each other at some point in the past 3 years.

Scrap that ... Barcelona and Liverpool met in 01 and 02. This is the SIXTH time Real Madrid and Bayern have been paired in the CL since 1999. What a load of ****.

[GSRelyea]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/national/2006-12-18-q-and-a-bradley_x.htm

The U.S. national team's interim coach Bob Bradley recently talked to USA TODAY's Johnnie Whitehead as he gets prepared to for training camp — the roster will be released today — for a Jan. 20 exhibition vs. Denmark at Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. It will be the U.S. team's first match since the World Cup in June:
Was it tough to leave Chivas USA just as the team started to make progress?

There's a part of me that feels very sad to step away from Chivas USA. The opportunity that I've had to be part of that organization has been very, very special. (Co-owner) Antonio Cue, his passion for the game, and the way that he has put his heart into Chivas USA, it's unbelievable. The people within the organization are terrific. But I also feel good about the progress we made at Chivas this last year. I'm confident that progress will continue.

What did former coach Bruce Arena tell you about the job?

The relationship that Bruce and I have has been built on so many soccer conversations over the years. So many arguments. So many debates. He's been great in terms of offering his ideas, his opinions, on all parts of the national team coaching position. He asked me some questions about the way the job was laid out for me. We talked about that. When we were finished with that conversation, he very simply said 'You're the right man for the job.' That meant a great deal to me. As a coach, his ability to learn along the way, the way he's grown as a coach, his understanding of international soccer, of CONCACAF qualifying, all of that is invaluable for me. The ability to pick up the phone and bounce some things off of him is an advantage and something I will always use. We don't always agree. That's part of it. But neither one of us is thrown off by that. We both have enjoyed trying to make each other better. I would absolutely look to him to make me better in this position.

Any concerns that some think your taking over the team is just a continuation of Arena, rather than a new direction for U.S. Soccer?

I don't think it's always easy to discuss those differences so everyone on the outside can see them. In reality, its not that important. On the inside with the team, there are subtle differences — how he would choose to communicate, how he would address a problem, how he might evaluate a player. That's something that players who have played for the two of us can discuss. Everyone has his own way of working in coaching, not just in soccer. I get asked that question so much and I've yet been able to come up with an answer to satisfy someone. Maybe it's better that way. That's what the work is all about. I have a great respect for what he's done, and I've been fortunate that all the teams I've worked with, all the different players I've coached. I've worked with exceptional players who helped me grow.

What do you see as the biggest difference between coaching national team and coaching a club team?

The obvious difference is that with the national team you're not together every day. Around the world, coaches that have worked on the international level and the club level have talked about those differences. It's an area that over the last eight years I've heard Bruce's thoughts. To come up with the right ideas in terms of building a strong group that's not together all the time is the challenge. And to win. In international soccer, that's what counts the most. It's the result.

What are the chances of teenagers Freddy Adu or Josmer Altidore making the senior team?

Both Freddy Adu (Salt Lake) and Josy Altidore (New York) are part of our under-20 team. The under 20s have their qualifying in January in Panama. We're all hopeful that group not only will qualify but be successful in the under 20 world championships in Canada next summer. It's a great opportunity for our young players to play an important role and we can use that to have a better idea what their place will be with the full team.

What are the chances Michael Bradley will be called in? Will it be tougher on him because he's your son?

Michael is one of the young players that is involved with the under 20 team. Just like with Freddy and with Josy, his first challenge internationally is to earn the respect in that group. That will help dictate his opportunities in the future. The reason it's probably tougher is because of perceptions from the outside. Handling situations like that on the inside, a coach's credibility is put on the line. You look toward your assistant coaches and you always count on key players to have a sense of what works with the group. On the inside it's not difficult. Like any player, you must earn the respect of your teammates. When you do that, the players that you play with feel strongly of your place on the team. That's the basis for your decisions as a coach. For every player on the national team, it's also an honor but very clearly it must be earned all the time. It shouldn't be given out. When everybody understands that and believes in that part of it, then it creates the kind of mentality that you need to be successful on the international level.

Most friendlies give coaches a chance to experiment with new players and tactics. As an interim coach hoping to be the permanent coach, is it more imperative to win those games?

The first responsibility is always to win and have the team look good. Of course, there are so many variables there. The idea of introducing young players into the team, the availability of players, it can go on and on. There are things that are out of my control. The ability to take whatever group is in camp and make sure the work in that camp is really good and when we have that opportunity that we take advantage of it.

What went right in 2002 when the U.S. team advanced to the quarterfinals, and what went wrong in its first-round exit in 2006?

I don't think anything went wrong. The qualification process to 2006 was excellent. There are always factors in the game that you can't control. A call, a bounce, a great play. National teams aren't together every day. When that team comes together, especially in May before a World Cup — all the players have just finished seasons, or in MLS' case they're in the middle of a season — you hope all of them arrive fresh mentally and physically and understand the responsibility of stepping onto the biggest stage. In 2002, our team had a freshness, a confidence, we got a great result in the first game (3-2 upset of Portugal). That's really important. If you're not together all the time, you build momentum during a World Cup. So that first game against Portugal absolutely was a spark. Sometimes, that's all it takes. France won the World Cup in 1998. In 2002, they had as good a collection of players you can have. The first game was Senegal, they lost, and you could sense some of the players coming off long seasons with big clubs weren't as sharp as they needed to be. As the pressure mounted, they fell apart. If it can happen to a World Cup winner, it can happen to anyone. It's a reminder that there are no guarantees, that when you taste success that it won't be so easy the next time. Sometimes it's harder.

Does MLS provide an adequate level of play to develop national team players?

The story of MLS, the way the league has grown in 11 years, it's incredible. I don't think we do a good enough job in this country of recognizing how much has been accomplished in a short amount of time. Every player makes a decision (that's) best for him. There are players who've grown tremendously and have benefited from the competition of being a pro in MLS. There are others who look for different challenges. The great thing is that you judge players on what happens on the field. When the game starts, it doesn't say where a guy's playing his club soccer. It says on that day he's playing for the U.S. national team and we all look to see which players on that day came through for the team and which players gave everything they had. That's the basis upon picking your national team.

MLS players performed better than the European-based players at the 2006 World Cup, which contradicts conventional wisdom that Europe is a better preparation for international play. Why?

MLS is certainly a much better league than most people give it credit for. There are so many other factors. For example, a player can play a very big role for is team in MLS and may learn about the pressure of being a big player, being counted on every game to determine if his team is going to win or lose. That's true pressure. Maybe that pressure in this country doesn't always bring that much media attention. Nevertheless, the responsibility within your team to be one of the key players is important in a player's growth. That may give him an advantage over a player in Europe who obviously has other challenges because it's competitive just to stay on a team in Europe. It's also possible that at that moment that MLS player may have certain advantages. There's no formula. Kasey Keller and Claudio Reyna are the best examples from this country who went to Europe at an early age, handled the challenges and made great careers for themselves and came back to contribute greatly to our national team. Brian McBride spent the early part of his career in MLS and had the opportunity to go to Europe a little bit later and has been very good for the national team throughout that time.

What do you see as the team's potential greatest weakness with all those veterans retiring, especially at forward where there aren't any obvious choices to fill the gap left by Brian McBride?

All teams need balance. With the best teams the pieces all fit together. It's obvious that the one of the most difficult things in soccer is scoring goals. Whether you score goals because of an individual who is just special or the team finds ways to create chances and score goals as a unit. You never know. Brian, during his years in MLS (with Columbus), was not always the highest goal scorer. His contributions has always been all-around, his effort, his ability to win balls to create chances. His qualities carried over to international soccer. He made such a difference for our team. At this time, I don't believe enough credit is given to Landon Donovan as a goal scorer. He's been very successful as a young player scoring goals for our full team. Prior to 2002, many of these same questions were asked (about lack of goal scorers). The team came together where we scored some great goals in the World Cup. There are players when you look at MLS who have made their mark scoring goals — Brian Ching, Taylor Twellman, Ante Razov. The most impressive about Josy Altidore was that in the latter part of the season for the Red Bulls is that he scored goals for his team. You want to look at which players now can score goals at the next level. Not all great goal-scorers in the domestic leagues around the world are great goal-scorers internationally. There's not an automatic transition. Another player in our league who has scored goals, and great goals at sometimes, is Alecko Eskandarian (D.C. United). You have to get excited. You want to see if those goals will translate to the next level.

How important is it to get "interim" removed from your title?

It's important, certainly in part it's out of my control. It's not as important as making sure that the players in these upcoming camps are challenged the right way. It's not as important as what we look like when we step out on the field in these games. It's not as important as building the foundation for success in these next four years.

Posted 12/18/2006 10:30 PM ET
Updated 12/18/2006 10:39 PM ET

[Arkansas Bronco]

Chelsea with a extra time winner. Cant realy believe wigam fought back as hard as they did. Right now Newcastle is making the hotspurs look like a elementary team.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Just great Terry is out for 6 weeks. I bet Chelsea makes a move for a CB during the transfer period.

[chrisp]

Goodness bloody me, the CL is such a joke ... always the same clubs against each other. Where´s the fun when you play the same teams every year?

You have to look at it this way: the Champion's league is the equivalent of the NFL, the domestic leagues are the equivalent of the college game. The big clubs have often threatened to form a breakaway superleague, but they know it would be risky to break away from and compete with the domestic leagues. The current setup is a nice compromise for them with the Champion's league being a bit of a club for the same old teams each year. They'd actually love to have a nice closed league like the NFL does, but the way football works doesn't make that very feasible.

If you look at it that way, its actually a bonus that there's a little variation from time to time - we don't complain that the Broncos play the 'same old teams each year' do we? At least you do see the odd wildcard do something from time to time.....

[Jens1893]

You have to look at it this way: the Champion's league is the equivalent of the NFL, the domestic leagues are the equivalent of the college game. The big clubs have often threatened to form a breakaway superleague, but they know it would be risky to break away from and compete with the domestic leagues. The current setup is a nice compromise for them with the Champion's league being a bit of a club for the same old teams each year. They'd actually love to have a nice closed league like the NFL does, but the way football works doesn't make that very feasible.

If you look at it that way, its actually a bonus that there's a little variation from time to time - we don't complain that the Broncos play the 'same old teams each year' do we? At least you do see the odd wildcard do something from time to time.....

The NFL and football are 2 entirely different cups of tea for me and cannot be compared in any way, sorry. It´s partly down to the fact that I am actively involved in supporting a club here, whereas I only see the NFL on TV. This may make me a hypocrite, but I don´t care ... I enjoy American Football as a sport I like to watch, whereas football and especially my club is way more than that to me. I enjoy watching the Premiership on TV from time to time, but as a match going fan you´re miles better off here than in the UK.

I despise the Champions League as its bringing the game down IMO and the Premiership actually is one of my prime examples. Give me a lesser league with affordable ticket prices where some clubs don´t see the fans as customers only over the commercialized Premiership any day. Less talented players and an inferior quality is a price I gladly pay for that.

[British Bronco]

You have to look at it this way: the Champion's league is the equivalent of the NFL, the domestic leagues are the equivalent of the college game. make that very feasible.




You're so far off the mark its untrue Hilarious!

[Arkansas Bronco]

Well on TV the EPL and Seire A are far better then the Spanish Primera (basicaly are the big three that play on Fox soccer channell and gol!, to this day I have never seen a Bundesliga 1 or a Ligue 1 match yet). I am talking about how it is filmed not play style. The SP distances so far back you cant even make out who has the ball most of the time.

[Jens1893]

Bar Atletico Madrid to some degree the Primera Division has no fan base worth talking about, so I don´t really care about that either. Thing with me is that I´m sometimes more interested in the fans than the actual game itself, which is why I love South America. Crowds there are unbelievable.

[British Bronco]

Well on TV the EPL and Seire A are far better then the Spanish Primera (basicaly are the big three that play on Fox soccer channell and gol!, to this day I have never seen a Bundesliga 1 or a Ligue 1 match yet). I am talking about how it is filmed not play style. The SP distances so far back you cant even make out who has the ball most of the time.

In the UK we get English/Spanish/Scottish and Italian footy. I love Spanish football, its played at a better tempo than the Italian game.

Nothing beats English football though - just a pity that its become less physical.

My side is Everton btw, go to every home game and the majority of away road games around the country. Just found out i've got a ticket in the Away end for our derby game against Liverpool at Anfield as well, made up... they're like gold dust to get! :pimp:

[epicSocialism4tw]

In the UK we get English/Spanish/Scottish and Italian footy. I love Spanish football, its played at a better tempo than the Italian game.

Nothing beats English football though - just a pity that its become less physical.

My side is Everton btw, go to every home game and the majority of away road games around the country. Just found out i've got a ticket in the Away end for our derby game against Liverpool at Anfield as well, made up... they're like gold dust to get! :pimp:


How is Timmy Howard working out for ya?

[British Bronco]

Until the start of December he was absolutely fantastic and one of our best players without doubt... over the last month though he has let some horrific long range shots in though - which has had me questioning whether his Tourettes has kicked in with the amount of time hes got to see the shot.

Still hoping we make his deal permanent though.

Sly Stallone is coming to watch us play on Sunday - ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY! ;D :rofl:

[epicSocialism4tw]

Until the start of December he was absolutely fantastic and one of our best players without doubt... over the last month though he has let some horrific long range shots in though - which has had me questioning whether his Tourettes has kicked in with the amount of time hes got to see the shot.

Still hoping we make his deal permanent though.

Sly Stallone is coming to watch us play on Sunday - ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY! ;D :rofl:

Tim's a great guy and a great leader for a defense. If he doesnt catch on permanently with Everton, he will somewhere. I hope that Everton locks him up. Maybe Fulham will swoop in for him given their penchant for Americans.

[Jens1893]

Mourinho is brilliant, absolutely brilliant. He´s either trying to provoke Abramovich to sack him or is trying to make someone drop their price. Chelsea are also in a whole lot of trouble when people leak out stuff such as this to the press. Mourinho wanted a small squad and now he has to deal with it, but instead he complains he complains about a "lack of support by the board" for denying him funds. One might think you can assemble a decent squad for 340m quid. Can´t wait until it goes tits up at Stamford Bridge.


Jose Mourinho intends to drop Andriy Shevchenko from Chelsea's squad for the Premiership match with Wigan today in a direct challenge to Roman Abramovich to back him with new signings or sack him immediately.

Chelsea's manager has been prevented from recruiting the new striker he considers essential to the club's domestic and European campaigns and denied even minor funds to purchase a central defender to replace John Terry, whose return from back surgery is proving more problematic than expected.

Article continues
Mourinho has also been infuriated by the club's attempt to dismiss Steve Clarke and replace his assistant with a Russian-speaking Israeli coach to help Shevchenko rediscover his form. Mourinho's response to the board was to request that rather than change his backroom staff, Chelsea's owner should tell Shevchenko "to do some work for once".

Abramovich's close friendship with his £30m summer signing appears set to cost Chelsea the services of the man who has won back-to-back titles in his two full seasons in England. Citing ineffective spending in previous transfer windows, the Russian and his advisers told Mourinho in a recent strategy meeting that under no circumstances would he be allowed to add a striker to the squad and instructed him to use Shevchenko properly.

An earlier attempt by the manager to swap Shaun Wright-Phillips plus cash for Jermain Defoe had been put to Tottenham only to be vetoed by the Chelsea hierarchy. A subsequent loan exchange of the England winger for Aston Villa's striker Milan Baros was also blocked, even though no expenditure would have been involved.

Mourinho has also been stopped from bringing in cover for Terry. Aware that the eight-figure fee needed to buy his preferred target, Manchester City's Micah Richards, would not be provided, the Portuguese proposed a series of low-cost alternatives. However, agreed deals for Oguchi Onyewu, a US international who had been in talks with Fulham and would have cost £1m, and the Portugal centre- back Jorge Andrade, available on loan from Deportivo La Coruña, were knocked back.

As an alternative, the club proposed bringing the Brazil international, Alex, to Stamford Bridge from PSV Eindhoven. The 24-year-old's sporting rights are already owned by Chelsea and he is a favourite of the club's senior scout, Frank Arnesen, but Mourinho does not rate Alex and refuses to have players imposed upon his squad.

Instead Mourinho has resolved to leave Shevchenko in the reserves, continue with the players available and await Abramovich's next move, aware that the Russian is considering paying off his £5.2m-a-year contract. Mourinho has also instructed his agent, Jorge Mendes, to field offers from interested parties, primarily Real Madrid, whose president Ramón Calderón would like to recruit both the coach and Frank Lampard as he prepares for re-election.

It is unclear how Abramovich will react to Shevchenko's deliberate relegation. Any attempt to force his coach to field the striker could push an already strained situation into meltdown.

The former European footballer of the year has scored only five goals in 29 appearances since joining from Milan last summer. He missed Wednesday's Carling Cup tie at Wycombe with what was described as a slight hamstring injury, forcing Lampard to be called up at the last minute. Mourinho's camp suspect the injury was contrived because the Ukrainian feared more negative publicity should he fail to score against a fourth-tier side.

Last night Chelsea issued a formal denial of reports that Mourinho had told a friend he was definitely leaving the club by the end of the season. Tellingly, the manager did not deny the story was correct.

"I love Chelsea for just 2½ years but I love Chelsea," said Mourinho. "I want to win always the next game and the next game is against Wigan. We have to be together to win that game and we have to forget the stories, we have to forget what the press is saying. It's easy for me. I'm self-motivated, always at the top. If results are not what we want, that is even a bigger motivation to fight."

[Arkansas Bronco]

Ha! who knows about Mourinho but I could wager most managers could win with this stacked team. I dont know what his game is unless he is realy needing a CB . Also with an owner worth 19 billion I dont think we are in trouble ;) . I think he tightened up when everyone started bitchin about the type of transfer fees he was paying out. What is pissing me off is there a few guys we need to unload that and the benching of shev. SUre he hasnt shown alot but let him keep working at it cause I realy dont like kalou, he is fast but makes to many poor choices.

[epicSocialism4tw]

With the signing of Beckham, the transfer of Dempsey, and the interest by FC Dallas in Edgar Davids, there is a lot of great news happening for MLS.

The best news of all might be that MLS has teamed up with the Mexican league to form "Superliga"...the possibilities are great for rivalries to form between teams like LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo with Club America and Chivas de Guadalajara.


MLS, Mexican clubs to compete in SuperLiga

<HR width="100%" noShade SIZE=1>LOS ANGELES -- Major League Soccer and the Mexican Soccer Federation's First Division will compete in a new tournament to determine the top club in North America.

The eight-team SuperLiga competition, modeled after the UEFA Champions League, will include group and knockout phases, with all games played at U.S. venues from July 24-Aug. 29. The winning team will receive $1 million.

The eight teams in the inaugural SuperLiga were selected on an invitation-only basis.

Four-time MLS Cup champion D.C. United, will represent the MLS along with FC Dallas, the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo. CONCACAF champion Club America will join Copa Sudamericana holder CF Pachuca, Monarcas Morelia and CD Guadalajara from Mexico.

[Orange_Beard]

Cool, looks like the MLS is making some moves.

[Jens1893]

It´s ManUtd´s title ... despite the loss they impressed me more than Arsenal. A very good side that plays a very polished football. Chelsea are just shambles and a new center half won´t sort those problems, they run way deeper. It´d be a travesty if they somehow won it.

If I was ManUtd I´d see how much I could get of Chelsea for Rio Ferdinand. He´s ManUtd´s Frank Lampard.

[Arkansas Bronco]

If the blues can get some def. help we can get back in it. Defiantly need everyone healthy for the UEFA Champions Cup. Also think they should let Sheva start cause Kalou just isn't getting it done, he has poor decision making and acts like he has no clue what is going on. ManU hasn't won it yet still a good ways to go.

[Jens1893]

If the blues can get some def. help we can get back in it. Defiantly need everyone healthy for the UEFA Champions Cup. Also think they should let Sheva start cause Kalou just isn't getting it done, he has poor decision making and acts like he has no clue what is going on. ManU hasn't won it yet still a good ways to go.

Chelsea´s problems run deeper than missing a few players due to injury. The signings of Ballack and Shevchenko have destroyed the team spirit and the chemistry. Mourinho tampering with a successful system doesn´t help, either. Going 4-3-3 yesterday or putting Ferreira and Essien at center half was mental, absolutely mental. Simply recall Mancienne on loan from QPR.

The free kick on the edge of the box yesterday signified Chelsea´s problems.

Kalou is a fine player, but playing out of his league at this level of his career. Mourinho dropped the ball with quite a few decisions this season.

[epicSocialism4tw]

US Mens team walloped Denmark today.

Donovan notched a goal on a free kick to tie the game after Denmark opened scoring in the 37th minute on a cross/header. Donovan's PK was poorly taken, and the Danish keeper got his hands on it, but couldnt stop the ball.

The US took the lead on a play where Justin Mapp weaved beautifully through the right side of the 18 down to the baseline and fired an absolutely pristine ball in front of the goal onto Jonathan Borenstein's foot, who finished the goal nicely.

To close scoring, Heath Pierce slotted a well-weighted ball behind the defense to Kenny Cooper, who beat the Danish keeper with an efficient strike in a one-on-one. Cooper is a guy to keep an eye on. He's young and came up in Man U.'s youth academy. He's got top-level experience, and has some physical tools that we rarely see in US players. He's large, strong, and still has nice touch. He's a smart player who plays forward with his back to the goal or can take on defenders by himself.

[Orange_Beard]

It´s ManUtd´s title ... despite the loss they impressed me more than Arsenal. A very good side that plays a very polished football. Chelsea are just shambles and a new center half won´t sort those problems, they run way deeper. It´d be a travesty if they somehow won it.

If I was ManUtd I´d see how much I could get of Chelsea for Rio Ferdinand. He´s ManUtd´s Frank Lampard.

I did not get to see the game today. Just saw the highlights of the 2 plays by Henry, had me jumping around the TV room.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Some more news...concerning Chelsea and US Soccer.

Chelsea is looking into a transfer for US defender Oguchi Onyewu from Standard de Leige Belgium. It's believed to be for nearly 4 million.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Yea I have heard the rumors also( http://www.cfcnet.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=22833 )been going for about a week. I still am hoping for Micah Richards.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Yea I have heard the rumors also( http://www.cfcnet.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=22833 )been going for about a week. I still am hoping for Micah Richards.

These guys are a little off in their assessment of Onyewu:

"Gooch is indeed a real player and yes he was unlucky with the penalty/non-penalty in the Ghana WC match, but it pains me to say that his shortcomings as a defender were exposed throughout the WC. He has at times shown flashes of real ability, but not unlike some others, he had a horrendous WC. He had a great season in '05-06 and he was all set to sign for Boro or Spurs before the the WC, but afterwards they "went in different directions" and he ended up leaving FC Dallas for SL."

This fellow is talking about Cory Gibbs and Onyewu as the same player. I watched Onyewu with special interest throughout qualifying and in the WC, and he played just fine. In qualifying, he was a rock. He's probably the first legit premeirship-quality athlete that the US has produced. He's big, strong, fast, and is an intelligent defender.

The PK in the cup was unlucky, and that's all that these guys seem to know about him. If you watch him at Standard or with the US squad, you'll see a player with alot to contribute, even to a superpower like Chelsea.

This guy just sounds bitter...this is a poor analysis of Gooch:

"As a Nigerian, I am extremely pleased Onyewu decided to play for the United States and not the country of his father - Nigeria.
to put it mildly, he is playing the wrong sport. he should seek a career in the NFL or the prestigious rugby league.
1.) He has absolutely no talent
2.) He has no positional sense
3.) he is from the school of thought that size is the only key to defending
4.) he is immobile
5.) he is outrageuosly slow and struggled with the "pace" of Luca Toni **shocked!!*** and fouled him 7 times in 10 minutes.. yes, I was counting
6.) he is not versatile and can only play at central back
7.) As much as it pains me to speak about a fellow nigerian like this, Onyewu has no room for improvment, becus...
8.) He is not the most intelligent of players
9.) his first thought is to use his size as an advantage.. which always causes a problem for his team (in terms of freekick and penalties)
10.) As I said before, there is no room for improvement. He is that bad!"

Gooch did a wonderful job on Luca Toni. Watch the tape. Toni couldnt do anything with him.

[Arkansas Bronco]

You may very well be right I have little clue due to never seeing him play. I kind of use a couple different boards to try and learn things about unknown players due to me only getting into (watching) soccer about a year ago so I have to kind of base my opinion on others. I do know that I have seen Richards plays several times and think he could contribute at CB for now and take over at RB later. Also in talks was Tal Ben Haim and have seen him a couple times also but wasn't overly impressed.

[epicSocialism4tw]

You may very well be right I have little clue due to never seeing him play. I kind of use a couple different boards to try and learn things about unknown players due to me only getting into (watching) soccer about a year ago so I have to kind of base my opinion on others. I do know that I have seen Richards plays several times and think he could contribute at CB for now and take over at RB later. Also in talks was Tal Ben Haim and have seen him a couple times also but wasn't overly impressed.

I do not know how Gooch would be able to withstand the spotlight and scrutiny of life at Chelsea as a centerback, but he performed well at the WC. He's similar to a player like Shaq or Dirk Nowitzki of basketball...he's got unusual morphology and skill set for his position, and it makes it difficult for refs to get a handle on what is going on. As was the case with Toni, Toni couldnt budge him off of the ball and would fall down trying to "post up" Gooch. Gooch was too strong for him. The same goes for the PK in the WC (which was a horrible call)...Gooch was just too big for that little Ghanian to body-up to, and the Ghanian lost his balance trying to gain footing against him.

[epicSocialism4tw]

More on Onyewu:

It looks like he has turned down transfers to Fulham and Real Madrid. The money and the playing time will have to be right for whichever team that commits to him. With teams like Real Madrid, Fulham, Chelsea, Lyon, and Middlesboro vying for his services, there should be a deal out there that fits. Good for Gooch. He's the first American footballer I've seen that's been able to dictate the terms of his contract to a large degree.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Even more of a reason for Richards because there is a spot for him after Terry, Carvalho and Boulahrouz get well. Sure was nice to see Shev pick it up today, sure it was against a League 2 team but still.

[epicSocialism4tw]

More US Soccer news...

Former US National Team Captian Claudio Reyna is coming back home to play in MLS. Reyna is 32 and will suit up for the NY Red Bull.

[Muddled]

US Mens team walloped Denmark today.



Just a very late note on this, that wasn't the Danish national team you played and it wasn't even an official itnernational fixture for Denmark, it was the Danish league national team and 2 of the biggest stars (Grønkjær and Silberbauer) were even left off because the manager knew all about their qualities and thought them better off recuperating at home after a tough season.

Besides that last goal was way offsides and that foul that gave you the penalty was commited outside the area, no biggie though.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Just a very late note on this, that wasn't the Danish national team you played and it wasn't even an official itnernational fixture for Denmark, it was the Danish league national team and 2 of the biggest stars (Grønkjær and Silberbauer) were even left off because the manager knew all about their qualities and thought them better off recuperating at home after a tough season.
Besides that last goal was way offsides and that foul that gave you the penalty was commited outside the area, no biggie though.

You can throw out all the excuses you want to for that match, but that was a group of MLS guys with an interim coach that you played. There wasnt a Europe-based player on that US team. Two of those goals were scored by players getting their first cap.

[Dagmar]

More US Soccer news...

Former US National Team Captian Claudio Reyna is coming back home to play in MLS. Reyna is 32 and will suit up for the NY Red Bull.

Great player when he played for Rangers.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Great player when he played for Rangers.

He is probably one of the top couple of American players in US Soccer history.

[Muddled]

You can throw out all the excuses you want to for that match, but that was a group of MLS guys with an interim coach that you played. There wasnt a Europe-based player on that US team. Two of those goals were scored by players getting their first cap.

Well, at least half of the players on that Danish team will never ever get an official cap for Denmark. And there were at least 2 Europe based players on the American team, Heath Pierce and that other midfielder plays in Denmark. Besides, how many Americans play in Europe? At least 45 of the 50 best Danish footballers play abroad, only Gravgaard and perhaps Lars Jacobsen would have been anywhere near the Danish starting line up, had it been an official international for us. Furthermore, all those players have just started pre-season training as the Danish season doesn't start until mid March, so they are nowhere near match fit.

Again, it's no matter, just don't go thinking you've beaten the best Denmark has to offer.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Well, at least half of the players on that Danish team will never ever get an official cap for Denmark. And there were at least 2 Europe based players on the American team, Heath Pierce and that other midfielder plays in Denmark. Besides, how many Americans play in Europe? At least 45 of the 50 best Danish footballers play abroad, only Gravgaard and perhaps Lars Jacobsen would have been anywhere near the Danish starting line up, had it been an official international for us. Furthermore, all those players have just started pre-season training as the Danish season doesn't start until mid March, so they are nowhere near match fit.
Again, it's no matter, just don't go thinking you've beaten the best Denmark has to offer.

No one ever made the insinuation that Denmark's squad was full. That wasnt the US A, B, or C team that was out there against them. That was a youth-oriented squad thrown together in a rush when the US stalled for too long in securing a long-term coach.

What was impressive about the win, was that those young MLS players outplayed the young players from Denmark in a game with an interim coach and a lineup full of first-cappers.

[Jens1893]

Onysomething had a medical at SJP today.

[Muddled]

What was impressive about the win, was that those young MLS players outplayed the young players from Denmark in a game with an interim coach and a lineup full of first-cappers.

Already spent way too much energy discussing a meaningless game, but have to say I disagree, it was a very ugly game with very little organised attacking footie, I'd say Denmark played the best footie in the first half, highlighted by a pretty little goal. The US outmuscled the Danes in the second half and saw more of the ball, but had very little organised attacking play. That last goal was way offside and the penalty was no penalty, so if not for 2 referee mistakes, the result would have mirrored the play.

Ahh, to clarify, footie is what you folks call soccer.

[Orange_Beard]

Jesus dude, could you make any more excuses?

[Muddled]

It's not really excuses though, watch the film, it's not like it's borderline judgement calls, those 2 goals shouldn't stand, no doubt about it, and 8 or 9 players played for Denmark in that game that don't own an official cap to this day.

And again, I don't care much about it, just clarifying for you folks that that game ain't particularly valid cause for optimism, sure, US soccer has come a long way, but you'd still get beat 8 out of 10 times in an important game against a top 15 European team and you'd be extremely lucky to qualify for the World Cup if you had to go through the same qualifying competition as European teams. As the Ukrainian coach said before the World Cup, it was quite odd their qualifying group was 10 times as tough as the one they'd play in the Cup itself.

[Orange_Beard]

It was the refs WWWWHHAHHAHAHAHAHAH!

[epicSocialism4tw]

Already spent way too much energy discussing a meaningless game, but have to say I disagree, it was a very ugly game with very little organised attacking footie, I'd say Denmark played the best footie in the first half, highlighted by a pretty little goal. The US outmuscled the Danes in the second half and saw more of the ball, but had very little organised attacking play. That last goal was way offside and the penalty was no penalty, so if not for 2 referee mistakes, the result would have mirrored the play.
Ahh, to clarify, footie is what you folks call soccer.


Ive probably played "footie" longer than you've been on the planet.

Quit making excuses. The Danes lost 3-1 to a US team full of first-time internationals.

[Muddled]

What we have here is faillure to communicate

[Muddled]

I can't believe I just quoted Guns and Roses, hate that band

[Muddled]

http://www.dbu.dk/page.aspx?id=4929

There you go, the whole Danish squad had a grand total of 32 caps between them, That Beasey dude has more all by himself. And I repeat, that wasn't the Danish national team, none of them were credited with a cap.

[Arkansas Bronco]

I can't believe I just quoted Guns and Roses, hate that band

No you just quoted the captain in "Cool Hand Luke". Excellent film so you shouldn't have a problem quoting it.

[epicSocialism4tw]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>1
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Arkansas Bronco]

Terry should be back in Saturday which is a huge sigh of relief, Boula should also be returning soon also. Also add in that Chelsea's moral is also sailing high so dont go thinking this is ManU's title yet.

[epicSocialism4tw]

US/Mexico is coming up and US Soccer has released the roster for the team under interim coach Bradley. Youth is the order of the day again...it looks like a period of change is underway in US Soccer.


The U.S. roster (possible starters underlined):

Goalkeepers: Joe Cannon (Los Angeles), Tim Howard (Everton, England)

Defenders: Chris Albright (Los Angeles), Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham, England), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Bobby Boswell (D.C.), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City), Bryan Namoff (D.C.), Eddie Robinson (Houston)

Midfielders: Brian Carroll (D.C.), Ricardo Clark (Houston), Bobby Convey (Reading, England), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Joshua Gros (D.C.), Justin Mapp (Chicago), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado)

Forwards: Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City), Chris Rolfe (Chicago), Taylor Twellman (New England)

[Muddled]

Rumour has it that Gaizka Mendieta is on the way to MLS as well, now there's a player who will turn heads, baffles me how he's wasted his talents since leaving Valencia.

EDIT: Btw, does any of you American peeps know of Nik Besagno? he's a God in Football Manager, plays for Salt Lake according to it, I think.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Rumour has it that Gaizka Mendieta is on the way to MLS as well, now there's a player who will turn heads, baffles me how he's wasted his talents since leaving Valencia.

EDIT: Btw, does any of you American peeps know of Nik Besagno? he's a God in Football Manager, plays for Salt Lake according to it, I think.

Besagno is a young guy that has come up through the project 40 developmental system.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Rumour has it that Gaizka Mendieta is on the way to MLS as well, now there's a player who will turn heads, baffles me how he's wasted his talents since leaving Valencia.

EDIT: Btw, does any of you American peeps know of Nik Besagno? he's a God in Football Manager, plays for Salt Lake according to it, I think.

Off topic: How good is Football Manager? I have been thinking of getting it just still not sure.

[Jens1893]

Off topic: How good is Football Manager? I have been thinking of getting it just still not sure.

If you want a divorce and lose your job, get FM. Best. Game. Ever. Addictive as hell and I´m not kidding one bit ... just be prepared to spend a lot of time with it. And I mean a lot of time. It´s the best gaming series I´ve ever played.

[Arkansas Bronco]

If you want a divorce and lose your job, get FM. Best. Game. Ever. Addictive as hell and I´m not kidding one bit ... just be prepared to spend a lot of time with it. And I mean a lot of time. It´s the best gaming series I´ve ever played.

Well the wife stuck with me through Lineage 2 and WOW and currently FIFA/WE9 ;) so I think she will stick around. Your review was obviously alot more then yea I give it a 9.5 ;D Thanks for the info as soon as taxes come back I will have it on order. I may spend the time now to download the trial.

[Orange_Beard]

US/Mexico is coming up and US Soccer has released the roster for the team under interim coach Bradley. Youth is the order of the day again...it looks like a period of change is underway in US Soccer.


The U.S. roster (possible starters underlined):

Goalkeepers: Joe Cannon (Los Angeles), Tim Howard (Everton, England)

Defenders: Chris Albright (Los Angeles), Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham, England), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Bobby Boswell (D.C.), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City), Bryan Namoff (D.C.), Eddie Robinson (Houston)

Midfielders: Brian Carroll (D.C.), Ricardo Clark (Houston), Bobby Convey (Reading, England), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Joshua Gros (D.C.), Justin Mapp (Chicago), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado)

Forwards: Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City), Chris Rolfe (Chicago), Taylor Twellman (New England)


Anyone going?
Is ther T.V.?

I have really been enjoyng watching the Fulham games. Glad to see Bocanegraand Dempsey coming over for the game.

[Orange_Beard]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6323037.stm

[Muddled]

If you want a divorce and lose your job, get FM. Best. Game. Ever. Addictive as hell and I´m not kidding one bit ... just be prepared to spend a lot of time with it. And I mean a lot of time. It´s the best gaming series I´ve ever played.

Hehe, that about sums it up. What really baffles me about it is I've owned about 5 versions I think and even though I loved it from the first demo I got of CM2, every new version has been a marked improvement.

[Jens1893]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6323037.stm

A sad, sad development. Even sadder that the prick refers to the club as a franchise. Clubs need to be self sustaining. One of the huge reasons that´s putting me off the Premiership is that clubs just become toys of foreign investors. We´ll see where it gets them. Thank god we´re not going that route as we´re owned by the fans.

[Jens1893]

Hehe, that about sums it up. What really baffles me about it is I've owned about 5 versions I think and even though I loved it from the first demo I got of CM2, every new version has been a marked improvement.

CM 01-02 is still the best by quite a bit IMO.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Ok I downloaded the Trial and this thing is crazy deep it is going to take me a month just to explore.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=407224&cc=5901
Ronaldo refuses to pledge future to United

Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to quash the rumours which have linked him with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer.

Ronaldo admits his future is unclear but the winger insists speculation will not affect his excellent form this season.

The Portugal international, who played in his country's 2-0 win over Brazil at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium last night, has been repeatedly linked with a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid since the World Cup last summer.

Barca sporting director Txiki Begiristain was reportedly at the game in north London to watch the winger but Ronaldo, 22, said: 'For the moment, I'm only thinking about training well every day.

'I don't know where I will be in the space of the next six months.

'The only thing I am sure about is I want to continue at the level I've reached and aim to improve even more.'

[GSRelyea]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/world/2007-02-07-howard_x.htm

By Greg Boeck, USA TODAY
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Early in his career, Tim Howard made more of a soccer splash in Europe than he did in his country.
His time to make his mark on U.S. soil has arrived.

Howard is expected to start in goal tonight when the U.S. national team faces bitter rival Mexico for the 52nd time before a largely pro-Mexican crowd at University of Phoenix Stadium.

"It's not going to be friendly," Howard says of a hungry opponent that is 0-6-1 and hasn't scored a goal against the USA since 2000. Mexico brought its top team across the border.

"They're eager, motivated to erase some of the results of the last few years," U.S. coach Bob Bradley says.

This is the second game for the U.S. team at the outset of a new four-year cycle pointing toward the 2010 World Cup and Howard's first as the heir apparent to Kasey Keller, who is expected to retire.

He's one of four players on the 20-man roster Bradley called home from English teams for the game. The others: defender Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham), midfielder Bobby Convey (Reading) and midfielder Clint Dempsey (Fulham).

Howard, 27, has played 16 games (with seven shutouts) for the U.S. team since the 2000 Olympics but was always second fiddle to Keller and, before that, now retired Brad Friedel. Except in England, where his signing by legendary Manchester United in 2003 sent shockwaves through the soccer world.

The first American signed by Manchester United, Howard capped his meteoric rise from U.S. backup to goalkeeper of the year in his first season in the English Premier League. Manchester United won the Charity Shield and FA Cup in 2003-04.

Howard's career has been up-and-down since with Manchester United, which loaned him this season to Everton, where he is the first-choice goalie. He's also the first-choice goalkeeper for the U.S. team now.

"It's good to be patient. I'm excited about it, but it's not really like my time. Everyone says that, but you have to continue to earn it game by game."

Howard's timing couldn't be better. Howard is not only familiar with Mexico, a team he shut out in a 0-0 tie in 2003, but is also reunited with his old coach with Major League Soccer's Metrostars (now the Red Bulls). Howard played for Bradley in 2003.

"He comes back with so much more confidence," Bradley says. "There is just a real good way about him in terms of not only his play but the way he organizes the defenders in front of him. He can make a big difference."

Bradley followed Howard's career in England, where Howard's successes and failures hardened him, the coach says. "That made him a stronger, mentally tougher goalkeeper," he says.

Howard agrees. "You go to Europe virtually as an unknown, then try to chisel out your own little piece of your career. It's been a tough experience, but in a good way. You have to deal with a lot of ups and downs and pressure. You come out the other side better for it. I know I have."

Bocanegra, who has played against Howard in England, says Howard isn't just ready to step in. "He's been ready. He's primed."

The splashy, 6-3, 210-pound shot-stopper, under contract with Manchester United through 2009, is one of the few veterans on the U.S. team. "It's a young team and important we step up and take the lead and bring some of these guys along," he says.


Posted 2/7/2007 1:44 AM ET

[GSRelyea]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/national/2007-02-02-US-roster_x.htm

CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Midfielders Clint Dempsey and Bobby Convey, defender Carlos Bocanegra and goalkeeper Tim Howard were picked Friday for the 20-man roster for next week's exhibition game against Mexico.
The veterans all play in England, with Dempsey and Bocanegra at Fulham, Convey at Reading and Howard at Everton.

Forwards Landon Donovan, Taylor Twellman and Eddie Johnson are among the 16 Major League Soccer players on the roster for Wednesday's game at Glendale, Ariz.

"Everyone is looking forward to the chance to finally play in one of the great rivalries in our sport," U.S. interim head coach Bob Bradley said.

The roster:

Goalkeepers: Joe Cannon (Los Angeles), Tim Howard (Everton, England)

Defenders: Chris Albright (Los Angeles), Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham, England), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Bobby Boswell (D.C.), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City), Bryan Namoff (D.C.), Eddie Robinson (Houston)

Midfielders: Brian Carroll (D.C.), Ricardo Clark (Houston), Bobby Convey (Reading, England), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Joshua Gros (D.C.), Justin Mapp (Chicago), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado)

Forwards: Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City), Chris Rolfe (Chicago), Taylor Twellman (New England)

[GSRelyea]

Will be an interesting game to say the least, I am curious to see how this young squad does against Mexico. I will never forget going out to Columbus in 05 to see US/Mexico, greatest sporting expierence of my life. Sucks that Duke/UNC is on at the same time, gonna have to go over to a bar to watch both at once.......

[Arkansas Bronco]

I just checked the ESPN guide and it looks like the US vs. Mexico Game will be on espn 2 @ 8 Central time in case anyone wanted to know.

[GSRelyea]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/grant_wahl/02/07/us.mexico/index.html

Five pressing questions as the U.S. preps for Mexico
Posted: Wednesday February 7, 2007 1:35PM; Updated: Wednesday February 7, 2007 2:10PM
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- When I told people I was traveling to cover one of the best rivalries in sports on Wednesday, they made some assumptions. Duke-Carolina assumptions, if you catch my drift.

But when the ball is tipped in Cameron Indoor tonight, I'll be fired up for a different grudge match in a sold-out NFL stadium that might have an even better atmosphere.

Say hello to the 52nd edition of the U.S.-Mexico soccer rivalry (ESPN2 and Univision, 9 p.m. ET), which has only grown more heated in recent years as the Yanks have established unquestioned supremacy on American soil.

The U.S. is 6-0-1 in seven home games against Mexico this decade, outscoring El Tri 11-0. But when the two nearly full-strength teams take the field tonight, it will be the Mexicans, not the U.S., that have the nearly full support of the 60,000-plus crowd.

Here are five questions to ponder heading into North American soccer's version of Yankees-Red Sox:

1. How important is this game for U.S. interim manager Bob Bradley?
It's huge if Bradley wants to remove the interim tag. If the U.S. plays poorly it will be awfully hard for Bradley to stick. But if the Yanks can get a win I think Bradley will put himself in great position to win the job permanently. Perhaps the most interested party tonight will be U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati, who says he's sticking with the timetable he laid out in December for naming a full-time coach.

"Nothing's changed," Gulati says. "We said we'd take our time, wait until the European season's over and give Bob a chance to establish himself, and that's what we're doing."

I still have a hard time thinking that a big-name European coach (whether it's Carlos Queiroz, Gérard Houllier or any other potential candidate) would want to jump straight into the U.S. job so soon after a grueling club season. This job is Bradley's for the taking, but he needs a good performance tonight in the most important U.S. match of the first half of 2007.

The players are certainly in Bradley's corner. "We're just trying to play hard for him," says goalkeeper Tim Howard, who had Bradley for his coach with the MetroStars. "Bob has a good rapport with a lot of the players, and he's coached a lot of the guys on this team. We definitely want to win for him and push him to the forefront."

Bradley deserved better than being put into a situation where he needs instant results to win the job. But his circumstances add even more spice to a friendly that already has more intriguing storylines than your typical exhibition game.

2. Which team is closer to full strength?The U.S. has four European-based players here -- Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra, Bobby Convey and Howard -- but missing are DaMarcus Beasley, Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Cherundolo and Kasey Keller. Meanwhile, newly-installed Mexico coach Hugo Sánchez brought in almost all of his heavy-hitters from the Continent, including Rafael Márquez, Ricardo Osorio, Carlos Salcido, Pavel Pardo and Nery Castillo. Advantage: El Tri.

Just looking at the rosters, I'm struck by how few Mexican players retired from international play after the World Cup. The U.S. is starting over without Brian McBride and Keller, but Mexico still has 34-year-old Cuauhtémoc Blanco and two 33-year-olds in Oswaldo Sánchez and Jared Borgetti. In the long term, this game may be more beneficial for the young Americans who gain from the experience, but for tonight Mexico's seniority could be a big advantage.

3. Why is the U.S. staging a game against Mexico in a location where 97 percent of the fans will be rooting for the Mexicans?For a couple reasons. First off, the game will be a huge money-maker for U.S. Soccer. But more importantly, this is the kind of tough game that the U.S. should have been playing in the final run-up before World Cup '06 (instead of the debacle that included Latvia, Morocco and Venezuela).

Scheduling the Mexico game in the Phoenix area and agreeing to participate in this year's Copa América is a good start toward toughening up a young team of Yanks that needs it.

"The more games we can play like this the better," says Howard. "There's high intensity, high pressure and a big-time atmosphere. That way we can walk on the field when we have to go down to Mexico City during [World Cup] qualifying and say we've seen this before."

Adds Jimmy Conrad, "These are the games we need to weed out who can play at this level and who can't."

4. Can Landon Donovan turn things around in '07?
Coming off the worst year of his professional career, Donovan needs to have a big game if he wants to get the new year started off right. Some of Donovan's best performances have come against Mexico, from his U.S. debut (in which he scored a goal) to the World Cup '02 win (another goal) to the '04 U.S. victory in Dallas, in which Donovan dominated.

Simply put, Donovan needs to take on defenders instead of passing the responsibility off to other players. The indelible memory of Donovan's '06 World Cup will be his pass-off to Ben Olsen against Ghana in the waning minutes when the U.S. needed a spark to avoid elimination. That lack of commitment was apparent again at times in the U.S.' 3-1 win against Denmark last month.

Will Donovan rediscover his edge? We'll see. In Tuesday's press conference I thought it was interesting that Donovan was much more revealing when he spoke in Spanish than in English. When responding to Spanish-language journalists he kept using the word ganas (desire), emphasizing that both he and the U.S. had to play with ganas tonight in a way that they didn't in Germany.

5. Is Conrad the new voice of the U.S. national team?He just might be if he keeps providing great quote material. Conrad will be playing in his first U.S.-Mexico game tonight after being on the bench two other times. But he's already got the smack-talk down.

"We're starting to win a couple games off them, and yet they still give us no respect," he said on Tuesday. "And now they're even bringing their friends for tomorrow ... There's going to be some chippiness. I use the big brother/little brother analogy. When you know your little brother's catching up a little bit, you get a little pissed off and say, hey buddy, I'm still in charge. They think they're still in charge, and we think the opposite. We think we're just as good and strong as you are."

A couple other notes:

• Look for Phoenix-area homeboy Pablo Mastroeni to be the captain for the U.S., taking over for Conrad, who was the captain against Denmark. "We're doing captain-by-committee these days," says Conrad.

• You can already tell the difference that buying the rights to televise U.S. games (instead of being paid to show them) is making in ESPN's coverage. Tonight's ESPN2 broadcast will have a 2½-hour block and include a lengthy pregame segment. No fewer than five ESPN2 broadcasters are on-hand: Eric Wynalda, Bruce Arena, Dave O'Brien, Allen Hopkins and Rob Stone.

• Had a nice chat with Marcelo Balboa on Tuesday. He's no longer with ESPN's crew, but he'll be doing MLS games for HDNet this season, and he's working here for Mexico's Televisa.

Check back in for post-game coverage later Wednesday night.


Sports Illustrated senior writer Grant Wahl keeps you up to date with the world of U.S. soccer at SI.com.

[Orange_Beard]

US Men vs Mexico
9:00pm at Glendale, AZ
Army Info, TV: espn2 LIVE

[Arkansas Bronco]

I watched as much as I could and the US had the upperhand for most of what I seen. I couldnt watch but about 5-10 minutes at a time before I needed a break , those damn horns drive me insane. The 2nd half the horns died down some and alot after the US took the lead.

[epicSocialism4tw]

The US wins again in convincing fashion against Mexico in a game that should have been a cakewalk for a team of experienced veteran internationals vs. a US team chock full of youth and inexperience.


A few observations from US/Mexico...

Chris Rolfe is not a US international quality player. I would expect Bradley to give him another chance, but he looked completely lost for his entire run.

Landon Donovan can be a great player when he wants to be, and last night he was. His total package is tantalizing. 1 goal, 1 assist.

Jimmy Conrad is a solid, smart defender and had a great header goal. He was the player of the game for me. He continued the US tradition of shutting down the Mexico top attacker.

Bocanegra was also very good. He's learned alot in the EPL in regards to discipline and spacing in the back.

I wasnt expecting much out of Jonathan Bornstein, but boy did he ever show well. His blazing speed, patience, and discipline in the back was top quality. He pressed the attack with purpose on occasion and was excellent in the back. He's our new Frankie Hejduk.

Timmy Howard was solid as usual. He is great at organizing the back and is explosive enough to cut off long through balls. One thing that does scare me though is his tendancy to allow rebounds. Snag those shots, Tim. That's the keeper in me talking and criticizing, but Howard allowed a clean sheet and should be praised.

Mexico sucks. That cheap attempt by Oswaldo Sanchez at taking out Eddie Johnson during the Donovan goal celebration was the classless brutality that we have come to expect from Mexico. Every time we play them we win, and late in the game Mexico resorts to cheap shots and takedowns. They deserve to lose every game they play.

[Meck77]

So I saw some highlights this morning but it was in spanish. I got the impression that the Mexico team felt they got robbed on a few no calls? Again I couldn't understand the commentary but they showed a couple tackles near the USA's goal so I guess they feel they were robbed of a couple penatly kicks?

[Arkansas Bronco]

Landon Donovan can be a great player when he wants to be, and last night he was. His total package is tantalizing. 1 goal, 1 assist.

From all I seen he was definatly last nights man of the match. Howard like you said played solid.

So I saw some highlights this morning but it was in spanish. I got the impression that the Mexico team felt they got robbed on a few no calls? Again I couldn't understand the commentary but they showed a couple tackles near the USA's goal so I guess they feel they were robbed of a couple penatly kicks?

All a matter of how you view it. Anytime a tackle is made inside the box there fans want a shot even if it is a fake dive.

[epicSocialism4tw]

So I saw some highlights this morning but it was in spanish. I got the impression that the Mexico team felt they got robbed on a few no calls? Again I couldn't understand the commentary but they showed a couple tackles near the USA's goal so I guess they feel they were robbed of a couple penatly kicks?

Mexico is in denial and have been for nearly 20 years. It's odd. The US team has been the dominant team in the region for the last handful of qualifying cycles.

The only things certain in a US/Mexico match are a US win or tie, Mexican dirty play, and a myriad of Mexican excuses.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Mexico is in denial and have been for nearly 20 years. It's odd. The US team has been the dominant team in the region for the last handful of qualifying cycles.

The only things certain in a US/Mexico match are a US win or tie, Mexican dirty play, and a myriad of Mexican excuses.

What is so surprising is that alot of soccer is played in Mexico they really should have developed something by now. To me they looked week last night and the score reflected it.

[Jens1893]

What is so surprising is that alot of soccer is played in Mexico they really should have developed something by now. To me they looked week last night and the score reflected it.

What you have to understand is that most Mexican players didn´t have to leave Mexico and go to Europe as they were earning very good money down there already. That kinda changed after the World Cup when players such as Kikin Fonseca (Benfica), Pardo/Osorio (VfB Stuttgart) and Salcido (PSV Eindhoven) joined Rafa Marquez here. I´m just happy our two boys didn´t get injured and hopefully will be back here tomorrow in one piece. It was also their first game in 6 months as they couldn´t find a decent coach apparently. I just hope they don´t send the full squad to both tournaments this summer as our boys need a rest.

[Meck77]

Mexico is in denial and have been for nearly 20 years. It's odd. .

Well I'd say that is the case about the country in general. I travel there alot and love going there but that damn country is so corrupt it's pitiful. I don't want to divert this into a political thread but the denial of the true problems there is unreal yet our government takes the heat for the immigration problems.

Soccer in a weird way reflects what is going on in that country as a whole.

[Jens1893]

Well I'd say that is the case about the country in general. I travel there alot and love going there but that damn country is so corrupt it's pitiful. I don't want to divert this into a political thread but the denial of the true problems there is unreal yet our government takes the heat for the immigration problems.

Soccer in a weird way reflects what is going on in that country as a whole.

sounds like italy.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Well I'd say that is the case about the country in general. I travel there alot and love going there but that damn country is so corrupt it's pitiful. I don't want to divert this into a political thread but the denial of the true problems there is unreal yet our government takes the heat for the immigration problems.

Soccer in a weird way reflects what is going on in that country as a whole.

Yes, it does. And their national pride is wrapped up in the success of their soccer teams. They really dont have much else to be proud of as a nation. El Tri represents their culture. That's why it's so tough for their country and their players to admit that the US is better than they are at soccer right now. They wont even admit that we are equal.

Maybe this will be a wakeup call for them. Getting beat soundly by a US C team when you bring your A squad has to be humiliating to them.

[Muddled]

I´m just happy our two boys didn´t get injured and hopefully will be back here tomorrow in one piece.

Bet you're a big fan of Jon Dahl. Not sure what the hell you did to him in Stuttgart, but sure worked instant wonders for him to get out of there, judging from tuesday's performance.

[Jens1893]

Bet you're a big fan of Jon Dahl. Not sure what the hell you did to him in Stuttgart, but sure worked instant wonders for him to get out of there, judging from tuesday's performance.

I am not totally sure what happened, either, as he clearly is a quality player and I was very happy when he signed, although I didn´t know about his wages back then. It basically all went downwards after he got a ridiculous red card in October 2005 and he signed for us when we were going thru a rough patch. He never really recovered after the red card and strikers didn´t have it easy for us last season as our midfield lacked flair and JDT is the kind of player that relies on good service. Our midfield does have flair and can set up the strikers now, but we struggled a little at the beginning of the season, JDT picked up an injury and Mario Gomez, who is now the Bundesliga´s top scorer and scored in his Germany debut in midweek, started making a name for himself. He and Cacau play well together so there wasn´t really a reason to change, especially as JDT was struggling with injuries throughout the first half of the season. I´m a little sad it didn´t work out, but his wages were too big a burden for the player and the club. The people running the club were a little clueless, paniced when we signed him (and Grönkjaer) and gave him a contract worth around 4m € a year (and possibly a signing on fee as we got him on a free) and probably just wanted a big name to please the fans. No player is worth that kind of money IMO and it was pretty much impossible for him to live up to that from the beginning as you can´t afford paying one player so much money unless you are in the CL every year. As I said, I´m sad it didn´t work out, but sometimes things aren´t right. I hope he continues to do well at Villarreal so we can sell him in the summer.

Kahlenberg looks like Michael Schjönberg´s twin, btw.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Zidane was in New York last night. They claimed he just flew in for the Knicks game but as bad as they are playing no one would do that.

[GSRelyea]

Zidane was in New York last night. They claimed he just flew in for the Knicks game but as bad as they are playing no one would do that.

Let's hope he keeps his head to himself, New Yorkers might not appreciate his go to move..........

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/GSRelyea/zidane29b.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

[Arkansas Bronco]

Defiantly a stupid move but man that was one awesome head butt. I seen him turn around but that was a move I didnt see coming.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Pick was made at 20:54 Central European time (12.54 Mountain, 14.44 Eastern)

The Dirty Blue Bastard and the Miami Dolphins are now on the clock.

LOL

[Muddled]

Defiantly a stupid move but man that was one awesome head butt. I seen him turn around but that was a move I didnt see coming.

I don't blame him really, except from a professional standpoint, that is one ass of a football player, Materazzi, shouldn't be allowed out in public, let alone a football pitch.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Saturday, February 10, 2007
Beckham scores in return to starting lineup

<HR width="100%" noShade SIZE=1>MADRID, Spain -- David Beckham scored on his trademark bending free kick in his first start since Dec. 20, helping Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 2-1 Saturday in the Spanish league.

The star midfielder, who is bound for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer, tied the score in the 37th minute with a low shot from outside the penalty area that beat diving goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

Beckham's goal at Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian may have saved Madrid coach Fabio Capello's job. The Italian coach, who had said that the former England captain would never again play for the Spanish power, reportedly would have been fired if his team had lost again.

Beckham received a yellow card in the 75th minute for a late challenge on Sociedad forward Savio Bortolini.

Beckham displeased Capello by announcing on Jan. 11 that he would leave for the Galaxy when his contract expires in June.

"I picked him because he has been good in training for three weeks," Capello said. "I'm pleased he scored with a free kick because he hasn't scored many this season. He played really well."

Ruud van Nistelrooy headed in Madrid's winning goal in the 48th minute when he beat Bravo to Miguel Torres' cross from the left. The victory ended a run of two straight defeats.

Sociedad took the lead in the eighth minute after a mistake by Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas allowed Mikel Aranburu to head the ball into the net.

[Arkansas Bronco]

I have little love for ManUre but that assist Rooney had yesterday was one of the best plays I have ever seen. With all the hype about C. Ronaldo it kinda seems that Rooney is becoming undervalued.

Edit - I was obviously drunk when posting this because I would never say a kind word about ManU or any of there players otherwise.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Pro Ev. 07 is out now anyone have it and is it worth forking out the cash to upgrade over WE9?

[Dagmar]

Pro Ev. 07 is out now anyone have it and is it worth forking out the cash to upgrade over WE9?

I still haven't got WE9, I am torn, I hear the messed it up for the 360, but the game is so class... Hmmmmm

[Arkansas Bronco]

I still haven't got WE9, I am torn, I hear the messed it up for the 360, but the game is so class... Hmmmmm

Sorry I cant help ya bro I still use the PS2 and the game is still getting used alot after 6 months.

[British Bronco]

Get in!! Tim Howard has signed permanently for Everton 8') :notworthy

Everton have announced that a deal has been completed with Manchester United to make Tim Howard a permanent addition to the Club's ranks.

Everton have agreed an undisclosed fee with the Old Trafford outfit for the US international goalkeeper.

Howard has committed his long-term future to the Blues with a five year deal that will run until 2012 and begins at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old arrived at Goodison last summer on a season-long loan, establishing himself as David Moyes' first choice keeper.

He has made 27 appearances for the Toffees, keeping an impressive 11 clean sheets.

Howard told evertonTV exclusively: "The Club share my ambition, that is for sure - the manager does and so do the fans.

"I was drawn to the Club for a number of reasons and the players in the dressing room are one of them."

Although the transfer window is currently shut, Premier League rules permit domestic loan deals to be made permanent outside the window.

By moving now for the goalkeeper, Everton have ensured one of the Premiership's most consistent performers will remain at Goodison for the peak years of his career.

Everton boss David Moyes told evertonfc.com: "We are delighted to have Tim Howard. He has come in this season and proved he is a good keeper and we are pleased to have secured him."

Howard has earned 16 international caps for the USA, with the most recent coming in a 2-0 victory over Mexico last week.



This is one of my favourite videos... its at the end of the Merseyside Derby v Liverpool just before we score the third - check out Tim's reaction when we score! ROFL!

[Arkansas Bronco]

Defiantly good news for your squad. :thumbs: From what I just read it appears it only cost yall about 3mil. pounds.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Timmy Howard is a top-notch man. He's exaclty the type of leader that a middle-class Premiership team needs in the back.

Congrats on securing him through his prime, and through his stint as the US team's number one.

[Jens1893]

Defiantly good news for your squad. :thumbs: From what I just read it appears it only cost yall about 3mil. pounds.

Only three million? English transfer madness at its finest.

[Jens1893]

I have little love for ManUre but that assist Rooney had yesterday was one of the best plays I have ever seen. With all the hype about C. Ronaldo it kinda seems that Rooney is becoming undervalued.

Edit - I was obviously drunk when posting this because I would never say a kind word about ManU or any of there players otherwise.

It was nice ... nothing more, nothing less.

[British Bronco]

Timmy Howard is a top-notch man. He's exaclty the type of leader that a middle-class Premiership team needs in the back.

Congrats on securing him through his prime, and through his stint as the US team's number one.


woah - less of the middle class. We are still a massive club with a massive history. :thumbsup:

[British Bronco]

Only three million? English transfer madness at its finest.


worth every penny. The man has been immense since he signed for us.

I think the truer figure is 1.5-2m though.... it'll come out.

[Jens1893]

worth every penny. The man has been immense since he signed for us.

I think the truer figure is 1.5-2m though.... it'll come out.

English transfer madness still. He may be a good goalie, but the transfer fees paid in England are inflated. The German #2 can be had for nothing and we replaced him for 2m € ....

[epicSocialism4tw]

woah - less of the middle class. We are still a massive club with a massive history. :thumbsup:

Yeah, Everton's a good club, no doubt. :thumbsup:

Howard's a great guy and an excellent player. He'll be accountable and productive for Everton.

[Arkansas Bronco]

It was nice ... nothing more, nothing less.

Well like I stated I wasnt in my right mind when stated but I do have to say that how fast he reacted off the block to chip it up and exactly on target instantly was a good play.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Cech is on a roll sure he had help by Boula today but the clean sheets keep on coming. I think Sheva is coming around and morale is coming back up. Cech going out is what severely hurt this team and now that he is back Man U needs to watch there backs.

[Orange_Beard]

Champions League starts tomorrow. My Tivo is set.

Any predictions?
I will admit to being a rookie. I just started to follow the EPL closely this year.
Can't wait to have games to watch all week!

[Arkansas Bronco]

Setanta (however it is spelled is the only one covering it and I have Fox and Gol! this is about to make me switch. Beard I just picked up on EPL and Euro football this year, the world cup really sparked my interest. Not going to stick my foot out there with predictions but I am glad Chelsea doesn't have to deal with Inter yet that team has been on fire all year.

[Orange_Beard]

Setanta (however it is spelled is the only one covering it and I have Fox and Gol! this is about to make me switch. Beard I just picked up on EPL and Euro football this year, the world cup really sparked my interest. Not going to stick my foot out there with predictions but I am glad Chelsea doesn't have to deal with Inter yet that team has been on fire all year.

I just had to make a choice and I choosen Setanta Sports. A guy here at work talked me into it.

Same for me on the World Cup. At the same time I have really lost interest in America sports other then football. I have really been enjoying the EPL.

[Arkansas Bronco]

I just had to make a choice and I choosen Setanta Sports. A guy here at work talked me into it.

Same for me on the World Cup. At the same time I have really lost interest in America sports other then football. I have really been enjoying the EPL.

It is the exact same way for me as well only football stands above soccer now I look forward all week to watch matchs. In fact I realy dont care who is on I love watching all of them. I have watched about 4 basketball games this year (pro/college combined) and no hockey since the NFL was over. I just changed my channels on direct and I should have Setanta turned on when I get home this afternoon. I will miss Fox Soccer but I am going to take a chance.

[Orange_Beard]

It is the exact same way for me as well only football stands above soccer now I look forward all week to watch matchs. In fact I realy dont care who is on I love watching all of them. I have watched about 4 basketball games this year (pro/college combined) and no hockey since the NFL was over. I just changed my channels on direct and I should have Setanta turned on when I get home this afternoon. I will miss Fox Soccer but I am going to take a chance.

I am so hooked now, I have a portable Sirius Radio, the game is on now and I am sitting at my desk listening.

Real Madrid is up 1-0.

I have not watched a regular season college basket and about 3 years. I go to about 10 nuggs games a year and my NBA season ends when the nuggs finish.

Setanta is really good. Do you get Chlesa TV on Fox?

[Orange_Beard]

Holy cow, what a game.

Bayern Munich 1 Real Madrid 2
2 goals since my last post.

[Orange_Beard]

3-1 now.

Becks has set-up all 3 goals.

[Arkansas Bronco]

I am so hooked now, I have a portable Sirius Radio, the game is on now and I am sitting at my desk listening.

Real Madrid is up 1-0.

I have not watched a regular season college basket and about 3 years. I go to about 10 nuggs games a year and my NBA season ends when the nuggs finish.

Setanta is really good. Do you get Chlesa TV on Fox?
Nope no Chelsea TV and that alone has gotten me close to switching several times. Two main points have held me up. First that Fox soccer channel is in a group with about 30 other channels and another soccer channel Gol! (the commercials are in Spanish and they show alot of Spanish Primera matches). Second is sometimes I am scrolling the guide and I notice that Setanta has Cricket and Rugby on alot and I care little for those. I guess the main reason for the Switch is Chelsea TV, European Championship, and they have the Same amount of EPL games that fox does plus looks like it has some German and French (have seen only one German game it was awesome I think it was B. Munich and Shalke, and never seen a French game) so I pulled the trigger.

[Jens1893]

RIP La Bestia Negra

[Arkansas Bronco]

3-1 now.

Becks has set-up all 3 goals.

Beckham has realy made me start to go back over my judgment of him. As a player he still doesnt blow me away but as a leader I think he has alot more class then given credit for. I mean if I got called out like he did I wouldnt have taken it in stride and kept working out and not bash em.

[Jens1893]

Beckham has realy made me start to go back over my judgment of him. As a player he still doesnt kiss me away but as a leader I think he has alot more class then given credit for. I mean if I got called out like he did I wouldnt have taken it in stride and kept working out and not bash em.

He´s made the most out of his limited talent.

Bayern´s back 4 has comedy value today and so does El Madrid´s. It´s unbelievable how bad they are ... they only thing they can still do offensively is the long ball to Makaay. Their whole game is static.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Ive heard good stuff about that Podolski kid from Bayern. Also Jens I think I seen that Stuttgart will be on Setanta this weekend kind of looking forward to seeing your team also I was born in a town here in Arkansas named Stuttgart as well. :thumbs:

[Jens1893]

Capello is such an idiot. You don´t try to sit on a 3-1 lead in Europe.

[Muddled]

Letting Del Bosque go might have been the dumbest coaching move in the history of sports. That team is such a mess, it's unbelievable. And they still try to fix it by bringing whatever high profile players are available any transfer window. Somehow, they have to find some level headed football man who can bring some sort of continuity into that madhouse. Beckham going from banished to regular in a heartbeat, just tells you how desperate Capello is.

Go Lyon

[Jens1893]

van Bommel just might regret this.

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1485/vanbommelyg4.jpg

[Jens1893]

Terry off injured and Chelscum one down.

[Jens1893]

Chelscum equalise and Barca go one up after a briliant cross by Zambrotta and a nice finish by Deco.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Terry off injured and Chelscum one down.

Are you watching the games? If so what happened to JT and how did cech get a yellow card?

[Jens1893]

Are you watching the games? If so what happened to JT and how did cech get a yellow card?

I watched a mix of all matches ... Terry twist his ankle and was subbed for Robben after like 15 minutes. Cech was booked for having a go at a Porto player.

From the Guardian

70 mins Controversy here, although only myself and Petr Cech seem to have spotted the controversy. When Drogba sprinted with the ball down the left wing, Pepe missed with a sliding challenge and received the slightest of nicks to his thigh. Rather than play on with his team in a great position, Drogba over-generously put the ball out of play so Pepe could receive treatment. The crowd gave Drogba a rapturous round of applause, but Cech wasn't happy, rushing out of his goal to demand Pepe get up. After Cech was booked, Pepe did indeed get up and the ball was thrown and then booted off the pitch for a Chelsea goal kick. Farcical.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Thanks for the update Jens. :thumbs: I am watching the inter/val match now and Ibrahimovic (I have seen him before and he looked good) really has impressed me so far (40 minutes in) that tap by the sole of his foot while they were trying to pressed him out was nice.

[Jens1893]

Zlatan is a psycho. Plain and simple. On the pitch he´s surprisingly skillful for a player of his size, but off the pitch he´s a psycho who sometimes takes his Porsche for a test run thru Stockholm´s streets and other stuff.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TSIsobxkPdc"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TSIsobxkPdc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

This is the 1-1 equaliser in the dying minutes of Sweden´s Euro 04 match v Italy, which effectively knocked Italy out of the competition as Sweden played against Denmark in their final group match and both teams needed a 2-2 draw to qualify, which they surprisingly :) got. I actually was in Porto that day.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Man about 25-26 seconds in where it slows down and shows the shot is unreal dude has pretty mad skills. I have heard he has had problems off the pitch just never dug in and seen what they were but man he is a world class striker I have also heard good stuff about Adriona (spelling?) also with iter is also suppose to be very good. Realy never seen much of him I know he has skill in games and others opinions but every game I watch I never see much from him but I give that away because I am not in the area to see this squad much. But no matter this team has been hot all year, no matter the team I wouldnt want to face off with them.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Also David Villa who I have seen play for Spain (nerver before today seen a val. match) a couple times also seems to have very good skills but I would like some feed back from others that have seen him play more.

[Jens1893]

Adriano, or L´Imperatore as he´s called in Italy, has what I call the Czech bug. He´s usually miles better for Brazil than for Inter.

Inter have been pretty poor in Europe this season and a 2-2 draw at home is a ****ty result in the knockout stages as they pretty much need to score 2 to have a chance.

[Jens1893]

Also David Villa who I have seen play for Spain (nerver before today seen a val. match) a couple times also seems to have very good skills but I would like some feed back from others that have seen him play more.

David Villa and Andrea Pirlo are 2 of my favourite players around right now.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Adriano, or L´Imperatore as he´s called in Italy, has what I call the Czech bug. He´s usually miles better for Brazil than for Inter.

Inter have been pretty poor in Europe this season and a 2-2 draw at home is a ****ty result in the knockout stages as they pretty much need to score 2 to have a chance.

Truthfully during the cup run I just paid attention to Chelsea I just notice the Inter scores week to week and they just seem pretty darn strong. Speaking of Pirlo, I have watched several AC Milan matches and they seem like a big wild card because I have seen real good efforts and realy bad other then those two teams I havnt seen much from Italy.

[Jens1893]

Truthfully during the cup run I just paid attention to Chelsea I just notice the Inter scores week to week and they just seem pretty darn strong. Speaking of Pirlo, I have watched several AC Milan matches and they seem like a big wild card because I have seen real good efforts and realy bad other then those two teams I havnt seen much from Italy.

Milan´s demise this season has quite a few reasons. Their squad, and especially their back 4 with the exception of Alessandro Nesta, is pretty old (Maldini, Costacurta, Cafu, Serginho) and they have failed to address this problem in the past 2-3 years and are now paying the bill ... then quite a few of their players, and especially their Italian players (Pirlo, Nesta, Rino Gattuso, Gilardino), are suffering from a WC hangover and are simply tired ... some have even picked up injuries as a result of this (Nesta, Pirlo, Dida) and then they´re missing Sheva more than they thought they would (and Sheva is missing Milan, too). They never truly signed a first class replacement for him in the summer as it was unclear for a while whether they´d be able to participate in the CL due to the match fixing scandal in Italy. When they got the go ahead, the market was pretty much empty and they had to settle for Ricardo Oliveira from Betis, who has so far not met expectations. They tried to fix this during the winter transfer window by signing Lazio right back/center half Massimo Oddo from Lazio and Ronaldo ... Dida and Nesta should be back any time now and their Italian players have also looked fresher recently, so I expect them to salvage this season and at least get the fourth place. They also had 8 points docked for their involvement in the match fixing scandal, so that obviously doesn´t help either.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Gilardino I really thought was a good striker by youtube movies and talk but his performance has left me in doubt. Sheva hasn't performed like all expected but I think his influence has helped Drogba alot, just going by achievements he has to be marked hard and that opens holes. Other then that here of late he has been coming together and I was yelling at the TV to put him in against Norwich in the FA cup. I can see that he misses his old teams confidence and scheme but I think that he is starting to get adjusted now.

[Orange_Beard]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/02/24/bc.soc.mls.beckham.ap/index.htmlNEW

YORK (AP) -- David Beckham's playing contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy is worth about $27.5 million in base salary over five seasons, according to a person familiar with Major League Soccer agreements.

It's a fraction of the $250 million income figure floated for the English star when he agreed to the deal last month.


Beckham's average base salary of about $5.5 million was disclosed Friday by a person who had been briefed on the deal and who spoke on condition of anonymity because those details had not been announced.

Simon Oliveira, Beckham's spokesman, would not confirm the figure but didn't dispute it.

"That is only one element to his salary and package, which had to be disclosed in accordance with MLS guidelines," Oliveira said.

AEG, the company that runs the Galaxy, trumpeted a far higher figure when Beckham's agreement was announced last month.

"The deal to bring Beckham to America is thought to be the biggest in sporting history, with industry experts estimating the worth to the player in excess of $250 million," AEG's news release said.

Beckham's contract, according to several people familiar with the details, is a complex and probably unique arrangement that gives the 31-year-old midfielder a percentage of club sponsorship, merchandizing and uniform sales contracts. Promotional arrangements also are included.

Several weeks after the announcement, Los Angeles said it had sold more than 5,000 additional season tickets. The team plans to redesign its uniform and is examining sponsorship offers for advertising on the jerseys.

"I think it's important to look at this business arrangement in terms of how it benefits the Galaxy and David Beckham in the long-term," Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas said. "David Beckham has a vested interest in this relationship working and in this team being successful. His salary is but a small component."

Beckham easily will be MLS' highest-paid player. According to figures published by The Washington Post last April, Chivas USA's Juan Francisco Palencia was tops last season at $1.36 million -- a $692,308 salary and about $668,000 in bonuses. The Galaxy's Landon Donovan was second at $900,000, followed by Kansas City's Eddie Johnson at $875,000, the Post reported.

Beckham's current contract with Real Madrid ends June 30, and the Galaxy expects he will join the team in August.

Beckham has regained his starting position with Real Madrid, and Lalas traveled to Spain and watched him play Feb. 17 in a 0-0 tie against Real Betis. Beckham's recent play has improved his chances of rejoining England's national team for next month's European Championship qualifiers against Israel and Andorra.

Beckham stepped down as the national team's captain after England was eliminated in last summer's World Cup quarterfinals, and coach Steve McClaren dropped him from the roster.

"When you sit with David, it becomes very apparent that the time that he spent representing his country is something he holds pretty dear," Lalas said. "From our perspective, if this were to happen, it would be wonderful as far as we're concerned. There's obviously some business and logistical challenges that we may face, but the fact is to have a player who's playing for England is a wonderful statement on who that player is. I hope it happens for him, and I hope it happens for England."

When Lalas saw Beckham play in Spain -- his 150th appearance for Real Madrid -- Beckham was ejected in second-half injury time.

"So I officially fined him," Lalas joked.

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/02/24/bc.soc.mls.beckham.ap/index.htmlNEW

YORK (AP) -- David Beckham's playing contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy is worth about $27.5 million in base salary over five seasons, according to a person familiar with Major League Soccer agreements.

It's a fraction of the $250 million income figure floated for the English star when he agreed to the deal last month.


Beckham's average base salary of about $5.5 million was disclosed Friday by a person who had been briefed on the deal and who spoke on condition of anonymity because those details had not been announced.

Simon Oliveira, Beckham's spokesman, would not confirm the figure but didn't dispute it.

"That is only one element to his salary and package, which had to be disclosed in accordance with MLS guidelines," Oliveira said.

AEG, the company that runs the Galaxy, trumpeted a far higher figure when Beckham's agreement was announced last month.

"The deal to bring Beckham to America is thought to be the biggest in sporting history, with industry experts estimating the worth to the player in excess of $250 million," AEG's news release said.

Beckham's contract, according to several people familiar with the details, is a complex and probably unique arrangement that gives the 31-year-old midfielder a percentage of club sponsorship, merchandizing and uniform sales contracts. Promotional arrangements also are included.


God Bless the AP and their ability to point out that Beckham's $250M deal wasn't all salary and bonuses, something everyone else knew within a day or two of it being announced.

[Arkansas Bronco]

1 cup down 3 more to go. And if anyone who watched the game is wondering how Terry is, well he actually left the hospital and went back to the stadium to calibrate with his team mates. Dude is tough as hell.

[Orange_Beard]

1 cup down 3 more to go. And if anyone who watched the game is wondering how Terry is, well he actually left the hospital and went back to the stadium to calibrate with his team mates. Dude is tough as hell.

Ain't going to happen.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Ain't going to happen.

Well I am shooting for it all, your statement may be on target but I still think it can be done.

[Muddled]

Could you please get Tommy Gravesen off our hands, I'm sick of hearing about that ungrateful bastard (rumoured to be reunited with Becks)

[Jens1893]

OHNE HERTHA FAHRN WIR NACH BERLIN!

26.5.07 - EURE KURVE IN UNSERER HAND!

http://www.spiegel.de/img/0,1020,813357,00.jpg

http://www.fast-alles.net/nachrichten/bilder/200610/a2006100513485799972.jpg

Ours on May 26th!

[Arkansas Bronco]

Dude I watched that match today didnt know it was a todays game I thought it was a repeat. looked like a good game one thing I have notice is that you can get away with body blocks alot more in Germany.

[Muddled]

I'd take Káka over C. Ronaldo, and any of them any day by a mile over Ronaldinho.

[Jens1893]

I'd take Káka over C. Ronaldo, and any of them any day by a mile over Ronaldinho.

Kaka was quite something last night. He was the only Brazilian player to give a crap at the WC also.

[Orange_Beard]

I would take C. Ronaldo, that run he made against Fulham a couple of weeks ago was unreal.

[epicSocialism4tw]

C. Ronaldo is unbelievable.

Are there any diehard Fulham fans here? How is Clint Dempsey doing over there right now? I only get FSC and havent seen any Fulham matches in a while.

[Orange_Beard]

I would not call myself a "diehard" Fulham fan. I do follow them.
Clint Dempsey has been "average" at best. He has been a late sub, getting sometime. To me he looks like he has not adjusted to the speed of the game.
I was hoping to see more from him.

[Dagmar]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42667000/jpg/_42667553_ab9.jpg

GIRUY Celtic!!!

[British Bronco]

Der Der Der Der... ANDY JOHNSON

<div><object width="425" height="335"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/CZhM5rJ6rAmDIaqG1"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/CZhM5rJ6rAmDIaqG1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="334" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1ha2t_everton-1-0-arsenal-johnson-goal">Everton 1 - 0 Arsenal - Johnson Goal</a></b><br /><i>Uploaded by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/FootballHeaven">FootballHeaven</a></i></div>

[Jens1893]

Muddled, our team on Wednesday will have about 15 caps between them. ROFL!

They primarily want to give some former U21 players and younger players a chance. They started looking for an opponent after our U21s got knocked out in the Euro qualifiers against England. After that, they dropped all players who will be too old for the next tournament from the team and are looking to give them some match practice on an international stage. Podolski, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Lehmann, Ballack, Mertesacker, Frings and Schneider were all allowed to leave the team today.

[epicSocialism4tw]

USA smacked Ecuador around today in a friendly.

Landon Donovan scored 3 goals, two of which were absolutely brilliant long-distance strikes, and the other was a great run.

The ball movement and combinations were crisp and creative through the midfield. The brand of US soccer is changing.

Beasley played well.

Bradley played well.

Howard played well.

Brian Ching played well.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Muddled, our team on Wednesday will have about 15 caps between them. ROFL!

They primarily want to give some former U21 players and younger players a chance. They started looking for an opponent after our U21s got knocked out in the Euro qualifiers against England. After that, they dropped all players who will be too old for the next tournament from the team and are looking to give them some match practice on an international stage. Podolski, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Lehmann, Ballack, Mertesacker, Frings and Schneider were all allowed to leave the team today.

I really thought Podolski was polish. And yes you better get Ballak back soon no matter how some dont see it I think he is a vital part of my team.

[GSRelyea]

Amazing how Landy Cakes shows up whenver the games don't count...... 2 great goals, but I would really like to see it when it matters.

[Muddled]

Muddled, our team on Wednesday will have about 15 caps between them. ROFL!


Yeah, Morten Olsen is well pissed about that, as if friendlies weren't useless enough to begin with.

BTW, I'd like to welcome Spain on my official footie hate list alongside Portugal, Holland, Norway, Germany and italy.

[Jens1893]

Nice one, Danes. Still think we did considerably well when you consider the players we used.

Now, onto the important stuff ... CLUB FOOTBALL! Thank **** we won´t have another international week for the rest of the season.

[Muddled]

Deutchland Deutchland alles ist vorbei ;D

But that was one boring game, friendlies are such a tease, it looks like the real deal, but in the end it's just a horrible waste of time, Bendtner is exciting though.

Now watching Sweden **** up against Northern Ireland is much more enjoyable :rofl:

[Jens1893]

Deutchland Deutchland alles ist vorbei ;D

We will be there in 2008 .... will you? And can you beat us without a Swiss ref when it matters? :)

Good luck for the rest of the qualifiers ... I had a ****load of fun with some Danes on a train from Porto to Braga on a train during Euro 04 for the Denmark/Bulgaria game.

Do you support a club?

[Muddled]

Most certainly have, Fremad Amager, watch every single game etc.

2nd league club currently. 4 regulars from the 86 World Cup dream team had their roots here though, Frank Arnesen (yaeh, the Chelsea dude), Henrik Andersen (the dude with the God awful knee cap incident in the semi 92), Ivan Nielsen and Søren Lerby, 2 were in the squad for when we won the Euro (Henrik Andersen again and Peter Nielsen) and we're the only team who has never lost points to FC Copenhagen in a league match (won both of them :P ).


Don't see what the ref had to do with it, on the contrary, the commentators claimed we were robbed of a penalty, wasn't really paying attention at the time, so only saw a glimpse of the replay. so I'm not sure.

And I do seem to remember beating Germany in the most important game we ever played against eachother :~ohyah!:

[Jens1893]

Don't see what the ref had to do with it, on the contrary, the commentators claimed we were robbed of a penalty, wasn't really paying attention at the time, so only saw a glimpse of the replay. so I'm not sure.

And I do seem to remember beating Germany in the most important game we ever played against eachother :~ohyah!:

I was actually referring to that very game with my comment about the Swiss ref. :)

Didn´t really pay attention to yesterday´s game, either.

[epicSocialism4tw]

"Chris" Everet part two?

Wynalda apologizes for derogatory remarks
ESPN.com
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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>Eric Wynalda has apologized to Jim Rome for profane comments Wynalda made about the radio and television host on a soccer blog. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width=300 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><!-- new alias = NA_us_story_300x250 --><!-- new key = story;kvpagetype=story;kvcc=NA;kvsection=us;kvaid= 419131;grp=2299958 --><!--JavaScript Tag // Tag for network 605: ESPN TN // Website: ESPN SC Keyword Site // Page: All // Placement: 300 X 250 (1181107) --><SCRIPT language=javascript type=text/javascript><!-- document.write('<scr'+'ipt language="javascript1.1" src="http://ad.dc2.adtech.de/addyn|3.0|605|1181107|0|170|ADTECH;loc=100;target= _blank;key=us+story+NA;kvsection=us;kvpagetype=sto ry;kvcc=NA;grp=2299958;misc='+new Date().getTime()+'"></scri'+'pt>'); //--></SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=javascript1.1 src="http://ad.dc2.adtech.de/addyn|3.0|605|1181107|0|170|ADTECH;loc=100;target= _blank;key=us+story+NA;kvsection=us;kvpagetype=sto ry;kvcc=NA;grp=2299958;misc=1175795602593"></SCRIPT><NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT><!-- End of JavaScript Tag --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Wynalda, who is an ESPN soccer analyst, was asked about Rome's noted aversion to soccer and responded: "Jim Rome can suck -- ----. And he should be very afraid, because I'm the kind of guy, if I get too many drinks in me, I will club his ---."
"These remarks were not meant for public use, but that's my mistake," Wynalda said in a statement. "I totally regret this. I'm embarrassed by it. I have personally apologized to Jim Rome, to ESPN and to my family. I also apologize to others whom I have offended. This will never happen again."
Rome hosts the show "Jim Rome Is Burning" on ESPN.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Arkansas Bronco]

I totally agree with Eric. And I am still pissed that we couldnt beat Valencia at home.

[epicSocialism4tw]

I just read that Stan Kroenke, owner of the Nuggets, bought 9.9% of Arsenal.

[Orange_Beard]

All right, where the hell are all the football nuts?

No one has posted here in awhile.
I was just going to sit down and watch the "Tivoed" ManU Roma game. Anyone watch it?

[Arkansas Bronco]

All right, where the hell are all the football nuts?

No one has posted here in awhile.
I was just going to sit down and watch the "Tivoed" ManU Roma game. Anyone watch it?

Well I carry on several pm's with bflocommish everyweek on my team (the hated chelsea blues). I just dont think the others want to hear me ranting all the time. Fact is my team has recovered mostly from the injurys and are beating everyone. I look forward to playing Man U in both the FA and the Champions cup finals plus there EPL game. Once Cech came back (sure he had a bad first game against the pool but after coming that close to death and rushing back in how can you blame him) this team has transformed and are playing very well. Seriously all those that count us out are out of there mind. Sure ManU are playing well but this isnt a team to be taken lightly at all and I look forward to the test. But man you are seriously sitting down to watch a sever beat down on roma. C. Ronaldo I have to give much credit too because during the world cup his skill alone made me want to get back into watching soccer.

[Orange_Beard]

Chelski has looked great.

I am just excited that we will get at least 2 Chelski V. ManU games to wrap up the season.
Should be great.

[Orange_Beard]

More news:
Red Bulls earn their wings
N.Y. inks Colombian striker Ángel from England's Villa


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/04/17/bc.na.spt.soc.mls.redbu.ap/index.html

[Arkansas Bronco]

Yea I read that earlier today. I think it was a good signing. Didnt catch how much it was for.

[Jens1893]

BERLIN BERLIN WIR FAHREN NACH BERLIN!

http://www.vfb.de/media/images/news/halbfinale_552x245.jpg

[Jens1893]

Ole Ole Ole Ole Ole Ola .... Ole Ole Ole wir sind immer für euch da ... OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH VfB Stuttgart .... bist unser Leben, gibst uns so viel .....


http://eur.news1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sp/ap/20070421/14/637198043.jpg

[Orange_Beard]

Jesus dude, take it easy on the big red text.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Way to capitalize on the United draw Chelsea

[Arkansas Bronco]

Way to capitalize on the United draw Chelsea

Im still mad. We didnt play good ball not on Off. or Def. I seen so many errors and stupid turnovers. The EPL is gone We have to look at the FA and E. Championship now.

[Orange_Beard]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A21988227

You mean it was not the ref's fault?

What a cry baby.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Sure you can blame the officiating but its the players that have to perform. Were there bad calls? Sure. Were there bad no calls? Sure again. But there were no points scored and that belongs on us. Was I super pissed? Absolutely. I can place the blame where it needs to go and Chelsea under-performed and Newcastle defense played well. I dont think either side had a descent attacking game. I also had questions about Jose's lineup but the dude has a bit better rep then me on who to play. ;D Unless ManUre falls on there faces the EPL is gone.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Thanks to Comcast ****ing up God knows what while adding more On-Demand content, I didn't get the United game from this afternoon because nothing could be DVR'd.

Go United, just don't lose next week.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Thanks to Comcast ****ing up God knows what while adding more On-Demand content, I didn't get the United game from this afternoon because nothing could be DVR'd.

Go United, just don't lose next week.


Luciano Emilio looks like a solid find so far.

[atomicbloke]

wow... i didnt even know this thread existed....

cool!

[Arkansas Bronco]

wow... i didnt even know this thread existed....

cool!

Yea we have to hide down here in the corner but welcome aboard. Oh yea, go Blues!

[Dagmar]

:wiggle:

[Muddled]

Wow, Daniel Agger, imagine it's only been 3 and a half years since I along with the rest of Denmark was thinking what the hell when Brøndby claimed they'd replace departing veteran Andreas Jakobsson with this young lad from their youth ranks, sure knew what they were doing. And during them 3 and a half years he's even oversom a serious knee injury which sidelined him for months

[Arkansas Bronco]

I am, well how can ya say it.... Unhappy. I have to keep track with matchcast here at work so I really dont know what exactly is going down. But being down 1-0 sets my mood.

[Muddled]

Chelsea is trying to whine and dive their way into the final, is what's going on, damn lucky not to be further behind, Crouch just had a header blocked from point blank and Kuyt had one bang off the crossbar.

[Jens1893]

Chelsea is trying to whine and dive their way into the final, is what's going on, damn lucky not to be further behind, Crouch just had a header blocked from point blank and Kuyt had one bang off the crossbar.

what can you tell me about morten nordstrand?

[Jens1893]

Grande Milan! This is the best Milan I have seen since their 4-0 trashing of Barcelona in the 94 CL Final.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Im still pissed but Milan blanking ManU sure made it feel better. I hope Milan win not only because I am bitter but I actually do like Milan, well from what all I have seen of em.

[Muddled]

what can you tell me about morten nordstrand?

I absolutely ****ing hate the club he came from last summer so I'm totally biassed, but in all fairness I must say his transition to top flight footie has impressed me. I thought he'd struggle due to lack of size and strength, but he has made up for it with awesome positioning and elusive speed, plus he's strong with both feet and is very creative and an efficient passer. Seem a decent down to earth bloke as well.

Stuttgart looking at him?

[Jens1893]

I absolutely ****ing hate the club he came from last summer so I'm totally biassed, but in all fairness I must say his transition to top flight footie has impressed me. I thought he'd struggle due to lack of size and strength, but he has made up for it with awesome positioning and elusive speed, plus he's strong with both feet and is very creative and an efficient passer. Seem a decent down to earth bloke as well.

Stuttgart looking at him?

From what I have hard, yes, although I am not thrilled to see we are looking at another Dane. :)

[Muddled]

Yeah, there's been a load of Danish busts in Germany lately, not just Stuttgart. I'd be surprised if Nordstrand was to become a regular for a contender in Germany, but he has been able to find the net at all levels, last year he netted 29 goals or sth in the second league and this year he's instantly contending for the scoring crown in the top flight, so he might surprise me yet again.

[Jens1893]

1 point, 2 games ... D-Day Saturday in 2 stadiums only 10 miles apart

http://www.vfl-bochum.de/vfl2004/verein/ruhrstadion/fotos/ruhrstadion.jpg

http://www.wdr.de/themen/kultur/rundfunk/10jahre_wdr_online/stichtage/_img/westfalenstadion_400q.jpg

And this is the prize

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Deutsche_Meisterschale.JPG/450px-Deutsche_Meisterschale.JPG

[Dagmar]

A hubcap?

[Arkansas Bronco]

LOL It is a shiny hubcap. I dont think I would sport em on my ride but to each his own.

[Orange_Beard]

I could use a set for my 1993 Nissan 240sx.
Are the 17's or 18's?

[LordHelmchen]

Where is Jens? I think he drank himself into a coma after yesterdays games ;D

[Jens1893]

Where is Jens? I think he drank himself into a coma after yesterdays games ;D

Alive and sober. It ain´t over till the fat lady sings.

[LordHelmchen]

But she's starting to warm up..but don't tell me you didn't celebrate at least the great outcome of yesterdays games ;D

[Jens1893]

But she's starting to warm up..but don't tell me you didn't celebrate at least the great outcome of yesterdays games ;D

Had a few in the car on the way back home. Don´t come begging for tickets now. :P

[LordHelmchen]

Haha, you think that I'm that much of a bandwaggon fan ? I will certainly enjoy it and take part in the festivities, but I'm not going to start running around with VfB shirts now or trying to get tickets to boast that I was there or anything :P

[Orange_Beard]

I need a Miracle!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/05/16/bc.soc.us.bradley.ap/index.html

Ready for a Miracle?
Bradley cites '80 hockey team as U.S. soccer exampleIn his first press conference since being named permanent head coach, Bob Bradley says the U.S. needs to look at the 1980 U.S. hockey team as its example of teamwork.

• WAHL: Will this actually hurt U.S. soccer?
• LALAS: Bradley will take U.S. to next level




NEW YORK (AP) -- Looking ahead to the 2010 World Cup, Bob Bradley told American soccer players about the 1980 team -- the U.S. Olympic hockey team.

"Unless you were a true hockey aficionado, no one knew any of those players' names before the Olympics. But after the team had success, everybody knew all their names," he said. "We must become a real team. We must value the time when we're together. We must get to know each other. We must challenge each other. We must step on the field and play collectively with belief in what we're trying to do."

Five months after he became interim coach of the U.S. national team, Bradley was given a contract Wednesday through December 2010. Now comes the tough part: qualifying the United States for the 2010 World Cup and leading the Americans to success in South Africa.

He has set a new tone following Bruce Arena, whose eight-year term was known for unprecedented success but also for public comments that antagonized his bosses, players and Major League Soccer at times.

"In team sports in the U.S., we haven't been as successful of late, and in some ways, that's because we've gotten to the point where we spend so much time focusing on the individuals before they've accomplished anything as a team that I believe it sometimes hurts," Bradley said at a news conference.

He cited the example of Italy's World Cup championship team last year.

"You have players that compete against each other competitively week in and week out, but throughout that event, they were blood brothers," Bradley said. "We must develop that type of identity."

Although Arena coached the Americans to the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals, he was let go after last year's first-round elimination.

The 49-year-old Bradley is a former coach of Princeton and of Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire, MetroStars and Chivas USA teams.

"He's, I would say, a little stricter for lack of a better word. He's a little more old-school than Bruce was," U.S. forward Landon Donovan said. "But as far as understanding players and understanding the league, they're fairly similar. And they know when to push hard and when not to push."

The room in which the news conference was held at a Manhattan hotel was half-filled, and many of the people in it were soccer executives. Originally, the U.S. Soccer Federation had hoped to hire former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann, who would have raised the sport's profile in the United States.

Those talks broke off in December, and Bradley was hired as interim coach Dec. 8. Under Bradley, the Americans have gone 3-0-1, all in exhibition games.

"Since I've been involved in the national team program and gotten to know Bob, I have known that Bob someday would, could and should coach our national team," USSF president Sunil Gulati said. "Not once until two weeks ago when I raised the subject did Bob ask about the interim title."

Although Arena made Claudio Reyna the permanent captain soon after he was hired, Bradley told players he intends to rotate the post. Donovan, Jimmy Conrad and Pablo Mastroeni filled the position in Bradley's games thus far.

"We've talked about what it means to be a captain, and that, again, is something that needs to be earned," Bradley said. "If there's a time when it makes sense to have a permanent captain, then we may go in that direction."

Back in December, Bradley also was appointed the Under-23 coach as the Americans try to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. He might turn that task over to Peter Nowak and Mike Sorber, who have been his assistants with the national team.

World Cup qualifying doesn't start until the middle of 2008, but Bradley does have two big tournaments coming up -- the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Copa America. He said only a handful of players will be on the roster for both.

Though Bradley has concentrated on the soccer aspects of his job, he's gradually realized it also entails selling the sport to the American public.

"Smiling sometimes is important," he said. "I haven't thrown out any great jokes, but every now and then I may try."

Notes: Bradley updated the goalkeeping situation. Tim Howard probably won't play in both tournaments, and Kasey Keller will be part of the mix. So, MLS goalkeepers will be tested. Bradley said Marcus Hahnemann needed the summer off but will remain in the player pool. ... Bradley continues to work on learning Spanish.

[LordHelmchen]

Congratulations to Jens.. I'm happy for you :) Now next weekend the Cup and in February the Superbowl .. this is going to be a nice year ;D

[Jens1893]

Deutscher Meister 2007!

http://mediadb.kicker.de/news/1000/1100/3000/artikel/575617/vfbschale-1179590688.jpg

[epicSocialism4tw]

Did anyone catch the UEFA cup? What a match. That's some excellent football, folks.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Is there any reason for me to be enthusiastic about making Bradley the full-time guy?

[Arkansas Bronco]

Did anyone catch the UEFA cup? What a match. That's some excellent football, folks.

Wish I did I couldnt get it I had my soccer channels cut off to save cash.

[Dagmar]

Did anyone catch the UEFA cup? What a match. That's some excellent football, folks.

Till the sending off it was a classic, but extra time and that finish was amazing. They just didn't have anything left for penalties.

[epicSocialism4tw]

I just read that Andriy Shevchenko is thinking about a move to MLS.

Awesome.

[epicSocialism4tw]

On a similar note, Angel is tearing it up with Claudio Reyna, Josy Altidore, and the NY Red Bulls.

[Orange_Beard]

I just read that Andriy Shevchenko is thinking about a move to MLS.

Awesome.

It was BBC this morning:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/6675733.stm

[Arkansas Bronco]

If I can get David Villa to fill his place I have no prob ;D

[Arkansas Bronco]

Since I am pretty new to Euro soccer it seems like every team is run by Shanny (all smoke and mirrors, everyone lies) but Chelsea is claiming Sheva isnt for sale.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/05/20/bc.eu.spt.soc.chelseafu.ap/index.html

[GSRelyea]

I don't have anything against Bradley, but this would have been a great hire for the US team:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=433568&campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5901

Houllier tells players he's quitting Lyon

LYON, France, May 25 (Reuters) - Former France and Liverpool coach Gerard Houllier has stepped down as Olympic Lyon coach.


Witnesses told Reuters Houllier had informed his players he was quitting.

Houllier, 59, who joined the six-times champions in 2005, helped them win Ligue 1 titles in 2006 and again this year.

[Orange_Beard]

I don't have anything against Bradley, but this would have been a great hire for the US team:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=433568&campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5901

Houllier tells players he's quitting Lyon

LYON, France, May 25 (Reuters) - Former France and Liverpool coach Gerard Houllier has stepped down as Olympic Lyon coach.


Witnesses told Reuters Houllier had informed his players he was quitting.

Houllier, 59, who joined the six-times champions in 2005, helped them win Ligue 1 titles in 2006 and again this year.

I read on the BBC that he was taking a year off.

[atomicbloke]

The US should have hired Gus Hiddink when he was available, before he was snapped up by Russia. It was the chance of a lifetime and we let it slip by.

[epicSocialism4tw]

It looks like Becks is causing quite a stir again in Europe while leading Real Madrid to the top of the table. He really has been quite good in his return to the starting lineup. He'll be seeing more action with the England nationals too.

Becks is riding a wave of great play into LA.

This couldnt be any better for the MLS.

Guys, MLS should be pretty exciting this year. NY Red Bull is a blast to watch with their European pro flair, and LA will be alot of fun with Becks aboard.

[Arkansas Bronco]

To anyone who watched enough Bayern Munich matches just how good is Owen Hargreaves? I have heard his name several times but want to know how much Manure stepped up or is it over hyped?

[Dagmar]

I don't have anything against Bradley, but this would have been a great hire for the US team:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=433568&campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5901

Houllier tells players he's quitting Lyon

LYON, France, May 25 (Reuters) - Former France and Liverpool coach Gerard Houllier has stepped down as Olympic Lyon coach.


Witnesses told Reuters Houllier had informed his players he was quitting.

Houllier, 59, who joined the six-times champions in 2005, helped them win Ligue 1 titles in 2006 and again this year.

He puts out boring, boring teams to watch.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Has anyone here seen that 17 year old Altidore kid in NY? I wonder if he'll last another season in MLS. He's legit. He is a natural goal scorer with a really high season and has already adapted to play with the bigger, older, stronger defenders in the MLS.

On a similar note, watch the NY Red Bull. The Columbian Juan Pablo Angel from West Ham is an excellent player who is committed to giving 100% effort all the time. You could tell that his presence on Red Bull is not only bringing their level of conditioning and commitment up, but it is making them accountable. Red Bull has a brutal team. Angel, Claudio Reyna, van den Bergh, Altidore, Mathis, etc., are all beginning to put things together. They are a really fun team to watch. Right now, they look like the class of the league, and I wouldnt doubt that they could make some noise against any team in middle or south america. Bruce Arena has a nice looking squad there.

[epicSocialism4tw]

General MLS update:

Chicago Fire are possibly bringing in Chilean international striker Marcelo "El Matador" Salas, formerly of River Plate, Lazio, and Juventus. Paired with Cuacthemoc Blanco, expect some creativity up front for the Chicago Fire when July rolls around. That should be another fun team to watch as their midfield will have some flare with Blanco, Salas, and Justin Mapp.

David Beckham has starred in recent wins for Real Madrid, and has arguably been the top player on the pitch since his return, which has inevitably begun the groans from the European media about his decision to head to MLS. MLS is standing firm on their decision not to loan Beckham out at the close of the season. I guess that its safe to say that MLS now can boast the top draw, and one of the top players on the planet.

Dallas has been playing well with the combination of Columbian Juan Toja and Texas native Ramon Nunez in midfield and former Man U youngster Kenny Cooper up top. Carlos Ruiz has been MIA, and the team has gone on winning in his absence.

Boca Juniors legend Guillermo Barros Schelotto is adding stability to the Columbus midfield.

Kansas City is loaded and looks to claim supremacy vs. NY this weekend.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Angel came from Aston Villa

Edit - Just read we (Chelsea for the unknowing) picked up Claudio Pizarro on a free transfer. I would like a scouting report on him. It seems as if Bayern is loosing alot of players. (I think this pick-up is still just a rumor after checking several sites)

[Jens1893]

Angel came from Aston Villa

Edit - Just read we (Chelsea for the unknowing) picked up Claudio Pizarro on a free transfer. I would like a scouting report on him. It seems as if Bayern is loosing alot of players. (I think this pick-up is still just a rumor after checking several sites)

Du hast die Haare schön.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Du hast die Haare schön.

Are you cursing me in german?

Edit - Did you just say he has beautiful hair?

[Jens1893]

Are you cursing me in german?

Edit - Did you just say he has beautiful hair?

Yeah, it´s been a rather popular fun chant for a while now and Pizarro is a player who thinks having his nair nice is rather important. He ain´t a bad player, but I don´t know if he´s gonna be happy in the Premiership.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

To anyone who watched enough Bayern Munich matches just how good is Owen Hargreaves? I have heard his name several times but want to know how much Manure stepped up or is it over hyped?

You should worry about Anderson and Nani too

[Arkansas Bronco]

You should worry about Anderson and Nani too

Anderson I have seen and he is very good I just hope we get Ricardo Quarisma to even that out. Nani is another one that would be nice to have info on.

[Jens1893]

To anyone who watched enough Bayern Munich matches just how good is Owen Hargreaves? I have heard his name several times but want to know how much Manure stepped up or is it over hyped?

ManUtd paying 17m for Hargreaves just shows you how silly the English market has become, especially for players with an English passport. Ferguson has a hard on for Hargreaves and nobody knows why. 17m for player with his footballing talent is absolutely insane. His aggression is his biggest strength ... he runs a lot also, but the fee they paid for him is just the newest chapter of the idiocy in the Premiership. You can get a similar player for less. Way less. The Premiership clubs have way too much money for their own good and it won´t be long before it all falls apart. Fans are leaving in droves already and no league can survive without fans. The clubs have outpriced the majority of match going fans and they will soon realize it.

[Arkansas Bronco]

I want 2 players and a solid CB but I think Alex is finally going to get his permit to back up Carv and Terry. I would go absolutely nuts if we landed D. Villa (F. Torres is a back up plan but not close). Also Micha Richards I like a solid young RB that was originally a CB. Roman has already back-tracked and said he is still willing to put the cash out so lets get this done.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Well rumor no more Mr. Beautiful Hair (Claudio Pizarro) just joined Chelsea. Im not to pumped we have a billionaire owner get me D. Villa !!!!!

[Muddled]

We show the footie world the grace of footie after 0-3- one Gravgaard meltdown, a fluke and a semidrop by Sørensen. A legendary fightback through absolute brilliance by the nobility of our footie generation (Martin Jørgensen, Jesper Grønkjær, Daniel Jensen, Lars Jacobsen) and our young guns (Bendtner and Agger- footie world beware) and the absolute catalyst Leon Andreasen. Then dumbdumbdumbdumb Poulsen, scandalous times 100 security and one idiot manage to bury Danish football in a ****hole of absolutely deserved trouble. So sad, especially after the most beautiful half and a bit of footie the world has seen since 98 (ironically Jørgensen's breakthrough flanking the Laudrup brothers).

I sat 7 rows straight behind the idiot, odd odd athmosphere after the game, the Swedes seemed even more saddened by the outcome than the Danes, one Swedish dude almost tearfully proclaimed that the Danes had been out of this world fantastic and he was so sad they had to lose this way. I only saw one dude cheer after the game, and that was very halfheartedly, the idiot turned it into a funeral after an absolute carnival of footie. Thank you so much Daniel Jensen, Martin Jørgensen, Daniel Agger, Nicklas Bendtner, Leon Andreasen, Jesper Grønkjær and Lars Jacobsen for showing the world the grace of footie, you caught a deathly tough deal, especially Jørgensen who might retire from international footie once Denmark is banned for whatever

[Orange_Beard]

ManUtd paying 17m for Hargreaves just shows you how silly the English market has become, especially for players with an English passport. Ferguson has a hard on for Hargreaves and nobody knows why. 17m for player with his footballing talent is absolutely insane. His aggression is his biggest strength ... he runs a lot also, but the fee they paid for him is just the newest chapter of the idiocy in the Premiership. You can get a similar player for less. Way less. The Premiership clubs have way too much money for their own good and it won´t be long before it all falls apart. Fans are leaving in droves already and no league can survive without fans. The clubs have outpriced the majority of match going fans and they will soon realize it.

It's like the Yankees and the Red Sox in ML Baseball. The league is a farm team for these clubs. Roger gets 23 mill to finish the year? It is a complete joke.
Their fans jump around like A$$HOLES when they win. Of course they should win. They buy every F-ing player, sometimes just so the other guy can't get them.
I am starting to feel the same about Chelski and Manure fans, at least the new comers who jump on and talk about how great the team is and what players they should buy. It is about as exciting as watching a woman shop.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Well, I guess no one caught the young US Nats tonight? I'll post a recap on the front page.

[Arkansas Bronco]

It's like the Yankees and the Red Sox in ML Baseball. The league is a farm team for these clubs. Roger gets 23 mill to finish the year? It is a complete joke.
Their fans jump around like A$$HOLES when they win. Of course they should win. They buy every F-ing player, sometimes just so the other guy can't get them.
I am starting to feel the same about Chelski and Manure fans, at least the new comers who jump on and talk about how great the team is and what players they should buy. It is about as exciting as watching a woman shop.

Yea Chelsea (my team) are on the same level as ManUre. I latched onto them due to Peter Cech. I was a keeper in when I use to play and loved how good he is so I choose them and now I like a large part of the team. I have never jumped on a top power before them and feel a bit guilty but so what its the home of my favorite player much like when I choose Denver in 85 they had my favorite player also. ;)

[Jens1893]

It's like the Yankees and the Red Sox in ML Baseball. The league is a farm team for these clubs. Roger gets 23 mill to finish the year? It is a complete joke.
Their fans jump around like A$$HOLES when they win. Of course they should win. They buy every F-ing player, sometimes just so the other guy can't get them.
I am starting to feel the same about Chelski and Manure fans, at least the new comers who jump on and talk about how great the team is and what players they should buy. It is about as exciting as watching a woman shop.

ManUtd at least worked their way up to the level where they are currently at, whereas Chelsea were just gifted the money and never did anything for the money themselves.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Haha Angel scored 2 in 2 minutes for the Bulls last night. Pretty funny how well an desent Euro player can produce in the MLS.

[Jens1893]

Haha Angel scored 2 in 2 minutes for the Bulls last night. Pretty funny how well an desent Euro player can produce in the MLS.

Juan Pablo Angel is Colombian.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Juan Pablo Angel is Colombian.

I was referring to a European league not where he is from. Just stating that someone that can produce over there is going to make a killing over here.

[Jens1893]

I was referring to a European league not where he is from. Just stating that someone that can produce over there is going to make a killing over here.

Dont let Llama hear that. :)

[epicSocialism4tw]

Dont let Llama hear that. :)

That's the way it is. It doesnt make our national team uncompetitive, though.

The MLS is growing. This season it has taken a significant step forward in attracting players from South America's top teams, Mexico, and the EPL. MLS is our domestic league. I hope every player from the EPL, Mexico, and South America decides that NY or LA is a considerable destination. Becks has made that possible by playing at top form as he makes his way to LA.

[Jens1893]

That's the way it is. It doesnt make our national team uncompetitive, though.

The MLS is growing. This season it has taken a significant step forward in attracting players from South America's top teams, Mexico, and the EPL. MLS is our domestic league. I hope every player from the EPL, Mexico, and South America decides that NY or LA is a considerable destination. Becks has made that possible by playing at top form as he makes his way to LA.

Anyone who thinks the MLS is a considerable destination before he´s 30 has no ambition,

[Jens1893]

BTW, the wages in Mexico are almost on the European level which is why so many Mexican players hesitated to make the move in the past. Some players changed their mind after the last World Cup for the good of El Tri as they began to understand that they have to play in a more competitive league if they want to get better as football players. The MLS offers nothing to them as the MLS clubs can´t match the wages they are being paid in Mexico.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Anyone who thinks the MLS is a considerable destination before he´s 30 has no ambition,

MLS is attractive now for two types of legit footballers. 1) Youngsters trying to play on a stage for the EPL. 2) Veterans wanting to become American citizens while playing out their career.

Guys like Juan Pablo Angel and Beckham still have EPL ability. Becks is obviously world class. Schelotto of Boca Jrs is still world class, Blanco is, Angel is, and there are others in MLS that have or will make the jump to Europe.

Beckham will be in MLS for 5 seasons. He will be global advertisement for MLS like they have never had before. We likely wont see the impact of Beckham for another 10 years, but the impact will be felt and players will come to the US.

[Jens1893]

Going by your criteria there are 250 world class players in the game right now. I will leave it at that. I´m struggling to find 15.