2009-10 Football Thread – The Second Half

[Lord Blackadder]

I really didn't think Inter were going to pull it off, but they did win their last league match so they had some momentum coming into the tie, and they counterattacked strongly, which seems to be the only way to beat Barca.

I still can't see them knocking Barca out in their own stadium, but on paper they may just be good enough, especially if Messi has another quiet game and they get a call or two again. Puyol is suspended now, that may be a small factor.

 

[oscillatewildly]

...

I still can't see them knocking Barca out in their own stadium, but on paper they may just be good enough, especially if Messi has another quiet game and they get a call or two again. Puyol is suspended now, that may be a small factor.

Barcelona got some decisions early on, no wonder Eto'o was angry. Could have been six or seven if Inter had taken their chances. The beginning of the end for this Barcelona team.

Cheers,
OW

 

[Lord Blackadder]

The beginning of the end for this Barcelona team.

I think the most worrying thing for Barca is that Ibrahimovic was largely ineffective, that puts more pressure on Messi.

 

[smwatson]

Honey, I'm home!

I've been away but now I'm back.
Hmm.


Leeds have crumbled, I don't want to talk about it. A sizeable section of fans are starting to move against Bates - keep your eye on out for something to pop up in mainstream media some time soon.

Barcelona will win 1-0 in the Nou Camp, Mourinho will again prove himself to be the greatest manager on the planet. What a man.

I correctly predicted the result of all the quarters bar the all French one for those interested.


How is everyone?

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Barcelona will win 1-0 in the Nou Camp, Mourinho will again prove himself to be the greatest manager on the planet. What a man.

If Rafa is truly plotting an escape from Anfield, Gillette and Hicks should sell up fast so the new owners can prostrate themselves in front of Mourinho and get him to come to Anfield by throwing large piles of cash at him. I think he might be able to be persuaded do it...but then again, he may be postponing his return to England till Old Hob returns to reclaim SAF's soul so he can go to United. Ugh. Mourinho at United is probably my worst nightmare.

How is everyone?

From a footballing perspective, I've been better...haven't actually been able to watch a match on TV for a month and a half...the GMT+9 timezone is not my friend.

 

[Don't panic]

Bad domestic form, scintillating European form. They defended incredibly well, Cesar made some great saves, and they took their scoring chances well. The return match at Nou Camp is going to be very interesting indeed, as long as the real Messi shows up for that one. He was about as quiet as can be tonight.

one of the best matches of the season without any doubt.
and while it is true that Messi was below is usually high par, i suppose you have to give inter players credit for making him an almost no factor.

i have been reading the spanish press and it's hilarious: those based in barcelona are claiming highway robbery (short memories, eh?), those in madrid the opposite.

i think the referee made some mistakes, but it wasn't a one-sided affair as the catalans claim: the Mlito goal was in offside, but it was hard to see, and Milito was stopped in the first half when alone in front of the goal for an inexistent offside, so those two cancel out in my view.
The "penalty" on alves was correctly called as a dive, while the previous one could have been called. On the other hand, the referee was generous in not sending messi out with a red card on maicon (and he would have missed the second match).
Overall there were mistakes, but didn't influence the result of the game, in my opinion: the final score reflects the game.

besides as always when complaining about refs and 'what the real score should be' people forget the effect that goals have on the dynamics of the game: for example, if milito's goal had been disallowed, Inter probably would have maintained the momentum and kept pushing to score again, instead to setting themselves back in the last 15 minutes. who knows if they would have scored anyway, and how many.


anyways, great game and the return match promises to be even better.
i think that barca still have an edge at home, but inter are in a position no one would have predicted after the arsenal dismissal by barca.
i certainly would love the milan team to win the cup. (not considering lyon or bayern might want to have a say in that...)

 

[takao]

anyways, great game and the return match promises to be even better.
i think that barca still have an edge at home, but inter are in a position no one would have predicted after the arsenal dismissal by barca.
i certainly would love the milan team to win the cup. (not considering lyon or bayern might want to have a say in that...)

true that but i hoped for another barcelona goal i nthe end so that inter doesn't resort too much on defense in the 2nd game... but it's still doable for barca ... they have the whoel season been rather so so in away games but at home they are whole different team

bayern vs lyon gonna be an interesting game today ... lyon is completly unpredictable and Bayern has some games being great and then are thsoe lousy "can't achieve anything" games

 

[Silencio]

one of the best matches of the season without any doubt.
and while it is true that Messi was below is usually high par, i suppose you have to give inter players credit for making him an almost no factor.

Can't really disagree with anything you said. Messi might have had a knock as he was held out of training last week, Ibrahimovic has missed a number of games lately, and Iniesta couldn't play yesterday, either. But Barca has enough quality to pull through regardless of that. Their defending really let them down yesterday, and Mourinho's tactics were brilliant again.

The ref made some poor decisions, but I don't think the final score was impacted by them. Barca has certainly reaped the benefits of bad officiating over the past year, so their complaints yesterday really annoyed me.

Wish I could be around today to watch the Bayern / Lyon match. Lyon has really impressed me in the CL matches I've seen them play. Really, really want to see them lay a smackdown on Bayern, but I'm beginning to feel like Bayern is a team of destiny in Europe this year. Fortune has really been on their side since they dispatched Juventus at the end of the group stage.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

true that but i hoped for another barcelona goal i nthe end so that inter doesn't resort too much on defense in the 2nd game... but it's still doable for barca ... they have the whoel season been rather so so in away games but at home they are whole different team.

Seeing as Inter used a counterattacking strategy in the first leg, I expect them to do the same in Spain. So unless we see an early goal or two, the match could be a case of Mourinho parking the bus, and mounting the odd counterattack here and there.

 

[takao]

and as usual as soon as bayern are put under pressure either by beeing behind in goals or players they are even more dangerous than without

and after the french were down a man themselves it was one-way football (sadly they didn't display the possesion ratings)

surprinsingly the "replacements" Pranjic, Tymoshchuk and Diego Contento were surprinsingly good

 

[swiftaw]

Lets look at the relegation battle:

West Ham (31 pts, -19 GD)
April 24 vs Wigan (H)
May 2 vs Fulham (A)
May 9 vs Man City (H)

Hull (28, -40)
April 24 vs Sunderland (H)
May 3 vs Wigan (A)
May 9 vs Liverpool (H)

Burnley (27, -37)
April 25 vs Liverpool (H)
May 1 vs Birmingham (A)
May 9 vs Spurs (H)

It seems, because of the goal difference, Hull would need 4 more points than West Ham over the last three games to survive. I don't see Burnley managing a single win in their last 3 games so they are gone (IMO).

So, West Ham vs Hull for the last spot. both of their final fixtures look like losses, so that leaves 2 games each. A win against Wigan or Fulham and I think West Ham are safe. Two draws would require 6 points from 6 from Hull. Two defeats would require 4 points from Hull.

Either way, Wigan is going to play a vital role. I hope they beat West Ham (and secure their position in the league next season), and then roll over and allow Hull to beat them. Of course, Hull also need to get something against Sunderland.

 

[XIII]

Blaugh.. not particularly football related, but just announcing my return to this thread.. I went away for a week in Crete, and it turned into a week in Crete + a 3000km journey across Europe by bus, boat, taxi, train, car, metro.. to get back to England!

Arsenal seem to have suffered in a similar fashion to me, whilst I was away. Let's hope my return sparks a turn in fortunes, starting this Saturday..

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Quite a journey XIII...did you pass the Barcelona bus on the way?

Sounds like the red card on Toulalan was a bad decision but Lyon failed to do anything with the man advantage. Bayern are sure to score on the return leg so I think they have to be the favorites to progress.

Terrible day at the office for Hull City. Still trying to find out what happened to Jan Venegoor of Hessilink...sounds serious. Serious also describes Hull City's predicament in the standings....I feel like this weekend will decide it one way or another. I think Hull City's run-in is kinder than West Ham's, I'd rather play Wigan and Sunderland than Wigan and Fulham - but I think in order to stay up they must beat Sunderland.

 

[XIII]

Lets look at the relegation battle:

West Ham (31 pts, -19 GD)
April 24 vs Wigan (H)
May 2 vs Fulham (A)
May 9 vs Man City (H)

Hull (28, -40)
April 24 vs Sunderland (H)
May 3 vs Wigan (A)
May 9 vs Liverpool (H)

Burnley (27, -37)
April 25 vs Liverpool (H)
May 1 vs Birmingham (A)
May 9 vs Spurs (H)

It seems, because of the goal difference, Hull would need 4 more points than West Ham over the last three games to survive. I don't see Burnley managing a single win in their last 3 games so they are gone (IMO).

So, West Ham vs Hull for the last spot. both of their final fixtures look like losses, so that leaves 2 games each. A win against Wigan or Fulham and I think West Ham are safe. Two draws would require 6 points from 6 from Hull. Two defeats would require 4 points from Hull.

Either way, Wigan is going to play a vital role. I hope they beat West Ham (and secure their position in the league next season), and then roll over and allow Hull to beat them. Of course, Hull also need to get something against Sunderland.

My prediction: Hull are down...




...sorry Jaffa

 

[Lord Blackadder]

I am still fuming over this comment by Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks, after his announcement wioth George Gillette that they are asking the laughable sum of 800 million pounds for Liverpool:

“Liverpool will be the most profitable investment I have ever made,” Hicks said, claiming that there was a strong business rationale to buy the club. “I should make four times my money. Liverpool has been the most rewarding in so many ways and the most painful in so many ways. When you feel fans turn against you, it is very frustrating.

“The fans blame the owners [for failures on the pitch], but the reality is that we have had injuries to our key players and we just were not a very good team without them.”

I can't really comment on this without releasing a string of obscenities. Tom Hicks, you're a greedy bastard. Thanks for nothing. I hate to say this (because I want them out), but I hope nobody shows the slightest interest in Liverpool until Hicks and Gillette drop their asking price by huge amount. 800 million punds? Are you havin' a laugh?

 

[takao]

Quite a journey XIII...did you pass the Barcelona bus on the way?

Barcelona should rather thanks Inter for eleminating CSKA moscow imagine traveling from barcelona to moscow by bus

Sounds like the red card on Toulalan was a bad decision but Lyon failed to do anything with the man advantage. Bayern are sure to score on the return leg so I think they have to be the favorites to progress.

well since the first foul from Toulalan was a rather 'dark' yellow card i think the second yellow-red was quite spot on since it was just 3 minutes later... and after the Ribery fould in the first it should have been clear that this referee isn't taking rough game lightly
i think Lyon is quite happy to go home with a 1-0 loss looking at the 12-1 shots at goal statistic in the second half alone

 

[Lord Blackadder]

i think Lyon is quite happy to go home with a 1-0 loss looking at the 12-1 shots at goal statistic in the second half alone

True, they could have easily lost by a handful of goals. They are going to have to be much better in the next leg to progress though. Bayern will score at least one away goal for sure.

 

[Jaffa Cake]

It seems, because of the goal difference, Hull would need 4 more points than West Ham over the last three games to survive...

Indeed.

Hull also need to get something against Sunderland.

Indeed again. Unfortunately, I can guarantee that one or both of Turner and Campbell will score against us.

Still trying to find out what happened to Jan Venegoor of Hessilink...sounds serious.

He was unconscious on the pitch for four or five minutes apparently, and was whisked straight to hospital. The OWS has this to say...

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is set to spend the night in hospital after being knocked unconscious in the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

The Dutch striker was out cold for several minutes after an accidental clash with Villa defender James Collins during the second half of the match at the KC Stadium.

He was eventually stretchered off and taken to Hull Royal Infirmary, where he will have scans and tests to check that there is no long-term damage.

Not good and hopefully he'll be okay.

My prediction: Hull are down...

...sorry Jaffa

Nah, don't be sorry. If we don't get the points to stay up there can be no complaints. Anyway, I can think of loads of reasons why the Championship is miles acer than the Premier League. Probably 43 or 44 reasons, or thereabouts.

Mind, an ominous threat here – if I get relegation-related lip off anyone I've got nekkid pictures of Phil Brown and I'm certainly not afraid to post them here. You have been warned.

 

[XIII]

I can't really comment on this without releasing a string of obscenities. Tom Hicks, you're a greedy bastard. Thanks for nothing. I hate to say this (because I want them out), but I hope nobody shows the slightest interest in Liverpool until Hicks and Gillette drop their asking price by huge amount. 800 million punds? Are you havin' a laugh?

That's awful. Liverpool have been the example of what Arsenal fear will happen if the club ownership falls into foreign hands, or hands which do not care about the plight of the club, only about making some money. Sad story

Barcelona should rather thanks Inter for eleminating CSKA moscow imagine traveling from barcelona to moscow by bus



well since the first foul from Toulalan was a rather 'dark' yellow card i think the second yellow-red was quite spot on since it was just 3 minutes later... and after the Ribery fould in the first it should have been clear that this referee isn't taking rough game lightly
i think Lyon is quite happy to go home with a 1-0 loss looking at the 12-1 shots at goal statistic in the second half alone

Pfft, the first yellow was a clear yellow.. professional foul, Robben was breaking away and he knew he was taking a yellow card. The second they both had their feet raised, he played the ball.. maybe a free kick but never a yellow. The reaction from the Bayern player sealed his being sent off. So I feel it was harsh. The Ribery incident fully warranted a red card, the referring wasn't not "taking rough game lightly", any referee should send him off for that - he stamped hard on his ankle, potential breaker. Very dangerous.

 

[Fizzoid]

Nah, don't be sorry. If we don't get the points to stay up there can be no complaints. Anyway, I can think of loads of reasons why the Championship is miles acer than the Premier League. Probably 43 or 44 reasons, or thereabouts.

Indeed, it's a much better league!
Unfortunately, I can't see us being in it next season, and again, deservedly so...

 

[Lord Blackadder]

He was unconscious on the pitch for four or five minutes apparently, and was whisked straight to hospital. The OWS has this to say...

Could be a concussion, hopefully it's nothing major. Head injuries are always scary.

Mind, an ominous threat here – if I get relegation-related lip off anyone I've got nekkid pictures of Phil Brown and I'm certainly not afraid to post them here. You have been warned.

You certainly won't be having any trouble from me! - although some might argue that a clothed Ian Dowie is worse then an au natural Phil Brown.

That's awful. Liverpool have been the example of what Arsenal fear will happen if the club ownership falls into foreign hands, or hands which do not care about the plight of the club, only about making some money. Sad story

It could get a lot worse before it's all over. Best case scenario is that some fool with a kingdom's worth of oil revenues pays Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum what they are asking, Rafa goes to Juve, Mourinho comes the other way and the new owner hands the Special One a big fat war chest.

More likely, the Hicks and Gillette will pull a Mike Ashley and be compelled to take the club off the market when nobody nibbles, the new stadium will be cancelled and we'll trudge on, making a few unimportant signings over the summer. Rafa will go, followed by most of our best players, and Liverpool will become a consistent top 10 finisher and Europa League contestant, while Man City becomes the newest Top Four club. [/QUOTE]

 

[Jaffa Cake]

You know when you're going about your daily business, and you've got that underlying, niggling sense of annoyance at the back of your mind that's souring everything? I've got that this morning, and I'm going to blame Iain Dowie for it.

 

[OllyW]

You know when you're going about your daily business, and you've got that underlying, niggling sense of annoyance at the back of your mind that's souring everything? I've got that this morning, and I'm going to blame Iain Dowie for it.

Blame Adam Pearson. He seems to be the only person that thinks putting Dowie in charge was a good idea.

 

[Jaffa Cake]

Blame Adam Pearson. He seems to be the only person that thinks putting Dowie in charge was a good idea.

Pearson's placing the ultimate blame firmly on Paul Duffen.

Morally abhorrent, whereas Dowie is facially abhorrent. Hmm.

 

[Fizzoid]

Portsmouth Europa League appeal rejected by FA
Can't say I'm surprised really and it's probably good news for Liverpool fans