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The 2012-2013 Football Thread
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Incredible fightback for Sweden...Germany really lost focus in the second half. It probably doesn't mean much in the overall qualifying picture though.
Meanwhile, USA 3-1 Guatemala
USA wins with a good if not outstanding performance and thus advances to the next round of CONCACAF qualifying in the six-team "hexagonal" group next year. One step closer to the World Cup...
Meanwhile, USA 3-1 Guatemala
USA wins with a good if not outstanding performance and thus advances to the next round of CONCACAF qualifying in the six-team "hexagonal" group next year. One step closer to the World Cup...
It's not called "British" Columbia for nothing
The US looked good, but both Bradley and Dempsey took dives in the box looking for penalties. Dempsey got carded for his act. I'm so sick of that BS. Just go out and score the damn goal. Don't dive and hope for a penalty. That mentality is holding us back, IMO. Shoot it. Do everything you can in that moment to score. Don't flail and beg for a penalty. The US need's more of a finishing mentality. We may not be the most talented squad, but we better be the scrappiest. The refs wil call a penalty if the foul justifies it. You shoot, let the refs blow the whistle.
Sorry for the rant.
Sorry for the rant.
Last night the Netherlands took a major step to regaining some credibility after this summers nightmare.
Romania 1 Netherlands 4
The young players brought in since the summer have really made a big difference. They were able to score early, which put more pressure on the home team. By the half hour they had scored again, but then lost concentration, and Romania scored, and for a ten minute period dominated the game.
The third goal was from a penalty. In the last twenty minutes we were very luck to escape a clear Romanian penalty. It was a major let off, from which was taken advantage of eight minutes later.
This win takes all the pressure off the team. I would class this performance as the being of the start of the recovery.
If the Netherlands can keep this group of players fit and motivated they will preform well at the World Cup in 2014.
Just a side note, I watched the match on TV with my four year old granddaughter, she said to me that instead of everybody fighting for one ball, they should all be given their own ball. I think I'll take that up with FIFA.
Romania 1 Netherlands 4
The young players brought in since the summer have really made a big difference. They were able to score early, which put more pressure on the home team. By the half hour they had scored again, but then lost concentration, and Romania scored, and for a ten minute period dominated the game.
The third goal was from a penalty. In the last twenty minutes we were very luck to escape a clear Romanian penalty. It was a major let off, from which was taken advantage of eight minutes later.
This win takes all the pressure off the team. I would class this performance as the being of the start of the recovery.
If the Netherlands can keep this group of players fit and motivated they will preform well at the World Cup in 2014.
Just a side note, I watched the match on TV with my four year old granddaughter, she said to me that instead of everybody fighting for one ball, they should all be given their own ball. I think I'll take that up with FIFA.
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FIFA will probably get around to that quicker and more effectively than they will dealing with the aftermath of last night's under-21 match between England and Serbia. Our young players were subject to monkey chants and missiles being thrown during the match, and there was a fracas afterwards which included a number of Serbian supporters who had got onto the pitch. Former Hull City coach Steve Wigley got smacked.Just a side note, I watched the match on TV with my four year old granddaughter, she said to me that instead of everybody fighting for one ball, they should all be given their own ball. I think I'll take that up with FIFA.
I think it's fair to predict that bugger all will be done by either FIFA or UEFA.
FIFA will probably get around to that quicker and more effectively than they will dealing with the aftermath of last night's under-21 match between England and Serbia. Our young players were subject to monkey chants and missiles being thrown during the match, and there was a fracas afterwards which included a number of Serbian supporters who had got onto the pitch. Former Hull City coach Steve Wigley got smacked.
I think it's fair to predict that bugger all will be done by either FIFA or UEFA.
That is quite shocking, there is not even a mention about this the newspapers here, only about the cancelled match in Poland.
I am not all that surprised, a friend of mine was on a trip to Serbia, and his wife from African heritage, was refused service in a bar.
This was only two years ago, but it's like they are decades in the past.
Unfortunately they're serial offenders, and in the past have received nothing more than paltry fines. It would be good to see firm action finally being taken but I won't hold my breath.
I'm not quite that far north! I believe my nearest team are the "Wee Rangers"
Also amazed to read that the Faroes have a premier league, I didn't think they'd have enough teams for a league let alone their upper echelons wanting to split away from the regular league.
A timely comment, since I just moved back to my ancestral stomping grounds of Cleveland! Lady Blackadder and myself piled as much of our possessions as would fit in the car and struck out for Cleveland two Thursdays ago. The distance was nearly equivalent to a car trip from John o' Groats to Kandahar
Luckily I'm only 3 hours from home and don't have to pass through any time zones apart from where I'm staying appears to be in 1997.
The Belgian result was expected, they're a pretty good team these days. Fact remains Levein must go. And most of the team.
On the Germany-Sweden match:
In the first half I thought "what are they doing? Are they now trying to imitate spanish ticki-tacka, because the german style doesn't work that well?"
I also was wondering, how often you could see Boateng being that far in the other half (not that he didn't do this in other matches, but this was far more close to the other box then ever before). The interesting thing is, that it is this, what Schmelzer does with Dortmund on the left, though he often don't kicks the ball precisely enough to the player next to the goal box. He was doing more of this in the Ireland Match, while he seemed to be taught to stay in the back in former games in the national team (while at the same time playing what I described before at Dortmund).
Boateng though seems to take himself much time. He somehow manages to get long ball that fly to him with his knee or thigh, then takes time to place it in front of his feet, then looks arround, then looks to the ball again and then he shoots. He can be glad that Sweden let him do these things, otherwise Reus wouldn't have got the ball to get it to the next player in front of the goal box.
Do you guys think, that Germany got just careless and unalert/inattentive or was it maybe, that they did run to much (all of them) and did not have the physical means to be striker and defender at the same time (I get the impression, that all but two defenders seem to more switch into striker and foreground middlefield players during nearly all matches. I mean they have a good technique, but is the "power" of Germany not also a result of being actually three strikers there and a lot of midfielders playing in front creating a superiority in number? I don't know, if that is really good playing or just victory through being 8 players against 4 defenders -exagurated-).
I remember that it was often said that the team were Ballack was young and Kahn still there and no Lehmann arround, that Germany plays good in the first half and then they are tired, because they run to much.
I get the impression the players today are way fitter than these times, though, but maybe a lot running work adds up to a loss of attention in the end.
(Of course this was exagurated, but you know what I mean).
In the first half I thought "what are they doing? Are they now trying to imitate spanish ticki-tacka, because the german style doesn't work that well?"
I also was wondering, how often you could see Boateng being that far in the other half (not that he didn't do this in other matches, but this was far more close to the other box then ever before). The interesting thing is, that it is this, what Schmelzer does with Dortmund on the left, though he often don't kicks the ball precisely enough to the player next to the goal box. He was doing more of this in the Ireland Match, while he seemed to be taught to stay in the back in former games in the national team (while at the same time playing what I described before at Dortmund).
Boateng though seems to take himself much time. He somehow manages to get long ball that fly to him with his knee or thigh, then takes time to place it in front of his feet, then looks arround, then looks to the ball again and then he shoots. He can be glad that Sweden let him do these things, otherwise Reus wouldn't have got the ball to get it to the next player in front of the goal box.
Do you guys think, that Germany got just careless and unalert/inattentive or was it maybe, that they did run to much (all of them) and did not have the physical means to be striker and defender at the same time (I get the impression, that all but two defenders seem to more switch into striker and foreground middlefield players during nearly all matches. I mean they have a good technique, but is the "power" of Germany not also a result of being actually three strikers there and a lot of midfielders playing in front creating a superiority in number? I don't know, if that is really good playing or just victory through being 8 players against 4 defenders -exagurated-).
I remember that it was often said that the team were Ballack was young and Kahn still there and no Lehmann arround, that Germany plays good in the first half and then they are tired, because they run to much.
I get the impression the players today are way fitter than these times, though, but maybe a lot running work adds up to a loss of attention in the end.
Well, I think it was not that he didn't want to say something about the game, I bet he was pissed, because Beckmann asks questions he always asks, be it in his late night talkshow or as a sports commentator: "How do you feel?" "I'm a bit pissed" "Well, but how do you really feel?" "I am pissed" "I mean, deep down inside, how do you feel?" "I am pissed" "I mean really deep down in your soul, were maybe a small child lives that has dreams or a a hurt soul that expected so much of his life?" "I am pissed (Thinking: what are you talking about btw.?)" "Maybe it would help, if I hold your hand and you would just let your tears flow. Come-on, my big-boy. Did the Swedish did you an aua? How do you feel by the way?"
(Of course this was exagurated, but you know what I mean).
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You never want to see diving, but the fact remains that there is a lot of diving at the highest levels of the game, and if we are going to have more players over in Europe they are going to be doing it too. I'm happy to say that we don't really have any American players who have a reputation like a Drogba, a Busquets or a Suarez but a few of our guys (Dempsey and Altidore to name two) have been known to flop here and there. I don't like seeing it.
FIFA will probably get around to that quicker and more effectively than they will dealing with the aftermath of last night's under-21 match between England and Serbia. Our young players were subject to monkey chants and missiles being thrown during the match, and there was a fracas afterwards which included a number of Serbian supporters who had got onto the pitch. Former Hull City coach Steve Wigley got smacked.
I think it's fair to predict that bugger all will be done by either FIFA or UEFA.
Serbia's reputation for racism in football is so well-earned and their transgressions so obvious that there is no excuse for FIFA's kid-gloves treatment of that nation. I think it's time they were banned from international football as well as European club competitions. The current punishments are a joke, and it's no surprise that they are ignoring them.
I have fond memories of the late 90s, so it can't be so bad.
I didn't watch the game, but I'd be shocked if the result was due to a fitness issue on the part of Germany. When a team dominates in one half and then gets overrun in another half, it could be fitness, or a key injury...but I think it's more likely to be mental in this case. Somehow Germany lost focus and didn't follow their game plan, or made a lot of individual mistakes, or both. Sweden are a good team and have a world-class striker in Ibrahimovic, so even the best teams need to take them seriously. It seems Germany just took their foot off the pedal.
But there isn't any racism in football. Well, nothing a handshake after the match can't fix anyway!
In other news, Modric hopes Gareth Bale joins him at Real
Presumably to keep him company while sitting on the bench
Well, I think it was not that he didn't want to say something about the game, I bet he was pissed, because Beckmann asks questions he always asks, be it in his late night talkshow or as a sports commentator: "How do you feel?" "I'm a bit pissed" "Well, but how do you really feel?" "I am pissed" "I mean, deep down inside, how do you feel?" "I am pissed" "I mean really deep down in your soul, were maybe a small child lives that has dreams or a a hurt soul that expected so much of his life?" "I am pissed (Thinking: what are you talking about btw.?)" "Maybe it would help, if I hold your hand and you would just let your tears flow. Come-on, my big-boy. Did the Swedish did you an aua? How do you feel by the way?"
(Of course this was exagurated, but you know what I mean).
haha well I know what you mean, even though I always change the channel, when his show is on. This guy should in no way ever be allowed anywhere near a soccer stadium though.
@Lord Blackadder that is precisely the problem, however I am happy that it happened now again because apparently the players, the staff didn't learn anything from the defeat vs Italy and it makes you wonder what they actually do at the nationalteam, while they are together. The players don't seem to respect or listen to each other much and aren't willing to make runs or tackle for each other. On a lighter note, the spectators at least got their money's worth and that game wasn't the only one with four goals in it last night. Spain also didn't rip France apart, so nothing is really won or lost.
See no missiles, hear no chants, talk bollocks:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19976781
I think it's fair to predict that bugger all will be done by either FIFA or UEFA.
Be fair, about Euro 300 of the fine will be spent on 'Kick It Out' t-shirts and a banner or two.
---
Rooney goal - off the shoulder is in this season.
Cheers,
OW
Nah, no fitness issue at all. And they didn't just took their foot off the pedal, they clearly drove backwards. But I'm not that shocked, found it really entertaining to be honest. They can quite easily win away at sweden and overall will finish 1st probably undisputed (if they take their opponents serious - and they will).
There is one general and huge problem though - they ALWAYS receive goals , each ***** game at least 1-2.
Anyway, I'd gladly see a change on the bench. more exactly: Löw and his folks are over their Zenith imho and should be fired
)) replaced by whom you'd ask? I have no idea right now.
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@ his Lordness: btw. on October 21. the US-women will play against Germany (which would be a women's football watcher's classic), I thought I just mention it, maybe you are interested. The US-girls are on a fan-thank-you-tour and iviting several bigger teams in the USA. There were actually two matches against Germany (different US-locations), but I can now only find the one that will be aired on our German TV (ZDF, at 1 o'clock during night).
Look on the bright side at least Scotland have qualified for next year's World Cup.
But there isn't any racism in football. Well, nothing a handshake after the match can't fix anyway!
In other news, Modric hopes Gareth Bale joins him at Real
Presumably to keep him company while sitting on the bench
I'm not sure how this works but it looks like UEFA is taking action, I'm just not sure if it's the right action.
I have since seen the incident on TV and the internet, how any person can miss the jungle calls is beyond me.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19976781
On the Germany-Sweden match:
In the first half I thought "what are they doing? Are they now trying to imitate spanish ticki-tacka, because the german style doesn't work that well?"
I also was wondering, how often you could see Boateng being that far in the other half (not that he didn't do this in other matches, but this was far more close to the other box then ever before). The interesting thing is, that it is this, what Schmelzer does with Dortmund on the left, though he often don't kicks the ball precisely enough to the player next to the goal box. He was doing more of this in the Ireland Match, while he seemed to be taught to stay in the back in former games in the national team (while at the same time playing what I described before at Dortmund).
Boateng though seems to take himself much time. He somehow manages to get long ball that fly to him with his knee or thigh, then takes time to place it in front of his feet, then looks arround, then looks to the ball again and then he shoots. He can be glad that Sweden let him do these things, otherwise Reus wouldn't have got the ball to get it to the next player in front of the goal box.
Do you guys think, that Germany got just careless and unalert/inattentive or was it maybe, that they did run to much (all of them) and did not have the physical means to be striker and defender at the same time (I get the impression, that all but two defenders seem to more switch into striker and foreground middlefield players during nearly all matches. I mean they have a good technique, but is the "power" of Germany not also a result of being actually three strikers there and a lot of midfielders playing in front creating a superiority in number? I don't know, if that is really good playing or just victory through being 8 players against 4 defenders -exagurated-).
I remember that it was often said that the team were Ballack was young and Kahn still there and no Lehmann arround, that Germany plays good in the first half and then they are tired, because they run to much.
I get the impression the players today are way fitter than these times, though, but maybe a lot running work adds up to a loss of attention in the end.
Well, I think it was not that he didn't want to say something about the game, I bet he was pissed, because Beckmann asks questions he always asks, be it in his late night talkshow or as a sports commentator: "How do you feel?" "I'm a bit pissed" "Well, but how do you really feel?" "I am pissed" "I mean, deep down inside, how do you feel?" "I am pissed" "I mean really deep down in your soul, were maybe a small child lives that has dreams or a a hurt soul that expected so much of his life?" "I am pissed (Thinking: what are you talking about btw.?)" "Maybe it would help, if I hold your hand and you would just let your tears flow. Come-on, my big-boy. Did the Swedish did you an aua? How do you feel by the way?"
(Of course this was exagurated, but you know what I mean).
I do think that Germany is a lot like the Netherlands in football, mostly they play according to the managers script, and mostly win, even winning ugly if needed. But every so often they not only forget the script they go to a completely different planet.
The Netherlands forgot their script this summer at the EURO's, but bounced back, Germany will do the same. It's only one game, and hey you didn't loose.
I'm not sure how this works but it looks like UEFA is taking action, I'm just not sure if it's the right action.
I have since seen the incident on TV and the internet, how any person can miss the jungle calls is beyond me.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19976781
Well, at a recent meeting of the Serbian FA, they disagree that any racist chanting took place:
That's clearly not the Serbian FA, they wouldn't admit the guy in the middle for starters.
First off, I had no idea this thread existed. This is awesome to see fellow Mac users who also happen to be fans of actual football and not my country's excuse for it.
Second, has anyone seen this table: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19842397 and read the article preceding it: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19984968? It's a bit crazy how expensive it's getting for fans to support their team...also, why am I not surprised the London clubs have the highest season ticket prices?
Second, has anyone seen this table: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19842397 and read the article preceding it: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19984968? It's a bit crazy how expensive it's getting for fans to support their team...also, why am I not surprised the London clubs have the highest season ticket prices?
Hi, rtues-d2!
Yep, I saw that survey earlier. The ever higher prices will come as little surprise to those who attend matches in this country, and inflated costs are continuing to seep down the divisions. I have a season pass but buy separate tickets for away matches (I usually go to a few a season), the prices some clubs charge though is off putting.
It doesn't have to be the case though, as much lower prices in other countries testify – I'm sure for example that some of our German regulars could attend a match at their local Bundesliga club and pay for themselves and a couple of friends for the same price as a single ticket at many English grounds.
That said, I was surprised to see that Hull City's cheapest season ticket price is about £90 more than I paid for mine.
Yep, I saw that survey earlier. The ever higher prices will come as little surprise to those who attend matches in this country, and inflated costs are continuing to seep down the divisions. I have a season pass but buy separate tickets for away matches (I usually go to a few a season), the prices some clubs charge though is off putting.
It doesn't have to be the case though, as much lower prices in other countries testify – I'm sure for example that some of our German regulars could attend a match at their local Bundesliga club and pay for themselves and a couple of friends for the same price as a single ticket at many English grounds.
That said, I was surprised to see that Hull City's cheapest season ticket price is about £90 more than I paid for mine.
I'd love to see your face if it turns out that he's a Blade.Hopefully we've added another Sheffield Wednesday fan...?
Hi, rtues-d2!
Yep, I saw that survey earlier. The ever higher prices will come as little surprise to those who attend matches in this country, and inflated costs are continuing to seep down the divisions. I have a season pass but buy separate tickets for away matches (I usually go to a few a season), the prices some clubs charge though is off putting.
It doesn't have to be the case though, as much lower prices in other countries testify I'm sure for example that some of our German regulars could attend a match at their local Bundesliga club and pay for themselves and a couple of friends for the same price as a single ticket at many English grounds.
That said, I was surprised to see that Hull City's cheapest season ticket price is about £90 more than I paid for mine.
I'd love to see your face if it turns out that he's a Blade.
sommat like this...
Apparently, according to the survey Sheffield United provide the cheapest 'matchday experience' in the entire Football League. However, it's not really that good value once you factor in having to watch Sheffield United.sommat like this...
On a serious note though, it would be interesting to hear from our non-British regulars how the costs stack up against what they pay. If I fancied popping along to see your local side play, how much would a ticket set me back?
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