I will probably be banned for this but... Footie Thread

[donKey jote]

balls. Cristiano 2-1 :dozey:

[race aficionado]

What will Mou come up with? Oh the drama! :D

[race aficionado]

Hey Race, are you watching Falcao vs Getafe?

3-0 for Atlético and Falcao is resting up for this weekends fiesta.

[donKey jote]

direct red for you too ? ;)

[race aficionado]

direct red for you too ? ;)

It will be fun.
I want El Tigre and Atlético to to play great but I want Barca and Messi to play better.

[race aficionado]

alé Madrid! Not!!!

[Donney]

And Mourinho blamed the player's attitude.... oh the surprise..... :eek:

[race aficionado]

I will miss watching the games today but will follow via my phone.
I hope Barca and Atlético play a great game.
It's tough getting excited right now about anything given the recent events in CT.
but life continues . . .
still tough.

[donKey jote]

Real Moudrid start in 20 minutes... go Español !

[donKey jote]

Sergio Garcia makes it 0-1 after 30 minutes :D

[donKey jote]

balls... Cristiano draws on the half time whistle :dozey:

[donKey jote]

balls... Coentrao 2-1 as the second half begins :dozey:

[donKey jote]

2-2 with 2 minutes to go !! :D :D

[donKey jote]

Mou might be needing some Fergie time :p

[donKey jote]

not enough... Moudrid drop 2 points in the Bernabéu :D

[donKey jote]

Falcao hits the post! :eek:

[donKey jote]

Falcao misses again ! :eek:

Atléti certainly looking the more dangerous !!
...when they get the ball that is :p

[donKey jote]

an Falcao finally gets it after a massive charge from the centre line !!!! 0-1 in the Camp Nou !!

[donKey jote]

oh well... at least it was Falcao :p

[donKey jote]

Beauty Adriano does a Messi !! 1-1 :D

[donKey jote]

Busquets 2-1 !! :D :D

[race aficionado]

Like. Like. :)

[pino]

Why I am not surprised ;)

[donKey jote]

frantic pace at the moment... classic Barça-Atléti :D

[donKey jote]

Messssiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii :D :D :D

[donKey jote]

Iniesta close to the fourth... and Atlético finally have a sniff at the ball again after about 15 minutes :p

[donKey jote]

Messiiiiiiiii does a Falcao :D :D :D :D

[donKey jote]

Atlético failed to make the most of their super start... Falcao's goal -after two near misses- seems to have woken Barça up.
4-1 and Messi's 90th this year !

[race aficionado]

:) !

[race aficionado]

I'm glad soccer-wise for four things today;
• Real Moudrid lost
• Falcao scored a goal
• Messi scored 2
• and Barca keeps on going full speed ahead.

okay, I'll add a fifth:
• Donks is happy too.
:)

[Storm]

^me too..although real did not lose, effectively the liga is won. Espanyol of all people drawing at the end was great!

Falcao was great at the start, first 30 mins were all Atleti..but then Barca came back as they do often thesedays. Now only thing remains is to see Villa come back
into the team and score again.

[pino]

So many reason to be glad for me too :

Juve won and extended the gap
Chelsea lost
Napoli and inter lost
Real didn't win
Barca won and extended the gap
City won


:D

[Storm]

Tito Vilanova to be operated on tomorrow. Seems there has been a relapse of his cancer last year. Hopefully he gets better soon.

[pino]

Sad news, good luck to him :(

[race aficionado]

Tito Vilanova to be operated on tomorrow. Seems there has been a relapse of his cancer last year. Hopefully he gets better soon.


Sad news, good luck to him :(

I too wish him the best.

[donKey jote]

balls it's the first I hear about this.
Hope it goes well.

[Storm]

^its been on front page of even Marca since last eve!

btw Tito being operated on right now and also the CL draw just finished


Uefa Champions League last 16 draw:

Galatasaray v Schalke

Celtic v Juventus

Arsenal v Bayern Munich

Shakhtar Donetsk v Borussia Dortmund

AC Milan v Barcelona

Real Madrid v Manchester United

Valencia v Paris St Germain

Porto v Malaga

2 biggies and I can see Juve, PSG, Malaga, Dortmund making it.. And of course Barca.
Real v ManU? tough one for me...whom to support? hahaha

[pino]

CL draw : Man U vs Real Madrid, Milan vs Barca and Juve vs Celtic...

:eek:

[Donney]

Interesting pairings there...

[race aficionado]

Another Falcao . . . . wow . . . sweet.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=510052235682997&set=vb.493236270720615&type=2&theater

[Spafranco]

I too wish him the best.

Sad thing about this race aficionado is that the recurrence so soon in a salivary duct is quite serious. I wish him nothing but the best.

Any news on that Aston Villa player(Petrov) that has been ill with leukemia for a year?

[Brown, Jon Brow]

I can't wait for Real Madrid v Manchester United. There should be goals galore (so it wil probablt end up a boring 0-0)

[Mintexmemory]

Well if the correct use is made of the time up to the tie the mighty Gunners should give Allianz Athletic a run for their money. Pod enjoys taking them down a peg or 2 and Per (BFG) likewise. Think Juve have got the big banana skin game and Shaktar v BvB should be a cracker.

[race aficionado]

Donks.
Your Villa Maravilla is not happy at Barca with his lack of playing time.
What say you?

Villa ya se ve fuera del Bara - MARCA.com (http://www.marca.com/2012/12/21/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1356053083.html)

[donKey jote]

yes, shame he seems to be struggling to fit in again after his injury. Hard facts (15 wins and 1 draw after 16 matches) say Barça seem to getting on fine with him on the bank :(

[race aficionado]

Ou Mou! :D

Madrid lose again - okay they tied last time but still lost 2 points. ;)

And Barca win again.

I hope your Juve did good too pino.

[donKey jote]

missed the matches this time... the plane was late! :p

[race aficionado]

Yo! You're drunk!
Tomorrow you will enjoy the repercussions of today's games as you treat your repercussions for today's alcohol's intake.

[donKey jote]

I'm not drunk, but I am stranded downstairs on the sofa until the dog wakes (everybody) up and gets brought down for his morning weewee :p
And I seem to be starting a bit of a headache :dozey: :laugh:

[Storm]

yes, shame he seems to be struggling to fit in again after his injury. Hard facts (15 wins and 1 draw after 16 matches) say Barça seem to getting on fine with him on the bank :(


I think he will fit in fine if Tito actually plays him. It could be crucial if Tito can't come back soon and someone else steps in, to see if Villa gets more time on the pitch. Sad to see Pedro and Sanchez of all people preferred over the mighty Guaje. They are so out of form that I fear if Messi gets injured or can't score for a few games. Cesc scores more than both of them put toghether and more.

[Brown, Jon Brow]

So Messi wins the Ballon d'or award for the 4th year.

But who saw the Fifa team of the year? Entirely made up of Barca and Real players plus Falcao. Is La Liga the only league now? What about Vincent Kompany or Van Persie or Pirlo? They've all been fantastic for the last year.

[race aficionado]

Didn't other players actually decide this by voting themselves?

[Brown, Jon Brow]

Didn't other players actually decide this by voting themselves?

It is voted by over 50000 pro's. But I don't see what the likes of Pique and Dani Alves have done to deserve being on that list. They've had fairly average seasons.

[pino]

It is voted by over 50000 pro's. But I don't see what the likes of Pique and Dani Alves have done to deserve being on that list. They've had fairly average seasons.

Alba and Xabi Alonso didn't deserve to be there neither. Can't believe Pirlo isn't on the list :s

[donKey jote]

So Messi wins the Ballon d'or award for the 4th year.

But who saw the Fifa team of the year? Entirely made up of Barca and Real players plus Falcao. Is La Liga the only league now? What about Vincent Kompany or Van Persie or Pirlo? They've all been fantastic for the last year.

Most of them are also double European and World champions ;) ... can't say that about Van Persie or Pirlo :bandit: :andrea:

[Brown, Jon Brow]

Most of them are also double European and World champions ;) ... can't say that about Van Persie or Pirlo :bandit: :andrea:

I could have been in that Spain starting XI and they still would have probably won the Euros, but that doesn't mean I'm good enough for the world XI.

[donKey jote]

you might have a point with Pirlo, but I haven't a clue why the other two deserve to be in there, other than FIFA being a bit more diplomatic by enforcing an "other leagues" quota :p

[Brown, Jon Brow]

you might have a point with Pirlo, but I haven't a clue why the other two deserve to be in there, other than FIFA being a bit more diplomatic by enforcing an "other leagues" quota :p

Well let me put it this way. Who had a better season last year? a) Kompany or b) Pique

Pique had an average season for Barcelona and was part of a Spanish defence that was put under very little pressure at the Euros.

Man City would not have won the EPL last year without Kompany, he was outstanding all year.

And Van Persie? Despite being awful at the Euros he will show why he should have a place in the world XI when he destroys Real Madrid in the Champions League.

[race aficionado]

Falcao's gol was my favorite but there is a slight chance that I'm biased. :D
This was a fan internet poll.
I tried voting using the FIFA's web site but it would take me to the wrong page when I would press the voting link.
It's a conspiracy I tell you!
:bandit:

[race aficionado]

also I was watching the web cast through Marca.com and just when they were going to give the main prize to Messi their internet connection went down.
It's a conspiracy I tell you! :p imp:

I was fast though and I went to the FIFA page and got their web cast from there and was able to see Messi's smile, his speech and of course his funky tuxedo.

[Storm]

as pointless as individual awards and world XI etc are, still amazing to see this guy win 4 in a row. I am happy to be someone who has watched him play since he made his debut...Finally the Brits seem to be coming around to the fact that he actually is better than that metrosexual #7

Still CR7 has a point..the criteria are ambiguous..inspite of winning only the Copa, Leo won the Ballon - by the same token perhaps CR should have won it last year.
Hoping to see Tito win the coach title next year after Barca complete another treble :p :

[Big Ben]

The criteria may be ambiguous but it worked this year... and for the previous 3 years as well. The best player won. And since it's an individual award I don't see the point in arguing his teams didn't win this and that.

[donKey jote]

also I was watching the web cast through Marca.com and just when they were going to give the main prize to Messi their internet connection went down.
It's a conspiracy I tell you! :p imp:

I was fast though and I went to the FIFA page and got their web cast from there and was able to see Messi's smile, his speech and of course his funky tuxedo.

it sure was funny to see the admin trying to reconnect though... :D epic fail by marca :laugh:
I switched to elpais :)

[donKey jote]

Well let me put it this way. Who had a better season last year? a) Kompany or b) Pique


Kompawho? :cornfused: :p :laugh: :andrea:

[pino]

moclT_oMwek


Pep refuse to shake hands...lol :D

[pino]

No PL for Pep, he's about to sign for Bayern Munich ;)

[race aficionado]

If that's a go .... Good for Pep, great for Bayern.

[donKey jote]

balls, that's all we need...
Bayern and Germany to learn how to play football ! :s :dozey:

Still, at least it wasn't ManU or Chelsea :D :p

[Big Ben]

I shall be happy for 2 seconds if he doesn't go to M. City. I really enjoy the way City is ran at the moment. I hope Mancini and Balotelli never leave.

[Storm]

So it finally happened....Barca losing in the league this season, that is..bound to happen someday but worryingly it came after them being 2-0 up and even worse just after that 2-2 home draw in the Copa del Rey.

[steveaki13]

Barca just need to make sure they are not complacent. They need a top notch performance in Malaga on Thursday. Messi needs to turn on his beast mode.

[Big Ben]

beast? more like sneaky hobbit mode :) )

[steveaki13]

Look at previous seasons he tends to have good first halfs and then a lull around now, then turn on Beast Mode and double his season tally in the last 3 months.

The Beast this season is still asleep. Thus far

[donKey jote]

Wakawaka got himself sent off, the donkey ! :dozey:

[Storm]

In time to see his child being born then? :p :
now Valdes is leaving (contract till 14) and apparently all available goalkeepers are linked (I guess when its Barca even the tied up ones would be interested)...I would go for Courtois (from Atletico) rather than Reina or De Gea. Is Valdes the first on his way to Munich?

[ruesluporp]

Citroen 1 - 0 Volkswagen

[donKey jote]

WAKA WAKA 1-2 in Málaga :D

[race aficionado]

A 3-1 would be very nice thank you.

[race aficionado]

#**!!!! :(

[donKey jote]

balls 2-2 :dozey:

[race aficionado]

It is an exiting game, that's for sure. :)

[donKey jote]

INIEESSTAAAAA makes it 2-3 :D :D :D

[race aficionado]

Goooooooooollllllll!!!!!!!

[race aficionado]

Even with a 3-3 Barca will go through.

Nice!

Whew!

Game not over though.

[donKey jote]

MESSIIIII it's over 2-4 :D :D :D :D

[race aficionado]

Messi!!!!!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/25/asu9yta3.jpg

[donKey jote]

no penalty for Cesc on 92 minutes :laugh:

[donKey jote]

Nice game.
Hope to see Falcao in the final :D

[pino]

Anelka til Juventus ? :eek: :s

[race aficionado]

Today was a great day for some my fave sport phenoms.

Also my cable carrier finally renewed the rights to transmit the Liga games so I'm back to my HD enjoyment of my favorite sport and favorite team.

• Barca wins :)

• Poor Cristiano can't get a break: he scores 3 and then Messi scores 4. :D

• I also got the pleasure of seeing Tiger on top of the leader board,

• and Juan Pablo (remember him?) just won the 24 hour Rolex race with his co-drivers from the Ganassi team.

:s mokin:

[race aficionado]

I'm bugged by the inconsistency of hand ball calls.

Barcelona was benefited by 2 hand balls called in their favor that earned a double yellow/red card to a player of the other team.

Earlier that day I watched the Chelsea FA cup game and the same type of hand ball was not even called.

I know it is based on the ref's criteria but the differences in criteria can drive you crazy.

I say that if the ball hits your hand no matter how - it's a handball.

And if its blatant in its voluntary intent - then you yellow card them. Here we again enter the ref's criteria area but I prefer this scenario.

[zormm]

messi is a god

[steveaki13]

messi is a god

Agree.

Look at this. He lines up a trick shot and scores two goals with one shot. Then just strolls off to let the keeper think about it.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_TbcsbP2B8

[Storm]

I'm bugged by the inconsistency of hand ball calls.

Barcelona was benefited by 2 hand balls called in their favor that earned a double yellow/red card to a player of the other team.

Earlier that day I watched the Chelsea FA cup game and the same type of hand ball was not even called.



In La Liga most handballs if not all are given as fouls and a mandatory yellow card follows (kind of stupid as in that game the 2nd yellow did not seem intentional).

[Big Ben]

I say that if the ball hits your hand no matter how - it's a handball.

And if its blatant in its voluntary intent - then you yellow card them. Here we again enter the ref's criteria area but I prefer this scenario.

I can't agree with that. I understand the problem of inconsistency regarding handballs but handing out penalties for every handball would be too much. Everybody would be going for the hands rather than the goal :laugh: ... just like the way they look for the slightest physical contact to throw themselves to the ground.

[race aficionado]

Copa del Rey clásico today. :D

[donKey jote]

my dad needs a link as we have his box :dozey:

[donKey jote]

kick off ! :D

[donKey jote]

JAYsus :crazy:
MAdrid save off the line :dozey:

[donKey jote]

0-0 at halftime. Both had their chances so far....

[A FONDO]

Poor match so far, as expected for a cup shootout's first game. Real has a stronger tactical arrangement. Barca's best player: Carvalho :dozey:

[race aficionado]

I've liked the game.
These are two intense teams.

Vamos Barca!!!!

[donKey jote]

MESSSIIIII ggggogoooooollllll :D :D :D

[donKey jote]

I mean Cesc :p

[race aficionado]

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooollllllllll

[race aficionado]

Donks, are you still on the drunk posting thread?

[donKey jote]

not yet hehe :D

[race aficionado]

What a great defender Verane is.

[donKey jote]

sheesh Cristiano phew :s

[donKey jote]

waka waka does a varane :eek:

[donKey jote]

Messi forgives the 0-2 :eek: :crazy:

[donKey jote]

and now Pedro :eek: :crazy: :crazy:

[pino]

OMG Barca should lead by 5 goals by now !

[race aficionado]

Pedro! What the ###!!!????

[donKey jote]

balls :s

oh well, at least it was Varane :dozey:

[race aficionado]

I knew it would happen ......

And it turned out to be the best defender Verane.

[donKey jote]

ooohhhh

[donKey jote]

it's over 1-1

both will be pissed at missing a few :s

[race aficionado]

Phew! The way Barca was wasting gol opportunities I was afraid that mou's team was going to win the game.

[pino]

Don't remember having seen Real playing so bad and Barca wasting so many chances :s

Mou please don't leave :p :

[Storm]

Pedro is getting on my nerves nowadays even though he scored a few in the last 2/3 league games. And the fact that inspite of playing really well on the weekend (and being a class act alltogether) Villa failed to get a look in while the misfiring Alexis got in. Also where the hell is Tello? much better and incisive than Pedro/Alexis.

[race aficionado]

There is definitely a bitter taste after this one.
The missed opportunities - not the ones Verane stopped beautifully - were sad really.

[pino]

Latest transfers :

Balotelli to Milan
Beckham to PSG

[donKey jote]

Granada ! :up: :D :laugh:

http://estaticos01.marca.com/eventos/marcador/futbol/2012_13/primera/jornada_22/gda_rma/images/9_300x473.jpg

Cristiano 1 - Real Madrid 0 :D

[race aficionado]

je! je! je! je!

:D

[steveaki13]

Priceless. They deserve it after the way they kicked Barca on Wednesday and now appear to be doing their best to muddy Messis reputation.

New Name for him

Cristianown Goalnaldo

Chuc nam Thin nhanh va kheo nhu ran.
Chuc dien dan ngay mot vung manh, anh em doan ket, post bai chat luong.
Tran trong.
Chuc mung nam moi.

[donKey jote]

balls 1-0 Valencia at 33min :dozey:

[donKey jote]

Messi 1-1 after a penalty on Pedrito

[jens]

Okay, I hope Napoli wins Serie A. :) It has been pleasant to see them coming strong in the last couple of seasons. However, in Bundesliga, La Liga and Premier League the leaders already have a significant advantage, so maybe not so much chance for others there, but who knows.

Shame that QPR has been so crap. Neither of Fernandes' projects (also Caterham F1) is delivering.

[donKey jote]

Cesc gets subsituted by... Villa ! :D

[donKey jote]

ooh Villa you donkey !!! :p

[donKey jote]

sheesh waka waka what a donkey :eek: Valencia should have had it there :crazy:

[pino]

Hej donkey, how many tv channels do you have at home...2035 ? :eek:

[donKey jote]

bah... fairly disappointing 1-1 :dozey:

[donKey jote]

Hej donkey, how many tv channels do you have at home...2035 ? :eek:

t'internet was my friend on this particular occasion :p

[pino]

Balotelli close to score for Milan after just 38 sec...

[pino]

Jens mate, sorry for your Napoli but Juve will retain the scudetto :D

[Storm]

ooh Villa you donkey !!! :p
he had barely come on... should have started after not even playing a minute in the Copa!

[donKey jote]

Barcelona 3 (Cesc and Pedrito x 2) - Uruguay 1 :D :D :D

[Brown, Jon Brow]

England 2 -1 Brazil.

Why can't England perform with that much confidence when it actually matters?

[przemson]

They never cares

[race aficionado]

Donks is under a bar table right now somewhere in the west coast of the U S of A, so he probably missed Barca's
6-1 win.
It was a noon game in Barcelona which hasn't happened in many years - so it was at 6am in NYC and many hours earlier in where ever Donks is at.

By the way, those noon games are tough for the eyes with that obnoxious dark shadow on the pitch.

Oh.... and Barca rocked!

[Brown, Jon Brow]

Southampton 3 - 1 Man City
Man Utd 2 - 0 Everton

12 point lead at the top now for United. Bring on Real Madrid! :D

[dj_masch_hr]

Bring on Real Madrid! :D

Yeah, that will be a classic :)

[Storm]

Donks is under a bar table right now somewhere in the west coast of the U S of A, so he probably missed Barca's
6-1 win.
It was a noon game in Barcelona which hasn't happened in many years - so it was at 6am in NYC and many hours earlier in where ever Donks is at.


I missed it too...Villa and even Sanchez scored!!!
stupid noon kickoff to appease the Chinese tv, it was weird to see barca play in the sunlight (saw the goals on ytube)
there was live hockey on tv at 430pm my time, which is NOT a football time so can't really blame the channel as the hockey was live and it was local time...

[steveaki13]

Brilliant for Barcelona, they played so well and everyone got in on the scoring.

The English title race looks over to me.

Messi played brilliantly against Sweden midweek and had a goal wrongly disallowed but despite not scoring controlled the midfield and attacks like a boss.

Also the Champions League has some classic looking ties in only the second Round. I cant wait.

Arsenal v Bayern Munich - I see Bayern being to strong, but should still be a epic tie.

Manchester U v Real Madrid - I mean this is a historic clash, two of the best and most traditional sides in the tournament. Hoping for another epic.

Barcelona v AC Milan - Barca being so good this year do have issues at the back and AC Milan are not to be taken lightly. This should be a third classic.

Celtic v Juventus - Another historic tie. It looks one sided, but after the effort and atmosphere they created against Barcelona, it wont be easy and it will be noisy.

Valencia v PSG - PSG are now a really good side and should be fun to watch, but Valencia are a strong side too and Spanish Football is strong at the moment.

The other 3 ties arent as gripping but I still think they will be fun. Cant wait.

[Brown, Jon Brow]

Yeah, that will be a classic :)

I do have worries about the Man Utd defence. The GK and center backs are prone to switching off. Against Tottenham, Utd man-marked Gareth Bale with Phil Jones, against Everton Jones man-marked Fellaini. I'm not sure they could do the same to Ronaldo.

[race aficionado]

Pino, I'll be watching your Juve.
It's going to be good one. :)

[pino]

Pino, I'll be watching your Juve.
It's going to be good one. :)

Indeed a good one...Celtic-Juve 0-3 :D

Tonight Real Madrid vs United, will watch it offcourse but won't support any of them :p :

[race aficionado]

Go Man U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[steveaki13]

Go Man U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Go anyone who isn't Real Madrid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mintexmemory]

Go anyone who isn't Real Madrid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the opposite camp to assure balance - Anyone but United

[pino]

Exciting start... We need a goal now :D

[pino]

1-0 United !!!

[pino]

1-1 Ronaldo

[Big Ben]

Shakthar 1 - 1 Borussia..... Nobody watching that one? :p

[steveaki13]

Shaktar have been looking a good side lately, but I would think Borussia will pip them over the whole tie.

Two interesting sides in that game.

[Big Ben]

I'm watching both so I didn't miss Lewandowski's wonder goal. It's the newest trick in the book :) )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKmZkR99wj0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[Brown, Jon Brow]

Real Madrid 1 - 1 Man United

Real had more of the game but the best chances fell to Van Persie. A great game that could have gone 4-3 either way.

[Big Ben]

And Danny Welbeck played unusually well

[steveaki13]

Oh Leo. 2 more goals to beat Granada 1-2.

Thats 53 Goals for Club & Country so far this season.

And 301 goals for Barcelona in 365 Games. :eek:

[race aficionado]

301 gols? Don't tell Marca, they are stuck in 300.

[pino]

He (Messi) doesn't surprise me anymore, sometimes I am wondering whether he's on drugs or not ;)

[race aficionado]

If he's on drugs, I want some of what he is having.
:)

[donKey jote]

Marca are a bunch of donkeys :p

[race aficionado]

Colombia sixth in world ranking.

Cool! :)

Those ahead of us should watch out . . . . .

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/rankingtable/index.html

[pino]

Milan vs Barca tonight...being Italian I can only say FORZA MILAN !!! :D

Wont be easy though, Barca's just too strong :(

[pino]

Colombia sixth in world ranking.

Cool! :)

Those ahead of us should watch out . . . . .

The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking - Ranking Table - FIFA.com (http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/rankingtable/index.html)


Anytime race amigo :hmph: :p :

[Storm]

Villa is not in the squad...and the attack looks thin if for some reason Messi doesn't fire (rare but still)

Milan is one team I always like from the past, now its a very different squad though...Bojan playing against Barca (another guy who should not have been let go)

and yes Arsenal is almost out, Bayern 3-1 :up:

[race aficionado]

Anytime race amigo :hmph: :p :

and Pino . . . what is England doing ahead of us? ;)

[pino]

and Pino . . . what is England doing ahead of us? ;)

Crazy isn't it ? :p :

[Brown, Jon Brow]

Crazy isn't it ? :p :

Hey! England beat Brazil the other week. England in 4th place, if this was true it would mean we were capable of getting to the semi-finals of the World Cup and that pigs can fly.

[pino]

Boateng 1-0 to Milan :eek:

[pino]

Muntari 2-0 am I dreaming ???? :eek:

[donKey jote]

and this time without a handball :crazy: :eek:

[pino]

Amazing performance and well deserved win for Milan :up: :bounce:

[donKey jote]

yep :up:

[race aficionado]

Yep, congrats to the Italians.

....... But it pretty much sucks.
:(

[Garry Walker]

Amazing performance and well deserved win for Milan :up: :bounce:

What deserved? The idiot referee gifted a goal to Milan, complete disgrace of a game.

[Rollo]

Champions League matches either start at 04:30am or 06:30am in Sydney and this morning I was in a coffee house watching Galatasaray and Null Vier play what was one of the most dour matches I've seen in a long time. 1-1 but seriously, you'd think that with both Drogba and Sneijder up fron that at least Galatasaray would try and play attractive football... but no.

Barca have a real hole to climb out of now.

[Mintexmemory]

What deserved? The idiot referee gifted a goal to Milan, complete disgrace of a game.
Sort of makes up for all the times idiot referees have gifted the cheats in purple and blue penalties, goals, +1 man etc.

Forza AC

[pino]

Garry, did you watch the whole match or just up to first score ? I have watched the match at home in Copenhagen and even Danish commentators (all Barca fans) said Milan was the best side and deserved to win...

[Garry Walker]

Garry, did you watch the whole match or just up to first score ? I have watched the match at home in Copenhagen and even Danish commentators (all Barca fans) said Milan was the best side and deserved to win...
I watched the whole match. Did you by any chance miss the handball in the first goal? A disgrace that that goal was allowed to stand. As for which side was better? Well, Barcelona was pretty impotent and Milan spent most of the time on the defensive, so neither team impressed me today. I wouldn't say Milan was the better team though, cheats never are, nor did they impress me in any way. I hope they get destroyed in the next game.


Sort of makes up for all the times idiot referees have gifted the cheats in purple and blue penalties, goals, +1 man etc.

Forza AC
I don't remember a time when Barcelona has been gifted such a goal, they are usually good enough on their own.

[pino]

Garry outside Italy, Barca is my fave squad but I have no problems admitting that many time they have been helped by referee with wrong and unfair decisions. Maybe you should watch more matches before posting such a comment as above...

[Mintexmemory]

I don't remember a time when Barcelona has been gifted such a goal, they are usually good enough on their own.

Wembley 1999 Cocu getting a penalty throwing himself to the ground :)

Busquets should have been dismissed in many games for repeat simulation of injury

Ignoring of dismissable tackles by Puyol on Henry

Van Persie's joke sending off
That is just against Arsenal! Clearly Barca had difficulty with the 11 v 11 concept tonight it's usually 12 v 10 in their games

[steveaki13]

This Barca side seems to finally be stalling slightly. They must not be afraid to take their succesful brand of football of 2009-2011 and evolve it.

At the moment it seems like they are becoming a bit 1 dimentional in these big games like Chelsea & Madrid. Although v Chelsea they had plenty of chances.

I am a member of a Barca forum and most on there are sad but also understanding that Milan deserved the win.

[Brown, Jon Brow]

I watched the whole match. Did you by any chance miss the handball in the first goal? A disgrace that that goal was allowed to stand. As for which side was better? Well, Barcelona was pretty impotent and Milan spent most of the time on the defensive, so neither team impressed me today. I wouldn't say Milan was the better team though, cheats never are, nor did they impress me in any way. I hope they get destroyed in the next game.


I don't remember a time when Barcelona has been gifted such a goal, they are usually good enough on their own.

It's not always about being gifted goals. In the 2009 UCL Semi-final Barcelona got away with 3 legitimate penalty appeals by Chelsea, and then went on the score the winning goal in the last minute.

The simple truth is that AC Milan, despite having inferior players, out thought Barcelona tactically.

[A FONDO]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/487897_521472251238675_967717412_n.jpg

[Storm]

What deserved? The idiot referee gifted a goal to Milan, complete disgrace of a game.
I agree that the first goal was lucky that the ref missed the obvious handball, still Barça played nowhere their usual level...Milan stuck to their tactics and scored when they had chances. So they deserved it.

Anyways that makes the home game that much more special then. Just like last year in April (1 week v Chelsea and clásico) the whole season now hinges on 2 games , Copa and Milan.
Hopefully this time we don't get the same results as last year.

[Garry Walker]

Garry outside Italy, Barca is my fave squad but I have no problems admitting that many time they have been helped by referee with wrong and unfair decisions. Maybe you should watch more matches before posting such a comment as above...

There is no team in the world which has not been helped by bad decisions by refs, barca does not differ from other clubs in this regard. Name me one club who has not had a decision go for them, hell, the most unworthy win I can ever remember was Australia being robbed against Italy in WC in 2006, with that diving penalty.
That is why it is time to bring video replays to football and end this joke. Goals like what happened yesterday are a disgrace to the game.


Wembley 1999 Cocu getting a penalty throwing himself to the ground :)

Busquets should have been dismissed in many games for repeat simulation of injury

Ignoring of dismissable tackles by Puyol on Henry

Van Persie's joke sending off
That is just against Arsenal! Clearly Barca had difficulty with the 11 v 11 concept tonight it's usually 12 v 10 in their games
LOL. There is no team in the world that has not had bad decisions go for them. Barca is not luckier than other clubs in that regard.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/487897_521472251238675_967717412_n.jpg
Yeah, about expected. Milan was on the defensive and waited for their chances, Barca was dominant, but impotent. Messi didn't play particulary well either.

Anyway, had Milan only scored what was their second goal, I would have no problem. But the first one they scored was a joke and should never have been allowed.

[gadjo_dilo]

We did it! We did it! We finally did it!!!!
That's why I love football, because sometimes impossible may become reality.

Steaua - Ajax 2 -0 ( agg. 2-2 ) , 6 - 4 after penalties.

Now we're waiting for Chelsea.
And I'm so damned happpy!!!!!!!!!.......

:monkeedan

[steveaki13]

Good work. Ajax are a decent side.

Well done

[gadjo_dilo]

I'm already dreaming of green horses on the walls...
If Sparta Prague complicated Chelsea's life until the last minute, then why my beloved Steluţa wouldn't be able to play a good game against them? :idea:

[Big Ben]

I cheered too and was glad for like 10 minutes till Satana (pictured) came on screen and woke me up.

http://www.agentia.org/imagini-articole/gigi-becali-crede-ca-satana-face-spume-patronul-stelei-s-a-spovedit-9174-mica.jpg

[gadjo_dilo]

Boo!!!! Don't call Don Jiji as :devil:
At the end of the day he was the only one who believed in our chances and forecasted they'll do a "Valencia"...
He's so funny that you can't be angry with him. Not to mention he has the best laugh in the industry:
Gigi Becali rade incontinu - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouaHp5ecnS8)

[Big Ben]

Always saying the same thing and being right once every 8 years... impressive indeed... I wouldn't call that faith... I call it delusion.

I hope I see him in prison... or in a mental institution ASAP.

Commenting on the match he said that Steaua won because Jesus Christ and Saint George were on their side... and that they beat the team of cannabis, cocaine and prostitution...

he also said that he wouldn't sit at the table with Ajax' president... how can he, a man who wears 4000 euros shoes sit at the same table with someone who wears worn out 200 shoes...

and after that he went on about bringing Jesus back to the romanian people.... and muuuuuch more

anyone else thinking this is funny?

[gadjo_dilo]

Come on, Benone....
Where is your sense of humour?
You can't take this guy seriously.....
He's an attention seeker and Steaua is his toy ( or tool? ). If he says decent things who will chase him for TV transmissions?
Ironically the real star of this team is him not one of the players. :laugh:

P.S. Now if he wants to stay at the same table with Abramovich he has to renew his wardrobe. :devil:
P.S 2 Imagine this forum's reaction if you posted the photo of entire Becali clan enjoying Mourinho's personal visit. :laugh:

[Brown, Jon Brow]

So with the first legs of the Champions League last 16 played, which teams have impressed you most?

I think AC Milan and Bayern Munich both looked particularly strong.

[steveaki13]

So with the first legs of the Champions League last 16 played, which teams have impressed you most?

I think AC Milan and Bayern Munich both looked particularly strong.


I agree. I think Bayern look like the team to beat in this years Champions League and AC Milan did a great job, Barcelona weren't up to scratch but what a performance from Milan.

[Big Ben]

If Man Utd. doesn't win the champions league this year than I hope it's going to be Borussia

[pino]

1-0 to Real after 1st half, but what a crappy and ridiculous referee :eek: :down:

[donKey jote]

yep... balls :dozey:

[donKey jote]

game over :dozey: :dozey:

[donKey jote]

goodnight :dozey: :dozey: :dozey:

[pino]

Bed time for me too ... hate when Real wins :p :

[donKey jote]

:p

[Brown, Jon Brow]

After seeing that result I am now a very nervous Man utd fan.

[Storm]

^I was having a hard time deciding which team I want to see lose in that CL game. Still better the red devil than Madrid/Mou/Cr7 combo.

Crap. What a nasty defensive performance though. Messi has also been quiet since the Milan game.....the rails seem to be coming off at the wrong time.I hope this saturday will see a response and the La Liga title is atleast made totally safe.

Perhaps Mascherano should be used in his Liverpool role now. And yes, Villa and Tello must start ahead of Pedro and Alexis !

[Mintexmemory]

BTW - don't be fooled into thinking Bayern are serious. ECL contenders. This is the worst Arsenal team since 1995 as the domestic results prove. Unless we beat those who shall be nameless on Sunday then qualification for ECL next season will be out of reach

[race aficionado]

As much as I dislike that Barca lost - and in this case against Mou's team - the fact is that Real Madrid has one hell of a team.
Every time they show its line up I am just amazed at the talent that they have. They've got themselves some scary talented players there, top of the heap stars - that is a fact.
And they are on a roll right now. The game against Man U will be a treat to see.

And Barca Vs Milan? Comebacks are always a wonderful thing - Barca will have to work very hard for this one . . . .

[Garry Walker]

After seeing that result I am now a very nervous Man utd fan.
I think you being a man utd fan explains a lot of the stupidity you have said on this thread.



And Barca Vs Milan? Comebacks are always a wonderful thing - Barca will have to work very hard for this one . . . .
Let's hope the referee will not be drunk this time.

[Mintexmemory]

I think you being a man utd fan explains a lot of the stupidity you have said on this thread.


Let's hope the referee will not be an incompetent scandinavian (Paris 2006 / Barcelona 2011) or UEFA 'briefed' this time.

There fixed that for you. I thought the last thing that Catalunya United wanted was a competent referee ;)

[Brown, Jon Brow]

I think you being a man utd fan explains a lot of the stupidity you have said on this thread.


Everthing I have posted on this thread has been of a very high quality.

Anything that has been interpreted as rubbish is more likely to down to the fact that a play as a goalkeeper and nothing to do with me being a Manchester United fan.

[Joey Zyla]

I support Portland Timbers and Sunderland.

[donKey jote]

Barcelona are really in the dumps... they're going down in the Bernabeu to Madrid's B-Team :dozey:

[donKey jote]

Although they should have had a penalty in the 90th :s

[donKey jote]

and Valdes the donkey gets red after the final whistle for shouting at the ref over the penalty :dozey:

Well deserved win again for Madrid though :(

[pino]

Another crap referee :down:

[race aficionado]

I'm not one to complain ..... But come on, that was a clear penalty.

Tito come back.

[steveaki13]

The team looks done in without Tito.

At least Messi scored. Villa needs to be played. Messi & Villa work better, because the defense have someone else to worry about.

[Storm]

Stupid substitution Roura.....bringing Adriano on when Tello should have been the one to come in. Infact he should have started. Alexis for Villa?

This is another nightmarish week after last year...now I don't have many hopes that they will beat Milan. If they do, its a bonus.
Just keep hold of the damn league title!!

:(

[Mintexmemory]

I'm not one to complain ..... But come on, that was a clear penalty.

Tito come back.

What goes around comes around! Just karma in action! Now just need a Podolski hat trick this afternoon!

[Joey Zyla]

Just watched the Timbers' season opener (against the Red Bulls), one of the best matches I've seen in a while. It finished a 3-3 draw, but the Timbers had plenty of chances in the last few minutes.

[Big Ben]

What goes around comes around! Just karma in action! Now just need a Podolski hat trick this afternoon!

not :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Mintexmemory]

not :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


Sadly not!!! About time another Alsatian announces his retirement.
Had to happen sooner or later, it would appear that there will be no St Totteringham's day in 2013. :(

[Big Ben]

Odd clash at Old Trafford tonight... the devils are playing Satana's team.. mind-boggling

[steveaki13]

I am looking forward to this game. However I have to go out during second half, so It will be a case of watching the first half, and record the second and watch as live when I get home.

[donKey jote]

Another crap referee :down:

and again :rolleyes:

[Big Ben]

where do they find these referees?

[donKey jote]

Mou: "The best team lost" classic ! :laugh:

[donKey jote]

Amazing: in Spain they say the sending off was dodgy, and on ITV they say they can understand how it was red :laugh:

[Brown, Jon Brow]

And the blatant foul by Ramos on Evra in the box..........

[A FONDO]

all english teams out, on the 1/8 final only :laugh:

[donKey jote]

And the blatant foul by Ramos on Evra in the box..........

there were several dodgy decisions in both boxes..........

[pino]

Another match decided by a crappy referee :crazy:

[Brown, Jon Brow]

there were several dodgy decisions in both boxes..........

Some more dodgy than others.

Credit to Man Utd for not giving up, but it was an impossible task with 10 men v 12

[donKey jote]

what goes round comes round :andrea: :p

[Big Ben]

It's just unbelievable that at this level a match can be decided in this manner by such a stupid referee.... At this point we are supposed to have the top 16 teams fighting for the trophy... So is this imbecile a top 8 referee of the freakin' continent?

[steveaki13]

Crazy decision, but these things happen in football. Although not normally in a match of this importance.


Madrid getting lucky as well. Not what I want to see

[race aficionado]

That call,IMO, was surreal to say the least.

I feel bad for the ManU fans. That pretty much sucked.


And on the other hand,
The good news is that I'm going to continue to have chances to root against Mou's team for at least two more games.

[Brown, Jon Brow]

With 11 v 10 Real Madrids best player was still the goalkeeper. But the goal from Modric was sublime.

[Mintexmemory]

Either the Special One has developed a new line in humility or he is bucking for the Utd job after Ferguson retires - It won't endear him to the Real board saying that the 'best team lost'

UEFA insist on allocating second rate referees to important matches, at least it was no more bizarre than the succession of poor scandinavian refs allocated to Barcelona matches against English teams

[Storm]

He isn't going to be at Real longer than the end of this season, so he does not really care what he says. Mou will be in England soon enough for all the commentators to keep fawning over his arse again.

[Garry Walker]

I am not sure why the bitching about that red card, it was dangerous from him and deserved a yellow card at the very least. I don't see anything wrong with giving him a red one. Not that there is not a problem with the refs, there is - about time for football to leave 19th century. Time for video replays.

[Brown, Jon Brow]

A red card is shown for serious foul play or violent conduct, such as throwing a punch. http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/federation/lotg_en_55753.pdf

A player is guilty of serious foul play if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball when it is in play. “Using excessive force” means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent. http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/refereeing/7.%20law%2012_miscounduct_557.pdf

A yellow card is shown for 'unsporting behaviour' when a player commits a foul in a reckless manner. “Reckless” means that the player has made the move with complete disregard for danger to, or consequences for, his opponent.

I don't think Nani was using excessive force or brutality, he was simply trying to control a high ball, but showed disregard for his opponent. It should have been a yellow card for Nani.

[Garry Walker]

A red card is shown for serious foul play or violent conduct, such as throwing a punch. http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/federation/lotg_en_55753.pdf

A player is guilty of serious foul play if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball when it is in play. “Using excessive force” means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent.
i.

Nani was very close to injuring the Real player, it could have been very nasty.

[Brown, Jon Brow]

Nani was very close to injuring the Real player, it could have been very nasty.

Again, reckless? Yes. Excessive force or brutality? Don't be silly.

Football is a contact sport. Injuries caused by collisions between players happen, but there is no need to dish out red cards willy-nilly and ruin what was shaping up to be a thrilling final 30 minutes.

[Garry Walker]

Again, reckless? Yes. Excessive force or brutality? Don't be silly.

Football is a contact sport. Injuries caused by collisions between players happen, but there is no need to dish out red cards willy-nilly and ruin what was shaping up to be a thrilling final 30 minutes.

Was he in danger of injuring his opponent? He very clearly was.

[Garry Walker]

Again, reckless? Yes. Excessive force or brutality? Don't be silly.

Football is a contact sport. Injuries caused by collisions between players happen, but there is no need to dish out red cards willy-nilly and ruin what was shaping up to be a thrilling final 30 minutes.

Actually, to add some thoughts on football being a contact sport - one of the reasons why I want video replays in football is so that anyone caught faking or diving should at once be given a red-card and an automatic 3 game ban. This is just absurd seeing grown men act as if they are close to dying and then run around like nothing was wrong 10 seconds later.