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AC Milan - Milanfan.com _ Archive 06/07 _ The Road to the EURO 2008

Posted by: LaPalma Sep 3 2006, 02:46 AM

So, I just decided to open this topic concerning the qualification for the EURO 2008 in Swiss/Austria...

Posted by: LaPalma Sep 3 2006, 02:47 AM

Oh oh oh....Germany won 1-0 against Ireland, Go Podolski!
Haha, a late but sweet revenge...Italy only a draw against Liechtenstein...

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 3 2006, 02:49 AM

Belarus 2 - 2 Albania

Meh, I couldn't be bothered to watch our shitty team, but a draw outside is always good. Now I expect to get our *** kicked by Romania. rolleyes.gif

Posted by: arivanjj Sep 3 2006, 04:25 AM

wat the hell is wrong with italia? a draw against lithuania? worldcup winners? tsk tsk tsk.... dry.gif

Posted by: DvZ Sep 3 2006, 05:08 AM

a draw.. dissapointing.. probbaly need a bit of time to gel with the new coach and new style..

but, a good thing surface out of this game..

Super Pippo is on-fire..

Posted by: GULLIVER Sep 3 2006, 07:56 AM

nothing, special. All the big teams hardly won their games against middle teams

Posted by: RD.X Sep 3 2006, 08:22 AM

QUOTE (GULLIVER @ Sep 3 2006, 12:26 PM)
nothing, special. All the big teams hardly won their games against middle teams
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Except England of course and France.

Posted by: I_Rossoneri Sep 3 2006, 10:01 AM

England played well, but Andorra were awful. It will be a better test for England on wednesday. BTW that's 9 goals in two games for McClaren - possible Milan manager? tongue.gif tongue.gif tongue.gif tongue.gif tongue.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: GULLIVER Sep 3 2006, 10:50 AM

France had a great win. though Georgia was playing without Kaladze

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 3 2006, 11:39 AM

QUOTE (arivanjj @ Sep 3 2006, 04:25 AM)
wat the hell is wrong with italia? a draw against lithuania? worldcup winners? tsk tsk tsk.... dry.gif
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I really don`t know. But Donadoni started with one draw and one loss, thats an awfull way to begin. And something seemed just wrong yesterday against Lithuania..the last 15 minutes they played without any reason, like they all where some 18-year-old debutants who were impressed by their first international caps and forget they needed to win. Gigi hold some pretty good things...and with Cassano, Pippo and Cannavaro deserved to be praised. On the other way Grosso, Oddo, and especially Perotta were very dissapointing. Gila...did once more...nothing tongue.gif ...

Posted by: florenti1 Sep 3 2006, 01:06 PM

The italians just havent play at 100%

and they did create a lot of big ocasions but they just didnt score

Posted by: dst Sep 3 2006, 01:37 PM

QUOTE (RD.X @ Sep 3 2006, 10:22 AM)
Except England of course and France.
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yeah England the team that rocks in the prelim and friendlies ... Woo-Hoo well done mates!!! Go Peter Go!!!! puke.gif

QUOTE (GULLIVER @ Sep 3 2006, 12:50 PM)
France had a great win. though Georgia was playing without Kaladze
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lucky Georgia!!!

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 3 2006, 01:39 PM)
Gila...did once more...nothing tongue.gif ...
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Gila may not score but you're utterly wrong; he does a great job in the field ... but he definetely can't go on just like that forever!!!

Posted by: GULLIVER Sep 3 2006, 01:40 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Sep 3 2006, 04:37 PM)
lucky Georgia!!!
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the joke about Georiga is that they have very quality players (not only Kaladze, and let's accept that Kaladze who is playing in Milan, is a top quality player for such a country) but never can organize it's game in national squad, even against equal teams.

Posted by: dst Sep 3 2006, 01:45 PM

QUOTE (GULLIVER @ Sep 3 2006, 03:40 PM)
the joke about Georiga is that they have very quality players (not only Kaladze, and let's accept that Kaladze who is playing in Milan, is a top quality player for such a country) but never can organize it's game in national squad, even against equal teams.
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yes that's true, I remember them since they played against Hellas!!

Posted by: Nova Sep 3 2006, 01:53 PM

Ah , Italy will go trough as always. Alltough when they won he WC during the 80's they didnt manage to qualify for the euro cup afterwards.

Meh , Greece won king.gif

Posted by: GULLIVER Sep 3 2006, 01:54 PM

next round is in 3 days. I'm going to go watch my country's game against Belgium. Hope we can kick their *** unsure.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: dst Sep 3 2006, 01:59 PM

QUOTE (Nova @ Sep 3 2006, 03:53 PM)
Meh , Greece won  king.gif
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yes that pathetic team of ours somehow managed to put that round thing in the "back of the net" in the end ... thank God I missed that match!!!

Posted by: Nova Sep 3 2006, 02:08 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Sep 3 2006, 01:59 PM)
yes that pathetic team of ours somehow managed to put that round thing in the "back of the net" in the end ... thank God I missed that match!!!
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Must you be anti Greece all the time ? biggrin.gif

Every Top country had a hard time against smaller teams , so in the end Greece came out fine.

Posted by: Nova Sep 3 2006, 02:08 PM

QUOTE (GULLIVER @ Sep 3 2006, 01:54 PM)
next round is in 3 days. I'm going to go watch my country's game against Belgium. Hope we can kick their *** unsure.gif tongue.gif
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I hope so too !!! Go Armenia !!! devil.gif devilsmiley.gif

Posted by: dst Sep 3 2006, 02:31 PM

QUOTE (Nova @ Sep 3 2006, 04:08 PM)
Every Top country had a hard time against smaller teams , so in the end Greece came out fine.
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yes I have to, I wish we had lost by a good 10-0 if that means our basketball national team would win ... man I'm so sad!!!! sad.gif cry.gif

Posted by: Nova Sep 3 2006, 02:36 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Sep 3 2006, 02:31 PM)
yes I have to, I wish we had lost by a good 10-0 if that means our basketball national team would win ... man I'm so sad!!!!  sad.gif  cry.gif
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I know man ... We played awefull today , nothing worked sad.gif It was clear spain was playing for the 3 pointers and Greece was so stupid to let them throw it without defence. mad.gif

Well , cant win it all ... Better luck next time .

As always , forza hellas !! king.gif

Posted by: GULLIVER Sep 3 2006, 02:45 PM

QUOTE (Nova @ Sep 3 2006, 05:08 PM)
I hope so too !!! Go Armenia !!!  devil.gif  devilsmiley.gif
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Thanks king.gif

Very pity Greece lost to Spain. But I was soooooooooooooooo much happy when they just beated americans - the Dream Team rolleyes.gif cool.gif . laugh.gif laugh.gif

Hope they'll do it better next time. sad.gif

Posted by: Portikins Sep 3 2006, 04:55 PM

Portugal play the first qualification match in Finland next Wednesday. Not an easy match. Finland kicked Poland *** yesterday... 3-1 away.

Posted by: misha Sep 3 2006, 05:48 PM

QUOTE (Nova @ Sep 3 2006, 03:53 PM)
Ah , Italy will go trough as always. Alltough when they won he WC during the 80's they didnt manage to qualify for the euro cup afterwards.
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It will be tough for them. They play with France and Ukraine. Scotland can make troubles too. They can loose more points until Donadoni will settle in.

Posted by: misha Sep 3 2006, 05:52 PM

I hope Israel can qualify for once to some magor tournament. They won against Estonia away yestarday. But I think it's not likely to happen anytime soon.

Posted by: dst Sep 3 2006, 08:02 PM

QUOTE (GULLIVER @ Sep 3 2006, 04:45 PM)
Hope they'll do it better next time. sad.gif
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we will!!!!!!!!!!
we'll beat Spain next year in Euro and win it again for the third time!!!!!!!! devil.gif

Posted by: KillerMax Sep 3 2006, 08:05 PM

QUOTE
Gattuso aims anger at France

Gennaro Gattuso is furious at Italy’s failure to win their opening Euro 2008 qualifier and wants to take his anger out on France next week.

“I’m livid that we weren’t able to get a victory for us and Coach Roberto Donadoni,” stated the midfielder following their disappointing 1-1 draw with Lithuania.


“There’s no such thing as an easy opponent in modern football. From now on, we have to get it into our heads that we are World Champions and that means every team will face us with extra aggression and determination.”


Donadoni is still looking for his first victory on the Azzurri bench after this draw and a 2-0 friendly defeat to Croatia.


He faces his toughest test yet – and a potentially crucial Euro 2008 qualifying game – in Paris on Wednesday evening.


“It’ll be tough in France, but the crowd won’t scare us,” insisted ‘Ringhio’ Gattuso. “It’ll already be a decisive match, even if the result against Lithuania won’t make us anxious. If anything, it increases our desire to prove who we really are to the French.”


The controversy after the World Cup Final, won by Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw and Zinedine Zidane’s dismissal for headbutting Marco Materazzi, rumbles on in some quarters and tension is expected to be very high at the Stade de France.


The Euro 2008 qualifying campaign can be followed here. France earned a comfortable 3-0 win in Georgia, while Scotland thrashed the Faroe Islands 6-0.


Football Italia

Posted by: dst Sep 3 2006, 08:17 PM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Sep 3 2006, 10:05 PM)
...
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now who's going to pay for that!!!! biggrin.gif

Posted by: Nova Sep 4 2006, 12:28 AM

QUOTE (dst @ Sep 3 2006, 08:02 PM)
we will!!!!!!!!!!
we'll beat Spain next year in Euro and win it again for the third time!!!!!!!! devil.gif
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Whaaattt ?? You said something positive about greece AND you put hellas next too your location ??


Oh lord , take me now , its all going downhill from here ...

tongue.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 4 2006, 08:13 AM

QUOTE (Nova @ Sep 3 2006, 02:36 PM)
I know man ... We played awefull today , nothing worked  sad.gif  It was clear spain was playing for the 3 pointers and Greece was so stupid to let them throw it without defence.  mad.gif

Well , cant win it all ... Better luck next time .

As always , forza hellas !!  king.gif
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For me, the USA-Hellas match was the real final. I guess they just gave more then everything against the Dream team and lost strenght and concentration for the final. Be proud of your country...European football( huh.gif ) and bastketball( biggrin.gif ) champions, World basketball runners up,...impressive...

Posted by: dst Sep 4 2006, 10:48 AM

QUOTE (Nova @ Sep 4 2006, 02:28 AM)
Oh lord , take me now , its all going downhill from here ...
tongue.gif
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enjoy it while it lasts or how that saying goes!!!!

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 4 2006, 10:13 AM)
For me, the USA-Hellas match was the real final. I guess they just gave more then everything against the Dream team and lost strenght and concentration for the final. Be proud of your country...European football( huh.gif ) and bastketball( biggrin.gif ) champions, World basketball runners up,...impressive...
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I also think that's the case!!! The thing is we played in the toughest of the four groups while Spain was in the easiest ... but anyway Spain played beautiful in the final!!! Well done to them ... I won't cry for my team ... they got still a lot to give; next year Eurobasket and after that the 2008 Beijing Olympics ... man I love this team!!!! biggrin.gif

Posted by: misha Sep 4 2006, 09:08 PM


Posted by: LaPalma Sep 4 2006, 09:20 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Sep 4 2006, 08:08 PM)

*

Well...as seen on the picture, Pippo seems to be Italys only hope this time huh.gif
And about Frances revenge, I'v seen Thierry Henry on Eurosport and he said even if France would win they won't have their revenge because they're still not World champions...
Oh BTW I still don't know which team I should support, I'm still so pissed because of that night in Dortmund a few weeks ago...

Posted by: KillerMax Sep 4 2006, 09:35 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Sep 4 2006, 02:20 PM)
Well...as seen on the picture, Pippo seems to be Italys only hope this time huh.gif
And about Frances revenge, I'v seen Thierry Henry on Eurosport and he said even if France would win they won't have their revenge because they're still not World champions...
Oh BTW I still don't know which team I should support, I'm still so pissed because of that night in Dortmund a few weeks ago...
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How can you not support Pippo??? cool.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Sep 4 2006, 09:40 PM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Sep 4 2006, 08:35 PM)
How can you not support Pippo??? cool.gif
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Belive me...those few times a year I defeinetely can...(after all I WILL hate Grosso until he ends his career...but Pippo...I just can't hate this guy sad.gif )

Posted by: dudernahata Sep 5 2006, 06:56 AM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Sep 4 2006, 01:40 PM)
Belive me...those few times a year I defeinetely can...(after all I WILL hate Grosso until he ends his career...but Pippo...I just can't hate this guy  sad.gif )
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haha i understand why u would hate gross, but for us italians...we love the guy! man, that goal against germany was really just perfect...and he got the penalty against the aussies...and then that awesome penalty in the final. but he plays for inter, so he is ok...hahaha laugh.gif

Posted by: misha Sep 6 2006, 10:20 PM

QUOTE
Roberto Donadoni's Italy career is in trouble after France took a 3-1 World Cup revenge, leaving their Euro 2008 hopes in dire straits.

Roberto Donadoni was already under pressure after the 1-1 draw with Lithuania and made changes to that line-up, introducing Franco Semioli, Gianluca Zambrotta and Alberto Gilardino for the 4-4-1-1 system that Italy employed in their World Cup win. Massimo Oddo, Daniele De Rossi and Pippo Inzaghi made way.

France were still smarting from that Final defeat on penalties and, although Zinedine Zidane has retired and Marco Materazzi was suspended, this was all set to be a tense encounter.

Before kick-off there was a minute's silence to mark the death of Inter President and legendary Azzurri captain Giacinto Facchetti. The Italian team also wore black armbands.

Les Bleus were still livid after that Berlin loss and it showed, as they came sprinting out of the blocks and within the opening 90 seconds Sidney Govou had volleyed a William Gallas cross low into the far corner past Gigi Buffon. As against Lithuania, the defending left something to be desired, although replays showed that the Arsenal defender was clearly offside when he got the ball.

The Azzurri, playing in white, fought back with Zambrotta's shot flashing over the bar, but Franck Ribery's cross just missed Inter's Patrick Vieira in the centre. Andrea Barzagli was at full stretch to toe-poke Thierry Henry's cut-back out of harm's way inside the penalty area, but France were pouring forward in droves.

On 17 minutes Buffon had his palms stung by a Florent Malouda rocket only for Henry to latch on to the loose ball and sidefoot it in from a tight angle with the aid of a Fabio Cannavaro deflection.

However, Italy pulled a goal back moments later. As in the World Cup Final, they were superior on set-pieces and Gilardino was allowed a free header on Andrea Pirlo's free kick to glance it past Gregory Coupet.

Cannavaro was muscled off a header with only Coupet to beat, but Buffon was at full stretch to tip Willy Sagnol's strike round the base of the near post.

Italy couldn't have gone closer to 2-2 on 27 minutes. Grosso hooked down a long pass and skipped past Sagnol, Semioli slid on to his cross and Coupet somehow managed to prod the ball off the line before it could go over completely. There were also penalty appeals, as Eric Abidal tussled with Semioli as he tried to get back on to the loose ball.

Cannavaro was booked for a challenge on Ribery and the Italian defence struggled to clear its lines, particularly with some weak Barzagli clearances, although the Palermo defender did well to block a Malouda shot. Donadoni also called Cassano several times to ensure he came back to help the midfield.

Henry was yellow carded for holding back Semioli as he sprinted down the right flank, while Simone Perrotta was foolishly booked for kicking the ball after the whistle had blown, so he'll be suspended against the Ukraine.

Cassano barely made an impact in the first half, but just before the break he shimmied clear of two markers and threaded through for Gilardino, who was just offside.

Cannavaro intelligently cut off Govou to prevent him running on to Henry's pass, while Barzagli cleared a looping Ribery free kick. From the resulting corner, Vieri nodded over the bar.

The Azzurri were still struggling to create chances, so Donadoni replaced Semioli with David Di Michele of Palermo, switching to a trident attack. However, this left Italy even more over-run in midfield and within seconds France scored their third goal. Sagnol's assist was glanced into the far corner off Govou's head for his second of the game, but there were few celebrations as he clashed heads with Cannavaro. The captain came off worse and was stretchered off in a dazed condition, but he was able to continue after treatment. Several minutes later he still seemed dizzy and out of sorts.

Di Michele set Gilardino running and Coupet ran out to clear, but although the goalkeeper did not touch the ball and did catch him accidentally with his legs, the Milan striker was booked for simulation.

Ribery was completely clear on the left flank and the ball eventually reached Govou, who missed his hat-trick by a matter of inches with an angled drive. Henry threaded though for Ribery and Buffon timed his move perfectly to pluck the ball off his foot. Gattuso acting as last man managed to head back to his goalkeeper despite being out-sprinted by Ribery on the counter-attack, while the Marseille man again drilled off target from an Henry assist.

Inzaghi, who scored against Lithuania, replaced a totally anonymous Cassano for the final 20 minutes and Sylvain Wiltord came on for Govou. Cannavaro recovered from his earlier injury with a powerful header on Pirlo's free kick, forcing Coupet into a great save.

Gilardino's long-range strike dipped well wide and De Rossi was the final substitution after Gila picked up a knock in a clash with Vieira. Di Michele's ambitious lob didn't catch out Coupet in stoppages and Grosso was booked.

Now October's ties in Rome against the Ukraine and away to Georgia become decisive if Donadoni is to have any hope of reaching Euro 2008.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

France: Coupet; Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal; Ribery (Saha 88), Vieira, Makelele, Malouda; Govou (Wiltord 75), Henry
Italy: Buffon; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Barzagli, Grosso; Semioli (Di Michele 54), Gattuso, Pirlo, Perrotta; Cassano (Inzaghi 73), Gilardino (De Rossi 87)
Ref: Fandel (Ger)


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/italy/fra-ita.html
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Posted by: misha Sep 6 2006, 10:35 PM

QUOTE
Germany win 13-0 to set record 

Podolski scored four goals in the 13-0 win
Germany set a European Championship qualifying record after crushing San Marino 13-0 in the principality.
Striker Lukas Podolski scored four, with Bastian Schweinsteiger, while Miroslav Klose and Thomas Hitzlsperger all scoring two goals each.

Michael Ballack, Arne Friedrich and Bernd Schneider with a penalty were also on target in the game, which saw Germany lead 6-0 at the break.

Germany's Group D win bettered Spain's 12-1 victory over Malta in 1983.

Germany top Group D, which includes Wales and the Republic of Ireland, on goal difference.

Joachim Loew's side have six points, the same as the Czech Republic, who beat neighbours Slovakia 3-0 in Bratislava.

The result was also the worst in San Marino's history - 14 years ago they lost 10-0 to Norway.

San Marino's population is just 27,000, though the game was watched by a crowd of just over 5,000

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/5322128.stm
*

Poor San Marino...

Posted by: han2503 Sep 6 2006, 10:48 PM

QUOTE
Germany win 13-0 to set record 

Podolski scored four goals in the 13-0 win
Germany set a European Championship qualifying record after crushing San Marino 13-0 in the principality.
Striker Lukas Podolski scored four, with Bastian Schweinsteiger, while Miroslav Klose and Thomas Hitzlsperger all scoring two goals each.

Michael Ballack, Arne Friedrich and Bernd Schneider with a penalty were also on target in the game, which saw Germany lead 6-0 at the break.

Germany's Group D win bettered Spain's 12-1 victory over Malta in 1983.

Germany top Group D, which includes Wales and the Republic of Ireland, on goal difference.

Joachim Loew's side have six points, the same as the Czech Republic, who beat neighbours Slovakia 3-0 in Bratislava.

The result was also the worst in San Marino's history - 14 years ago they lost 10-0 to Norway.

San Marino's population is just 27,000, though the game was watched by a crowd of just over 5,000


They had to rub that in my face mad.gif

Man I really hop Italy get their act togeth soon, even though the score should have been 2-1 tonight because Gallas was clearly offside when he crossed the ball for the first goal. Gila scored a good goal, but Cassano might have had a good game against Lituania but he was invisable tonight, I saw Gila dropping into the midfield more then him, that should be evidence enough. But what was Donadoni thinking putting in Semioli?? He wasn't doing anything but losing the ball, and tyhen the french would break on a lightning fast counter attack.

Still you could see in how much better shape the french where then Italy, Italy where totally getting burned out with the fast tempo the game was being played in, especially in the end

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 6 2006, 10:57 PM

Damn, Germany's result cracked me up. I was browsing livescore and when I see San Marino 0 - 13 Germany I was like 'WTF?!?!'

About the Italy match, I think Donadoni shouldn't have played with two wingers like Cassano and Semioli, but with two strikers that would be Pippo and Gila + Cassano behind them. Something of 4-3-1-2, the scheme Carlo uses. It was clear Italy was 0 on the wings. But yes, France was superior to them in any aspect.

Posted by: LaPalma Sep 6 2006, 11:17 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Sep 6 2006, 09:35 PM)
Poor San Marino...
*

Even I feel a bit soory for them laugh.gif
But that was bad team trashing at its best! Our great team is the future. I just had this vision of Lennart Johannson handing over this cup for the EURO 2008 winner to Michael Ballack...

Oh and....haha Italy...

Posted by: arivanjj Sep 7 2006, 07:21 AM

Germany 13 goals!! laugh.gif, joke of the month

btw, very very dissapointing italy.

Posted by: GULLIVER Sep 7 2006, 09:41 AM

Very high disappointing Italy. No motivation, no will.

I can understand that they are WORLD CHEMPIONS, but still that doesn't mean - "Let's rest a little bit".

Comon Italy, I hope france will see azzurie's power in the return leg. Only Pirlo, and only Pirlo was playing. Nobody else.


P.S. Armenia - Belgium - 0-1. Daaaaamn, we were playing very well. They were just very tall and they scored a header. We had good chances, some really good chances, but couldn't do nothing at all. Daaaaaaaaaaaamn

Posted by: GULLIVER Sep 7 2006, 09:43 AM

Yeah and Germany went crazy. San Marino's team is probably just a bunch of young or old men running in the field. Why so harsh??? biggrin.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: Costacurta Sep 7 2006, 10:37 AM

QUOTE
From the resulting corner, Vieri nodded over the bar


WTF. He is not mentioned i the team line ups, and Donadoni would really have lost it he brought him back!

Who the hell is Semioli. I don't get why Cassano is back. Its good to see Pippo back, but, Del Piero or Gila should be his partner. Is Grosso injured or something, otherwise why wasnt he at LB and therefore Zambrotta at RB? All a bit concerning from the old Milan man. I'm astonished that that defence conceded 3 times, but I suppose it was weakened a bit.

Italy have some hard work now to qualify. Thye'll have to beat France at home I think.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 7 2006, 11:35 AM

Frankly, IMO Donadoni did not deserved to be infront the National team as coach...and that`s it. He is just the wrong man, like Marco VB in Holland. As soon as the Federation sack him and appoint someone decent for that job, the good results will return.

Italy - Croatia 0:2

Italy - Lithuania 1:1

France - Italy 1:3

It speaks of itself... rolleyes.gif

Posted by: amancik Sep 7 2006, 01:34 PM

is it about the players? or the coach?

do you guys think that if Lippi was still with them, Italy would've been in this situation?

Posted by: han2503 Sep 7 2006, 02:44 PM

QUOTE (Costacurta @ Sep 7 2006, 09:37 AM)
WTF. He is not mentioned i the team line ups, and Donadoni would really have lost it he brought him back!

Who the hell is Semioli. I don't get why Cassano is back. Its good to see Pippo back, but, Del Piero or Gila should be his partner. Is Grosso injured or something, otherwise why wasnt he at LB and therefore Zambrotta at RB? All a bit concerning from the old Milan man. I'm astonished that that defence conceded 3 times, but I suppose it was weakened a bit.

Italy have some hard work now to qualify. Thye'll have to beat France at home I think.
*


Semioli should not have been playing all he did was lose the ball, and Cassano played because he played an amazing game against Lituania, he was invisible against France though. I don't really know what the problem is, I don't really think that the players expected France to come out like that, plus the first goal they scored should have been ruled out and the second was pure luck because Buffon had that covered but Cannavaro deflected it in. You could see that all through the game the refereeing was going Frances way, Gila had a decent call for a penalty there when Coupe came out to take the ball from his feet, but what he got was a yellow for a supposed dive.

And Grosso was playing as LB and Zambrotta as RB, Grosso was just a bit invincible.

Oh and I think that Del Piero should have been called up, he is in amazing form right know, and would have helped more.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 7 2006, 10:35 AM)
Frankly, IMO Donadoni did not deserved to be infront the National team as coach...and that`s it. He is just the wrong man, like Marco VB in Holland. As soon as the Federation sack him and appoint someone decent for that job, the good results will return.

Italy - Croatia 0:2

Italy - Lithuania 1:1

France - Italy 1:3

It speaks of itself... rolleyes.gif
*


Come one you're being too harsh, it's his first 3 games and sure the rusults haven't been that good but the guy needs to settle in, and as I said before I don't think anyone expected France to come out playing like they did, they really wanted to take revenge for their final loss, you could see it no matter what they said that this wouldn't be revenge, you could see how much they wanted the win.

QUOTE (amancik @ Sep 7 2006, 12:34 PM)
is it about the players? or the coach?

do you guys think that if Lippi was still with them, Italy would've been in this situation?
*


I think it's a bit of both, Donadoni I think will become a great coach in time, but he is a bit inexperianced, and people have to take into account how hard it is for the coach to motivate some of the players that are on that team especially the ones that used to play for Juve and our players, they have won everything their is to win in football, and it's normalfor them to feel unchallanged now that they have won everything

Posted by: han2503 Sep 7 2006, 02:56 PM

QUOTE
Albertini feels the pressure


FIGC vice-commissioner Demetrio Albertini has again defended Coach Roberto Donadoni, but admits their Euro 2008 hopes are hanging by a thread.

“We chose Donadoni and we’ll defend him till the end. He went around Italy and Europe to view the players and see what condition they were in, as he has to work with the circumstances right now. It’s true this is a critical time at the start of the season, but the FIGC doesn’t need to keep defending its choice.”


Albertini is the man who picked his former Milan teammate for this position, but so far Donadoni has picked up just one draw and two defeats, including tonight’s 3-1 loss in Paris.


“It was clear to everyone that France were going at 100mph and we were always second to the ball. Unfortunately the timing of this tie was bad for us. We saw a great France and fought as hard as we could in the circumstances.”

This leaves the Azzurri with just one point from two Euro 2008 games, so they are five adrift of joint leaders France and Scotland.


“It’s a tough situation now, more so for the points we dropped on Saturday against Lithuania, but you can never tell in football and it’s still early days,” insisted Albertini.


Now their chances of reaching the European Championships depend on the next two matches, taking on Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine in Rome on October 7 and visiting Georgia four days later.


“Mistakes can happen and the lads did well to come back into it after going 2-0 down to France. The right spirit is there and the World champions are fighting hard in a difficult moment for us. I can assure everyone that in a month’s time it will be a different Italy side.”

Posted by: GULLIVER Sep 7 2006, 06:02 PM

QUOTE (Costacurta @ Sep 7 2006, 01:37 PM)
I don't get why Cassano is back.
*


he should be back, he is really good,

Posted by: Portikins Sep 7 2006, 09:12 PM

Donadoni is going nowhere calling players like Semioli... rolleyes.gif

Del Piero, Nesta, Totti, Camoranesi, Luca Toni... obviously should be there.

PS: Scolari, as always, fcked up and Portugal drew against the poweful Finland rolleyes.gif . Without Figo there, little Cristiano feels like a Holywood superstar... what a c_nt. We're going nowhere. Specially having 1 decent defender (Meira, Miguel and J.Andrade are injuried).

Posted by: han2503 Sep 7 2006, 10:48 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Sep 7 2006, 08:12 PM)
Donadoni is going nowhere calling players like Semioli...  rolleyes.gif

Del Piero, Nesta, Totti, Camoranesi, Luca Toni... obviously should be there.

PS: Scolari, as always, fcked up and Portugal drew against the poweful Finland  rolleyes.gif . Without Figo there, little Cristiano feels like a Holywood superstar... what a c_nt. We're going nowhere. Specially having 1 decent defender (Meira, Miguel and J.Andrade are injuried).
*


Nesta was injured when he made his call ups and Totti is still 'thinking about it'. He didn't call Luca Toni because he hasn't even played a match except for a couple of friendlies and would be totally out of form and I don't really see what difference he would have made. Gila and Pippo both did their job, they scored, not enough but they still scored. Italy got screwed up in that Lithuania game, so many missed chances that could have assured them the 3 points, now they are seriously looking at not qualifying at all if they continue this way.

And I didn't see the portugal match but I have seen C.Ronaldo enough times to know how he is especially when he feels like he is the big star in the team, so I'll keep the portugal NT in my prayers because you'll need it.

Posted by: Portikins Sep 7 2006, 10:59 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 7 2006, 09:48 PM)
And I didn't see the portugal match but I have seen C.Ronaldo enough times to know how he is especially when he feels like he is the big star in the team, so I'll keep the portugal NT in my prayers because you'll need it.
*


Figo is a great player. But, in Portugal NT he was more than that. He was the leader.

Now, there's no big leader... there are some old big names like Costinha (Atletico Madrid), Nuno Gomes (Benfica)... but no one that can be "respected" as Figo and Rui Costa were.

That's a problem then. rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 7 2006, 11:16 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 7 2006, 02:44 PM)
I think it's a bit of both, Donadoni I think will become a great coach in time, but he is a bit inexperianced, and people have to take into account how hard it is for the coach to motivate some of the players that are on that team especially the ones that used to play for Juve and our players, they have won everything their is to win in football, and it's normalfor them to feel unchallanged now that they have won everything
*

And this is why they must have somone around who exactly knows what to do and acts instantly...As Zvone Boban recently said, young coaches should be given chances, but not on the national level. First they must get some experience in the big clubs and european cups, then maybe as NC. I think it is very clear...Donadoni should not have been appointed as Italy coach, at least not in this moment..

Posted by: han2503 Sep 7 2006, 11:17 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Sep 7 2006, 09:59 PM)
Figo is a great player. But, in Portugal NT he was more than that. He was the leader.

Now, there's no big leader... there are some old big names like Costinha (Atletico Madrid), Nuno Gomes (Benfica)... but no one that can be "respected" as Figo and Rui Costa were.

That's a problem then. rolleyes.gif
*


Agree, I had forgotten that Figo had retired, I gues the golden generation had to come to an end sometime, just sad that they didn't manage to win anything during that time.

Posted by: Portikins Sep 7 2006, 11:42 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 7 2006, 10:17 PM)
Agree, I had forgotten that Figo had retired, I gues the golden generation had to come to an end sometime, just sad that they didn't manage to win anything during that time.
*


Golden generation... I don't like that name. Why? Because we won ZERO with that super-golden gen.

But we've now good players too. For the future: C.Ronaldo, Quaresma, Manuel Fernandes, Nelson, Moutinho, Hugo Almeida, Nani, Bruno Vale, Moreira, Vaz Te, Carlos Martins... good and young players mixed with some middle-aged Simão, R.Carvalho, Miguel, J.Andrade, Deco... a good team in the end. But hey, we're a little country (bad for commercial reasons, etc), with or without the "golden tag" we'll never win anything.

Posted by: dst Sep 8 2006, 09:40 AM

QUOTE (mishale @ Sep 7 2006, 12:35 AM)
Poor San Marino...
*

Bad bad Germany!!!! You should have shown some respect to the poor guys!!! They are all amateurs, football is not their job!!! Only one of them lives from football and you go like scoring a bunch of goals ... Shame on you!!!! mad.gif biggrin.gif

QUOTE (Portugal @ Sep 7 2006, 11:12 PM)
Without Figo there, little Cristiano feels like a Holywood superstar... what a c_nt.
*

CR ... why is he always - EVERY F@CKING SINGLE TIME - doing that trick moving his feet above the ball???
At least now that Figo's out, Gomes plays ... rolleyes.gif

QUOTE (Portugal @ Sep 8 2006, 01:42 AM)
But we've now good players too. For the future: C.Ronaldo, Quaresma, Manuel Fernandes, Nelson ....
*

wub.gif

Posted by: dst Sep 8 2006, 10:09 AM

On the France vs Italy game ...

1. France were the better side. They should have won!!

2. Well done FIFA!!!! Paolo have the balls to speak and Blatter goes hidden behind his refs again!!!! You're not worth spitting to. you disgusting b@stard!!! You think of 10 things a day ... 11 out of them are PURE BULLSH1T!!!!.
First goal was offside, Italy got something like 5 out of 100 fouls while France 10000000000000000000000000 out of 20, Vieira was not sent-off for intentionaly hitting Gila and not even a yellow for some dozens of other tough marks, Gila gets booked (at rights - it was a clear dive) while Malouda don't ....

3. Sacchi was right: Donadoni's not ready!! I believed in him for I always liked his work as a player and a coach but (even though he's not the only one to blame) he's doing it all wrong!!! Semioli ... MY GOD!!! Bad set up and no motivation!!!

4. I'm waiting for the rematch in Rome. Then, Italy will be ready too cause now only Milan's players (not even Zambro or Canna) were ready ... and even them not for that level while Senegal ... errr France were 100% fit!!!

5. two days before the game I remember Henry saying something about cameras, that refs should check the replay to see if everything's legal on a goal ... ":cry: Arsenal wouldn't have lost the CL final cry.gif" ... I didn't hear complaining now you b1tch ... do you want the first goal disallowed!!!???You pathetic, disgarceful b1tch!!!! You're the biggest pu$$y ever!!!!

6. Buffon 5 / Zambrotta 5 / Cannavaro 6 / Barzagli 5 (a good performance with the NT at last!!!) / Grosso 0 / Semioli -3 (he was given the no.7 ohmy.gif ) Pirlo 6.5 / Gattuso 5 / Perrotta 0 (he was there for sure??? unsure.gif ) / Cassano 1 / Gila 7 MOM for Italy
Di Michele impressed me (for a sub) !!! Donadoni 3


edit: Oh and ... France proved once again (as in the WC) that they got a better defence than the Italians'!!!!

Posted by: han2503 Sep 8 2006, 02:56 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Sep 8 2006, 09:09 AM)
On the France vs Italy game ...

1. France were the better side. They should have won!!

2. Well done FIFA!!!! Paolo have the balls to speak and Blatter goes hidden behind his refs again!!!! You're not worth spitting to. you disgusting b@stard!!! You think of 10 things a day ... 11 out of them are PURE BULLSH1T!!!!.
First goal was offside, Italy got something like 5 out of 100 fouls while France 10000000000000000000000000 out of 20, Vieira was not sent-off for intentionaly hitting Gila and not even a yellow for some dozens of other tough marks, Gila gets booked (at rights - it was a clear dive) while Malouda don't ....

3. Sacchi was right: Donadoni's not ready!! I believed in him for I always liked his work as a player and a coach but (even though he's not the only one to blame) he's doing it all wrong!!! Semioli ... MY GOD!!! Bad set up and no motivation!!!

4. I'm waiting for the rematch in Rome. Then, Italy will be ready too cause now only Milan's players (not even Zambro or Canna) were ready ... and even them not for that level while Senegal ... errr France were 100% fit!!!

5. two days before the game I remember Henry saying something about cameras, that refs should check the replay to see if everything's legal on a goal ... ":cry: Arsenal wouldn't have lost the CL final cry.gif" ... I didn't hear complaining now you b1tch ... do you want the first goal disallowed!!!???You pathetic, disgarceful b1tch!!!! You're the biggest pu$$y ever!!!!

6. Buffon 5 / Zambrotta 5 / Cannavaro 6 / Barzagli 5 (a good performance with the NT at last!!!) / Grosso 0 / Semioli -3 (he was given the no.7  ohmy.gif ) Pirlo 6.5 / Gattuso 5 / Perrotta 0 (he was there for sure???  unsure.gif ) / Cassano 1 / Gila 7 MOM for Italy
Di Michele impressed me (for a sub) !!! Donadoni 3
edit: Oh and ... France proved once again (as in the WC) that they got a better defence than the Italians'!!!!
*




Everthing you said is the complete truth.

btw I can't wait to see how Cannavaro plays this season for Real, I'm very curios if he will be the 'inter Cannavaro' that would be funny.

And you're right The French deserved to win it by how they played, but the refereeing was total cr@p, it was so obvious how everything was going France's way, at least they should have been more subtle about it for god's sake. Blattar should take some tips from Moggi

Posted by: Portikins Sep 8 2006, 03:03 PM

As I said before... Perrotta is no player for the NT. rolleyes.gif

Posted by: misha Sep 14 2006, 11:18 PM

QUOTE
Italy's World Cup manager rules out supervisor role, backs successor

MILAN, Italy (AP) -Italy's World Cup champion manager Marcello Lippi ruled out a supervisory role with the national team on Thursday and gave his backing to new coach Roberto Donadoni.

"I will never be a supervisor of the national team because it is not my profession,'' Lippi said. "I am sure Donadoni will bring the best out of the players.''

 

Lippi stepped down as boss of Italy after guiding the Azzurri to the World Cup title in July. But his replacement, Donadoni, has yet to win in three games, prompting Italian soccer federation head Guido Rossi to reportedly consider bringing back the former Juventus coach as a supervisor.

Italy lost its first game under Donadoni 2-1 to Croatia in a friendly in August. The World champion's poor form continued with a draw at home to Lithuania and a 3-1 loss to France in its opening qualifying games for the 2008 European Championship earlier this month.

But Lippi supported Donadoni despite Italy's results.

"I respect him a lot,'' Lippi said. "I am convinced that he will establish a bond with the players. This group will start to play well again.''

Lippi, who previously has mentioned of a return to club coaching, said that he was in no hurry to get back to work.

"At the moment I am still enjoying the aftermath of the World Cup, which I believe will last a bit of time yet,'' Lippi said. "I have received calls from non-Italian clubs, but I didn't go to speak with the directors.''

Lippi was touted as a possible successor to Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson during the World Cup, but denied the reports at the time, saying that his English wasn't good enough.

However the 58-year-old has been taking language lessons.

"At the moment, my English is a little bit better,'' Lippi said.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/soccer/wires/09/14/2080.ap.eu.spt.soc.italy.lippi.0326/index.html
*

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 2 2006, 11:49 PM

Donadoni considered quitting!

Roberto Donadoni has admitted that he was tempted to quit as Italy Coach after enduring a difficult start to life on the Azzurri bench.

The Nazionale obtained a draw with Lithuania and was then defeated 3-1 in the World Cup Final repeat with France in Paris, leaving the qualifiers with Ukraine and Georgia as must-win games.

“I spoke to the CONI chief Gianni Petrucci and told him that I was willing to resign, but he explained what his ideas were and in the end we agreed on the future plans,” said Donadoni in Coverciano, where the squad is gathered in view of Saturday’s match with Ukraine at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

“There were also rumours suggesting that I may be axed, but I must confess that I felt total support from the Federation – this flattered me and motivated me even more.

“We are aware that Saturday we will have to give our all and remain concentrated, because this is a decisive match and we must win.”

Reports suggest that the Stadio Olimpico may not be totally supportive of the world champions, but the former Livorno tactician doesn’t think this will be the case.

“I don’t see why the Roman supporters would be hostile towards us,” he continued.

“We chose Rome in recognition of Italy’s capital and in order to honour a Roma player [Francesco Totti], who for many reasons will not be part of the match.”

The former Milan winger, yet to win any of his three games in charge, also dismissed reports that Antonio Cassano had been omitted from the squad given his unpopular status within the Giallorossi fan base in the city.

"Cassano was left out for other reasons," he stated when asked about the Real Madrid ace whom he hailed as the future of his Azzurri side only last month.

"People can consider my call-ups in any way they wish. I may take backwards or sideward steps, but my decisions are based on form and that is why I didn't name my squad until late last night [10.30pm local time].

"But nobody has been thrown out, the doors to the national side are always open."

Alex Del Piero will make his return to the Nazionale, along with Luca Toni, and is thrilled of the new opportunity he has been given.

"I am very glad to return and I can’t wait to go onto the pitch,” said the Juve captain.

“It’s exciting to return as a world champion, we must focus on the next two games that are decisive for our qualification to the European Championship.”


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/

Posted by: misha Oct 3 2006, 12:17 AM

Van Nistelrooy and Van Bommel reject call-ups

Two Dutch players, Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid) and Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich) rejected today's call-ups for the Euro qualifiers against Bulgaria and Albania.

Van Bommel was originally named for the suqad by Marco van Basten whereas Ruud was meant to be a replacement for Klaus Jan Huntelaar (who is injured). These were another controversial moves, considering the fact that Van Basten called Van Nistelrooy over the weekend trying to convince the Real star to accept the call-up.

In addition, Van Bommel decided to end his carrer in the national team
http://www.marcovanbasten.net/index.php?function=show_all&no=19

Posted by: bigmacmtl Oct 3 2006, 12:32 AM

i think van bommel has no choice but to retire from international football or he can get suspended from club football. i bet he's doing that so he can avoid van basten, and if in the future someone else takes over he'll offer his services again.

Posted by: Portikins Oct 3 2006, 11:18 AM

Will Italy beat Ukraine next Saturday? They cannot lose more points. rolleyes.gif

Go Azzurri!

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 3 2006, 11:30 AM

NESTA vs. Sheva devil.gif

Posted by: GULLIVER Oct 3 2006, 03:41 PM

QUOTE (arivanjj @ Oct 3 2006, 02:30 PM)
NESTA vs. Sheva  devil.gif
*


one of them won't be there cool.gif again.

Posted by: han2503 Oct 3 2006, 06:49 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Oct 3 2006, 10:18 AM)
Will Italy beat Ukraine next Saturday? They cannot lose more points. rolleyes.gif

Go Azzurri!
*


It's hard to say, so far they have been pityful, Cannavar was making more stupid mistakes, then Barzagli, and he is supposed to be the one leading the defensive line, hopefully with Nesta back and in good form, the defence will be back in shape.

Semioli or who ever the hell it was that played in the match against France should not play, that idiot can't even run with the ball or hold it for longer then a few seconds.

And I don't understand why he dropped Cassano and Gila, both where the most Impressive players in the matches they played, along with Pippo, Rino and Pirlo. If Donadoni wants the team to establish some sort of chemistry between eachother, he shouldn't keep changing the call ups all the time.

Maybe some of you where right, when they said that he wasn't ready to take such a big job. I wish Lippi would have stayed sad.gif

QUOTE (GULLIVER @ Oct 3 2006, 02:41 PM)
one of them won't be there  cool.gif  again.
*


Wheren't they both called up?? unsure.gif

Posted by: dst Oct 3 2006, 11:46 PM

Semioli ?? Wow he was so ;ame I had already forgotten him ... I hope I won't have to put up with his pathetic display once again !!

Van Bommel ?? That joke is a disgrace for the Dutch NT and I wish he had never been called up in the first place !! puke.gif

Posted by: misha Oct 4 2006, 12:38 AM

What is Van Basten do to them? I'm still disappointed for not seeing Seedorf in the WC

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 4 2006, 01:52 AM

QUOTE (mishale @ Oct 4 2006, 02:38 AM)
What is Van Basten do to them? I'm still disappointed for not seeing Seedorf in the WC
*


No Marco wants a young team .. I trust Marco, the Dutch havent won anything in a looooooooooong time .. And I think he is making the right steps forward, this time around I hope Holland can do something .. Not cuz I root for them, but cuz they have a very capable team, play beutiful football, but unfortunatly luck isnt on their sides.

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 4 2006, 03:48 AM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 3 2006, 06:52 PM)
No Marco wants a young team .. I trust Marco, the Dutch havent won anything in a looooooooooong time .. And I think he is making the right steps forward, this time around I hope Holland can do something .. Not cuz I root for them, but cuz they have a very capable team, play beutiful football, but unfortunatly luck isnt on their sides.
*


I think Van Basten was a extraordinary player, but he is a weak coach. His line ups and subs were sometimes simply just laughble...

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 4 2006, 05:47 AM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Oct 4 2006, 12:48 PM)
I think Van Basten was a extraordinary player, but he is a weak coach. His line ups and subs were sometimes simply just laughble...
*

i agree, i don't know why he didn't select Seedorf and Stam for the WorldCup...

Posted by: han2503 Oct 4 2006, 11:56 AM

QUOTE (arivanjj @ Oct 4 2006, 04:47 AM)
i agree, i don't know why he didn't select Seedorf and Stam for the WorldCup...
*


Stam retired from the national taem. But i agree at least seedorf should have been called up, if you want to win a tournament like the world cup you need to have SOME experianced players

Posted by: dst Oct 4 2006, 12:31 PM

yes but Seedorf had not shown any signs of passion last season ...

Posted by: misha Oct 4 2006, 01:42 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 4 2006, 01:31 PM)
yes but Seedorf had not shown any signs of passion last season ...
*

Maybe ,but they needed player like him there

Posted by: dst Oct 4 2006, 01:49 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Oct 4 2006, 03:42 PM)
Maybe ,but they needed player like him there
*

to fire them up ?? rolleyes.gif
IMO it was the right decision by MVB because last season was a WC one ... he should have tried more to earn a place in the NT squad and not just rely on his name !!

Posted by: misha Oct 4 2006, 01:53 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 4 2006, 02:49 PM)
to fire them up ??  rolleyes.gif
IMO it was the right decision by MVB because last season was a WC one ... he should have tried more to earn a place in the NT squad and not just rely on his name !!
*

It was never about his ability it was personal

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 4 2006, 01:58 PM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Oct 4 2006, 05:48 AM)
I think Van Basten was a extraordinary player, but he is a weak coach. His line ups and subs were sometimes simply just laughble...
*


Well, a weak coach is far off, but I get where your coming from .. He is inexperienced .. smile.gif .. True, but I mean Marco Van Basten got through the most difficult group stage in the WC .. Not any manager can turn to luck when he has opponents such as Cote D'Ivore, Argentina, and Serbia (well ok not Serbia, but still...) .. And he did that with the line ups you were talking about, the subs, etc .. Plus, as some have already stated, without the experience of Seedorf and others.

So you see, if MVB can get his young team through the group stages of the WC, then he has done great for an inexperienced coach, such as himself. And as the Dutch football federation still have him as the coach, I think he can turn the tide for them.

Posted by: dst Oct 4 2006, 02:01 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Oct 4 2006, 03:53 PM)
It was never about his ability it was personal
*

Come on now ... personal ??? Seedorf was playing mediocre last year and that's what MVB's decision was based on !! Personal my @ss ... I wouldn't have chosen him too. You know very well to defend ES but you are quick to accuse MVB of putting personal choices over the team's good !!

Well done ... keep up your fairness !!

Posted by: misha Oct 4 2006, 02:06 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 4 2006, 03:01 PM)
Come on now ... personal ??? Seedorf was playing mediocre last year and that's what MVB's decision was based on !! Personal my @ss ... I wouldn't have chosen him too. You know very well to defend ES but you are quick to accuse MVB of putting personal choices over the team's good !!

Well done ... keep up your fairness !!
*

It's a well known fact that they just don't get along.
I'm just saying what I have heard and there is no connection between the two things. MVB was one of my favorites players .

Posted by: misha Oct 4 2006, 02:11 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 4 2006, 03:01 PM)
I wouldn't have chosen him too.
*

Almost every other coach would have choose him .Do yoy honestly believe that he doesn't deserve to be in 23 player squad?

Posted by: dst Oct 4 2006, 02:13 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Oct 4 2006, 04:06 PM)
It's a well known fact that they just don't get along.
I'm just saying what I have heard and there is no connection between the two things. MVB was one of my favorites players .
*

I don't like him as a coach but IMO it is unfair to say such a thing for him. It's also probably only something that the media came up with !! What's known though (Bergkamp siad so) is that most players and MVB in personal did not get along well with Robben, still he was in the squad cause he was playing good all season long ... I don't think anyone selected was chosen after personal liking ... maybe some were left out while they could have been there but IMO everyone deserved to be there (besides Van puke.gif Bommel), there's no room for all.

Posted by: dst Oct 4 2006, 02:15 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Oct 4 2006, 04:11 PM)
Almost every other coach would have choose him .Do yoy honestly believe that he doesn't deserve to be in 23 player squad?
*

Thats' what I'm saying there ... IMO it's not about deserving it, you have to earn your place every time and Seedorf did not seem to care enough so ...

Posted by: misha Oct 4 2006, 02:24 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 4 2006, 03:15 PM)
Thats' what I'm saying there ... IMO it's not about deserving it, you have to earn your place every time and Seedorf did not seem to care enough so ...
*

He new already that he is not gonna be there. He wasn't in the qualifying or friendly matches before.
Acording to what I know, there were always feuds in the dutch NT and he wanted to throw out some players(Seedorf ,Davids...) in order to make good environment in the team .

Posted by: dst Oct 4 2006, 02:28 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Oct 4 2006, 04:24 PM)
He new already that he is not gonna be there. He wasn't in the qualifying or friendly matches before. 
Acording to what I know, there were always feuds in the dutch NT and he wanted to  throw out some players(Seedorf ,Davids...) in order to make good environment in the team .
*

he did not have a good season before the last one as well ... but whatever we don't know !!

Posted by: misha Oct 4 2006, 02:31 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 4 2006, 03:28 PM)
he did not have a good season before the last one as well ... but whatever we don't know !!
*

But don't you think it's a little bit strange that during MVB time in the NT he didn't got even one chance to play there?

Posted by: dst Oct 4 2006, 02:34 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Oct 4 2006, 04:31 PM)
But don't you think it's a little bit strange that during MVB time in the NT he didn't got even one chance to play there?
*

No

Posted by: misha Oct 4 2006, 03:02 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 4 2006, 03:34 PM)
Van Basten the 50s revivalist?

August saw 82-year old Faas Wilkes die.
He was the first real international Dutch star, a prolific striker for Internazionale and Valencia in the early fifties. Wilkes was one of a handful of internationals who escaped domestic football and its amateur structure. The price these legionnaires paid was exclusion from playing for their country. In those days the Dutch FA (KNVB) chose to ban all professionals from their ranks.


When Wilkes left for Italy in the summer of 1949 the Dutch team had lost only once in two years. In the next five Holland won just four times and did not even enter qualification for the World Cup as they were afraid of an embarrasment.

When the KNVB were forced to embrace professionalism in 1954 the legionnaires could make their return in the national team. It took another twenty years to make a decent impression on international football.

At the funeral of Faas Wilkes the current chairman of the KNVB, Joe Sprengers, apologised for the ban: 'The KNVB were obsessed with amateurism at the time. We should have acted differently and feel sorry for Faas Wilkes. Dutch football fans were denied his great talents in the national team during the years he played abroad. We were wrong.'

Maybe in another half-a-century a chairman will speak to gathered mourners and apologise that the then deceased ex-Barcelona/Real/Inter or Milan-star was banned from several big tournaments.

'Sorry for our appointment of Marco van Basten,' his words might be. 'We were wrong.'

What is with this coach? As soon as Dutch star players take up a contract in a city more than an hour's flight away, their place in the squad is in jeopardy. You may have won three Champions Leagues (Seedorf), just one (Davids and Van Bommel) or been a topscorer of a big league abroad (Makaay and van Nistelrooy), but that does not mean you get the nod over the likes of Martijn Meerdink, Theo Janssen or Demi de Zeeuw.

Seedorf has never had a look in since Van Basten started, while Davids and Makaay had infrequent call-ups until last year. 'Big names are not necessarily big players,' Van Basten once said.

Mark van Bommel and Ruud van Nistelrooy are the latest victims. The surprising omissions gobsmacked the entire Dutch press who had not believed the rumours that went around over the summer. Van Basten is not one to explain much of his selection criteria but he seems to be averse to older players at big clubs.

If it was not confusing enough, Johan Derksen then published a column in his magazine Voetbal International on the day Holland played Ireland, telling his readers that Van Basten is no top coach and has made several big errors over his two years in charge.

Derksen is the editor of Holland's only football weekly, a pundit in two television talk shows on football every weekend and a self-proclaimed friend of Johan Cruyff. His opinion counts in the Dutch football world.

In this critical piece Derksen burned Van Basten to the ground for his treatment of the old guard. Why would Derksen suddenly turn against the coach?

Some say that Van Basten is out of control and not listening to the great Cruyff any more. To regain his influence over squad selection the former captain has apparently instructed Derksen to slight his protege in a magazine which is one of the best selling periodicals in the country. As history shows, Cruyff likes to use the press to put his points forward.

While thousands of readers were glancing over the vitriolic content of the mag's backpage column that night, the subject of the mud-slinging was smiling modestly all over their televisions while celebrating a 4-0 victory at Landsdowne Road. His starless team had just ripped Ireland to pieces.

Debutant Stijn Schaars of AZ played a blinder as a link-up between defence and attack to give the team control in midfield. Therefore Rafael van der Vaart could concentrate on his delivery to the strikers, especially Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Huntelaar is a different player than latest galactico Van Nistelrooy. At the World Cup Van Nistelrooy suffered through the antics of Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie, who hardly gave him a decent ball.

Impatience made him run into holes and back again, offside and onside to somewhere in midfield and then on the wings. The result was that Ruud was usually everywhere on the pitch except in the right place at the right time to score.

Van Basten choose to keep the wingers in his team and sacrificed his former top scorer to exchange him for a striker who would be more suited to playing between the Robben-van Persie-tandem. At the World Cup Dirk Kuyt turned out not to be that man as he sank without trace in the second round match against Portugal.

Then in Dublin Huntelaar got his chance and succeeded. The Ajax frontman has that rare calm not to be bothered when he is not involved in the game.


JamieMcDonald/GettyImages
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar did much to curb the brickbats aimed at Van Basten.He won't drop in midfield to get a touch of the ball or make unnecessary runs just to show he is around. Just wait and wait and wait, until the smallest of chances arrives and bang...it is a goal. A nightmare for a defender who thinks he has Huntelaar under control. Two goals and two assists were the quite sensational facts of his international debut. Another feelgood story in Van Basten's trial-and-error regime.


Of the sixteen players that Van Basten put on the pitch in Dublin only four have spent more than one season abroad.

It looked almost a 50's revival with this strengthened Eredivisie XI. But not for long.

Since the Ireland game André Ooijer, Dirk Kuyt and Joris Mathijsen have signed for clubs in the UK and Germany.

So while Van Basten may have made some errors and wrong turns recently, there is no denying that he has helped a string of seemingly mediocre clubmen not only to caps but also to the lucrative foreign transfer they always hoped for.

Khalid Boulahrouz tops the charts with his incredible transfer to Chelsea; he was an ordinary mid-table kicker at the time of Euro 2004.

Van Basten selected him and he was soon off to the Bundesliga and now to the Premier League. All these transfers have filled the coffers of a large number of Dutch clubs. And that can't be a bad thing. 

espn
*

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 4 2006, 03:11 PM

QUOTE
'Big names are not necessarily big players,' Van Basten once said.


What more can I add to that ... king.gif

Posted by: dst Oct 4 2006, 03:27 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 4 2006, 05:11 PM)
What more can I add to that ...  king.gif
*

Yeah but all 'big names' mentioned above are big players as well !!!

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 4 2006, 03:32 PM

Haha...the Dutch and their NT...I'm really waiting for the moment they make use of their huge potential of great players, but I guess that just won't happen...

Posted by: dst Oct 4 2006, 03:34 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 4 2006, 05:32 PM)
Haha...the Dutch and their NT...I'm really waiting for the moment they make use of their huge potential of great players, but I guess that just won't happen...
*

Hey you could be more discreet, it hurts to remind me so ... sad.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 4 2006, 03:37 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 4 2006, 03:34 PM)
Hey you could be more discreet, it hurts to remind me so ...  sad.gif
*

Why should I be discreet? There is some certain person in this forum that always reminds of some certain Semi Final in some certain WC in some certain country called Germany unsure.gif

Posted by: dst Oct 4 2006, 03:39 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 4 2006, 05:37 PM)
Why should I be discreet? There is some certain person in this forum that always reminds of some certain Semi Final in some certain WC in some certain country called Germany unsure.gif
*

He he !! biggrin.gif well I said you could be more discreet, not should ... cool.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 4 2006, 03:41 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 4 2006, 05:27 PM)
Yeah but all 'big names' mentioned above are big players as well !!!
*


I hope ur implying big as in age or size ... tongue.gif j/k

Ofcourse they r big players, they all made history for themselves, but they are not what MVB needs to suceed !

I remember in the previous EURO, when Makaay was playing as a winger (I was so fond of Makaay, at the time..), I kept questioning why didnt he come on as a forward?! I mean that is his position, but TBH, Makaay really excelled in that position. The point is, some decisions could differ from what we precieve as the right one, but each coach knows his player's ability and what he wants from them ..

If Seedorf, Van Nistrooy, etc .. arent good enough for MVB, maybe its to do with his tactics .. Maybe it's to do with building a new team, where big names wont get you any guarentees, which might bring higher motivation into the Dutch team. Who knows ..

The moral from all this, is no matter how famous you are, that wont cut you any slack; thus Big names are not necessarily big players ..

Posted by: dst Oct 4 2006, 03:46 PM

It's simple as this: MVB wants to build his team in a certain way thus if you don't fit you are off, he's not adjusting anything in order to squeeze whoever in it!!

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 4 2006, 03:47 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 4 2006, 05:46 PM)
It's simple as this: MVB wants to build his team in a certain way thus if you don't fit you are off, he's not adjusting anything in order to squeeze whoever in it!!
*

king.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 4 2006, 09:04 PM

QUOTE
Surgery For Borussia's Jansen 
Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Marcel Jansen will undergo surgery on his right knee in Cologne on Friday.

Earlier this week, the 20-year-old national team player had to pull out of Joachim Löw's squad for Saturday's friendly with Slovakia. He sustained a torn outer meniscus during Saturday's Bundesliga game with Werder Bremen. He will travel to Cologne on Thursday Jansen for an examination by knee Specialist Dr. Peter Schäferhoff, and on Friday he will undergo arthroscopic surgery.


Nooo...we're running out of defenders...

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 4 2006, 09:10 PM

Not that they did u a lot of good in the WC semis...

I'am sooooooo EVIL devil.gif

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 4 2006, 09:10 PM

edit: Double post....my way of 'u can say that again'....

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 4 2006, 09:27 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Oct 4 2006, 09:10 PM)
Not that they did u a lot of good in the WC semis...

I'am sooooooo EVIL devil.gif
*

Grrrr....someday we will have or revenge...I hope it'll be VERY soon
Oh btw, on Thursday the movie about the WC and the german NT starts in movies theatres all around Germany, it's Title "Deutschland, ein Sommermärchen" (Germany, a summerdream). It's really great, a director was with the german team for the entire tornament, even in the cabin during half time... that'll be a great show!!!

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 4 2006, 10:56 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 4 2006, 02:27 PM)
Grrrr....someday we will have or revenge...I hope it'll be VERY soon
Oh btw, on Thursday the movie about the WC and the german NT starts in movies theatres all around Germany, it's Title "Deutschland, ein Sommermärchen" (Germany, a  summerdream). It's really great, a director was with the german team for the entire tornament, even in the cabin during half time... that'll be a great show!!!
*

Let me guess, they are not showing it in the U.S... mad.gif

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 5 2006, 12:12 AM

Shevchenko Cold Hampers Italian Return
Chelsea’s Andrei Shevchenko may not be returning to Italy so soon if Ukraine Coach Oleg Blokhin’s hints are to be believed. The ex-AC Milan number 7 woke up today running a high temperature and was absent from training.


“It looks like it may be a cold or even the flu,” Blokhin explained. “We’ll have to see how it develops, but if his fever doesn’t go down then he won’t be ready to play a match”. Sheva’s return was perhaps the most eagerly anticipated aspect of the Euro 2008 qualifier.

After abandoning AC Milan for the linguistic delights of London the player has been vilified by many of the Rossoneri faithful. Even though the game is to take place in Rome, the mere appearance of the ‘traitor’ was something to be taken into account.

The Ukraine have won the only match played so far while Donadoni’s Azzurri are desperate for a three-pointer after two lacklustre false starts to the Group Phase qualifiers. Blokhin, however, has no time for anything even resembling pity for the World Cup winners.

“Italy aren’t invincible and we’ll arrive in Rome with our hearts and minds set on winning. Of that you can be sure. Our aim is to finish either first or second in Group B.” The absence of their most feared forward would certainly be welcomed by Italy.



http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=140490

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 5 2006, 12:13 AM

DAMN IT, WHY!!!??

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 5 2006, 12:18 AM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Oct 4 2006, 10:56 PM)
Let me guess, they are not showing it in the U.S...  mad.gif
*

I really don't think so, but maybe you can download it in 1 or 2 weeks.

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 5 2006, 12:22 AM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 4 2006, 05:18 PM)
I really don't think so, but maybe you can download it in 1 or 2 weeks.
*

You let me know if you find anything, ayight? Thanks. wink.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 5 2006, 12:24 AM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Oct 5 2006, 12:22 AM)
You let me know if you find anything, ayight? Thanks. wink.gif
*

Of course!

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 5 2006, 02:32 AM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 4 2006, 05:24 PM)
Of course!
*

There! I love u too buddy! biggrin.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 5 2006, 02:35 AM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Oct 5 2006, 02:32 AM)
There! I love u too buddy!  biggrin.gif
*

Ahh, no need to thank me...it's what I do cool.gif

Oh, and I'm no here at 3 in the morning because I still have to do stuff for the university... (stupid me...)

Posted by: misha Oct 5 2006, 11:07 PM

QUOTE
Gattuso rallying cry

Gennaro Gattuso knows that Italy’s next two matches are crucial, but he has called on his teammates to prove who the world champions are.

“We are faced with two difficult matches and we know it won’t be easy, but I am sure we can win against both Ukraine and Georgia,” said the World Cup hero.

“Our position in the group worries us, but we are eager to prove that we are the world champions and deserved the title in July.

“We have the chance to make up for the previous matches and we know we can do well.

“Roberto Donadoni is training us to fight for 90 minutes and that is what we will do.

“Ukraine are a strong side but we have already defeated them in the World Cup,” continued Gattuso, referring to the victory over Andriy Shevchenko’s side in the quarter-final match in Germany.

“What impressed me is that the Berlin victory was so quickly forgotten – the only thing that matters in football are the three points.

“After the draw with Lithuania we were criticised for our performance, but I think we played well.

“We all have faith in our new Coach and want to do well,” concluded Ringhio.

Meanwhile, Barcelona defender Gianluca Zambrotta believes that an increase in fitness will prove to be the key to success.

“The team has improved from a physical and athletic point of view in the past two weeks and we do not want to fail,” said Zambrotta.

“We are worried, but are sure we can make up for our poor start. We need to win the next two matches as the six points are fundamental for us to get back on track.”

More than 35,000 tickets have been sold for the Stadio Olimpico clash with the Ukraine and the FIGC has granted free entrance to 6,000 children.

The special fans will be seated in two specific sectors of the stadium and will wear blue and golden jerseys in order to form four stars, representing La Nazionale’s World Cup triumphs.

Football Italia
*

Posted by: dst Oct 6 2006, 12:04 AM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Oct 5 2006, 12:56 AM)
Let me guess, they are not showing it in the U.S...  mad.gif
*

Are you really upset because of this !!??

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 6 2006, 12:30 AM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 6 2006, 12:04 AM)
Are you really upset because of this !!??
*

You should be upset about it as well cool.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 6 2006, 12:35 AM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 4 2006, 01:58 PM)
Well, a weak coach is far off, but I get where your coming from .. He is inexperienced .. smile.gif .. True, but I mean Marco Van Basten got through the most difficult group stage in the WC .. Not any manager can turn to luck when he has opponents such as Cote D'Ivore, Argentina, and Serbia (well ok not Serbia, but still...) .. And he did that with the line ups you were talking about, the subs, etc .. Plus, as some have already stated, without the experience of Seedorf and others.

So you see, if MVB can get his young team through the group stages of the WC, then he has done great for an inexperienced coach, such as himself. And as the Dutch football federation still have him as the coach, I think he can turn the tide for them.
*

Well, I really don`t like van Basten as a coach. Especially not as a dutch NT coach. You can call me an old fashioned one, but I think the position of a NT coach should be offered to experienced sucessfull internationals, or at least some of the top league coaches. A argument was mentioned here where someone said Seedorf expected to be called up only cause his name. But thats it, thats exactly why MvB got that job! Do you honestly think he would get it, if his name was Marco van der Beer or something like that?? Has Van Basten done anything to desereve this position? I don`t think so...

As for the WC campaign...I have nothing to say, just dissapointment. Nothing else. Holland played disgusting football that would offend anyone who watched the old dutch "total football" style mad.gif . And I did not see anything in that team. No youth, no inecperience, no strenght, nothing...it wasn`t even that young (the team). Just one name - Robin van Persie. That`s all...so, let MvB go, bring someone decent... king.gif

The same goes to Donadoni. Ukraine should be his last chance, no mercy to him also...

Posted by: Portikins Oct 6 2006, 12:39 AM

With Toni back, Italy will win. There's no other chance for the italians. If they beat Ukraine in Germany, why cannot beat them at the Olimpico? smile.gif

Posted by: dst Oct 6 2006, 12:45 AM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 6 2006, 02:30 AM)
You should be upset about it as well cool.gif
*

I find it really hard to be thrilled about a german locker room movie ...

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 6 2006, 02:35 AM)
Has Van Basten done anything to desereve this position? I don`t think so...
*

So what ?? What would Seedorf's call-up do for it ?? It would just be another mistake ...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 6 2006, 01:36 AM

I don`t know...but he could have called up Huntelaar. That was a clear illogicall mistake.. rolleyes.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 6 2006, 01:48 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 6 2006, 01:36 AM)
I don`t know...but he could have called up Huntelaar. That was a clear illogicall mistake.. rolleyes.gif
*

He HAS called up Huntelaar for the last couple of games, but the kid is ínjured and can't play.

QUOTE
I find it really hard to be thrilled about a german locker room movie ...

It's NOT a locker room movie, it's more, it's like a WC-Behind the scenes thing...

Posted by: dst Oct 6 2006, 01:53 AM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 6 2006, 03:48 AM)
It's NOT a locker room movie, it's more, it's like a WC-Behind the scenes thing...
*

Hardcore porn !!?

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 6 2006, 02:05 AM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 6 2006, 01:53 AM)
Hardcore porn !!?
*

Wahhh...it's like I knew this was coming.... I'm too tired to fight this out, n8 guys....

Oh, and if it would be a porn (which it isn't) it would be a gay porn with Schweini and Poldi as the stars, you can find the trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhM8SYzavyE, it's title "Brokeback Mannschaft" (don't be afraid wink.gif )

Posted by: han2503 Oct 6 2006, 09:16 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 5 2006, 11:35 PM)
Well, I really don`t like van Basten as a coach. Especially not as a dutch NT coach. You can call me an old fashioned one, but I think the position of a NT coach should be offered to experienced sucessfull internationals, or at least some of the top league coaches. A argument was mentioned here where someone said Seedorf expected to be called up only cause his name. But thats it, thats exactly why MvB got that job! Do you honestly think he would get it, if his name was Marco van der Beer or something like that?? Has Van Basten done anything to desereve this position? I don`t think so...

As for the WC campaign...I have nothing to say, just dissapointment. Nothing else. Holland played disgusting football that would offend anyone who watched the old dutch "total football" style mad.gif . And I did not see anything in that team. No youth, no inecperience, no strenght, nothing...it wasn`t even that young (the team). Just one name - Robin van Persie. That`s all...so, let MvB go, bring someone decent... king.gif 

The same goes to Donadoni. Ukraine should be his last chance, no mercy to him also...
*


Totally agree with everything you said.

As for Donadoni, I was one that defended him and said that he needed time to settle in, but look at the call ups he's made again, he dropped 2 players that both where great performers in the last 2 games Italy played, but still called up someone like Di Natale, Del vecchio (and did he call up Semioli? can't remeber), these are players that won't give anything to the team.

Ok Di michele is good, but not good enough to give support to the NT strikers. like Cassano and DP would, ok he called DP but I just don't think he has it in him anymore to play in the support striker position, imo Cassano and Gila should have kept their place in that squad, I'm not even saying give them a start but it is always better to have 2 world class players as your subs then 2 inexperianced players.

Donadoni had been handed a squad that already had great chemistry with eachother because of the work Lippi did, if I where him I wouldn't have messed around with a tried and true formula.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 6 2006, 10:20 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 6 2006, 02:35 AM)
Well, I really don`t like van Basten as a coach. Especially not as a dutch NT coach. You can call me an old fashioned one, but I think the position of a NT coach should be offered to experienced sucessfull internationals, or at least some of the top league coaches. A argument was mentioned here where someone said Seedorf expected to be called up only cause his name. But thats it, thats exactly why MvB got that job! Do you honestly think he would get it, if his name was Marco van der Beer or something like that?? Has Van Basten done anything to desereve this position? I don`t think so...

As for the WC campaign...I have nothing to say, just dissapointment. Nothing else. Holland played disgusting football that would offend anyone who watched the old dutch "total football" style mad.gif . And I did not see anything in that team. No youth, no inecperience, no strenght, nothing...it wasn`t even that young (the team). Just one name - Robin van Persie. That`s all...so, let MvB go, bring someone decent... king.gif 

The same goes to Donadoni. Ukraine should be his last chance, no mercy to him also...
*


Well, that is your opinion .. But remember that Van Basten and Rijkaard both have BIG names .. The later won two consecutive league titles and a CL. Why cant MVB do it .. ?!

Posted by: dst Oct 6 2006, 10:57 AM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 6 2006, 12:20 PM)
Well, that is your opinion .. But remember that Van Basten and Rijkaard both have BIG names .. The later won two consecutive league titles and a CL. Why cant MVB do it .. ?!
*

He (Rijkard) had ten Cate next to him !! cool.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 6 2006, 11:00 AM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 6 2006, 12:57 PM)
He (Rijkard) had ten Cate next to him !!  cool.gif
*


True, but MVB has an assistant next to him too .. Still if Rijkaard can do it then why cant MVB

Posted by: dst Oct 6 2006, 12:43 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 6 2006, 01:00 PM)
True, but MVB has an assistant next to him too ..
*

It's different ... ten Cate was the real manager ... unless you actually believe that little student became the teacher in just a single year !! Roles are not exchanged that easily !!

Still MVB might do it ... I can't see why not !!

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 6 2006, 01:47 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 6 2006, 12:43 PM)
Still MVB might do it ... I can't see why not !!
*

Maybe because no one seems to like him anymore in the Netherlands?

Posted by: dst Oct 6 2006, 01:53 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 6 2006, 03:47 PM)
Maybe because no one seems to like him anymore in the Netherlands?
*

so what ?? who liked Materazzi in Italy before the WC ?? cool.gif

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 6 2006, 02:03 PM

this is not suppose to be in this topic but does anyone know what the line-up will be like for brazil in their game against kuwait tomorrow? smile.gif

Posted by: dst Oct 6 2006, 02:06 PM

QUOTE (arivanjj @ Oct 6 2006, 04:03 PM)
this is not suppose to be in this topic but does anyone know what the line-up will be like for brazil in their game against kuwait tomorrow? smile.gif
*

like Dunga knows ....

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 6 2006, 02:13 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 6 2006, 11:06 PM)
like Dunga knows ....
*

well i mean all i know is Kaka is playing...

Posted by: dst Oct 6 2006, 02:25 PM

you mean the whole squad called up ?? hmm ... wait a minute !!

Posted by: dst Oct 6 2006, 02:29 PM

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=132046 it is !! smile.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 6 2006, 05:47 PM

QUOTE (arivanjj @ Oct 6 2006, 04:03 PM)
this is not suppose to be in this topic but does anyone know what the line-up will be like for brazil in their game against kuwait tomorrow? smile.gif
*


No matter what the line up will be, we will loose 6-0 .. That's if they'r gonna take it slow against us biggrin.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 6 2006, 05:47 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 6 2006, 02:43 PM)
Still MVB might do it ... I can't see why not !!
*


Thats the spirit king.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 6 2006, 06:16 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 6 2006, 05:47 PM)
No matter what the line up will be, we will loose 6-0 .. That's if they'r gonna take it slow against us biggrin.gif
*

Come on...you're not San Marino... cool.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 6 2006, 11:13 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 6 2006, 08:16 PM)
Come on...you're not San Marino... cool.gif
*


Even worse .. Brazil are playing my local team Al-Kuwait (not the Kuwaiti national team) .. Though we have done well locally and in the region, we have yet to leave a mark in Asia .. But against Brazil .. hehe I hope we can get out of this with some face at least tongue.gif

Posted by: Portikins Oct 7 2006, 12:31 AM

ES not playing in the Olimpico... rolleyes.gif

Go Azzurri!

Portugal plays Azerbeijan and in Wednesday in Poland. 6 points over 6 minimum. wink.gif

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 7 2006, 03:43 AM

Sick Sheva out of Italy clash

Andriy Shevchenko will not be able to face Italy in tonight’s Euro 2008 qualifier, announced Oleg Blokhin.

“He has a high temperature and won’t recover before Saturday evening,” commented the Ukraine Coach.

“We hope to have him back for the next match with Scotland. Romanchuk has the same problem and has already gone home, while Voronin’s temperature has dropped, but he hasn’t been able to train with the squad yet.”

The flu virus that has struck the Ukraine camp ahead of tonight’s crucial qualifying game at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome has robbed Shevchenko of the opportunity to play in Italy again after his £30m summer move to Chelsea.

The former Milan hitman has been suffering from a high temperature for several days and is 99 per cent sure to miss this meeting with the Azzurri.

Nonetheless, Coach Blokhin is confident his men can do better than their 3-0 World Cup quarter-final drubbing at the hands of Italy.

“I don’t look back, I only ever look forward. We are coming to Rome in order to win, any other attitude and I would be in the wrong profession.”

It could be argued the Ukraine have every reason to feel prepared, as the Azzurri are coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw with Lithuania and a 3-1 loss in France.

“I certainly didn’t expect Italy to have only one point after two games, as they are full of world class players. I don’t see one particular danger man, we must try to limit the whole team.”

Gianluca Zambrotta opened the scoring in Germany and Luca Toni netted a brace to seal the 3-0 result.


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 7 2006, 03:46 AM

what a chicken, i bet he did it on purpose.. dry.gif

Posted by: Portikins Oct 7 2006, 11:13 AM

QUOTE (arivanjj @ Oct 7 2006, 02:46 AM)
what a chicken, i bet he did it on purpose.. dry.gif
*

Nah... we was really sick. laugh.gif

RAI International broacasts the match tonight. Interesting one. Forza Italia!

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 7 2006, 04:28 PM

QUOTE
Andriy Shevchenko will not be able to face Italy in tonight’s Euro 2008 qualifier, announced Oleg Blokhin.

“He has a high temperature and won’t recover before Saturday evening,” commented the Ukraine Coach.


I doubt he's sick .. I think he wants to spare himself the boo-ing and mockery that is very likely to be directed towards him.

Such a shame .. I wanted to see Gattuso and Nesta against him .. ohh Well, there is always the CL devil.gif

Posted by: Portikins Oct 7 2006, 07:08 PM

England 0-0 Macedonia... thank you England, you just f*ck a combo on bwin. rolleyes.gif

Rooney = 0, Ashley Cole = 0, Downing = -10, Lampard = -5, Carrick, -2,5... Crouch was the best player on the pitch. At least he tried something.

Posted by: Portikins Oct 7 2006, 07:09 PM

Scotland 1-0 France !!!

Wales 1-5 Slovakia !

Posted by: misha Oct 7 2006, 08:05 PM

Israel drew 1:1 with Russia in Moscow king.gif Good result for us

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 7 2006, 09:33 PM

Italy 2 - 0 Ukraine

what goal by toni..!!

Posted by: Portikins Oct 7 2006, 09:35 PM

We're winning 2-0 against Azerbaijan ... first 20 min.

C.Ronaldo did a great bycicle kick... the ball it the bar, and was in about half meter... but the ref did not confirm the goal. What a shame. mad.gif

Posted by: Portikins Oct 7 2006, 09:39 PM

QUOTE (arivanjj @ Oct 7 2006, 08:33 PM)
Italy 2 - 0 Ukraine

what goal by toni..!!
*

Superb goal. Very nice one.

Oddo scored the 1st on a penalty.

Posted by: Portikins Oct 7 2006, 10:03 PM

QUOTE
Kuwait  0-4  Brazil
19'    Rafael Sobis
38'    Robinho
54'    Adriano
78'    Kaka


4 young stars. The "new Brazil".

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 7 2006, 10:14 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Oct 8 2006, 07:03 AM)
4 young stars. The "new Brazil".
*

yes indeed, why does livescore say the third goal was scored by D. Carvalho!?

KAKA !!! devilsmiley.gif king.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 7 2006, 11:42 PM

QUOTE (arivanjj @ Oct 8 2006, 12:14 AM)
KAKA !!! devilsmiley.gif  king.gif
*


Did u see that goal .. WOW ! His trickery .. Simply class.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 7 2006, 11:44 PM

QUOTE (arivanjj @ Oct 7 2006, 11:33 PM)
Italy 2 - 0 Ukraine

what goal by toni..!!
*


What was the line-up ? Did Inzaghi get on ?

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 7 2006, 11:55 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 7 2006, 11:44 PM)
What was the line-up ? Did Inzaghi get on ?
*


He played the last 10 minutes. The starting line up was: Buffon; Oddo, Cannavaro, Matterazi, Zambrotta; Pirlo, Gattuso, De Rossi, Del Piero; Iaquinta, Toni.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 8 2006, 12:01 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Oct 8 2006, 01:55 AM)
He played the last 10 minutes. The starting line up was: Buffon; Oddo, Cannavaro, Matterazi, Zambrotta; Pirlo, Gattuso, De Rossi, Del Piero; Iaquinta, Toni.
*


Oh .. So Nesta didnt play .. Anyways finally Donadoni hit the jackpot king.gif

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 8 2006, 07:06 AM

Buffon prefers 'other' Olimpico


Gianluigi Buffon was happy to see so many fans out to support the Azzurri, but insists the atmosphere is better in Serie B!

“It was a great night and the Stadio Olimpico is a wonderful place to play football,” he said after the 2-0 win over Ukraine.

“There were a lot of people out to cheer us on, but the heat in the Olimpico I know is a different prospect altogether.”

The Juventus goalkeeper was referring to the new Stadio Olimpico in Turin, which the Bianconeri are using in Serie B for a year until the Stadio Delle Alpi can be restructured.

Many of the Juve players have commented on how much they are enjoying playing in the arena, which has no running track and keeps the fans close to the pitch.

As for the Euro 2008 qualifying victory – the first since Roberto Donadoni took charge of the Azzurri – Buffon deflected praise of his saves on Tymoshchuk and Maksim Kalinichenko.

“I just did my duty, nothing more and nothing less. Of course we knew it’d be a struggle to get the win, as when we beat Ukraine 3-0 in the World Cup quarter-finals, it certainly wasn’t a walk in the park.”


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 8 2006, 07:07 AM

we should have a thread for "Buffon's Joke of the Week". rolleyes.gif

Posted by: dst Oct 8 2006, 11:04 AM

QUOTE (arivanjj @ Oct 8 2006, 09:07 AM)
we should have a thread for "Buffon's Joke of the Week".  rolleyes.gif
*

Yes indeed, he does that every week !!

Why the f@ck didn't Nesta play !!??

Posted by: dst Oct 8 2006, 11:07 AM

Hellas won Riise err... Norway 1-0 !! He-he !!! Those little half-neil victories drove us to victory some time ago !!! cool.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 8 2006, 02:13 PM

Croatia won 7:0 against Andorra,...

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 6 2006, 10:20 AM)
Well, that is your opinion .. But remember that Van Basten and Rijkaard both have BIG names .. The later won two consecutive league titles and a CL. Why cant MVB do it .. ?!
*

Well your question proves nothing...appointing Rijkaard was a gamble. It eneded out well, still, he didn`t deserve his appointment in Holland as well. But he is like a presedan,...

And its not the same to be a coach at Barca and at the NT.

Posted by: Portikins Oct 8 2006, 11:18 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqgFHllI4Xs

Here they are - Brazil goals: Sobis sad.gif scored the first and gave a nice assist for the 3rd goal. Robinho scored the 2nd, and Kaka' the last one.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 8 2006, 11:27 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 8 2006, 04:13 PM)
Well your question proves nothing...appointing Rijkaard was a gamble. It eneded out well, still, he didn`t deserve his appointment in Holland as well. But he is like a presedan,...

And its not the same to be a coach at Barca and at the NT.
*



Well, there are only a handfull of proven coachs that are alined with vast array of achievments. But they only came about by taking on an impossible task; hence MVB is taking on an impossible task ..

I'm not saying that he will win with the Dutch team, I'm not saying that he will prosper. He might, in time, but the moral is that since Rijkaard took Barca to such hights .. IMO, MVB has as good a chance as Rijkaard.

They both have complete teams .. They both are former pupils of Sacchi and Capello ..

Appointing Rijkaard was a gamble ? Yes it was, as appointing Cappelo for Real Madrid this season is a gamble, as us sticking with Ancelotti is a gamble, as you walking out of you house not knowing if u'll be hit by a bus (God forbid) today is a gamble .. But everything in life is a gamble, cuz it aint just black or white.

MVB has taken this young Dutch team to build on the future .. Who knows what the future holds .. All I was saying is Van Basten has a chance and (personally..) can do it .. And that is not because he is a footballing legend, but from his teams performances in the WC .. smile.gif

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 9 2006, 12:29 AM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Oct 8 2006, 04:18 PM)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqgFHllI4Xs

Here they are - Brazil goals: Sobis  sad.gif scored the first and gave a nice assist for the 3rd goal. Robinho scored the 2nd, and Kaka' the last one.
*

Sobis looks more promising than Oliveira... I'm starting to feel that Oliveira was a mistake... But I'll wait until I see more of him (Oli) until I make my judgement...

Posted by: dst Oct 9 2006, 12:39 AM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Oct 9 2006, 02:29 AM)
Sobis looks more promising than Oliveira...
*

I think we already knew that ...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 9 2006, 12:54 AM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 8 2006, 11:27 PM)
MVB has taken this young Dutch team to build on the future .. Who knows what the future holds .. All I was saying is Van Basten has a chance and (personally..) can do it .. And that is not because he is a footballing legend, but from his teams performances in the WC ..  smile.gif
*

Yeah, much this times really relies on gambles, thats well said,..but...uhh...

It`s allways great to hear someone who has a completely different view on the same things, that`s what makes life so various and juicy..In my opinion, Holland played a disastrous WC. Their display was beyond poor...have you seen the Dutch play in 1998, 2000 or even (well okay, that could be questionable) 2004? And now compare it with the 2006 squad (and just to remind you, they challenged in 1998 both Argentina and Serbia(ex-Yu) just like the last WC! My good tongue.gif !? Nothing, nothing of that total football, nothing offensive, no teamwork...in matter of fact, I didn`t see a young team, like for wx. Ajax is. A saw a underrated Van Bommel fighting with his role, I saw a selfish Robben, a completely inert and stalled Van Nistelrooy, and Sneijder...oops...was he even there unsure.gif ? I said it, the only player who could be praised is Van Persie, and yes, Van der Sar. I expected to see more of Maduro and Babel.. rolleyes.gif

Well, eventually we will see the results of MvBs camaign, but I think he isn`t the man for that job. I won`t repeat myself ever again, but I`ll say this one more time - when I think of a National coach, in every country, USA, Greece, Croatia or Holland - I see a older, experienced man, having at least one or two big clubs or successes behind him; or better said some achievments in his background. Appointments like MvB, Donadoni, Dunga, etc. are just instant glimmer solutions, and high gambles. Even higher than bringing Capello to Real for the second time.. biggrin.gif

Posted by: dst Oct 9 2006, 01:08 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 9 2006, 02:54 AM)
A saw a underrated Van Bommel fighting with his role ...
*

I like it how you think life is juicy cause of people having different opinions but buddy Van Bommel is the worst player ever to wear the Oranje shirt !! puke.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 9 2006, 01:34 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 9 2006, 02:54 AM)
In my opinion, Holland played a disastrous WC. Their display was beyond poor...have you seen the Dutch play in 1998, 2000 or even (well okay, that could be questionable) 2004? And now compare it with the 2006 squad (and just to remind you, they challenged in 1998 both Argentina and Serbia(ex-Yu) just like the last WC! My good tongue.gif !? Nothing, nothing of that total football, nothing offensive, no teamwork...in matter of fact, I didn`t see a young team, like for wx. Ajax is. A saw a underrated Van Bommel fighting with his role, I saw a selfish Robben, a completely inert and stalled Van Nistelrooy, and Sneijder...oops...was he even there unsure.gif ? I said it, the only player who could be praised is Van Persie, and yes, Van der Sar. I expected to see more of Maduro and Babel.. rolleyes.gif

Well, eventually we will see the results of MvBs camaign, but I think he isn`t the man for that job. I won`t repeat myself ever again, but I`ll say this one more time - when I think of a National coach, in every country, USA, Greece, Croatia or Holland - I see a older, experienced man, having at least one or two big clubs or successes behind him; or better said some achievments in his background. Appointments like MvB, Donadoni, Dunga, etc. are just instant glimmer solutions, and high gambles. Even higher than bringing Capello to Real for the second time.. biggrin.gif
*


Well, ur point is dependent on the fact that MVB cant succeed due to several factors; he is inexperienced, his teams poor performance in the WC, etc ...

But, MVB has gotten through the group stages of the WC, nonetheless .. His team cant be compared to the Dutch of the late 80's, early 90's .. It is down to tactics; as they have evolved to be more dynamic now ..

Ok MVB had a poor WC, he'll probably have a poor Euro 08, and a poor (anything that follows..) .. My point is, he is building a team that is independent from the BIG names, the stars .. It is evident that the Dutch want him to stay; they kept faith in him .. If what you say is right (which I am taking into consideration), then why are they giving MVB a chance to keep on coaching ?

I dont want you to repeat yourself, as I read carfully and know what you want to portray .. I saw Dunga's first friendly and to be honest he was having a real hard time getting the team together, it was down to individual abilities that got Brazil their first win after his appointment (.. though it was expected that Brazil would win, as they are Brazil;) ) ... You could see him on the sidelines very aggitated ..
It is normal, the Brazilian critics were ready to pounce on any mistake that he did.

But like MVB, he took out the BIG names; Ronaldo, Adriano, Cafu, Emerson etc .. The names are heavy on paper, but its a new team that he is building and only with time will you be able to see the difference.

Only with time will the results come smile.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 9 2006, 01:39 AM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Oct 9 2006, 02:29 AM)
Sobis looks more promising than Oliveira... I'm starting to feel that Oliveira was a mistake... But I'll wait until I see more of him (Oli) until I make my judgement...
*


Yeah .. He was very lively in that game .. But ur right, we'll have to wait on Oligoal to see what's up with Milan for dropping interest in Sobis

Posted by: Portikins Oct 9 2006, 10:34 AM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Oct 8 2006, 11:29 PM)
Sobis looks more promising than Oliveira...
*


As dst said, we already knew that. And btw, Rafael Sobis is 21. Oliveira is 26...

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 9 2006, 06:25 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Oct 9 2006, 10:34 AM)
As dst said, we already knew that. And btw, Rafael Sobis is 21. Oliveira is 26...
*

The truth can sometimes be soo hard...

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 9 2006, 10:53 PM

I've just seen "Deutschland, ein Sommermärchen" and I ahve to say it's the best f@cking sports movie ever!!! I've you guys really want to see the inside of a team during a WC this HAS to be the movie of your choice!!! For once a football fan has the possibility to see the great football players how the really are, Miroslav Klose at the barber, Bastian "Schweini" Schweinsteiger sneaking into Lukas "Poldi" Podolskis room, Jürgen Klinsmann during his obviously great half time speaches, Torsten "Torti" Frings coming to late when Chancellor Angela Merkel visits the german NT, Jens "Liihmann" Lehmann asking her stupid questions, Michael Ballack discussing with "Torti", Klinsmann and goalkeeper coach Köpke playing Ping Pong...
You know all this stuff you normally don't get to see.
Me and the entire audience relieved the great football summer.. DAVID ODONKOR!!!!
But there's one thing that I don't like about it...isn't a movie always supposed to have a happy end?! sad.gif

Oh and, the best quote...
"We've got it. No one can take it away from us...And Poland at least..."

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 10 2006, 02:25 AM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 9 2006, 03:53 PM)
I've just seen "Deutschland, ein Sommermärchen" and I ahve to say it's the best f@cking sports movie ever!!! I've you guys really want to see the inside of a team during a WC this HAS to be the movie of your choice!!! For once a football fan has the possibility to see the great football players how the really are, Miroslav Klose at the barber, Bastian "Schweini" Schweinsteiger sneaking into Lukas "Poldi" Podolskis room, Jürgen Klinsmann during his obviously great half time speaches, Torsten "Torti" Frings coming to late when Chancellor Angela Merkel visits the german NT, Jens "Liihmann" Lehmann asking her stupid questions, Michael Ballack discussing with "Torti", Klinsmann and goalkeeper coach Köpke playing Ping Pong...
You know all this stuff you normally don't get to see.
Me and the entire audience relieved the great football summer.. DAVID ODONKOR!!!!
But there's one thing that I don't like about it...isn't a movie always supposed to have a happy end?! sad.gif

Oh and, the best quote...
"We've got it. No one can take it away from us...And Poland at least..."
*


I wanna see it man... Don't forget our deal...

Posted by: dst Oct 10 2006, 12:09 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 10 2006, 12:53 AM)
Bastian "Schweini" Schweinsteiger sneaking into Lukas "Poldi" Podolskis room
*

you knew it was coming and I feel obliged to say it ... this reall is a german porn movie ... was it hardcore ... ping pong ... rolleyes.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 10 2006, 03:31 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 10 2006, 12:09 PM)
you knew it was coming and I feel obliged to say it ... this reall is a german porn movie ... was it hardcore ... ping pong ...  rolleyes.gif
*

Hmm, you guys can watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcGB_JZACwY trailer if you want, the "Schweini-Poldi scene" is also in it, but just for a few seconds, so no expilicit conetnt wink.gif
Oh, I almost forgot, in one scene I had to think of Portugal, it was when Jürgen Klinsmann said "Respect, have it!"...

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 10 2006, 07:07 PM

What an SOB...he ripped Portugal's lines....can Milanfan sue the german football federation?

Forza Portugal(the man that is...not the team)

Posted by: misha Oct 10 2006, 08:24 PM

QUOTE
Kaladze warns Milan chums

Kakha Kaladze faces many of his Milan teammates tomorrow, but the Georgian is putting friendship aside for 90 minutes.

“There are no friends on the field of play,” pointed out the defender. “We’ll try to beat the World Cup holders.”

Kaladze has been in Italy since 2000-01, when he completed the move to the Rossoneri from Dynamo Kiev.

He’ll be one of the key figures Georgia will look to in Tbilisi tomorrow evening in the Euro 2008 qualifier with the Azzurri.

“It’ll be a very difficult clash for us, especially as we have a lot of players out injured. When you’re taking on a team like Italy, you need your best men available.”

The defender also concedes that more of his countrymen will be eager to follow his career path towards Serie A.

“For many of my teammates, it’ll be a valuable opportunity to prove their worth on the top international stage.”

There is a darker side to the game, which coincides with a tense political climate between Georgia and their neighbours.

“We have an extra motivation to win this week, as we’ll play for all the Georgians deported from Russia. In recent days people living in Russia were flown back in cargo planes, among them many athletes. It’s an ugly situation.”

Kaladze’s Milan teammate Andrea Pirlo was a major doubt with a cut to his eyebrow, but looks set to start anyway.

Gennaro Gattuso is suspended and Simone Perrotta returns from his one-match ban, which ruled him out of the 2-0 victory over the Ukraine.
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/oct10k.html
*

Posted by: Portikins Oct 10 2006, 08:37 PM

Kaka' playing with #10, Ronaldinho with #20.

Kaka' hit the bar... 20 seconds after, Ronaldinho assisted and Kaka' scored the 2-1 with the left foot.

15 min left, BRA 2-1 ECU

Posted by: dst Oct 11 2006, 10:51 AM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Oct 10 2006, 10:37 PM)
Kaka' playing with #10
*

king.gif
He should have it in Milan too !! I'd really like to see Gaucho come but I want Seedorf to give #10 to Ricky, not him !!

Oh ... and the goal ... I guess they can cooperate after all ... they better get used to it !!

Posted by: Portikins Oct 11 2006, 02:34 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 11 2006, 09:51 AM)
king.gif
He should have it in Milan too !! I'd really like to see Gaucho come but I want Seedorf to give #10 to Ricky, not him !!

Oh ... and the goal ... I guess they can cooperate after all ... they better get used to it !!
*




Small but great image. (Celebrating the goal) cool.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 11 2006, 03:34 PM

If Kaka and Rona;dinho can combine, as they did for Kaka's goal; then I believe we'll see a team greater than the Milan of the early 90's .. Cant wait to hear something solid about these talks of Ronaldinho coming

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 11 2006, 04:29 PM

QUOTE
Donadoni set to gamble
Wednesday 11 October, 2006


Italy boss Roberto Donadoni may field a 4-2-3-1 formation in tonight’s must-win European Championship qualifier in Georgia.

Despite beating the Ukraine 2-0 on Saturday, the Coach is set to shelve his 4-3-3 system and start with Alex Del Piero, Marco Materazzi and Vincenzo Iaquinta on the bench.

The Azzurri are set to begin with Luca Toni as a lone striker, with the Viola star being supported by a trident of Antonio Di Natale, Simone Perrotta and Mauro Camoranesi.

Milan stopper Alessandro Nesta will return to the defence alongside Fabio Cannavaro in place of Materazzi.

Andrea Pirlo is likely to start in central midfield, alongside Daniele De Rossi, despite not being 100 per cent fit.

“I still have a few doubts about the formation, but we must win this match if we want to qualify,” warned Donadoni. “This time it will be a harder tie than the one against Ukraine.”

But the Azzurri will also be supporting the Ukraine tonight as they are playing against table toppers Scotland.

Italy (probable): Buffon; Oddo, Nesta, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Pirlo, De Rossi; Camoranesi, Di Natale, Perrotta; Toni

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/oct11j.html

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 11 2006, 07:25 PM

Italy off with a goal D. Rossi scores ...

Georgia 0 - 1 Italia

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 11 2006, 07:28 PM

England DOWN by 2 goals !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Second goal was hillarious laugh.gif

Posted by: Portikins Oct 11 2006, 07:29 PM

England losing in Croatia. 2-0 : 67 min

ROTFLOL THIS SECOND GOAL WAS A JOKE! A PURE JOKE! ROBINSON!

Now, every the English media can bash Sven Goren... laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: misha Oct 11 2006, 07:30 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 11 2006, 08:28 PM)
Second goal was hillarious  laugh.gif
*

Yea, I felt kinda sorry for Robinson

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 11 2006, 07:32 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Oct 11 2006, 09:30 PM)
Yea, I felt kinda sorry for Robinson
*


WIth the replay, it seemed like the ball bounced right in front of his feet .. Maybe there was a ditch in is 6-yards ..

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 11 2006, 07:33 PM

Georgia 1 - 1 Italia !!!!!!!!!!

G. Shashiashvili scored the equilizer

Posted by: Portikins Oct 11 2006, 07:41 PM

How can Rooney be on the first 11? He's doing nothing on the pitch. Just like the last Man Utd matches...

This coach is a joke. It's really bad for England if they want to win something.

Well, as a portuguese I'm enjoying it. Obviously. cool.gif

PS: I'm enjoying Smolarek kicking Portugal's defense (our defense is a BIG joke) too... 8min 1-0 for Poland. rolleyes.gif

Posted by: misha Oct 11 2006, 07:47 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Oct 11 2006, 08:41 PM)
This coach is a joke. It's really bad for England if they want to win something.
*

He has choose the wrong tactic for this game. He should have played 4-4-2

Posted by: Portikins Oct 11 2006, 07:52 PM

Smolarek again 2-0. laugh.gif

Portugal's definately has NO DEFENSE. Nuno Valente? R.Rocha... etc they're no NT players.

Posted by: misha Oct 11 2006, 07:56 PM

Ukraine 2:0 Scotland FT

Posted by: Portikins Oct 11 2006, 08:23 PM

64' : Georgia 1-2 Italy

Posted by: dst Oct 11 2006, 08:30 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Oct 11 2006, 04:34 PM)
Small but great image. (Celebrating the goal)  cool.gif
*

great !! smile.gif

QUOTE (Portugal @ Oct 11 2006, 09:52 PM)
Smolarek again 2-0. laugh.gif
*

I really hope you actually deal with this with laughter ! unsure.gif

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 11 2006, 09:49 PM

Yep Portugal seems almost masochist... ohmy.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 11 2006, 09:50 PM

Forza Donadoni !!!!!!!

Though Georgia was a man down, Italy deserved this

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 11 2006, 10:10 PM

Well Smolarek....the "Stealth bomber", I'm surprised, he doesn't score many times in the Bundesliga and now that...
Germany won 4:1 against Slovakia, the dream duo "Poldi und Schweini" scored a hattrick and Klose scored of course...This qualification seems to be a walk in the park for us...

Posted by: Portikins Oct 11 2006, 10:10 PM

2-1. Nuno Gomes scored at the 90'.

Well, this is just a question of time until J.Andrade is 100%.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 11 2006, 10:11 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 12 2006, 12:10 AM)
Well Smolarek....the "Stealth bomber", I'm surprised, he doesn't score many times in the Bundesliga and now that...
Germany won 4:1 against Slovakia, the dream duo "Poldi und Schweini" scored a hattrick and Klose scored of course...This qualification seems to be a walk in the park for us...
*



Yea and the result speaks for itself

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 11 2006, 10:13 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 11 2006, 10:11 PM)
Yea and the result speaks for itself
*

It's a great result, especially considering how much we s@cked in the past against Slovakia, but they have so much players that play in the Bundesliga, so I guess this time our defense knew what to do...

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 11 2006, 10:16 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 12 2006, 12:13 AM)
It's a great result, especially considering how much we s@cked in the past against Slovakia, but they have so much players that play in the Bundesliga, so I guess this time our defense knew what to do...
*


Definatly .. I think Germany played really well .. Their MDfield and Attack combined well

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 11 2006, 10:17 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 11 2006, 10:16 PM)
Definatly .. I think Germany played really well .. Their MDfield and Attack combined well
*

I have to admit I haven't seen the match, I had to play football myself (scored a hattrick cool.gif )

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 11 2006, 10:20 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 12 2006, 12:17 AM)
(scored a hattrick cool.gif )
*



Cool .. smile.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 11 2006, 10:37 PM

Allright, everybody is talking here about McClaren`s tactic (by the way Steve often used the 3-5-2 tactic as Boro coach so he didn`t supprised me) and Robinsons silly mistake. But the really stars are on the Croatian side this time - I may have criticized Van Basten and Donadoni as unexperienced and not fitting NTcoaches, but Slaven Bilić deserved to be praised. He really apsorebed all that motivational skills and tacticall intelligence from his tutor, Miroslav Blažević. Modrić, Da Silva, Petrić, Čorluka, the youngsters played really good. Å imić made a solid record - cap - match. Wow... biggrin.gif

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 11 2006, 10:54 PM

well done to the azzurris, and england.. ha..what a joke!

Posted by: Nova Oct 11 2006, 10:57 PM

Forza Hellas !!! biggrin.gif cool.gif

Posted by: dst Oct 11 2006, 11:02 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 12 2006, 12:17 AM)
(scored a hattrick cool.gif
*

And you lost 54 - 3 !!?? rolleyes.gif

Malta Won !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spain 2-1 Argentina ! Mediocre/Bad match, good goals !! See Rossoneri7 ... argentinians scratching their balls as usual for time to pass in one more friendly game !! wink.gif Gago still not called up; I hope he'll come to play more than Redondo ... unless his hair is a problem !! rolleyes.gif

Go Hellas !! Katsouranis (Benfica player) scored a great lob, Serbia gave up after the second goal ...

So Fillipo, talking about Simic's performance, define "solid" !!?

Posted by: dst Oct 11 2006, 11:05 PM

Oh and ... ES scored !! He can still do it !!? rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 11 2006, 11:10 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 11 2006, 11:02 PM)
So Fillipo, talking about Simic's performance, define "solid" !!?
*

Hmmm...solid...Had one unnecessary mistake, but all in all did well in a game not very tuff for the whole defensive line. 4 wide shots, 1 only on target - the England stats. Å imić also managed some accurate passes and blocked the english attacking players when expected. So I would rat him 6.5, but he really had not much job to do... cool.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 11 2006, 11:11 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 11 2006, 11:05 PM)
Oh and ... ES scored !! He can still do it !!?  rolleyes.gif
*

Who is ES?

Posted by: Portikins Oct 11 2006, 11:14 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 11 2006, 10:05 PM)
Oh and ... ES scored !! He can still do it !!?  rolleyes.gif
*

A penalty. rolleyes.gif

... oh and Katsouranis scored 2 on the last 2 matches. In great shape that greek. He'll be on the first 11 for the whole season @Benfica. (This year Petit is playing really bad)

Posted by: Nova Oct 12 2006, 12:00 AM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 11 2006, 11:02 PM)
Go Hellas !! Katsouranis (Benfica player) scored a great lob, Serbia gave up after the second goal ...
*


You mean Bosnia , right ?

Posted by: dst Oct 12 2006, 01:18 AM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Oct 12 2006, 01:14 AM)
A penalty.  rolleyes.gif
*

Oh really ?? He-he !! That's good biggrin.gif

QUOTE (Nova @ Oct 12 2006, 02:00 AM)
You mean Bosnia , right ?
*

blush.gif


Oh and about the U21 games: what a Walcott !! ohmy.gif ohmy.gif ohmy.gif

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 12 2006, 10:52 AM

QUOTE
Oh and about the U21 games: what a Walcott !! ohmy.gif ohmy.gif ohmy.gif


laugh.gif Arsenal are an amazing team this season..do you see the way they play...


QUOTE
Who is ES?
stands for English student. If you still can't figure who it is....maybe ur on the wrong forum smile.gif

Posted by: dst Oct 12 2006, 12:34 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Oct 12 2006, 12:52 PM)
laugh.gif Arsenal are an amazing team this season..do you see the way they play...
*

Beautiful !!

Posted by: han2503 Oct 12 2006, 03:53 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 11 2006, 10:02 PM)
Malta Won !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*


Yep we hadn't won an international match since 1993!! BEAT THAT RECORD !! biggrin.gif

But I got to admit I saw the match, and we where playing some great stuff

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 12 2006, 03:55 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Oct 12 2006, 05:53 PM)
Yep we hadn't won an international match since 1993!! BEAT THAT RECORD !! biggrin.gif
*


Well isnt that something .. '93 king.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 12 2006, 04:24 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Oct 12 2006, 03:53 PM)
Yep we hadn't won an international match since 1993!! BEAT THAT RECORD !! biggrin.gif

But I got to admit I saw the match, and we where playing some great stuff
*

Against which team did u guys play?
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that my favorite german international Bernd "Schnixx" Schneider played his 75th match for the german NT yesterday...great player

Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant Oct 12 2006, 04:52 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 11 2006, 06:32 PM)
WIth the replay, it seemed like the ball bounced right in front of his feet .. Maybe there was a ditch in is 6-yards ..
*


Yep there was, it was made by the Croatian keeper so he could kick the ball further!, I bet he will be using that tactic in every match from now on!

QUOTE (mishale @ Oct 11 2006, 06:47 PM)
He has choose the wrong tactic for this game. He should have played 4-4-2
*


Everyone's saying this but we bashed Sven for never changing tactics, somebody does if it payed off no one would be blaming the formation! I personally think we don't have the team we are not a big international team that is a fact, compared to others, we are overhyped that's all...

Posted by: han2503 Oct 12 2006, 05:14 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 12 2006, 02:55 PM)
Well isnt that something .. '93 king.gif
*


Thanks tongue.gif

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 12 2006, 03:24 PM)
Against which team did u guys play?
*


Hungary

QUOTE (Kaka Is Brilliant @ Oct 12 2006, 03:52 PM)
Everyone's saying this but we bashed Sven for never changing tactics, somebody does if it payed off no one would be blaming the formation! I personally think we don't have the team we are not a big international team that is a fact, compared to others, we are overhyped that's all...
*


Isn't EVERY british player overly hyped by the british media?? smile.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 12 2006, 05:22 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Oct 12 2006, 07:14 PM)
Isn't EVERY british player overly hyped by the british media??  smile.gif
*


Yea they are .. In fact before any major tournament, their players get so much from the media, even the Brazilians dont get that much attention as the English.

I think the England team has amazing individuals from attack to MDfield, but they'r defence is not that solid .. The MAJOR problem is they dont have a GK .. I think that's their problem

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 12 2006, 05:37 PM

Actually the English media is that way about any sport...take Tim Henman for instance...wink.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 12 2006, 06:01 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 12 2006, 05:22 PM)
Yea they are .. In fact before any major tournament, their players get so much from the media, even the Brazilians dont get that much attention as the English.

I think the England team has amazing individuals from attack to MDfield, but they'r defence is not that solid .. The MAJOR problem is they dont have a GK .. I think that's their problem
*

I guess the biggest problem for the English is that they're not a team. They have so many great football players, and everyone wants to play a major part in the team. No one wants to do the dirty work. Great teams need that kinda players. And about the GK, I agree, England doesn't have any solid GK, and a bad coach...

Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant Oct 12 2006, 07:31 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Oct 12 2006, 04:37 PM)
Actually the English media is that way about any sport...take Tim Henman for instance...wink.gif
*

To be honest no self respecting individual for the last 4/5 years believed Henman could win Wimbledon! Just the media!

Posted by: dst Oct 12 2006, 09:03 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 12 2006, 07:22 PM)
I think the England team has amazing individuals from attack to MDfield, but they'r defence is not that solid .. The MAJOR problem is they dont have a GK .. I think that's their problem
*

First of all they don't look like a team and secondly they never seem so passionate. Another problem is that all of them (besides Hargreaves and former national Beckham) are playing in the UK so they don't have any experience of anything not English (football-wise) !! When Crouch is your best player there has to be a problem ... rolleyes.gif

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Oct 12 2006, 07:37 PM)
Actually the English media is that way about any sport...take Tim Henman for instance...wink.gif
*

Henman is a joke !! He wouldn't even win me even if we played like forever !!

Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant Oct 13 2006, 01:37 AM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 12 2006, 08:03 PM)
When Crouch is your best player there has to be a problem ...  rolleyes.gif
*

Haha, get off that's taking it to far! Just because he scores, does not mean he is our best player! I think we are missing Owen a bit as well - a proper goalscorer.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 13 2006, 04:16 AM

QUOTE (Kaka Is Brilliant @ Oct 13 2006, 03:37 AM)
I think we are missing Owen a bit as well - a proper goalscorer.
*


Your team has no problem from the MDfielders to the strikers, the problem starts with the Gkeeping options ( there are no options, not in a long time .. ) ..

Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant Oct 13 2006, 01:43 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 13 2006, 03:16 AM)
Your team has no problem from the  MDfielders to the strikers, the problem starts with the Gkeeping options ( there are no options, not in a long time .. ) ..
*

Well in my opinion, Robinson has done alrite for us, I mean yes what happened to him on Wednesday was unfortunate, but I think things like that happen to a lot.

Ironically, he was voted man of the match I heard, saying something isn't it!

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 13 2006, 01:59 PM

Problem with England boils down to team chemistry....too many guys who are football gods suddenly find themselves playing with each other...don't know around whom the game should centre....

So nobody does their job properly...

Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant Oct 13 2006, 02:05 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Oct 13 2006, 12:59 PM)
Problem with England boils down to team chemistry....too many guys who are football gods suddenly find themselves playing with each other...don't know around whom the game should centre....

So nobody does their job properly...
*

Totally Agreed

Posted by: dst Oct 13 2006, 05:48 PM

I don't agree !! so what is France ?? don't they have "football gods" ?? Still, they made it to the final. IMO they're playing with complete lack of passion. Also, I think with the Carling Cup, EPL and FA they play more games than the rest !!

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 13 2006, 07:16 PM

laugh.gif @dst: Yes France do have Gods...but in their case they had a super God around whom the game ought to revolve....ZZ(ZZ is to me what Redondo is to dst)...notice you don't have that in England....

McLaren says something in one game, then that flops so he tries something different in another game and so on and so forth....players are confused.

I guess it's that confused game playing which is leading you to think it's passionless. Because believe me...nobody who is worth his salt is gonna give less than 100% for his country....It's just that all that effort is uncoordinated.

Posted by: dst Oct 13 2006, 07:44 PM

OK then how about Brazil of 2002 !!?? They did not have any "super God" ... In fact they had more than one of such kind !!

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 13 2006, 07:59 PM

In 2002...you did have a team full of football gods, but nobody walked in thinking they are GODS...I hope you get the difference.

There was little confusion...Rivaldo doesn't do what Ronaldo does for instance, R10 was a little heard of phenomenon and Roberto Carlos was what he was not in 2006...efficient and precise. Everybody knew their job coz that was decided and they stuck to it...

Take England -Hargreaves,Robinson,Neville perform unique duties therefore they perform decently(I'm inclined to forgive them)...their mid-field is chaotic. Lampard and Gerrard both clash position-wise.

Playing Gerrard on the right is in my opinion a faux-pas coz that's where Aaron Lennon ought to be and Gerrard is basically slowing what should be a pacey attack for it to have any effect. Since Joe Cole ain't fit (isn't he) they play Downing on the left...and Rooney is well they play him every time hoping he's just one match away from striking form..a sure-fire way to burn the lad out....you can play experienced players into form, doesn't work the same way for youngsters...what they have is a confidence problem and the longer he strives in vain , the worse it becomes

Ashley Cole is in my opinion useless if the mid-field lacks direction.

So what do I think England need to go...stick to the 4-4-2 or play a 4-5-1 with Hargreaves thrown into the mix.

Defence: Cole, Terry, Ferdinand, Neville
Mid: Downing,Parker,Gerrard,Lennon
Attack: Rooney, Crouch

Do I think it'll work...I don't know but at least here we know what each player ought to do.

However I'am hampered here coz I don't know the entire English squad or all the player so I could be missing a lot of worthwhile names...

Defoe for instance..I'm under the impression is more a finisher than a target man else I would have replaced Rooney with him.

And Downing is the weak link here....I don't know of any left wingers except Joe Cole...so this isn't necessarily the best formation

Posted by: dst Oct 13 2006, 08:00 PM

what is ZZ to you Jack !!?? Cause Redondo is not exactly my favourite player ...

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 13 2006, 08:03 PM

Neither is ZZ...remember I once said I had taken ZZ off a pedestal and put numero 21 in his place.

After Pirlo I'm afraid it's Cris Ronaldo I like...to watch that is...

Posted by: dst Oct 13 2006, 08:05 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Oct 13 2006, 10:03 PM)
After Pirlo I'm afraid it's Cris Ronaldo I like...to watch that is...
*

I prefer Greek football !! rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 13 2006, 08:08 PM

Oh yeah..Katsouranis..or are you saying u like watching urself u narcissist tongue.gif

Posted by: dst Oct 13 2006, 08:11 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Oct 13 2006, 10:08 PM)
Oh yeah..Katsouranis..or are you saying u like watching urself u narcissist tongue.gif
*

No I just prefer actual football to entertainment !! wink.gif

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 13 2006, 08:31 PM

Well I found the matches I watched of Greece..way back when they won the Euro to be too defensive...it was just grinding, mistake-free football.

Trivia Question: Which team club/NT do you think still subscribe to the philosophy of Total Football?

Posted by: dst Oct 13 2006, 09:58 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Oct 13 2006, 10:31 PM)
Well I found the matches I watched of Greece..way back when they won the Euro to be too defensive...it was just grinding, mistake-free football.

Trivia Question: Which team club/NT do you think still subscribe to the philosophy of Total Football?
*

Nothing to do with the greek nt. I just said that I prefer watching the greek league (which I loathe actually and can't stand watch) than CR ... I think the kid is a very good footballer but all his tricks and stuff ruin it for me; why does he have to the steps every single f@cking time he has the ball !!? rolleyes.gif

Answer: Well Lyon I think are closer to it than anyone, but still not "Total" !!

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 13 2006, 10:20 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Oct 13 2006, 08:31 PM)
Trivia Question: Which team club/NT do you think still subscribe to the philosophy of Total Football?
*

Oh...taht's an easy one...the Germany of 1974 with Franz Beckenbauer and Wolfgang Overath, and the German team of 2006 with Schweinsteiger(especially Schweinsteiger,he's such a HUGE talent), Klose, Schneider and Frings!

Oh and no complaining about Zizou please, for me he's still the best player since I watch football!

Posted by: dst Oct 13 2006, 10:23 PM

what exactly was 'Total' in Germany's defence in this World Cup ?? rolleyes.gif

other than a total mess this is !!

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 13 2006, 10:36 PM

QUOTE
hat exactly was 'Total' in Germany's defence in this World Cup ??

other than a total mess this is !!


ROFLMAO.....biggrin.gif biggrin.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 13 2006, 10:37 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 13 2006, 10:23 PM)
what exactly was 'Total' in Germany's defence in this World Cup ??  rolleyes.gif

other than a total mess this is !!
*

Total football isn't about having an awesome defense, it's about every player on the field working in the offense AND defense, I've seen that kinda play by many german players in the WC. Frings for example is a great player in front of the defense but he's also able to attack, and if he does Ballack falls back and takes his position. And ig Lahm attack Schneider or Schweinsteiger fall back to defend.
The point is, the system was great but our defense was a little bit too young and unexperienced for a tournament sucha s the WC. But lets not forget that there weren't many goals scored against us after the opener...

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 13 2006, 10:41 PM

QUOTE (Kaka Is Brilliant @ Oct 13 2006, 03:43 PM)
Well in my opinion, Robinson has done alrite for us, I mean yes what happened to him on Wednesday was unfortunate, but I think things like that happen to a lot.

Ironically, he was voted man of the match I heard, saying something isn't it!
*



No I'm not talkin about their last match .. I'm talking about last match till Seaman .. Then before Seaman .. It's been a looong time since England got a goal keeper to match the hype that's been given to the English team, in each tournament they play in.

I'v been a fan of the England team since I was a kid, as I lived in England till I was 13 .. But when looking back from this WC to the 94 WC .. England have been missing a GK .. ALways they would come in with a very strong team on paper, but their options for GK is horrendous

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 13 2006, 10:43 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Oct 13 2006, 10:41 PM)
No I'm not talkin about their last match .. I'm talking about last match till Seaman .. Then before Seaman .. It's been a looong time since England got a goal keeper to match the hype that's been given to the English team, in each tournament they play in.

I'v been a fan of the England team since I was a kid, as I lived in England till I was 13 .. But when looking back from this WC to the 94 WC .. England have been missing a GK .. ALways they would come in with a very strong team on paper, but their options for GK is horrendous
*

Maybe they can reactivate Peter Shilton rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 13 2006, 10:49 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 14 2006, 12:43 AM)
Maybe they can reactivate Peter Shilton rolleyes.gif
*


No .. GK of immense quality did pass by, but when has one passed by since WC '94 ??

Posted by: dst Oct 13 2006, 10:49 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 14 2006, 12:37 AM)
Total football isn't about having an awesome defense, it's about every player on the field working in the offense AND defense
But lets not forget that there weren't many goals scored against us after the opener...
*

Well there's not an exact definition of the term, it is quite abstract. In my mind it means to excell in every part of the game and Germany did not excel in the defensive part !!

And goals do not say it all; for example France conceded more goals in the WC than Italy (well just one but still more) but had a clearly better defence !!

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 13 2006, 10:53 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 13 2006, 10:49 PM)
Well there's not an exact definition of the term, it is quite abstract. In my mind it means to excell in every part of the game and Germany did not excel in the defensive part !!

And goals do not say it all; for example France conceded more goals in the WC than Italy (well just one but still more) but had a clearly better defence !!
*

This is what Wikipedia says:
In soccer, Total Football is a system where a player who moves out of his or her position is replaced by another from his or her team, thus retaining their intended organizational structure. In this fluid system no footballer is fixed in his or her intended outfield role; anyone can be successively an attacker, a midfielder and a defender.

Total Football depends largely on the adaptability of each footballer within the team to succeed. It consists of footballers being extremely tactically aware, allowing them to change positions at high speed - in its simplest terms, every player is comfortable in any other position. It also puts high technical and physical demands on the players.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_Football

So I still say our NT played total football ( I hope I don't seem to be too stubborn here rolleyes.gif )

Posted by: dst Oct 13 2006, 11:01 PM

this is so concrete it sounds anarchic !! Since Johan Cruijff is not the author of this article I simply do not care ...


See ... being stubborn is a virtue I also possess !! biggrin.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 13 2006, 11:06 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 13 2006, 11:01 PM)
this is so concrete it sounds anarchic !! Since Johan Cruijff is not the author of this article I simply do not care ...
See ... being stubborn is a virtue I also possess !!  biggrin.gif
*

QUOTE
In soccer, Total Football is a system where a player who moves out of his or her position is replaced by another from his or her team

For me it doesn't sound anarchic...
Oh and, the only guy that really could define total football is dead, former dutch NT coach Rhinus Michels....

Being stubborn rules...

Posted by: dst Oct 13 2006, 11:11 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 14 2006, 01:06 AM)
For me it doesn't sound anarchic...
*

for you ... happy.gif
I'd trust Cruyff cause he's the one that exploited the theory ...

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 14 2006, 01:06 AM)
Being stubborn rules...
*

I obviously agree laugh.gif

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 13 2006, 11:23 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 13 2006, 11:11 PM)
for you ... happy.gif
I'd trust Cruyff cause he's the one that exploited the theory ...
*

Well if you trust Cruijff I think I can trust him too...tommorow I'll go over to his place and ask him dry.gif
In the end I guess we can say that total football rules, and for now we can just watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGuNqnrUdjM highlights from the 1974 WC final. Beckenbauer vs Cruijff...I would have loved to see this game live sad.gif

Posted by: dst Oct 13 2006, 11:29 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 14 2006, 01:23 AM)
I would have loved to see this game live sad.gif
*

Ofcourse you would, you're German !! biggrin.gif
Seriously I would do too but just because it's a classic WC final. Other than there's not much in it ... it was definetely the worst game in the tournament for the Dutch team and far away from total football ...

in addition it hurts cause I support the Netherlands !!

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 13 2006, 11:39 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Oct 13 2006, 11:29 PM)
Ofcourse you would, you're German !!  biggrin.gif
Seriously I would do too but just because it's a classic WC final. Other than there's not much in it ... it was definetely the worst game in the tournament for the Dutch team and far away from total football ...

in addition it hurts cause I support the Netherlands !!
*

I would have also loved to see this because it was the clash of two best players of the 70ies (I gotta admit Cruijff was slightly better than Beckenbauer) at their best time! That we won is a thing that makes it even better wink.gif
Oh and as a german I always have to make fun of people that support the dutch NT, I don't want to but I just have to... They're lucky with the EC they won in the 80ies, with their kinda play they'll never win anything again. The best example is a friendly between Germany and the Netherlands a year ago (maybe u have seen it). The Netherlands outplayed us for almost the entire game and we were miles if not lightyears away from their class, but in the end it was a 2-2 draw...

Posted by: dst Oct 14 2006, 01:24 AM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Oct 14 2006, 01:39 AM)
The Netherlands outplayed us for almost the entire game and we were miles if not lightyears away from their class, but in the end it was a 2-2 draw...
*

Yeah I remember sad.gif ... that was typical dutch; they're capable of the best and the worst at the same time !!

Posted by: arivanjj Nov 14 2006, 09:33 AM

anyone knows where i can find the squads selected for the Wednesday games??

Posted by: LaPalma Nov 14 2006, 05:55 PM

Germany will play against Cyprus. It'll be Michael Ballacks 75th cap for Germany (far away from Lothar Matthäus's 150 though...). I'm sure it'll be a fantastic game...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 15 2006, 01:41 PM

Croatia faceing Israel on a difficult away game... rolleyes.gif . Sure, this match will also be interesting. I wish your team luck mishale... wink.gif !?

Posted by: misha Nov 15 2006, 03:30 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Nov 15 2006, 02:41 PM)
Croatia faceing Israel on a difficult away game... rolleyes.gif . Sure, this match will also be interesting. I wish your team luck mishale... wink.gif !?
*

Thanks. Hope this time the best team won't win wink.gif

Posted by: arivanjj Nov 15 2006, 09:01 PM

QUOTE (LaPalma @ Nov 15 2006, 03:55 AM)
Germany will play against Cyprus. It'll be Michael Ballacks 75th cap for Germany (far away from Lothar Matthäus's 150 though...). I'm sure it'll be a fantastic game...
*

Ballack's scored 1.. it's 1 - 1 at half-time

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 15 2006, 09:40 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Nov 15 2006, 03:30 PM)
Thanks. Hope this time the best team won't win wink.gif
*

Nice compliment, thanks too.. biggrin.gif

Isreal made a good display...and it was an interesting match. Å imić did a fair job, but I wanted to see Budan in action. Oh, well, for those who don`t know the final result, 4-3 for Croatia.

Posted by: misha Nov 15 2006, 09:50 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Nov 15 2006, 10:40 PM)
Nice compliment, thanks too.. biggrin.gif

Isreal made a good display...and it was an interesting match. Å imić did a fair job, but I wanted to see Budan in action. Oh, well, for those who don`t know the final result, 4-3 for Croatia.
*

Our defence played like sh!t to say the least. But nice win for Croatia. If your team will win against Russia at home they will qualify for sure.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 15 2006, 09:55 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Nov 15 2006, 09:50 PM)
Our defence played like sh!t to say the least. But nice win for Croatia. If your team will win against Russia at home they will qualify for sure.
*

Yep, Da Silva scored too easy, especially the last goal was a mess. Well, I hope we do, and Israel just behind us in second place... wink.gif (who cares if England blow it once more... biggrin.gif )

Posted by: mchanna Nov 15 2006, 10:08 PM

llook where lothar matthäus is NOW!

BTW, Matrix scored an own goal BUAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH

Posted by: KillerMax Nov 15 2006, 10:32 PM

QUOTE (mchanna @ Nov 15 2006, 03:08 PM)
llook where lothar matthäus is NOW!

BTW, Matrix scored an own goal BUAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH
*

Against Turkey? Are they playing right now?

Posted by: misha Nov 15 2006, 10:49 PM

QUOTE (pKillerMax @ Nov 15 2006, 11:32 PM)
Against Turkey? Are they playing right now?
*

Yes. It's almost over 1:1

Posted by: mchanna Nov 16 2006, 12:13 AM

over.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsMejO-vq8g

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-5Uc9PIxMI

Posted by: Portikins Mar 24 2007, 04:40 PM

OT:

Friendly:
33' Brazil 2-0 Chile [Ronaldinho from penalty, and nice goal from Kaka']

==============

Euro Qualifiers:
Kazaksthan 2-1 Serbia ohmy.gif

Posted by: misha Mar 24 2007, 09:46 PM

Israel - England 0:0. Boring game. England = mediocrity

Posted by: Portikins Mar 24 2007, 10:20 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Mar 24 2007, 08:46 PM)
Israel - England 0:0. Boring game. England = mediocrity
*

I watched the match. They're not so bad. I think they've a bad coach. Just that. (Poor Sven)

Israel has a great young player. A black one, 18 yo if I'm not mistaken. Dunno the name. Quality one. Bright future ahead.

Anyway, England may have problems but obviously is gonna be on Euro 2008.

Posted by: misha Mar 24 2007, 10:55 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Mar 24 2007, 11:20 PM)
I watched the match. They're not so bad. I think they've a bad coach. Just that. (Poor Sven)

Israel has a great young player. A black one, 18 yo if I'm not mistaken. Dunno the name. Quality one. Bright future ahead.

Anyway, England may have problems but obviously is gonna be on Euro 2008.
*

Maybe, but I expect more from a team like England

Toto Tamuz. He is very talented http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toto_Tammuz. We have also Ben Sahar 17 yo who is playing for Chelsea and
considered a very big talent http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Sahar.

I'm not so sure. They have a tough fight from Croatia and Russia

Posted by: Portikins Mar 25 2007, 12:05 AM

Press conference before the match: Belgium keeper wanted to injure Ronaldo.

Final result: Portugal 4 - 0 Belgium (Ronaldo 2, Nuno Gomes and Quaresma) rolleyes.gif

Now it's Serbia.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Mar 25 2007, 12:36 AM

And how are the dutch doing ?!

Posted by: arivanjj Mar 25 2007, 01:10 AM

Quaresma wub.gif ... trademark goal!

Posted by: Portikins Mar 25 2007, 01:12 AM

QUOTE (arivanjj @ Mar 25 2007, 12:10 AM)
Quaresma wub.gif ... trademark goal!
*

He's our gipsy (not kidding, he's really...) king! wink.gif

We've 4 top wingers: Cristiano, Simao (suspended today), Quaresma and Nani.
But we really miss a top striker. A "Nistelrooy".

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 25 2007, 11:03 AM

QUOTE (mishale @ Mar 24 2007, 10:55 PM)
I'm not so sure. They have a tough fight from Croatia and Russia
*

After the Macedonia match I`m sure Croatia will qualify as group winner. Anyone seen that goal from Srna? It amazed me... rolleyes.gif

But Isreal is also "in"...they could finish up second.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 25 2007, 11:03 AM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Mar 25 2007, 12:36 AM)
And how are the dutch doing ?!
*

0-0 with Romania...

Posted by: LaPalma Mar 25 2007, 03:01 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Mar 25 2007, 11:03 AM)
0-0 with Romania...
*

laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif
Germany won against against a very bad Czech team 2:1... they were lucky it was only 2:1. Schneider and Podolski missed huge chances. Two goals by Kuranyi...Euro 2008, we're coming devil.gif devil.gif !

Posted by: han2503 Mar 25 2007, 04:19 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Mar 25 2007, 12:12 AM)
He's our gipsy (not kidding, he's really...) king!  wink.gif

We've 4 top wingers: Cristiano, Simao (suspended today), Quaresma and Nani.
But we really miss a top striker. A "Nistelrooy".
*


Now now Porto, don't be modest...You've got Pauleta cool.gif cool.gif cool.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 25 2007, 06:46 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Mar 25 2007, 03:19 PM)
Now now Porto, don't be modest...You've got Pauleta  cool.gif  cool.gif  cool.gif
*


Pauleta can be quite a player when he's at his best, a bit old though.

Posted by: Portikins Mar 25 2007, 07:26 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Mar 25 2007, 03:19 PM)
Now now Porto, don't be modest...You've got Pauleta  cool.gif  cool.gif  cool.gif
*

Pauletaequalash1t. Even Boriello is better.

I prefer to play with 10 than with Pauleta in the 11.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 25 2007, 07:28 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Mar 25 2007, 06:26 PM)
Pauletaequalash1t. Even Boriello is better.

I prefer to play with 10 than with Pauleta in the 11.
*


LMAO - fair enough.

Posted by: misha Mar 25 2007, 08:18 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Mar 25 2007, 12:03 PM)
After the Macedonia match I`m sure Croatia will qualify as group winner. Anyone seen that goal from Srna? It amazed me... rolleyes.gif

But Israel is also "in"...they could finish up second.
*

I think so too. And I have a hunch that Russia will qualify from second place

We aren't strong enough...

Posted by: Portikins Mar 25 2007, 08:31 PM



dst... what happened there? European Champions won't be on Euro 2008? wink.gif

I heard you're keeper did some "Ricardo's". laugh.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 25 2007, 08:34 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Mar 25 2007, 08:18 PM)
I think so too. And I have a hunch that Russia will qualify from second place

We aren't strong enough...
*

I really don`t know. The only thing I know for sure is that Croatia played against a very bad Russia in Moscow. The game finished 0:0, but it should have ended up 2 or 3 goals for Croatia. Russia played as if they send an amateur team...it was really awfull. So... unsure.gif

Posted by: misha Mar 25 2007, 08:38 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Mar 25 2007, 09:34 PM)
I really don`t know. The only thing I know for sure is that Croatia played against a very bad Russia in Moscow. The game finished 0:0, but it should have ended up 2 or 3 goals for Croatia. Russia played as if they send an amateur team...it was really awfull. So... unsure.gif
*

Yes, but they really improved in their last games and it seems like Hiddink begining to do his thing there

At least in the coach department Russia have advantage over England

Posted by: misha Mar 25 2007, 08:40 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Mar 25 2007, 09:31 PM)
I heard you're keeper did some "Ricardo's".  laugh.gif
*

He was awful biggrin.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 25 2007, 08:42 PM

QUOTE (mishale @ Mar 25 2007, 08:38 PM)
Yes, but they really improved in their last games and it seems like Hiddink begining to do his thing there

At least in the coach department Russia have advantage over England
*

Well, it will be a fight to the end, but somehow I still see England with a advantage over Russia and Israel. But if you ask me...I chear for Isreal wink.gif !!

Posted by: misha Mar 25 2007, 08:54 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Mar 25 2007, 09:42 PM)
Well, it will be a fight to the end, but somehow I still see England with a advantage over Russia and Israel. But if you ask me...I chear for Isreal  wink.gif !!
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king.gif

Posted by: Bluesummers Mar 26 2007, 03:17 AM

England deserved to win that game, but i'm happy that they didn't. Now the press can silence down there egos about the great lampard gerrard and rooney.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 26 2007, 09:43 AM

QUOTE (mishale @ Mar 25 2007, 07:38 PM)
Yes, but they really improved in their last games and it seems like Hiddink begining to do his thing there

At least in the coach department Russia have advantage over England
*


I think everyone has an advantage over England in that department rolleyes.gif wink.gif

Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant Mar 26 2007, 06:27 PM

I don't think we (England) will even qualify for Euro 2008 if we don't get 3 points on Wednesday.

We need to drop Lampard, thanks to him the whole midfield is out of shape and with players playing in the wrong positions.

We also need someone who can score, Rooney is not that player. We desperately need Owen back to tap them in.

The blaming the coach scenario has gone on for years in this country, I think it's time to face up to it... we are not a world-class national team.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 26 2007, 07:18 PM

QUOTE (Kaka Is Brilliant @ Mar 26 2007, 05:27 PM)
I don't think we (England) will even qualify for Euro 2008 if we don't get 3 points on Wednesday.

We need to drop Lampard, thanks to him the whole midfield is out of shape and with players playing in the wrong positions.

We also need someone who can score, Rooney is not that player. We desperately need Owen back to tap them in.

The blaming the coach scenario has gone on for years in this country, I think it's time to face up to it... we are not a world-class national team.
*


Well imo, your midfield is the problem, if it where up to me I would take one of either Lampard or Gerrard out and replace them with Carrick, Lampard and Gerrard don't work well together, you need someone tha can distribute the ball with ease and has good vision, and Carrick is the only one that can do that.

And that's just one of the problems, the midfield, as you said, has no shape, everyone looks like they're running around not having the slightest idea of what to do, and that in the end comes down to the fact that you don't have a top class coach.

England need to look towardsa foreigners for the coaching position since they don't have anyone capable to do the job themselves.

And the last thing, I know Hargreaves was probably your best player in the world cup, not in the technical aspect but he looked like the only one actually playing with heart. But I can't see why he would be on the starting 11. I've just never seen him as a great player

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 27 2007, 01:58 PM

I am English but will criticise England when they deserve it. But for people to say they won't qualify is a bit over the top. If Croatia are to go and win the group Israel are the only team that could fight England for second and we drew our AWAY game with them. I think in all seriousness England will qualify, if not first, definetly second.

Posted by: misha Mar 27 2007, 09:27 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Mar 27 2007, 02:58 PM)
I am English but will criticise England when they deserve it. But for people to say they won't qualify is a bit over the top. If Croatia are to go and win the group Israel are the only team that could fight England for second and we drew our AWAY game with them. I think in all seriousness England will qualify, if not first, definetly second.
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You are forgetting about Russia

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Mar 28 2007, 08:02 PM

Italia 1 - 0 Scots 13th min

Luca Toni

Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant Mar 28 2007, 08:55 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Mar 27 2007, 12:58 PM)
I am English but will criticise England when they deserve it. But for people to say they won't qualify is a bit over the top. If Croatia are to go and win the group Israel are the only team that could fight England for second and we drew our AWAY game with them. I think in all seriousness England will qualify, if not first, definetly second.
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0-0 against Andorra at half-time, what a joke.

I'm glad the English fans are ripping into the team, they deserve it, they are all absolutely useless at the moment. They aren't even trying...

Posted by: Portikins Mar 28 2007, 09:31 PM

Serbia 1-1 Portugal

Scolari... what a fukcin' cnut. Played in Serbia for the draw. With a top-team like we have.

Poland 7 15 pts
Portugal 6 11
Finland 7 11
Serbia 7 11

OK, we've a game in hand and we play the other top teams at home until the end... but still... Scolari is a cnut.

Posted by: Portikins Mar 28 2007, 09:33 PM

QUOTE (Kaka Is Brilliant @ Mar 28 2007, 07:55 PM)
0-0 against Andorra at half-time, what a joke.

I'm glad the English fans are ripping into the team, they deserve it, they are all absolutely useless at the moment. They aren't even trying...
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Stevie 0-1. wink.gif

*EDIT* It's 2. The best center-midfielder in the world... Gerrard again.

Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant Mar 28 2007, 09:50 PM

QUOTE (Portugal @ Mar 28 2007, 08:33 PM)
Stevie 0-1.  wink.gif

*EDIT* It's 2. The best center-midfielder in the world... Gerrard again.
*

Yeah, was a heat of the moment post. 3 Now... Nugent tap-in

Mind you I still won't wipe what I felt out of my mind out at half-time just like that.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 29 2007, 09:57 AM

Gerrard was our best player, but was still average at best. If it wasn't Andorra we were playing we wouldn't have got a point from the game, much worse than the Israel game.. We think Milan are in trouble? It's nothing comapred to Englands worries. sad.gif

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