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Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

A Boy Named Seo Aug 10 2009 05:49 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 16 2009 07:27 PM

Opening Day this weekend, kids. Ronaldo out @ Man U. That'll be tough to replace. Chelsea and Liverpool both lookin' strong still. Arsenal sold Adebayor and Kolo Toure both to Man City who also added Carlos Tevez. City and maybe Everton will challenge for that last Champs League spot. And welcome to the show Burnly, Wolverhampton, and Birmingham!

Fman99 Aug 10 2009 06:27 PM Re: The other football 2009

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":3j5w513d]Opening Day this weekend, kids. Ronaldo out @ Man U. That'll be tough to replace. Chelsea and Liverpool both lookin' strong still. Arsenal sold Adebayor and Kolo Toure both to Man City who also added Carlos Tevez. City and maybe Everton will challenge for that last Champs League spot. And welcome to the show Burnly, Wolverhampton, and Birmingham![/quote:3j5w513d] You are from outer space.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 10 2009 06:51 PM

nanu nanu.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 10 2009 08:12 PM

I predict Bunly will emerge triumphant. No I don't, but it'd be cool. At the Mets game with Triple D a few weeks back I told him that the long-gone forumite Ash, from UK, recommended West Ham as the team Met fans would most identify with. He considered that complete rubbish, and said, I think, Arsenal was that club. I'm still pulling for the Hammers though. They weren't relegated, right?

metirish Aug 11 2009 07:20 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 11 2009 09:17 AM

Ronaldo can't be replaced , he's just simply too good. I predict Rooney will have a great season as he now goes back to a more natural role with Ronaldo gone . Berbatov and Owen will need to supply the goals. I hate Liverpool as much as the MFY's, their staring 11 are fine but their overall squad lacks depth , if Gerrard and or Torres gets injured like they did last season then they won't win the league.....which is what they crave, they've not won in 19 years and Man United equaled their overall record with their 18th title last season. Chelsea with a new manager will be interesting , Ancolotti is great and should get the best out of Drogba. Arsenal ? , no idea what to make of them anymore....all they do now is sell players. IIRC they financed the new stadium they built and had huge plans for the old ground , fancy condos and the sort......not happening in this ecomomy . Top Four Manchester United Chelsea Liverpool (distant third) Arsenal Three to go down Burnley Hull City Wigan Athletic Manchester City have spent close to $500 million in the last few seasons on players , mostly flash players though and their back four will still be rubbish.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 11 2009 09:07 AM

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket":skuwwp34]I predict Bunly will emerge triumphant. No I don't, but it'd be cool. At the Mets game with Triple D a few weeks back I told him that the long-gone forumite Ash, from UK, recommended West Ham as the team Met fans would most identify with. He considered that complete rubbish, and said, I think, Arsenal was that club. I'm still pulling for the Hammers though. They weren't relegated, right?[/quote:skuwwp34] West Ham nearly got relegated a couple years ago, but Carlos Tevez saved their ass against United, and then he jumped ship to play for United, and now he's over at Man City with everyone else. I think the Hammers have been middle of the table in the Prem in the last 2 years. Arsenal kinda remind me of the moneyball, turn-of-the-century A's. Always fielding a team of young and talented, but still developing guys, and letting them walk when they've hit their peak and can be sold for big piles of cash. That's cool and they don't throw big piles of dough at players like other clubs do. And aesthetically, they're the prettiest team in the league to watch. No offense, irish, but I'd never adopt Man U. as a Met fan, or any kind of fan. Chelsea run their business like the MFY and Roman fires his coaches as often as George used to in the Bronx. Maybe more. Liverpool are pricks. I used to have a soft spot for Man City. Ugly step-sister, inferiority complexes pull my strings (one reason I like the Clippers), and they've got sweet uni's, but with new ownership, they've become intolerable. I thought of adopting Newcastle originally (sweet nickname: the Magpies), but the uniforms make 'em look like prisoners or Footlocker employees. West Ham and Aston Villa both have similar awesome color schemes and narrowly edge out Man City's sweet baby blue as my favorite. Aston Villa sounds regal and their nickname (the Villains), well, that's just awesome. Stoke City was a fav of mine last year just because they're called Stoke City. I think they just moved to England from Malibu or something. I think you could do worse than West Ham. Cool team name, good location in London, and a solid uniform, color scheme, and nickname. "Green Street Hooligans" is the only real nick against them.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 11 2009 09:14 AM

Dig the claret and blue kits, not sure about the sports-betting outfit that sponsors them.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 11 2009 09:21 AM

Is that Umbro that makes that kit? I don't love the checkerboard thing, but it seems like it should be there if Umbro made it. Love the colors on the home kit. A couple others were wearing a betting place, too. Spurs for Mansion.com and someone else. Rovers, I think, had "Bet 24" all over their shirts. Stupid.

metirish Aug 11 2009 09:30 AM

West Ham are known as "The Hammers". I have always liked them as they are renowned for playing an attacking style and over the years their academy has produced brilliant players. The new strips this year are mostly horrible , I hate Man United's new home red . The big difference between Arsenal and the A's of course is that Arsenal used to win titles and turn of the century Arsenal were very strong. important links http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/home http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/tvsc ... mierleague

Valadius Aug 11 2009 09:45 AM

What drives me crazy about European football is that the gap between the haves and the have-nots is like 10,000 times more pronounced than it is in Major League Baseball. I like Newcastle United (due to a counselor I had for a few summers at summer camp) and they've barely tasted any kind of real success for years. Hell, they got relegated last year.

Edgy DC Aug 11 2009 09:54 AM

[quote="metirish":dp5zyxdf]Chelsea with a new manager will be interesting , Ancolotti is great and should get the best out of Drogba.[/quote:dp5zyxdf] Keep in mind that Didier Drogba, despite being perhaps my favorite player, is kind of nutty. He cried when they got rid of José Mourinho. He seems like an emotionally untethered guy.

metirish Aug 11 2009 09:54 AM

Newcastle United have long been a mess with , huge fan base but have had crap owners/chairmen for years.........what's going on with them now is the stuff of constant jokes. They might not see the top flight for years. Can we change the thread title to soccer-ball 2009?

metirish Aug 11 2009 10:33 AM

A fun read to waste the time http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/system ... all_lists/

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 11 2009 10:40 AM

[quote="Edgy DC":84kckd3d][quote="metirish":84kckd3d]Chelsea with a new manager will be interesting , Ancolotti is great and should get the best out of Drogba.[/quote:84kckd3d] Keep in mind that Didier Drogba, despite being perhaps my favorite player, is kind of nutty. He cried when they got rid of José Mourinho. He seems like an emotionally untethered guy.[/quote:84kckd3d] That's an exceedingly kind way to put it. (And he's-- somewhat weirdly-- one of my faves, too, along with Carvalho and Terry.)

Edgy DC Aug 11 2009 10:43 AM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Aug 17 2009 06:57 AM

He seems to me the kind of guy who'd be having a frustrating day on the pitch and lash out by making a cheapass hard foul on a completely innocent player. He draw the wrath of the crowd but just feed off of it to try to keep his energy up. Then, after the game, he'd see the replay of the hit that got him the yellow card, feel bad, and make pancakes for the guy the next morning.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 12 2009 11:06 AM

Anyone have any ideas for following USA-Mexico live today? (There's a pub a half-block away, but it's not looking doable.)

Farmer Ted Aug 12 2009 11:15 AM

Bucket got me turned on to the Hammers a few years back. True underdogs and the fans are berzerker.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 12 2009 02:02 PM

[quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":ax1g1sgy]Anyone have any ideas for following USA-Mexico live today? (There's a pub a half-block away, but it's not looking doable.)[/quote:ax1g1sgy] We've got it on one of the local Mexican channels on DirectTV. You might have some luck trying that road.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 12 2009 02:18 PM

GOALGOALGOALGOALGOAL! Davies, you sexy bitch! Strike to the far corner in the 9th off a setup from Donovan. US, 1-0.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 12 2009 02:23 PM

¡A la chingada! ¡Es un gol fabuloso!!

A Boy Named Seo Aug 12 2009 02:28 PM

Nice chance there for 2 Saints. That kid's a baller. I don't know if my Mexican boyfriend Carlos Vela is in uniform or not.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 12 2009 02:39 PM

The non-call leading to the goal... crap, but expected. Castro's shot, though? Linda. No vela-- Franco's up there running with TwoSaints. Curious, though... Mexico brought back bucking bronco Blanco. Desperate times?

metirish Aug 16 2009 06:45 PM

Interesting first weekend so far. The Arsenal hit Everton for six , ya think all the guff surrounding Lescott is a distraction?....poor guy wants to leave for Man Shitty for double his wages.....up to $80 grand a week. Watched a highly entertaining game today as Tottenham outplayed Liverpool , Raffa the bollx crying about the ref again after the game. Man Utd get by a stubborn Birmingham 1-0 , 12.45 Chelsea 2 – 1 Hull City 15.00 Aston Villa 0 – 2 Wigan Athletic 15.00 Blackburn Rovers 0 – 2 Manchester City 15.00 Bolton Wanderers 0 – 1 Sunderland 15.00 Portsmouth 0 – 1 Fulham 15.00 Stoke City 2 – 0 Burnley 15.00 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 – 2 West Ham United 17.30 Everton 1 – 6 Arsenal 13.30 Manchester United 1 – 0 Birmingham City 16.00 Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 1 Liverpool

A Boy Named Seo Aug 16 2009 11:09 PM

Great weekend. Watched that Spurs/L'pool game this morning, too. Liverpool looked like a hunk of crap. I can't root for Spurs or anything, but I love love love seeing Liverpool lose. Edgy's boy Drogba's strike in extra time against Hull was incredible. Birmingham was stubborn against your boys and so was Hull. They ain't a bad team, those Hull Tigers. Adebayor scored for his new team @ City (their black kits look terrible). Do not miss that guy at all (ask me later after he nets his 30th goal). West Ham thumps the new boys and Arsenal looked awesome, just awesome. And RvP didn't score and Theo didn't even play. Maybe just maybe..., nah. Champions League stuff this week, too. Yay.

metirish Aug 17 2009 12:43 PM

Champions League stuff this week, too. Yay. Not on ESPN anymore......FOX has the CL now. Check your local listings to see what channel is showing it......for me it's MSGPlus and not FSC which is where I had assumed it would be. MSGPlus has Arsenal at Celtic and FSC has Olympiacos @ FC Sheriff(who?)

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 17 2009 01:28 PM

Barack Obama: WHLBS [url]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2290252/Up-the-Irons---Barack-Obama-is-West-Ham-fan.html

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 17 2009 01:42 PM

More West-Ham-Lovin Big Shots: Alfred Hitchcock John Cleese Seal Keira Knightly Billy Bragg Lennox Lewis Rod Stewart

Edgy DC Aug 17 2009 02:15 PM

I figured Rod Stewart loved only Celtic U. Didier doing the geometrically highly improbable.

Valadius Aug 23 2009 12:19 PM

I'm in Milan today, and there were these crazy Milan fans parading around the city in trolleys singing songs. I had no clue whether they supported A.C. or Inter though.

metirish Aug 23 2009 12:22 PM

[quote="Valadius":3mwnkjrf]I'm in Milan today, and there were these crazy Milan fans parading around the city in trolleys singing songs. I had no clue whether they supported A.C. or Inter though.[/quote:3mwnkjrf] red & black is AC blue and black is Inter sounds like you are having a great time

MFS62 Aug 23 2009 12:37 PM

[quote="Edgy DC":3qk8hjcw]I figured Rod Stewart loved only Celtic U. Didier doing the geometrically highly improbable. [/quote:3qk8hjcw] Edgy, I clicked on that video and got the message "This video is not available in your country due to copyright restrictions". Were you able to view it? Maybe Washington DC isn't a "country", eh? Later

A Boy Named Seo Aug 23 2009 12:47 PM

Break up Burnley.

Farmer Ted Aug 24 2009 10:03 AM

This is fucked up. Man charged with attacking West Ham defender Calum Davenport By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (CP) BEDFORD, England — A 25-year-old man was charged Monday with stabbing West Ham defender Calum Davenport, who remained hospitalized in serious condition with leg wounds. Davenport and his 49-year-old mother were attacked on Friday night at her home in Bedford, 92 kilometres north of London and the centre back needed emergency surgery. The 26-year-old player was described in serious but stable condition. Bedfordshire police said Monday that 25-year-old Worrell Whitehurst, from Derby in central England, was charged with grievous bodily harm to Davenport and also assaulting the player's mother. No motive for the attack was given. Whitehurst was due to appear in court later Monday while a 19-year-old man who was also arrested on Sunday has been released on bail. "We're very sorry about what happened. It's a terrible story," West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola. "We can't imagine what (Davenport) has been through. The doctor told me that the situation is stable, he is OK. The situation will be clearer in the next few days. Now it's important that he's all right."

metirish Aug 25 2009 01:20 PM

Picture of the day Uruguayan footballer Leonardo Medina, left, is kicked in the head by his Bolivian opponent Sergio Jauregui during a local championship match in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The incident, which happened after both players were red-carded, has left Medina in hospital Photograph: Fuad Landivar/EPA

MFS62 Aug 25 2009 01:23 PM

Is Tottenham still in the premier league, or have they been demoted? Later

metirish Aug 25 2009 01:27 PM

[quote="MFS62":3vwj6lzy]Is Tottenham still in the premier league, or have they been demoted? Later[/quote:3vwj6lzy] Not only are they in but they are top of the table , only three games in but they are three for three on nine points....last season it took them eleven games to reach nine points such was their bad form.

MFS62 Aug 25 2009 01:43 PM

Thanks. Go 'Spurs! Later

Valadius Aug 25 2009 03:30 PM

Upon reflection, I'm pretty damn sure the crazy fans who paraded all over Milan in trolleys singing songs were wearing red, making them AC Milan fans.

metirish Aug 26 2009 07:10 AM

Violence erupts at West Ham versus Millwal game.....no surprise http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009 ... iolence-fa As soon as this fixture was drawn out of the hat they would have known that It was trouble. This game would be the oldest rivalry for both teams , basically they hate each other....The East London Derby . Because they are in different leagues with Millwall two divisions below West Ham they rarely play each other , the last time in 2005 West Ham fans at Green Street, outside Upton Park, taunt the police

bmfc1 Aug 26 2009 09:34 AM

I'm not a soccer fan but I started to watch some Premier League matches when my cable system added the Fox Soccer Channel. This year, there's a game in HD early Saturday morning on ESPN2. I like the fact that a match doesn't last for more than 2 hours, there are no commercials, no sideline reporters, and, of course, it's wonderful to listen to the passionate fans. I like that a schedule is a fixture and that the standings are a table (I think I have that right). The problem is, I don't know who to root for and I need a rooting interest. I've read that Man U. is like the MFYs, so if that's true, they're out. Do the "supporters" of any Premier League mind suggesting why I should root for their team?

metirish Aug 26 2009 09:38 AM

I've read that Man U. is like the MFYs, I'm not going to get into this but nothing could be more wrong , people who say that have no idea what they are talking about.

bmfc1 Aug 26 2009 09:45 AM

Thanks. They're not out of consideration any more.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 26 2009 03:01 PM

Yah, I'd say avoid Chelsea if you don't want to support a team that just throws piles of money at players to win silverware. It's easy to jump on board with one of the big 4: Man U., Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal. And if you did, you'd be rewarded with knowing your team probably won't get relegated, um, ever. I'd probably not pick one of those 4 if I had it to do all over again. Bill Simmons did a piecea few years ago where he picked a team and I think 4 of his 6 criteria are pretty good ones: Goal No. 1: Avoid the whole "jumping on the bandwagon" thing. I didn't want to be like those losers in the mid-'70s who started rooting for the Cowboys or Steelers just because they were winning. Goal No. 2: Avoid a team that's too tortured. Already went down that road with the Sox. Once was enough. Goal No. 3: If possible, gravitate toward a city that could double as a potential vacation spot. (Translation: London.) Goal No. 4: Put it this way: I'd rather have less hooligans in my life than more hooligans. I don't even like when my dogs get rowdy. Goal No. 5: Pay careful attention to the list of celebrity fans attached to each team. For instance, one of the EPL teams (we'll reveal which later in the column) counts John Gotti and Osama bin Laden among its fans. I'm not a celebrity, but just in case somebody mistook me for one, that's not a list I'd want to be on. Goal No. 6: Pick a team that's successful enough to crack Channel 613 from time to time and will avoid the ignominy of getting kicked out of the EPL. And by the way, that can happen. At the end of every season, the bottom three teams are relegated to the second division, with the top three teams from the second division getting called up. (Imagine if baseball did this?) You don't want to be stuck with a team that gets relegated. So that factored in more than anything else. 5 seems unimportant to me and 6 is a little less relevant now. FSC, Setanta, and the individual team online packages make it a little easier to follow. I said on page 1 that I've always had a soft spot for Aston Villa. Great name, great colors, great nickname (the Villans), no corporate park name (Villa Park), and they just popped Liverpool at Anfield this week which made me like 'em even more. If you don't mind a dude on your team exposing himself to chicks on the internet via webcam, then AVFC might not be a bad choice.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 27 2009 11:37 AM

Champions League drawis out. Groups C & F are real interesting, with Real Madrid and AC Milan in C, and Barca and Inter in F. Arsenal got a great draw. Group D could be tough for Chelsea with Atletico Madrid Porto. Lyon, Liverpool, and Fiorentina ain't bad either.

bmfc1 Aug 27 2009 12:08 PM

Thanks Seo. I appreciate your reply. (Simmons selected the Spurs who he says are doing well.)

metirish Aug 31 2009 02:18 PM

A cracking game between Arsenal and Man United , full of drama and a good deal of it happening in the five minutes of added time. OK , here is one reason I can't take to MLS. Red Bulls beat MLS champs Columbus Crew, avoid MLS' worst-ever record BY Michael Lewis Regardless of what transpires in this forgettable season, one thing is certain: the Red Bulls won't finish as the worst team in MLS history. Dane Richards made sure of that, scoring in the 63rd minute to lift the Bulls to a 1-0 victory over the MLS champion Columbus Crew before a crowd of 10,323 at Giants Stadium on Sunday night. The win, the team's second straight under interim coach Richie Williams on the heels of a 13-game winless streak, ensured the Red Bulls (4-16-4, 16 points) will finish with more points than the 2001 Tampa Bay Mutiny (4-21-2, 14) The Bulls also staved off elimination from playoff contention, for now. A tie or a loss against the Crew (10-4-9, 39), which had lost only once in its last 18 MLS games, would have accomplished that. To a player, the Bulls were relieved they weren't going to make history in the worst possible way. "I didn't want my name to go down as a member of the worst team," Richards said. Added captain and striker Juan Pablo Angel: "I can handle a bad year, but not being the worst, that's for sure." Several weeks ago, Richards lamented that the Red Bulls couldn't win a game or score a goal. "That was obviously during a part of the season where we were an almost team," Richards said. "Maybe if I get that chance early on, I hit the post or it goes outside or we don't score. Luck is coming around again." The Bulls recorded only their third shutout of the season as goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul made one save. "I can't remember the last time we kept a clean sheet," Richards said. It was on April 18, a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake. Richards' third goal of the season came off a Columbus corner kick. Frank Hejduk had his shot blocked by Seth Stammler and Richards took off on a 50-yard sprint. As he raced toward the penalty area, Richards slowed down faked out Brian Carroll. Goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum came out of the net and Richards slotted the ball home to the near left post from 16 yards. You've just avoided the worst record in league history and still in playoff contention?

The Second Spitter Sep 02 2009 07:23 PM Re:

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1wprjaa9] At the Mets game with Triple D a few weeks back I told him that the long-gone forumite Ash, from UK, recommended West Ham as the team Met fans would most identify with. He considered that complete rubbish, and said, I think, Arsenal was that club. [/quote:1wprjaa9] Yes. There are lots of parallels between Arsenal and the Mets; - Both play in the biggest market, however there's a sense that both have underachieved. - For the last 20-25 years, their periods of success and failure have roughly coincided- Early 80's mediocrity, followed by mid to late 80's resurgence, which didn't live up to its full potential. Early to mid-90's struggle, followed by a late 90's resurgence which in Arsenal's case last longer into the 2000s. - Arsenal's 1991 Championship winning team would have given the 86 Mets a good run for their money in the delinquency stakes; their club captain was jailed for 3 months in the middle of the season for DUI, massive on-field brawls (for which they were deducted 3 points ) and there were lots of rumours of drug and alcohol abuse among players and incidents involving fire extinguishers, etc. - Between 2004-2006 both had a player called "Jose Reyes" on their respective rosters. - Both collapsed in 2007 after leading for the majority of the season. - Both have a strong Jewish supporter base. - Both have a new stadium in recent years.

MFS62 Sep 02 2009 09:40 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Hey. Boy Named seo. Don't leave us hanging. What team does John Gotti root for? (It was supposed to be at the end of the article you posted. Did I miss it?) Later

The Second Spitter Sep 03 2009 03:33 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Gotti was an Arsenal fan, although he's far from being their most notorious fan.

metirish Sep 03 2009 08:22 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Stunning news out of europe. I can't remember this ever happening. Maybe it did in Italy in the 80's or something .... Chelsea banned by Fifa from signing players till 2011 over Gaël Kakuta Chelsea have been banned from signing any new players until 2011, after Fifa accused them of illegally inducing a French youth-team player to join the club in 2007. Fifa's dispute resolution chamber today released a statement fining Gaël Kakuta €780,000 following a complaint from FC Lens and finding Chelsea "jointly and severally liable". "A restriction of four months on his eligibility to play in official matches is imposed on the player Gaël Kakuta while the club FC Chelsea is banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the two next entire and consecutive registration periods following the notification of the present decision," the DRC statement said. "Furthermore, the club, FC Chelsea, has to pay to RC Lens training compensation in the amount of €130,000." The 18-year-old was voted the scholar of the year by Chelsea's academy staff in 2008, ending the season as top scorer after playing out wide or as an attacking midfielder. But his season was cut short last year by injury, with a broken ankle and hamstring problems restricting him to just five appearances. He had just been named in Chelsea's Champions League squad but, as part of Fifa's ruling, is now banned from playing any games for four months. Chelsea have the right to appeal against the decision and take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. Given the severity of the punishment, it is almost certain the club will take that course of action.

A Boy Named Seo Sep 04 2009 05:58 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

STIFF penalty. I think it's hilarious.

The Second Spitter Sep 04 2009 06:40 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Not as hilarious as Eduardo's suspension.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 04 2009 08:48 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Let's talk up the Mets-West Ham similarities, shall we? [url]http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/03/west-ham-financial-crisis-37m-loss West Ham accounts reveal loss of £37m • West Ham debts and liabilities close to £100m • Accounts unveil 'fundamentally flawed' strategy The shocking extent of West Ham United's financial crisis during the Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson era has been laid bare in the clubs's accounts, which have been obtained by the Guardian. The documents reveal a business strategy that, in the opinion of the club's finance director, Nick Igoe, was "fundamentally flawed". The accounts set out a loss of more than £37.4m for the year ending 2008, which was covered by an injection of £30.5m of cash from the holding company of the former owner, Gudmundsson, and £17m of new loans negotiated with the banks in January 2008. Now that the club's parent company, CB Holding, is effectively a subsidiary of Iceland's now defunct bank Straumur, even a marginal loss this year could result in a return to the 2008 crisis. In addition, the Hammers have net debt and contingent liabilities approaching £100m. But since West Ham are also yet to file their May 2009 accounts, the true current picture has not been presented. It is believed five syndicate banks have together raised their loans to the club to £50m and whether the auditors, Deloitte, will sign off the most recent accounts is an important consideration. West Ham have embarked on a series of cash-saving measures but, despite net transfer proceeds in the 12 months to 5 June this year of £11.67m, troubled times still lie ahead. Of paramount concern is the stark admission that the club had breached their debt covenants. This meant that the five banks that had then loaned them more than £20m could have demanded immediate repayment, a move that would have plunged the Upton Park club into administration. Only what the board has termed the "goodwill" of those banks prevented West Ham becoming the first Premier League club to suffer that fate. "The scale of operating losses and wages caused the group to breach certain banking covenants in 2007-08," Igoe said. "Although the group's banking syndicate [later] waived these breaches, a business strategy which relies on the goodwill of the group's bankers to waive covenant breaches is fundamentally flawed." At that time the annual wage bill amounted to £63.3m on turnover of £81.5m, a ratio of almost 78% that the club recognises as being "unsustainable". Only the removal from the wage bill of players such as Craig Bellamy, Anton Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora and Matthew Etherington has allowed the club to continue trading. There are further financial pressures off the pitch that will continue to hit home. The collapse of the former shirt sponsor, XL, is estimated to have cost the club £4m. The settlement with Sheffield United after the Carlos Tevez inquiry has added another £21m in future liabilities, to be paid in four equal tranches each year to February 2013. Add to that the £17.8m that the club owe following Gudmundsson's spending spree and it is apparent that the Hammers remain on shaky ground. "It is clear with the benefit of hindsight that not all of the investment undertaken in the playing squad in the period under review was prudent," Igoe said. "West Ham United purchased three high-profile players in 2007-08 at a combined cost of £20m with total annual wages in excess of £12m. Those players made 36 starting appearances between them in the season." Those three players were Freddie Ljungberg, Bellamy and Kieron Dyer. While their arrivals characterised the profligacy of Gudmundsson's stewardship of the club, their injuries characterised the 2007-08 season and it was remarkable that the club finished in mid-table. However Igoe qualified that by adding: "Whilst creditable, the 10th place finish has to be viewed in the context of a £21m increase in wages [almost exclusively player wages] and a further £15.7m net investment in transfer fees, following the £29.9m investment in the previous season. Again ignoring exceptional expenses, the group recorded a loss before player trading and after interest of £7.4m."

Edgy DC Sep 15 2009 08:38 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Edgy at a dinner party after a last minute invitation on Friday is delighted to learn that his friends Carlene and Joseph are expecting. Joseph is somewhat Italian-centered and his wife joked about him wanting to name his kid after some favorite footballers. A wife on the other side of the table joked about her future husband wanting to name a kid Johan Cruyff. Said future hubby was Dutch but I was only somewhat aware of this. (Apparently, the Dutch speak inpeccable English.) The Cruyff crack gets a good laugh among the footballers, but it's obscure enough that a few are confused. I try to help them along, wifey too, by giving them a summary of Cruyff's place in American culture, how when a bunch of Eurostars came to America in the late seventies they mostly all --- Best, Beckenbauer, Bogesevic --- had their best days behind them, but Cruyff was in his prime, one of the best in the word, and found the US a grossly disappointing soccer wasteland, found DC to be a crumbling city, took over his team with contempt, ignoring his coach, bullying his teammates, only giving up the ball under duress, growing his hair, and living the entertainingly absurd egocentric lifestyle of the star athlete of the seventies. Most of that is more or less true. It's a dinner party, though, so I embellish with a few bullshit details about Cruyff disco-dancing through the night with a day game the next day and smoking on the sidelines. (Like he ever was on the sidelines.) Hey, I'm a raconteur. When I get going, I can't help myself. So, those who are less football literate are enjoying me catching them up. But the footballers at the table all fall silent. Then the rest of the room senses their quietude and they hush up as well. I'm on a roll, and perhaps the last to notice the turd in the room that everyone is suddenly smelling. "Um, Edgy. Pepijn wrote a book about Cruyff." Mmm. The delicious taste of foot.

metirish Sep 15 2009 08:44 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Pepijn is the hubby?.....brilliant

The Second Spitter Sep 15 2009 09:02 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

That's a pretty cool story. Cruijff had one of the greatest nicknames as a footballer: "Pythagoras in Boots"

The Second Spitter Sep 17 2009 01:34 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Adebayor gets a three match ban for stomping on an ex-teammate's head. He also faces a further ban for running the length of the pitch to celebrate a goal in front Arsenal's visiting fans. Sic semper cuntis. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009 ... ty-arsenal

A Boy Named Seo Sep 17 2009 09:50 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="Triple Dee":1a49h6k5] Sic semper cuntis. [/quote:1a49h6k5] Well put. Couldn't believe that asshole's behavior. Nice avatar, btw. Ade raking RvP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c4A5UxzrCg

metirish Sep 17 2009 09:53 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

I thought he should have been banned for longer , and he has just ensured that hsi trips to The Emirates will be hell for the future , we all know fans can be assholes but a professional player should never provoke fans like that.

The Second Spitter Sep 18 2009 02:54 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

And here's the impression he left on Cesc's leg; http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sp ... R=Football Unbelievable shit.

Edgy DC Sep 18 2009 05:42 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Actually, the mark on his leg doesn't look that bad. Adebayor is Ivorian, right? As a fan --- against my better judgment --- of Didier Drogba, it seems this generation of Cote d'Ivoiire players has shown themselves to be prone to irrational moments of brutally poor sportsmanship.

The Second Spitter Sep 18 2009 06:16 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

The thing is, you don't go out to deliberately injure a team's players (note plural), just because you are being heckled by that team's fans, especially when they are ex-teammates. He plays for Togo, but I think he's born in Nigeria. I heard about your admiration of Drogba. I have to admit, it worried me a little.

Edgy DC Sep 18 2009 07:25 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

I think I'm letting go of Didier. I have a few Cd'I friends and when we randomly drew teams to profile and follow last Cup, I drew Cote d'Ivoire. I enjoyed what I learned about them and the games they played leading up to the Cup, but when tournament time came, they were absolutely embarrassing sportsmanship-wise. He's a grown-up street kid, he comes from a war-torn country. All that's true and you try and be tolerant. One day, you wake up, and your tolerance starts to sound like rationalization. I think I might be there with Didier. I'd probably already have been there and gone had I been a closer follower of football.

The Second Spitter Sep 18 2009 08:11 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Eboue certainly fits the description of poor sportsman from CI, although his behavior has improved in recent months (shortly after fans of his own team started booing him on a semi-regular basis). Curiously, Chelsea fans gave Drogba the same treatment during his first season to similar positive effect (You really should have become acquainted with him at Olympique Marseille). Which EPL team do you support, Edgy? (This was a recently, hotly debated topic).

Edgy DC Sep 18 2009 08:25 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

None in particular. I follow football most closely at the national team level. I guess I have a small Arsenal jones because I've liked Nick Hornby's books, but that's not much of a reason.

The Second Spitter Sep 18 2009 09:18 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="Edgy DC":sumrcx2d]I guess I have a small Arsenal jones because I've liked Nick Hornby's books, but that's not much of a reason.[/quote:sumrcx2d] That's as good a reason as any -- very happy hear.

Valadius Sep 26 2009 02:47 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Wigan 3, Chelsea 1. Wow.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 26 2009 10:17 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="Valadius":2ejruvex]Wigan 3, Chelsea 1. Wow.[/quote:2ejruvex] Playing a man down, honestly, had little to do with it-- Wigan outclassed them. (AND Cech kinda earned the card.)

A Boy Named Seo Oct 10 2009 04:29 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Be looking forward to this: http://vimeo.com/3885949

metirish Oct 13 2009 01:34 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":uq0q2tds]Be looking forward to this: http://vimeo.com/3885949[/quote:uq0q2tds] looks very cool Republic of Ireland and Italy played a thrilling 2-2 game Saturday in Dublin, Italy booked their place in next years WC while the Republic will enter into a playoff with other second place teams.....it will be a tough draw though with the likes of France , Portugal , Greece and others. Giovanni Trapattoni the Ireland manager has said that if they qualify this will be one of the highlights of his illustrious career . Here is an excellent article on one of the great teams of the 80's , Denmark. Anyone here watch the 1986 WC held in Mexico....arguably the last great WC.... http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog ... mark-1980s

The Second Spitter Oct 14 2009 05:22 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="metirish"]Here is an excellent article on one of the great teams of the 80's , Denmark.

Preben Eljkaer – now there’s a name I haven’t heard in a long , long time. In a tournament filled with superstars, some fading like Platini, Rummenigge, Zico, and Rossi, some at their peak, Lineker, Careca, Laudrup, and of course, Maradona, and others emerging (Matthäus, Papin, Butragueño ), he was easy to overlook. But he remains to this day among the most clinical finishers who played the game. The year prior to that World Cup he guided Hellas Verona to the Scudetto in what Italians still refer to as the last “earned” League Championship. [quote="metirish"]Anyone here watch the 1986 WC held in Mexico....arguably the last great WC.... We were living in London in those days, I'll never forget the ENG v ARG QF. The time-frame was especially pertinent-- less than 4 years after Argentina lost the Falklands War to the English. Maradona scored the greatest goal in the history of the World Cup, dedicating it to the fallen from the Falklands. Then he scored the most controversial goal in the history of the World Cup - the Hand of God. After the game, everybody I saw on the street had an overwhelming expression of dread on their face, it was like the Queen had died -- for me it was bliss, I always support any team that plays vs England (with one exception). For the English, the final was the equivalent of a Yankees-Phillies World Series for us. The Germans were vastly inferior to the Argies; they had been outclassed in the semi-final against a vastly superior French team (who were fresh from playing the game of the tournament in the QFs to knock-out the Brazilians). But the Germans still managed to prevail 2-0 in the SF, just like they had four years earlier in the Game of the Century, and much to 3D's heartache. The Final was an even bigger mismatch, the Argies were in totally control, cruising to a 2-0 lead with ~15 mins to play and the Germans were seemingly out for the count. Then they audaciously scored two goals in 6 mins and we were tied at 2-2 with 10 min to play. But the superiority of the Argies was overwhelming and it only took them 3 minutes to restore their lead. It finished 3-2. A worthy end to a great tournament. A popular myth in Germany is that they would have won it but for Harold Schumacher (think Shelley Duncan as a soccer goalkeeper) who before the Final proclaimed himself the best keeper in the world, only to be arguably at fault for all three goals the Argies scored. The truth is that Argies were by far the best team in the tournament; and everybody in the world outside Germany wanted to see a ARG v FRA or BRA Final.

metirish Oct 14 2009 06:39 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Great post Triple Dee , I remember getting an Argentina #10 shirt as a gift , I had broken my left wrist in two places playing gaelic football and spent a week in hospital.The shirt was I suppose a gift for that. I'll never forget the look on Terry Butcher's face as he was left for dead by Maradonna , then last season in his first game in charge of Argentina in Scotland Butcher made some nasty comments about Maradonna....it was going to be big news when they landed in Glasgow.....except Deigo clamed to not know who Butcher was.....classic

The Second Spitter Oct 15 2009 05:55 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="metirish"]I remember getting an Argentina #10 shirt as a gift , I had broken my left wrist in two places playing gaelic football and spent a week in hospital.The shirt was I suppose a gift for that.

Hah, I can imagine Argentinian jerseys being quite popular in Ireland. I once wore this jersey (with #10 naturally - my fave French NT jersey design ) on a sports day at my high school in the late 80's, and was sent to the Headmaster's office because it was deemed provocative. I did go to real toffee-nosed Public school, but you can't really blame me for turning out so Anglophobic, can you? [quote="metirish"]I'll never forget the look on Terry Butcher's face as he was left for dead by Maradonna , then last season in his first game in charge of Argentina in Scotland Butcher made some nasty comments about Maradonna... I remember the following English season the Highbury faithful came up with a song -- something like, if Samson was Butcher England would have won the World Cup (to the tune of a Harry Belafonte song I think.) I think Butcher moved up to Rangers that season. Btw just a correction from the my previous post: The Hand of God goal came before his one-man waltz through the English defense. [quote="metirish"]...it was going to be big news when they landed in Glasgow.....except Deigo clamed to not know who Butcher was.....classic Well, Diego did do a lot of yeyo in the intervening period.

The Second Spitter Oct 15 2009 06:04 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Btw for the CPFers not familiar with the so-called "Game of the Century" -- here's a doco I found about it in English. As one football writer aptly described it: "It was more opera, than football" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txZa6_Dk ... re=related

HahnSolo Oct 15 2009 06:30 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Question for a novice: what's the deal with stoppage (or injury) time? I saw the US scored in like the 95th minute last night. I know the time is kept by the official on the field (side question: why can't they just use a scoreboard clock?), but how is stoppage time determined? Is there a certain amount of time added when a goal is scored for instance? Is time added every time a player goes down? Do both teams know how much time has been added? And lastly, has there ever been charges of shenanigans with any officials giving too much/too little time in a game? I seem to recall an article a couple months back that one of the English Premier League teams on average got much more stoppage time in games they were behind than games they were ahead.

metirish Oct 15 2009 07:09 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football') Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Oct 15 2009 07:13 AM

In the game last night there was 5 minutes of added time signaled by the fourth official.....Bornstein scored with probably seconds left(I didn't see this though). However in a 90 minute game with two 45 minute halves the clock runs continuously and the referee adds time as he sees fit really , subs coming on and off....goal celebrations...deliberate slow play by the goalie.....so the referee would have two watches...one that runs through the 90 minutes and one where he stops it and adds time...the referee signals to the fourth official how much time he intends to add and then that official holds up the board with the added time. The referee however is not beholden to that time though and can add again as he sees fit. In a recent game between Manchester United and Manchester City Man Utd were leading 3-2 and City scored with time running out....IIRC the added time announced was 4 minutes...maybe 5 but in any event Man Utd scored the winner in the 96th minute causing uproar among City fans....but the referee broke it down saying he added nearly 1 full minute for the excessive goal celebration by City when they equalized.... The Manchester United manager is notorious for harassing the fourth official and the referee about time...he is known for keeping his own "official' time...

Edgy DC Oct 15 2009 07:13 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

It's a strangely archaic part of the game, though, i'n't it? I mean, if there's a "stoppage," while the clock is running, why not just stop the clock?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 15 2009 08:07 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

I actually like this about soccer. Games ending in a time controversy are pretty rare overall, no? And doing it this way tends to render whatever strategies the players have to "kill the clock" useless, unlike games with strict clock rules like football.

metirish Oct 15 2009 08:10 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1fr16k6g]I actually like this about soccer. Games ending in a time controversy are pretty rare overall, no? And doing it this way tends to render whatever strategies the players have to "kill the clock" useless, unlike games with strict clock rules like football.[/quote:1fr16k6g] Exactly, that's one thing I find weird about the NFL....taking the knee with time on the clock....hey you could score a goal in that time.

HahnSolo Oct 15 2009 08:15 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Thanks Irish. Was that Man U game the Rooney goal? I seem to remember that is what sparked the article I had read.

Frayed Knot Oct 15 2009 08:19 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

The odd part to me was the way (until fairly recently I believe) the ref used to keep the amount of stoppage time secret; it was a time known only to him and not shared with either the TV folks or the live crowd. The main problem, it seems to me, is that the semi-arbitrary nature of the whole thing leads to at least the possibility of corruption, something soccer people have not exactly shown themselves to be immune to.

metirish Oct 15 2009 08:20 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Rooney did score the first goal in that game , however that was in the 2nd minute....Michale Owen socred the winning goal in time added on added on...

The Second Spitter Oct 16 2009 03:45 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="Frayed Knot"] The main problem, it seems to me, is that the semi-arbitrary nature of the whole thing leads to at least the possibility of corruption, something soccer people have not exactly shown themselves to be immune to.

Except English football lives in a facade that it is beyond corruption -- a proposition that is not only more incredulous than it sounds since it is the most heavily gambled on soccer league in the world, but has, in fact, been proven to be false. The funny thing is that in European leagues which have been traditionally associated with corruption, referees are under more scrutiny and high-profile teams have suffered severe penalties on largely circumstantial evidence. (eg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Itali ... ll_scandal) As for why Man U get more stoppage time, the only justification I've heard is that their manager puts pressure on the referees through his press conferences, interviews, etc and basically they're petrified of him and since they're only human, yada, yada, yada. I don't think it's any coincidence that that the best supported team gets preferential treatment. [quote="metirish"]The Manchester United manager is notorious for harassing the fourth official and the referee about time...he is known for keeping his own "official' time... He's also known as "The Hair Dryer" . [quote="Edgy DC"]It's a strangely archaic part of the game, though, i'n't it? I mean, if there's a "stoppage," while the clock is running, why not just stop the clock? The justification given is that it would interrupt the flow of the game, because players would need to wait for the official in order to restart the game. However, what really gets me is that nowadays referees are petrified to blow the full-time whistle if the ball is anywhere near the goal-line.

Edgy DC Oct 16 2009 07:01 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="Triple Dee":3rs4zfgb]The justification given is that it would interrupt the flow of the game, because players would need to wait for the official in order to restart the game.[/quote:3rs4zfgb] Oh, the humanity!

soupcan Nov 09 2009 08:53 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Damn. [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvEobeNfGcc&feature=player_embedded

Edgy DC Nov 09 2009 09:06 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Yeah, I've been thinking about Elizabeth Lambert, despite myself, for a few days now. I think I love her.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 09 2009 09:37 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Wow. I'll bet those Mormons are really at fault.

metirish Nov 09 2009 09:39 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

What is that? , I can't see youtube at work....IS wankers

Edgy DC Nov 09 2009 09:46 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Here you go: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=4629837

metirish Nov 09 2009 09:53 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Oh it's women's soccer......

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 09 2009 10:01 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Meet Kassidy Shumway, whose locks were yanked.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 09 2009 11:30 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="Edgy DC":604tjg12]Yeah, I've been thinking about Elizabeth Lambert, despite myself, for a few days now. I think I love her.[/quote:604tjg12] Good God... same here. No joke. Is this as wrong as it feels, or is that just residual Catholic guilt getting stuck in my sexy, forearm-shiver-throwing daydreams?

A Boy Named Seo Nov 09 2009 11:44 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

That Lambert chick is a fucking monster, but I did love reading "forearm shiver" in official news releases. How in the world did she not get red-carded??

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 09 2009 12:28 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_wpri ... 091109_BRT It's a plague of girl-punching! Remove their uteruses! Stop the madness!

metirish Nov 10 2009 07:38 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Very sad - Suicide Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke dies after being hit by a train http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009 ... rmany-died

Frayed Knot Nov 19 2009 11:27 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

So I expected to sign on today and read a bunch of expletive-filled rants directed at Thierry Henri - or at least at the refs. When do the WC brackets get announced?

metirish Nov 19 2009 11:29 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="Frayed Knot":1j5me5jt]So I expected to sign on today and read a bunch of expletive-filled rants directed at Thierry Henri - or at least at the refs. When do the WC brackets get announced?[/quote:1j5me5jt] I took mine to the red light forum...I'm devastated and inconsolable right now......

Frayed Knot Nov 19 2009 11:35 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Ah, I didn't see that.

A Boy Named Seo Nov 19 2009 02:29 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Yah, that was just brutal. Ireland wants a replay. Not sure what'll come of that, but no one can say they weren't rooked. Henry said he totally hand-balled it. He muffed it twice even, like a shortstop bobbling a grounder before kicking it.

soupcan Nov 19 2009 02:51 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":34zbg4j7]Ireland wants a replay.[/quote:34zbg4j7] Would the powers that be do that?

Edgy DC Nov 19 2009 02:57 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

It would sort of be a good move, but a bad precedent.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 19 2009 03:46 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

On the plus side, it is kind of nice to see a Frenchman for once using his hand for something other than holding a lit Gitane or fondling a child.

Valadius Nov 19 2009 05:44 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

They should replay it, or at least play the last 17 minutes of extra time over again.

A Boy Named Seo Nov 20 2009 12:24 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Henry sez replay would be fairest. People still hate him like he's the offspring of a Satan/Hitler men's room romance. Anger appropriate, but slightly misplaced, sez me. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story ... 10&cc=5901

Frayed Knot Nov 22 2009 09:37 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

And they're going to penalty kicks for the MLS title ... ... and Real Salt Lake is the winner!!

metirish Nov 23 2009 06:50 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Watched most of this game , went to bed though at the end of first extra time......RSL equalizing goal was a mess of defending , ball bounced around in the box with fellas hacking at it. Really don't like the format either....it's a league that then turns in to a cup .....

metirish Nov 23 2009 04:54 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

U.S. clubs announce rebel North American Soccer League NEW YORK, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Rebel clubs from the second tier soccer championship in the United States and Canada will compete in a new North American Soccer League (NASL) from April next year, officials said on Monday. The breakaway league was formed earlier this month without being named by clubs previously tied to the United Soccer Leagues (USL), the structure below Major League Soccer. Formally announced two weeks ago, the rebel league has been named to honour the original NASL, a professional league that operated in the U.S. and Canada from 1968 to 1984 and featured soccer greats such as Pele and Franz Beckenbauer. "We are paying respect to the players, coaches and leaders who were pioneers for men's professional soccer in North America," newly appointed NASL president Selby Wellman said in a statement. "Our intention is to offer an elite brand of soccer and outstanding experience for our partners and fans, something the old NASL did very well during its day. We will do the same in the new NASL." The nine rebel clubs include USL champions the Montreal Impact and the team they beat in the league's final game -- the Vancouver Whitecaps. The USL, which was founded in 1986 and has two senior men's divisions as well as a youth and women's structure, recently announced plans for new teams in Canada and Detroit and intends to continue without the rebel teams in 2010.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 04 2009 11:28 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

DRAW! Through a couple of rounds, the USMNT ain't doing too badly-- England as a Pot 1, Algeria as a Pot 3. If France gets added from group 4, it'll make things very interesting. Whatever lucky charm Mexico brought to Draw Day, it's working-- they've got South Africa (as a #1 seed) and Uruguay so far.

Willets Point Dec 04 2009 11:33 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

Here are all the groups. I like the USA's chances. England is probably the weakest of the Pot 1 teams and Slovenia and Algeria aren't ranked too high. Group A South Africa Mexico Uruguay France Group B Argentina Nigeria South Korea Greece Group C England USA Algeria Slovenia Group D Germany Australia Serbia Ghana Group E Holland Denmark Japan Cameroon Group F Italy Paraguay New Zealand Slovakia Group G Brazil Korea DPR Ivory Coast Portugal Group H Spain Switzerland Honduras Chile

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 04 2009 11:41 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="Willets Point"]Here are all the groups. I like the USA's chances. England is probably the weakest of the Pot 1 teams and Slovenia and Algeria aren't ranked too high.

South Africa's all, "Welcome to our country... and enjoy the second round!"

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 04 2009 11:43 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"][quote="Willets Point"]Here are all the groups. I like the USA's chances. England is probably the weakest of the Pot 1 teams and Slovenia and Algeria aren't ranked too high.

South Africa's all, "Welcome to our country... and enjoy the second round!" Not for nothing but seeing USA in their bracket probably brings some relief to England, Slovenia and Algeria's supporters too. WTF? Poland didn't even make it? Oh the shame.

Willets Point Dec 04 2009 11:54 AM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"][quote="Willets Point"]Here are all the groups. I like the USA's chances. England is probably the weakest of the Pot 1 teams and Slovenia and Algeria aren't ranked too high.

South Africa's all, "Welcome to our country... and enjoy the second round!" That's true, I wasn't really counting the host nation as part of Pot 1, but after them England is the weakest.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 04 2009 12:02 PM Re: Soccer Ball 2009 (formerly 'The Other Football')

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket"][quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"][quote="Willets Point"]Here are all the groups. I like the USA's chances. England is probably the weakest of the Pot 1 teams and Slovenia and Algeria aren't ranked too high.

South Africa's all, "Welcome to our country... and enjoy the second round!" Not for nothing but seeing USA in their bracket probably brings some relief to England, Slovenia and Algeria's supporters too. If they feel that way, they're not paying attention. Because I'm not sure they'd rather see a team that knocked off a full-strength Spain (and almost took out Brazil) than, say, New Zealand or the North Koreans or Honduras from the same pot.

WTF? Poland didn't even make it? Oh the shame.

Not even close. Along with Russia, Turkey, Croatia, the Czechs, Sweden, Belgium and the Ukraine. Europe's always got someone interesting staying home.