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***The Official World Soccer Thread***

Discussion in 'Other Sports Forum' started by first&goal, Apr 12, 2008.

  1. wpgfishfan

    wpgfishfan Member

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    2 things that stand out

    Germany-Russia at 5,6 and in the same World Cup bracket where one of them will have to win an elimination game to get in

    Australia rated over Portugal....I know Portugal has been slumping but i would think in a game most people would bet on Portugal to beat Australia
     
  2. Whitedolphin54

    Whitedolphin54 From the land of legends Luxury Box

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    I have to agree. I doubt whether Portugal would lose to Australia consistently. I say that because you never know what may happen in a one off, but if they played each other, say 5 times, you would expect Portugal tp win at least 3-4 times
     
  3. Whitedolphin54

    Whitedolphin54 From the land of legends Luxury Box

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    I'm surprised England are rated that high given the fact they always choke in the big tournaments. Then again Scotland are rated 24 which is way too high for them !
     
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  4. TiP54

    TiP54 Bad Reputation

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    The thing is that Germany has to travel TO Russia to play them. Last year Russia pulled of a huge upset (at the time) whooping England at home. Germany tied Finland 3-3, and Russia beats Finland 3-0 right after. So Germany is teh favorite...but win or lose, both of those teams are going to the WC imo.
     
  5. emeraldfin

    emeraldfin All I've got is insane

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    Gabon at 30 :rolleyes:
     
  6. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    On the same day that Ronaldo says he left the PL because it was "too physical" for him and he was in danger of getting "seriously injured", Michael Owen signs with Man U. That's a helluva surprise.
     
  7. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Does anyone here watch French soccer? I want another opinion on Marouane Chamakh, the Bordeaux striker. From the little I've seen, he struggles to finish consistently.
     
  8. emeraldfin

    emeraldfin All I've got is insane

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    Was surprised by the Owen signing myself. Being a Newcastle fan I had the "pleasure" of seeing Michael Owen struggle last seson. I thought he iwas done, he looked un-interested, out of confidence and was missing some very scoreable chances (game against Portsmouth an example) last season.

    Horrible to say, but I personally hopes he does noting at Man U and retires at the end of the season. For the amount of money Newcastle spent on him and the little return we got (especially last season when we needed it), I hope his career continues to go down the drain. I know he suffered alot of injuries but he did'nt last season, he was just awful.
     
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  9. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    I just got back from my cruise... :tongue2: so I just want to comment on the US / Brasil game. Going up two nill at the half was an amazing accomplishment. I actually thought they played better in this game than they did against Spain but that's just me. The two goals were certainly better. But Brasil couldn't be stopped in the second half. That first goal to start the half really put the wind in their sails. Tim Howard is the best player on the team, with Dempsey and Donovan not far behind. I am interested to see what happens to their younger players and where they go from here. To progress, they need to be playing in Europe against the best players in the world.

    Now then, the rankings up top... Even though the USA are on the rise, I don't think they should be as high as 12th. I think England should be ranked higher than Russia. England along with the top five are clearly the best six in the world. From there you could make a case for a handful of teams down to about 20... I think Switzerland and Australia are ranked too high. I would move Mexico, Turkey and Ireland up into the top 20 but it's all subjective...
     
  10. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Madrid signed Karim Benzema. :pity:

    Yeah, I was disappointed with his stint in Newcastle. Personally, I like Newcastle and always hoped they'd become a strong team but that completely went down the drain this past PL season. Despite his injuries and lack of top form over the years, I have this gut feeling he's going to do well there. I hate Man U so I hope the signing is a complete waste lol.
     
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  11. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    For Arsenal fans,

    Lets hope they kick Eboue out quickly. Or at least make it Adebayor. I can't stand him.

    Spain and Hollandia are two and three. There are your choke artists. :lol:
     
  12. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    As long as England stays out of penalty kick situations, there won't be any choking... :shifty:
     
  13. wpgfishfan

    wpgfishfan Member

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    #92 Canada beats #65 Jamaica in the Gold Cup

    We should make it to the quarters now:up:
     
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  14. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    A lot of speculation right now that John Terry is ready to join Man City. What a shock that would be. A brilliant signing for City while a shock let go by Man U.
     
  15. emeraldfin

    emeraldfin All I've got is insane

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    Indeed, interesting times for Man City. I cant see Terry joining City though as Carvalho will probably leave and is desperate to re-join Mourinho at Inter. Letting both players go would leave Chelsea in a right mess at the back.

    Also hearing that Carlos Tevez will be heading to City. He said that


    http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5415487,00.html
     
  16. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    I agree with you there but this is what stood out to me.

    http://blogs.soccernet.com/onthemove/

    EDIT:
    http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/spo...City-line-up-pound45m-bid-for-John-Terry.html
     
  17. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    This willl probably upset Emerald;

    Newcastle's target:

    http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/87708/Crock-jibes-made-me-feel-a-crook/

    Also this;

    I would not be opposed to taking on Flamini once again. As long as we can get a replacement for Adebayor when/if we sell him, I'll be happy.
     
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  18. baboo72

    baboo72 Bleeding aqua & orange

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    I can't see Terry joining City, he has the choice - Champions League vs Europe and the Worlds best or the Carling Cup against the likes of the Championship and top teams reserves!

    Tevez is living in a dream world if he thinks United fans wont mind him joinging City.
     
  19. emeraldfin

    emeraldfin All I've got is insane

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    Your right Alen, that angered the blood alright. I'm not going to start though on Michael Owen, ubt I would'nt call him a crook, a mercenary maybe. We will all see that he is a spent force come December. If Michael Mifsud played half the games this coming season (if signed), he would have proved more productive than Owen last season :lol:.

    Back on to the Terry subject, Ancelotti has said that Terry will not be leaving.

    http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5416700,00.html

    Now clearly , that does'nt mean that if Man City make an astounding offer for Terry that Chelsea will reject it, but at least we now know how Ancelotti feels about him going.

    Chelsea also signed Daniel Zhirkov today from CSKA.

    Alen, do you see the Melo and Eboue deal going through that has been rumoured lately?
     
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  20. baboo72

    baboo72 Bleeding aqua & orange

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    I see that happening more than the Adebayour for Flamini swap rumour thats doing the rounds!

    Back to Chelski; I see Cashley Cole has put Real Madrid on alert by demanding more money - wonder if he see's Chelski's offer as "a disgrace?!"
     
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  21. emeraldfin

    emeraldfin All I've got is insane

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    Sometimes, even a £100k a week is'nt enough :rolleyes:.

    Did'nt actually here that story though.
     
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  22. baboo72

    baboo72 Bleeding aqua & orange

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    It was in one of the Sunday papers (although not exactly a great source!) but it just doesn't make sense if the Eboue and Melo switch is still on? their styles would be too similar, plus Flaminni is/was supposed to be doing well out there? I'd do the swap for Eboue and then take whatever Milan will give for Adebayor to be honest. I'd even throw in Bentdner for a traffic cone!
     
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  23. emeraldfin

    emeraldfin All I've got is insane

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    :lol: C'mon Bab, Bentdner is'nt that bad. Think he would be a good Championship player, would'nt mind if we were to take him off your hands.

    Think your right on the Melo/Eboue switch and plus Melo has said he does'nt wish to leave Fiorentina either.
     
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  24. baboo72

    baboo72 Bleeding aqua & orange

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    He would be a good signing for you guys, he shone whilst at Birmingham a couple of seasons ago.

    How'd you think you'll do this year? I'm hoping you guys go straight back up (hopefully at the expense of S*urs or Hull! :shifty:)
     
  25. emeraldfin

    emeraldfin All I've got is insane

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    The longer Ashley holds onto the club, the more nervous I become at our prospects of returning to the Premiership. I mean 1st preseason game is on Saturday and we have no manager, a want-a-way chairman looking to get every last penny he can for the club and players that want to be sold or will be sold.

    With rumours going around now that Ashley does'nt intend to sell untill the start of August, it means the club is missing out on getting in/out players, a manager settling and players consentrating on football, not if they will be sold or not. Being honest, if things continue the way they are going we will be lucky to stay in the Championship.

    And to make things worse, here is our away kit for next season
    [​IMG]
     
  26. baboo72

    baboo72 Bleeding aqua & orange

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    Would you be open to Sheppard returning? My Dad and brother (both toon fans) think it's him that started the decline and is just trying to cash in again but to be honest it just looks like it was down to Ashleys poor decision making?
     
  27. emeraldfin

    emeraldfin All I've got is insane

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    I'd agree with your Dad and Brother that Freddy started the decline. Like sacking Bobby Robson, bringing poor managers and spending money on over-rated/over-payed players. Make no mistake about it, Freddy was heading down this road also, he just got out in time.

    Ashely just made some awful decisions. Bringing in Wise was the worst of all, undermining Keegan in the process. Wise brought in players like Xisco and Gonzalzes (and I know your saying, who the hell are they?), then selling James Milner. He they left Chris Hughton in charge for too long, brought in Joe Kinnear and then finally brought in Shearer when it was too late.

    Anyways, all this talk about Newcastle is not good for me, increases blood pressure beyond acceptable levels :lol:.

    What about Aresnal, seem to be very quite this off-season and were way off the pace of the top 3 last season also. You think the Gunners are in decline?
     
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  28. baboo72

    baboo72 Bleeding aqua & orange

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    lol sorry mate!

    I think we'll be top 3, I see Chelski doing it this year unfortunately. It's been quiet but at least we've signed a central defender which was my biggest concern.

    If Eduardo can get fit I think he and Van Persie will do very well up front, the under 21 championship looks like it may have helped Gibbs' confidence over his slip in Champions League semi! bit I'll be happier with another 1 maybe 2 signings to shore up the squad - someone like Micha Richards as he's not wanted by City! signing him would benefit us with a big defender who can play centre or right back - but also the national side too as he'll learn more being at Arsenal but just wishful thinking on my part!
     
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  29. emeraldfin

    emeraldfin All I've got is insane

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    Criminal to say that City do not want Richards. You would think that with Dunne and Richards, that would be your centre back partnership. A move to Aresnal for Richards would really help his development.

    Is it concerning that every transfer window your main players like Fab,Adebayor and even Arsharvin (saying he would love to play for Barca) always seem to be a target for other teams? Also is it concerning that Aresnal do not seem to have the financial muscle that other top teams in Europe have?
     
  30. baboo72

    baboo72 Bleeding aqua & orange

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    it's strange, for whatever reason we just don't seem to have the money? It actually feels like we're ashamed to be one of the big 4. You never see us linked with big signings even Wegner has said he'll pull out of any signing if any of the other big 4 sides join in the chase!?! What other team would have all their top players linked to moves abroad? one of the worst things to happen to Arsenal was David Dean leaving - he was Wegners right hand man on the board and handled all the player contracts / transfers, once he left and it was down to Wegner it's all gone pete tong!
     
  31. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    I'm not sure. I know that Melo has signed a one year extension there and has stated he will stay but I hope not. I dislike Eboue so if it was up to me, he'd be the second one out behind Adebayor. I know that we've been linked with quite a few people though, including Matthew Upson, Hangeland, Scott Parker and even Sakho of PSG, the young centre back.

    I'm not sure its a money issue or not. Wenger has repeatedly said that he does have the funds but I like to think that they have a strict budget, which really limits him come transfer window. However, the thing is, he's willing to throw money at players if they fill the hole on the squad. He said he was closely watching the Benzema situation and I really wonder, if Benzema said he wants to play for Arsenal, if Wenger would throw the money at him. Moving on though, I wish we could land a tall centre back. Hangeland or even Kompany, though I think he would be quite expensive.

    I know this was directed at Baboo but Fab leaving Arsenal scares me. I don't want to see that happen and sadly I think it will sooner than later. There's other clubs that win big - i.e. Barca - and if we continue to not raise any silverware, he's going to get tired of it and leave. I hope Arsene turns it around.
     
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  32. baboo72

    baboo72 Bleeding aqua & orange

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    I can't get the link as I get Arsenal news through my o2 phone but according to Melo he doesn't want to go anywhere and loves it where he is. If I can get the links I'll post..

    Also, Arsenal have put a price tag of £40mil on Cesc - trying to put off Barca & Real Madrid! to me thats not scarring them off thats giving them a budget! :pity: We're begining to look like a selling team.

    I agree with you on Hangeland though Alen, I think he (and Richards! :wink2:) would be great additions and shore up what was our weakest position last year.
     
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  33. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    No worries, I've been following on Sky and they update regularly. Its funny that he says that because he almost had a deal done for a move to Juve.

    Oh man! I would have put it very much higher, like seventy. :lol: That's terrible though, if we sell him, I'm going to be pissed off. Sell Nasri instead. :shifty:

    Micah Richards? I didn't get to see much of him recently but I've heard he's struggled. Any truth to that?
     
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  34. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5415194,00.html
     
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  35. baboo72

    baboo72 Bleeding aqua & orange

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    Not sure what Melo is upto? Maybe trying to up the price?

    If AC were prepared to pay £35m for Adebayor last year that must mean Cesc is worth £70 easily!

    Richards did struggle last year, out of form and put on a bit of weight but he returned to form during the under 21 championship, looking like the form he showed a couple of years ago that saw him break into the England lineup.

    I've not heard much about Matuidi, how do you rate him?
     
  36. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Maybe. Some people have linked him with AC too but nothing has come out of that. The only bids that was made for Melo that I've read about multiple times is Arsene's bid of fifteen million as well as Inter's bid of a player plus cash.

    Completely agree but tell that to Arsene. :pity:

    Ah, I see. Hopefully we can purchase him but only if he's committed. I dont' want to see a lazy player on the pitch anymore.

    I don't know much about him either. I'm very limited when it comes to French ligue, haha. But Arsene must see something in him unless the magazines are making this story up.
     
  37. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Looks like you guys are right and Richards might be well on his way out. According to Sky, Man City officials have flown to Germany to attempt and negotiate a deal with Bayern for Lucio. I think that will be interesting if they get him because I felt he was a step slow a few times at the Confeds cup.

    Also, looks like Man U has another signing.

    http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5416628,00.html

    And yet another wild report about Melo.

    http://www.skysports.com/football/transfer_clockwatch/0,23710,14896,00.html
     
  38. Whitedolphin54

    Whitedolphin54 From the land of legends Luxury Box

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    Man City are an up and coming team with lots of money to spend. I don't see it happening this year but it cant be too far away. But to do that they have to keep hold of players like Micah Richards. if they sign a great CB then richards can play at RB, where he is just as good a player.
     
  39. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Very true. Lets just hope that they want to get rid of him. :)
     
  40. Whitedolphin54

    Whitedolphin54 From the land of legends Luxury Box

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    Well for sure they wont want to get rid of him. But they may use him as bait for a big player to come in. If I were the big cheese there though I would want to strengthen the squad, and I would do that from the back first. I would be looking to strengthen the defense and midfield this year, and by selling the best player they have in the back four would be a huge mistake IMO. They have to get another CB or FB, but that doesn't mean that they will get rid of Richards, but that also doesn't mean they wont trade him for a more experienced player, if that player comes along.
     
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