Football (Soccer)

[lowrey]

agreed on every part. amazing game, great individual performances all around. incredible goalkeeping in both ends as well.

[Faust]

I can't believe the game totally slipped my mind.

[Czx]

agreed on every part. amazing game, great individual performances all around. incredible goalkeeping in both ends as well.

Yes, Neuer and Weidenfeller are both oustanding goalies. The only thing Neuer lacks to Roman imo is the charisma and perfect composure but I think that will come with age. About that second one I really awe the way Roman saved one of the shots with his face without a blink of an eye. That's a denial of natural human reflexes, amazing.

[lowrey]

[peerc]

^that first gif, money

[peerc]

[Sombre]

Just saw the Super Cup match between Bayern Munich and Chelsea (spoiler alert if you haven't seen it yet).












Bayern eventually won on penalties, but they've already become extremely boring under Guardiola. I've seen them a couple of other times this season already, and Guardiola managed to turn the quick, penetrative, exciting team from last season into what is starting to look like another Barca copy. Lots of short, useless passes now, Robben and Ribery look like they have less freedom than under Heynckes, Schweinsteiger's passing range looks to be stifled a bit, and Guardiola keeps experimenting unsuccessfully with formation and personnel. I don't see Bayern's dominance continuing under Guardiola. Not only is the new style boring, it's less effective than Heynckes fast-paced game.

As for Chelsea, another defensive Mourinho team. Nothing more to say.

[Faust]

So, the World Cup draw was yesterday. Looks like US is kinda screwed. :(


Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

Group C: Colombia, Greece, Côte d’Ivoire, Japan

Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras

Group F: Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria

Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA

Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea Republic

[k3mist]

did not realize there is a football thread here.
but anyway, lets be fair..the USA would struggle to qualify from any group :p

the interesting group is D. cant really tell who will finish top 2

[Verdandi]

Well, I sure hope that Italy pulls through even though the NT is a hot mess right now. Then again, England is also a hot mess most of the time and Uruguay is unpredictable as well.

Brazil and Argentina really got lucky with the draw.

[AngelofDeath]

As long as the US can exact revenge on Ghana, I'll be happy.

[Picasso]

Well, I sure hope that Italy pulls through even though the NT is a hot mess right now. Then again, England is also a hot mess most of the time and Uruguay is unpredictable as well.

Brazil and Argentina really got lucky with the draw.

Italy is hardly a mess, they are a tournament team and they've shown it time and time again. I remember them being a 'mess' in the euros and they went on to destroy a great German side and come short in the final to Spain. Don't see any chance of the USA getting out of their respective group because the sides in the group are far better and each have the ability to win the game in a moment (excluding. Ghana)

[Verdandi]

Italy is not anywhere near their Euro 2008 condition right now and their key players aren't getting any younger. I never understood why people considered the Azzurra a mess before the Euros, anyone who follows Serie A knew that they were not to be underestimated. As much as I want to, I don't see them getting very far this time around.

Speaking of tournament teams: It should really be Germany's time but I doubt it will happen as long as Jogi Löw is there.

[Sombre]

Italy is not anywhere near their Euro 2008 condition right now and their key players aren't getting any younger. I never understood why people considered the Azzurra a mess before the Euros, anyone who follows Serie A knew that they were not to be underestimated. As much as I want to, I don't see them getting very far this time around.

Speaking of tournament teams: It should really be Germany's time but I doubt it will happen as long as Jogi Löw is there.

I couldn't agree more. Everyone keeps talking about what a great job he's doing, but all I can see is how he comes up short at big moments (the Euro semi-final against Italy last year the most glaringly obvious). With the players at his disposal they should at the very least won the Euros. He has arguably the best squad in the world and can't pass the semis of any tournament. I admire the current German team, but I doubt history will remember them as long as Loew is in charge.

[Faust]

Bump, for obvious reason.