Champions League!!!

[Iceman]

Oh, I looked at Italy's list and Maldini's not on it! I don't know why. Anyone knows?

& Giuly not in the French squad

What's going on? :confused::confused:

[Equinox]

Oh, I looked at Italy's list and Maldini's not on it! I don't know why. Anyone knows?

Didnt he retire from the national team? :confused:

[Equinox]

Yeah along with Paraguay, Trinidad and Sweden. If everything works out as I've planned we'll get Poland in the 2nd round, Holland in the quarters. Brazil in the semis and Argentina in the final (assuming we get past Ronaldinho & co).


No chance in hell. :o

[R_9]

Didnt he retire from the national team? :confused:

yeah, I think so

[logansoldcigar]

This could cripple Juve if they don't have champions league football I doubt they will be able to afford to keep the likes of Zlatan, Buffon (whose off to Milan apparently in exchange for bleeding Abbiati!) Trezeguet etc. Juventus don't have the money alot would believe, they could not afford to buy Viera unless they had shipped out 3 players. Despite being the best supported club in Italy they still get low attendances figures. I honestly think if they are found Guilty they will go under.

they are also owned by Fiat. God goes to Fiat and asks for a loan

[R_9]

Looks like henry isn't going to leave Arsenal

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2006230140,00.html

[kit1982]

Looks like henry isn't going to leave Arsenal

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2006230140,00.html

To be honest I think he lacks any bottle, he knows he can stay at Arsenal play poorly in big matches yet still get treated like a king. Its the right time for him to move he's accomplished all he really can at Arsenal.

[DBella]

Didnt he retire from the national team? :confused:
Did he? That must be the case then as I can't comprehend a national team without the Great Maldini.

& Giuly not in the French squad

What's going on? :confused::confused:
Ahhh...yes, I forgot to mention about him too.

Did he retire from the National team too?

[DBella]

they are also owned by Fiat. God goes to Fiat and asks for a loan
When I was living in Italy there were news that Fiat was going bankrupt (kinda like KMart was).

[DBella]

No chance in hell. :o
I'm with you there, cous. :o :D

[Van Petrol]

To be honest I think he lacks any bottle, he knows he can stay at Arsenal play poorly in big matches yet still get treated like a king. Its the right time for him to move he's accomplished all he really can at Arsenal.

Wrong. He has to be one of the most genuine footballers there is. If he would have gone to Barca he would have undoubtedly been paid more and so what if he played poorly, footballers are only human none of them are perfect.
What you forget is that is in comparison to other teams Arsenal have one of the smallest squads around for a top flight club. So whereas other teams can move players in and out all season, Arsenal basically play only an 11 man team for a whole season. So its understandable if they underperform at times, but they have to be able to go the distance in order to keep up with other clubs.
What this shows is that he has loyalty to the club, he has said himself he will not forget the club for what they did for him. When he came to Arsenal he was aon a bit of a down slide, but while at Arsenal he has basically become the player he is today.
No he is loyal 100%, he treats the game with respect rather than of it as a business. Its just too bad theres not more players like him.

I am extremely pleased Thierry is staying! :up:

[Mee]

I was wondering, what do you people overseas think of the U.S. team? Like how far do you think we can get? I hate the group were in, first round we got Czech and Italy.

[Van Petrol]

Too be honest I think the U.S. team have progressed really well. I was very surprised and extremely pleased by how far they got in the last World Cup. Although I am fully behind England, I will be rooting for the U.S. as well! :):up:

[Mee]

Too be honest I think the U.S. team have progressed really well. I was very surprised and extremely pleased by how far they got in the last World Cup. Although I am fully behind England, I will be rooting for the U.S. as well! :):up:
It'd be great if we get at least that far again, then the country may start to really accept soccer.

[kit1982]

Wrong. He has to be one of the most genuine footballers there is. If he would have gone to Barca he would have undoubtedly been paid more and so what if he played poorly, footballers are only human none of them are perfect.
What you forget is that is in comparison to other teams Arsenal have one of the smallest squads around for a top flight club. So whereas other teams can move players in and out all season, Arsenal basically play only an 11 man team for a whole season. So its understandable if they underperform at times, but they have to be able to go the distance in order to keep up with other clubs.
What this shows is that he has loyalty to the club, he has said himself he will not forget the club for what they did for him. When he came to Arsenal he was aon a bit of a down slide, but while at Arsenal he has basically become the player he is today.
No he is loyal 100%, he treats the game with respect rather than of it as a business. Its just too bad theres not more players like him.

I am extremely pleased Thierry is staying! :up:

Wrong? its an opinion mate. Henry doesn't perform in big matches for Arsenal? he has 2 goals against the top 3 all season, the best players in the world perform when it really matters. The fact that Henry consistantly fails to be the big game player at Arsenal and France has little to do with him being a human. As for he's accomplished all he can at Arsenal being wrong? Besides the CL and the carling cup what else is left to win? He would've actually got paid less at Barca aswell.

As for the USA in the world cup, they are a very good side. Did amazingly well at Japan and Korea with some very talented players Dempsey, Donovan, McBride, Leeds Uniteds own Eddie Lewis! Bobby Convey. I think you'll miss Friedel in goal, I don't rate Keller at all. You have a tough group but there's always a suprise at the WC and I don't think theres any reason why the USA can't do it again.

[Van Petrol]

^ Yeah I apologise, everyones entitled to their opinion. I just get really annoyed sometimes because Arsenal are criticised and attacked more than they are praised.

[Iceman]

No chance in hell. :o

Probably not :( - at least I can dream for one more month.

[kit1982]

^ Yeah I apologise, everyones entitled to their opinion. I just get really annoyed sometimes because Arsenal are criticised and attacked more than they are praised.

No worries, I just get annoyed because I think theres more to Arsenal than Henry, I hate the way consistantly good displays from the likes of Toure, Lehman, Pires(in a defensive capacity which is really Alien to him),Eboue get no sort of praise what so ever. I thought on wednesday Almunia performed very well and made an outstanding save from Eto'o yet you hear nothing of it. Just think its about time the rest of the team get the credit it deserves.

[Van Petrol]

^ That I agree 100% with. :up:

[Iceman]

Ahhh...yes, I forgot to mention about him too.

Did he retire from the National team too?

I've not heard anything about Giuly retiring. I'd be very surprised as he hasn't had the opportunity to do too much with the national team yet.

When I was living in Italy there were news that Fiat was going bankrupt (kinda like KMart was).

When/how long did you live in Italy?

[Iceman]

No worries, I just get annoyed because I think theres more to Arsenal than Henry, I hate the way consistantly good displays from the likes of Toure, Lehman, Pires(in a defensive capacity which is really Alien to him),Eboue get no sort of praise what so ever. I thought on wednesday Almunia performed very well and made an outstanding save from Eto'o yet you hear nothing of it. Just think its about time the rest of the team get the credit it deserves.

Arsenal have a very promising young team who will be great in a couple of years (possibly even without Henry). Henry is the experienced leader and inspiration that can help them achieve their potential much more quickly. The opportunity to train and play with Henry is one of the reasons given by a lot of the younger players for joining Arsenal in the first place. The whole team deserves a lot of credit for their performance in the final. :up:

[logansoldcigar]

When I was living in Italy there were news that Fiat was going bankrupt (kinda like KMart was).

Fiat own ferrari. have you seen the yearly budget for F1?

[Van Petrol]

Arsenal have a very promising young team who will be great in a couple of years (possibly even without Henry). Henry is the experienced leader and inspiration that can help them achieve their potential much more quickly. The opportunity to train and play with Henry is one of the reasons given by a lot of the younger players for joining Arsenal in the first place. The whole team deserves a lot of credit for their performance in the final. :up:

:up:

[R_9]

Probably not :( - at least I can dream for one more month.

Maybe Spain will defeat brazil before your match..., yeah, i can dream too :(

:D

[kit1982]

I've not heard anything about Giuly retiring. I'd be very surprised as he hasn't had the opportunity to do too much with the national team yet.



When/how long did you live in Italy?

Giulys just been simply left as Ribery has been included in his place, I even heard Riquelme won't be in the Argentina squad :eek: Its going to be a very strange world cup, seems like I'm going to older than alot of the players going and I'm only 19!

[R_9]

Giulys just been simply left as Ribery has been included in his place, I even heard Riquelme won't be in the Argentina squad :eek: Its going to be a very strange world cup, seems like I'm going to older than alot of the players going and I'm only 19!

Riquelme isn´t going with Argentina?! :eek: they don't even have many good players, how are they leavin him out?!?

[Iceman]

Maybe Spain will defeat brazil before your match..., yeah, i can dream too :(

:D

That would be very generous of you guys. :up:

Dive, cheat - do whatever it takes :D

[R_9]

That would be very generous of you guys. :up:

Dive, cheat - do whatever it takes :D

We'll do our best, maybe the government should arrest Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, robinho and cicinho and don't let them leave the country now that they are here... ummm i think it could work!!:up:

[Iceman]

Giulys just been simply left as Ribery has been included in his place, I even heard Riquelme won't be in the Argentina squad :eek: Its going to be a very strange world cup, seems like I'm going to older than alot of the players going and I'm only 19!

Shame they couldn't fit Giuly in - a loss for the World Cup IMO. :(

Riquelme is in Argentina's submitted squad. He can only be withdrawn if he gets injured now.

& it must be mindblowing for a 17 year old guy who's never played top level football to be going to the world cup.

[Iceman]

We'll do our best, maybe the government should arrest Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, robinho, cicinho and robinho and don't let them leave the country now that they are here... ummm i think it could work!!:up:

As long as Adriano and Kaka mysteriously contract food poisoning the day before the match as well, I think that plan could work :up:

[kit1982]

Shame they couldn't fit Giuly in - a loss for the World Cup IMO. :(

Riquelme is in Argentina's submitted squad. He can only be withdrawn if he gets injured now.

& it must be mindblowing for a 17 year old guy who's never played top level football to be going to the world cup.

Phew i was going to say about Riquelme! The manager publicly said he may not go thank god he got some sense! Don't start me on Theo Walcott... dear god i'm sure every nation is quaking in its boots at facing the odd couple Crouch and Walcott!

[kit1982]

As long as Adriano and Kaka mysteriously contract food poisoning the day before the match as well, I think that plan could work :up:

It happened to the whole spurs team so its not impossible!

[R_9]

It happened to the whole spurs team so its not impossible!

then let's pray!!!

[Iceman]

Phew i was going to say about Riquelme! The manager publicly said he may not go thank god he got some sense! Don't start me on Theo Walcott... dear god i'm sure every nation is quaking in its boots at facing the odd couple Crouch and Walcott!

Walcott is Defoe's replacement for the half time panto with Drouch.

[R_9]

What do you all think about france? This is Zidane's last championship and henry will want to show that he is a champion despite losing the champions league

[Iceman]

It happened to the whole spurs team so its not impossible!

You know I'm not even completely joking when I say that Sven needs to consider all his alternatives. :eek:

[kit1982]

You know I'm not even completely joking when I say that Sven needs to consider all his alternatives. :eek:

Bring in Wenger as his number 2, I hear Arsene cooks a mean lasagne...

[Iceman]

Bring in Wenger as his number 2, I hear Arsene cooks a mean lasagne...

Ronaldinho should be forcefed the remains of the Marriott's lunch do off the floor as a reward for his Champions League triumph.

[kit1982]

What do you all think about france? This is Zidane's last championship and henry will want to show that he is a champion despite losing the champions league

France are my favourites, poor in qualification but too much talent not to do anything. But then again they do have Barthez as their number 1 so anything is possible! I think Cisse will be the suprise main man for France

[Iceman]

France are my favourites, poor in qualification but too much talent not to do anything. But then again they do have Barthez as their number 1 so anything is possible! I think Cisse will be the suprise main man for France

Favourites as in you like them the most or expect them to win?

[kit1982]

Favourites as in you like them the most or expect them to win?

I expect them to win, my favourites as in team I like the most is England, but since Rooneys injury and Svens squad I'm beginning to have a few doubts

[Iceman]

I expect them to win, my favourites as in team I like the most is England, but since Rooneys injury and Svens squad I'm beginning to have a few doubts

Very interesting. I've not heard too many others mention France. Surely they can't have gone from being the best team in the world to non contenders so quickly. Without Brazil this would be one of the most open world cups. I think there are about 7 or 8 teams capable of winning it.

[Equinox]

then let's pray!!!

HAHA! Hilarious you guys.. :D


























:mad::mad::down:down

[DBella]

Riquelme isn´t going with Argentina?! :eek: they don't even have many good players, how are they leavin him out?!?
He is. You can check the list at FIFA's WC website.

[DBella]

As long as Adriano and Kaka mysteriously contract food poisoning the day before the match as well, I think that plan could work :up:
Hahaha! Wait... I am not supposed to laugh at your plan to poison my imaginary husband (kaka'). :mad:

[Iceman]

Hahaha! Wait... I am not supposed to laugh at your plan to poison my imaginary husband (kaka'). :mad:

Perfect - we can use you as an insider to infiltrate the Brazilian team's culinary plans. If the golden boy misses the world cup he can stay at home with you.

I think we have a plan :up:

[DBella]

Perfect - we can use you as an insider to infiltrate the Brazilian team's culinary plans. If the golden boy misses the world cup he can stay at home with you. I think we have a plan :up:
I dreamt of that actually. I posted it before. So that was why I had that dream. You wicked people! :mad:

As much as I love him to be at home with me, I'd love him more if he's on the field and help his team annihilate the other teams. It will be Brazil vs. Italy in the finals and Brazil will take the Cup.

[kit1982]

Very interesting. I've not heard too many others mention France. Surely they can't have gone from being the best team in the world to non contenders so quickly. Without Brazil this would be one of the most open world cups. I think there are about 7 or 8 teams capable of winning it.

I honestly don't think Brazil will win the world cup, I think a Czech Republic or an Italy or even an Ivory Coast could stop them from playing with ease. Czech Republic and Italy due to their defensive capabilities and the Ivory coast due to their strength and power. Everyone seems to know most teams starting line ups apart from the french who have a wealth of options, they can play with pace and have Henry+ Saha/ Cisse, they can play a big man quick man partnership Trezeguet+ Cisse/Henry/Saha or they can play a much more defensive game and play Trezeguet up on his own, have Ribery just behind with Henry and Cisse on the wings.

[Iceman]

I honestly don't think Brazil will win the world cup, I think a Czech Republic or an Italy or even an Ivory Coast could stop them from playing with ease. Czech Republic and Italy due to their defensive capabilities and the Ivory coast due to their strength and power. Everyone seems to know most teams starting line ups apart from the french who have a wealth of options, they can play with pace and have Henry+ Saha/ Cisse, they can play a big man quick man partnership Trezeguet+ Cisse/Henry/Saha or they can play a much more defensive game and play Trezeguet up on his own, have Ribery just behind with Henry and Cisse on the wings.

They do seem to have a lot more options than most other teams. England don't really have any viable proven variations. Brazil probably have the most attacking flair but I could see certain teams successfully defending a 1-0 against them (like Arsenal nearly:( did against Barca with 10 men).

[Iceman]

I dreamt of that actually. I posted it before. So that was why I had that dream. You wicked people! :mad:

As much as I love him to be at home with me, I'd love him more if he's on the field and help his team annihilate the other teams. It will be Brazil vs. Italy in the finals and Brazil will take the Cup.

No I can't accept that - his responsibility is taking care of your needs at home. ;)

Do you really want another Brazil Vs Italy final? At least the penalty shootout will be something to look forward to.

[DBella]

No I can't accept that - his responsibility is taking care of your needs at home. ;)

Do you really want another Brazil Vs Italy final? At least the penalty shootout will be something to look forward to.
His responsibility is to make me happy and that means playing is heart out on the field. And looking all sexy in sweat. :o (I better just shut up now. :O)

You're mocking me, aren't you? What have I done to you to be reminded of that penalty shootout. :(:(

If it's going to be another Brazil vs. Italy final, I hope there'll be no need for penalty shootout. The game will be won decisively. Either team gets the Cup, I'm happy.

[giggs11uk]

England second seed in the World Cup were going to win

I hate barcelona though Chelsea should have one I am a Chelsea Fan 24/7 just like my old hype sn

[Iceman]

His responsibility is to make me happy and that means playing is heart out on the field. And looking all sexy in sweat. :o (I better just shut up now. :O)

You're mocking me, aren't you? What have I done to you to be reminded of that penalty shootout. :(:(

If it's going to be another Brazil vs. Italy final, I hope there'll be no need for penalty shootout. The game will be won decisively. Either team gets the Cup, I'm happy.

Would I mock ;) - England have lost enough penalty shoots so we know better than most how it feels. Although losing in the final must be the worst.

Everyone seems to have Brazil as their 2nd team if their main team goes out :up:

[DBella]

Would I mock ;) - England have lost enough penalty shoots so we know better than most how it feels. Although losing in the final must be the worst.

Everyone seems to have Brazil as their 2nd team if their main team goes out :up:
Oh yeah, losing in the final, penalty shootout no less, is... horrible. The Italian team looks pretty strong and I'd be happy if we make it to the semi-final. But you can't deny that the Brazillian line-up looks the most impressive of all. If they don't take the Cup, it'll be quite a surprise. Oh the pressure!

[Van Petrol]

Penalties are a terrible way to decide a game. Its not a case of skill, talent or quality...its just luck..

[kit1982]

Penalties are a terrible way to decide a game. Its not a case of skill, talent or quality...its just luck..

I wouldn't say that, I think its a shame because when a game goes to penalties very often you feel neither side really deserved to lose, but I'd say it takes talent, skill and most importantly guts. If you think about it professinal players should not be missing penalties, its one of the simplest tasks you could ask a player to do

[R_9]

Penalties are a terrible way to decide a game. Its not a case of skill, talent or quality...its just luck..

When Zidane shoots a penalty there's no luck involved, it's pure talent :up:

[Van Petrol]

There is always luck. The person taking the spot kick can never be sure of where the keeper will go, and vice versa.

[kit1982]

There is always luck. The person taking the spot kick can never be sure of where the keeper will go, and vice versa.

A keeper should not be saving penalties, thats why keepers love them because nothing is expected. If you put a penalty low and right in the corner the keeper will never get near it. Look at the germans they haven't missed any penalties in over 20 years, you can't tell me they've just been lucky all the time?

[R_9]

A keeper should not be saving penalties, thats why keepers love them because nothing is expected. If you put a penalty low and right in the corner the keeper will never get near it. Look at the germans they haven't missed any penalties in over 20 years, you can't tell me they've just been lucky all the time?

I agree:up:

[Van Petrol]

Most of the time the keeper stands in one spot, sometimes he hovers on the line. If the keeper is allowed to do that there is always a chance of stopping a shot regardless of wherever it is put.

[R_9]

Every goalkeeper agrees that a good shot is unstoppable

[Van Petrol]

But it is still not impossible to save.

[Van Petrol]

Oh and I'm not saying that penalties are not based purely on luck. I agree that compsure, accuracy, talent and skill play a big part. But there is also the factor of the luck of the draw, you can't deny that there isn't.

[R_9]

nothing is impossible...

Do you remember the penalty that Zidane shot on euro 2000 against protugal? I doubt that any keeper can stop that

[kit1982]

Oh and I'm not saying that penalties are not based purely on luck. I agree that compsure, accuracy, talent and skill play a big part. But there is also the factor of the luck of the draw, you can't deny that there isn't.

There is a certain amount of luck as in how a player will cop with the pressure, but thats what they have expensive sports psychologists for nowdays and as said before how come the Germans seem to be experts at it? Because they have the right attitude, considering Gerrard, Lampard Beckham etc can hit the ball in the goal from 25 yards you must admit its shocking that they can't beat the keeper from 12 yards.

[Van Petrol]

Granted, though I do find it more shocking to beat the keeper from 25 yards than 12. :D

[R_9]

Now that the champions league is over, shouldn't we make a World Cup thread?

[Mee]

Now that the champions league is over, shouldn't we make a World Cup thread?
Guess so.

[Iceman]

Oh yeah, losing in the final, penalty shootout no less, is... horrible. The Italian team looks pretty strong and I'd be happy if we make it to the semi-final. But you can't deny that the Brazillian line-up looks the most impressive of all. If they don't take the Cup, it'll be quite a surprise. Oh the pressure!

I've calculated Argentina Vs Italy and England Vs Brazil in the semis.

That would be quite an achievement for Italy as you'd have to beat France.

Brazil definitely start the tournament as favourites.

[Iceman]

I think there already is a world cup thread but who cares, we'll post in the new one anyway.

& on penalties I don't think it's just luck. Some guys score 90% of the time others don't. There's definitely skill and "bottle" involved.

[Equinox]

My heart aches now.. I hope it is not true :(

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=ApEzN8uvBnYlHyeQCK1yXOYmw7YF?slug=afp-fblitascandalinter&prov=afp&type=lgns

[DBella]

My heart aches now.. I hope it is not true :(

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=ApEzN8uvBnYlHyeQCK1yXOYmw7YF?slug=afp-fblitascandalinter&prov=afp&type=lgns


Holy crap!! Inter too? I hope both Inter and Milan will be cleared. But this does look bad for Inter, cous. :(

[Iceman]

At this rate the whole of Seria A will have to be relegated into Serie B.

[Van Petrol]

Are they actually relegating any teams as of yet?

[Iceman]

Are they actually relegating any teams as of yet?

Not till anything's proven.

[Van Petrol]

Ah, ok.

[DBella]

At this rate the whole of Seria A will have to be relegated into Serie B.
Mostly just the top teams, I think.
Darn corruption!

[R_9]

At this rate the whole of Seria A will have to be relegated into Serie B.

This thing has no end, every team has cheated :(:( :down

[Iceman]

This thing has no end, every team has cheated :(:( :down

If true they could be banned from Europe like English teams were.

[R_9]

If true they could be banned from Europe like English teams were.

If that's the case, then next year's champions league is going to be a bit boring without Milan, juve and inter

[Van Petrol]

Not only that, but probably a large majority of players from those teams would desert them.

[Iceman]

This thing is a lot bigger than the amount of publicity it's received so far.

[R_9]

yeah, it's surprising how everybody is trying to ignore this. :confused:

[Van Petrol]

^ How so?...

[Iceman]

Any event that threatens the validity of the results of the most important leagues in the world should be the biggest football news going. Most football sites / newspapers are only running a couple of stories on it.

[Equinox]

Holy crap!! Inter too? I hope both Inter and Milan will be cleared. But this does look bad for Inter, cous. :(

I never thought Fachetti, of all people, would do this.. He is one of the greatest defenders to play for Italy and Inter.. I hope all this is not true.. I'll never know until the results come out..

But my heart is truly broken now :(

[DBella]

I never thought Fachetti, of all people, would do this.. He is one of the greatest defenders to play for Italy and Inter.. I hope all this is not true.. I'll never know until the results come out..

But my heart is truly broken now :(
I know how you feel for I feel the same way. :(

[Equinox]

I know how you feel for I feel the same way. :(

One more article from Channel4.com.. I dunno what to make of it,

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may21h.html

[R_9]

So, inter just asked about the referees?

[Equinox]

So, inter just asked about the referees?

Yeah, just asked... Never influenced the decision making.. Which Im happy about..

But Im not sure, if you're allowed to ask in the first case?:confused:

[R_9]

well, asking about that isn't such an evil thing...

[Equinox]

well, asking about that isn't such an evil thing...

If you know that is the case for sure...then Im Happy :):):up::up:

[Maxwell Smart]

R_9 a British mate of mine is insisting to me that Real Madrid has something to do with far right-wing politics. Is that true?

[R_9]

the problem is if asking wasn't the only thing they did, but everybody is innocent until proven guilty :)

[Equinox]

R_9 a British mate of mine is insisting to me that Real Madrid has something to do with far right-wing politics. Is that true?

Traditionally if a city has two clubs..You will mostly see the fans of one club belonging to the right wing and the fans of the other club at the left wing... Im not sure if its always true, but it holds for Milan and Rome...

[Equinox]

the problem is if asking wasn't the only thing they did, but everybody is innocent until proven guilty :)

Yes..that's true :up:

[Maxwell Smart]

Traditionally if a city has two clubs..You will mostly see the fans of one club belonging to the right wing and the fans of the other club at the left wing... Im not sure if its always true, but it holds for Milan and Rome...

Does Madrid have more than one club?

[Equinox]

Does Madrid have more than one club?

Yes...Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid...

[R_9]

R_9 a British mate of mine is insisting to me that Real Madrid has something to do with far right-wing politics. Is that true?

that's not true.
That is something other teams say because we won a lot of champions leagues on the 50s (the first five on a row) and during that time there was a dictatorship on spain, so we became the "dictator's team". But if you take a look at that time you'll see that Barça won more leagues than madrid an athletic bilbao won most spanish cups, besides Spain was isolated from the rest of Europe due to the dictatorship so I highly doubt that Franco (the dictator) had any influence in the international championships.

[R_9]

Yes...Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid...

During the dictatorship Atletico madrid was atletico aviación, the army's team, so come to your own conclusions. :)

[Maxwell Smart]

During the dictatorship Atletico madrid was atletico aviación, the army's team, so come to your own conclusions.

Really? My friend told me Real Madrid was Franco's team though.

[Maxwell Smart]

that's not true.
That is something other teams say because we won a lot of champions leagues on the 50s (the first five on a row) and during that time there was a dictatorship on spain, so we became the "dictator's team". But if you take a look at that time you'll see that Barça won more leagues than madrid an athletic bilbao won most spanish cups, besides Spain was isolated from the rest of Europe due to the dictatorship so I highly doubt that Franco (the dictator) had any influence in the international championships.

Okay, but I read on wikipedia about some R.M. fans displaying Celtic crosses and Swastikas.

[R_9]

Well, you just have to see who won more spanish championships during that time...while madrid won european championships (where franco didn't have any power) :)

[R_9]

Okay, but I read on wikipedia about some R.M. fans displaying Celtic crosses and Swastikas.

There's stupid people everywhere. :down

[Maxwell Smart]

There's stupid people everywhere.

chico, no hay nada más verdad

[kit1982]

Someone please help me stop the pain!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4771857.stm

:( Not even Beer is helping

[Whirlysplat]

Someone please help me stop the pain!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4771857.stm

:( Not even Beer is helping

Poor Kit but things could be worse, you could be a Millwall fan like me.

- Whirly

[unknownuser]

Aww, I was actually looking forward to Leeds back in the premiership :(

[Iceman]

Someone please help me stop the pain!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4771857.stm

:( Not even Beer is helping

Saw that - unfortunately nothing can help - if that makes you feel any better. :( Probably the worst match that a club team can lose - but at least it wasn't close - a penalty shootout would have been harder to take.

Time to look forward to the World Cup.

[Equinox]

Someone please help me stop the pain!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4771857.stm

:( Not even Beer is helping

That sucks.. Im sorry Kit :(

Waiting for one more season again totally sucks! :down

[kit1982]

That sucks.. Im sorry Kit :(

Waiting for one more season again totally sucks! :down

Tis ok, I guess I think our clubs are quite similar they both always seem to be so close yet so far away!

[Iceman]

Shevchenko announces he will leave Milan.

Hope he comes to Chelsea.

[Van Petrol]

^ He most probably will, it looks all set..

[Iceman]

I think he wants to go there, Chelsea want him and Milan want to sell to them to maximise their return. All that stands in the way now is £30m or so.

[Equinox]

Chelsea looks all set to be the new Real Madrid..

Lot of superstars in one team will lead to ZERO trophies in the future :up:

[Iceman]

Chelsea looks all set to be the new Real Madrid..

Lot of superstars in one team will lead to ZERO trophies in the future :up:

That would be very entertaining :p


I fear the key difference with Chelsea is that they have a competent manager running the club (rather than the higher ups) who isn't afraid to drop out of form star players.

[Equinox]

That would be very entertaining :p


I fear the key difference with Chelsea is that they have a competent manager running the club (rather than the higher ups) who isn't afraid to drop out of form star players.

I just hope that Mourinho someday takes over Inter and turns all our crybaby players *cough/Adriano\cough* into real tough professionals :) :up:

[Iceman]

I just hope that Mourinho someday takes over Inter and turns all our crybaby players *cough/Adriano\cough* into real tough professionals :) :up:

Yeah whatever happened to him?

Italian football is going downhill *checks Bella's not around*

Juve match fixing - relegation
Inter - not doing anything
AC - losing their best player

[Equinox]

Yeah whatever happened to him?

Italian football is going downhill *checks Bella's not around*

Juve match fixing - relegation
Inter - not doing anything
AC - losing their best player

Adriano has been acting like a real cry baby lately.. First, before leaving for the Brazil training camp, he says that he is fine at Inter and he will win the world cup and he will cme back and win for Inter.. And a few days back he gives a press conference saying, he's not happy at Inter and he's happy only with Brazil :rolleyes: .. This isn't even the first time he's done that :down

Seriously Adriano, Get a life.. Inter is not a 'theme park with jokers' to keep you happy and smiling everyday.. Lot of players go through bad patches, but I havent seen anyone complaining as much as him :down .. If he doesnt like it, Just say it firm and Leave the club.. Enough of complaining one day and acting as if nothing happened the next :mad:

As for Italian football, I wont say it is going downhill 'yet'... But this scandal was really needed to get the truth out and start cleaning up the system that was rotten!

[Iceman]

Adriano has been acting like a real cry baby lately.. First, before leaving for the Brazil training camp, he says that he is fine at Inter and he will win the world cup and he will cme back and win for Inter.. And a few days back he gives a press conference saying, he's not happy at Inter and he's happy only with Brazil :rolleyes: .. This isn't even the first time he's done that :down

Seriously Adriano, Get a life.. Inter is not a 'theme park with jokers' to keep you happy and smiling everyday.. Lot of players go through bad patches, but I havent seen anyone complaining as much as him :down .. If he doesnt like it, Just say it firm and Leave the club.. Enough of complaining one day and acting as if nothing happened the next :mad:

As for Italian football, I wont say it is going downhill 'yet'... But this scandal was really needed to get the truth out and start cleaning up the system that was rotten!

When did Adriano first start all this? Do you think he will actually leave?

Are you following the Italian thing at the moment? I don't seem to hear much about it without looking, given how significant it is.

[Equinox]

When did Adriano first start all this? Do you think he will actually leave?

Are you following the Italian thing at the moment? I don't seem to hear much about it without looking, given how significant it is.

Adriano has been doing this ever since the season was coming to a close! Always saying things like "Inter does not give me happiness" and crap like that.. I think he might pull a "Ronaldo" and leave us after the World cup.. Much like what Ronaldo did after winning the World cup in '02...

Traitors :( :down

Nothing concrete has come out of the Italian scandal yet.. Investigations are still on. There's talk of the serie A season being delayed next season until they bring out sme results from the investigations!

[DBella]

Sheva... please don't leave Milan for Chelsea!!! :(:(:(

Btw, I/P, I saw that little note of yours!
But I agree with you, it IS going downhill. *heart breaking*

[Equinox]

Sheva... please don't leave Milan for Chelsea!!! :(:(:(

Sadly he is :( .. Unless someone can go and teach his kids English :confused:

[R_9]

Chelsea is going to be a really dangerous team with sheva... They didn't have a guy who could score 25 or 30 goals per season until now

[Van Petrol]

I think the word going around now is that the transfer fee for Sheva is around £35 million.

[DBella]

Chelsea is going to be a really dangerous team with sheva... They didn't have a guy who could score 25 or 30 goals per season until now
But it's not confirmed yet if he's going to Chelsea, right? Most likely he will. And he'll be reunited with his ex-Milan teammate, Crespo. I actually like those two paired up up front. If he moves to Chelsea, I'll be watching Chelsea's games more often than I do now. Stinkin' Sheva. :( But he'll always be one of my favorites. :up:

Sadly he is :( .. Unless someone can go and teach his kids English :confused:
With all his money, I'd think he'd be able to afford a private tutor for his son. :down: :(

[Equinox]

With all his money, I'd think he'd be able to afford a private tutor for his son. :down: :(

That's why I dont buy all his talk of wanting to move to London just to teach his kids English :confused::down

[Equinox]

But it's not confirmed yet if he's going to Chelsea, right? Most likely he will. And he'll be reunited with his ex-Milan teammate, Crespo. I actually like those two paired up up front. If he moves to Chelsea, I'll be watching Chelsea's games more often than I do now. Stinkin' Sheva. :( But he'll always be one of my favorites. :up:

Crespo is not staying at Chelsea next season. In all likelyhood, he will be back at Milan...

[DBella]

Crespo is not staying at Chelsea next season. In all likelyhood, he will be back at Milan...
For real?? :D :D

That's why I dont buy all his talk of wanting to move to London just to teach his kids English :confused::down
Neither do I.

[Equinox]

For real??

Yeah..Looks 90% likely to happen..

I really hope Adriano shuts up from now on and plays with his heart or just leaves the club to join a circus, where they will be able to make him laugh and be happy everyday :mad::down

[Van Petrol]

Last I heard Chelsea wanted to keep Crespo. Haven't they offered him a new contract?

[Equinox]

Last I heard Chelsea wanted to keep Crespo. Haven't they offered him a new contract?

I dunno.. Coz, last I heard Crespo wanted to return to Italy :confused: .. So I really dont know wat's happening...

[Iceman]

Adriano has been doing this ever since the season was coming to a close! Always saying things like "Inter does not give me happiness" and crap like that.. I think he might pull a "Ronaldo" and leave us after the World cup.. Much like what Ronaldo did after winning the World cup in '02...

Traitors :( :down

Nothing concrete has come out of the Italian scandal yet.. Investigations are still on. There's talk of the serie A season being delayed next season until they bring out sme results from the investigations!

I don' think it's worth hanging onto players who don't want to play for the club however good they might be.

& I still can't believe the Italian thing. Delaying the season is a major step although I suppose many of the World Cup players won't be complaining too hard.

Sheva... please don't leave Milan for Chelsea!!! :(:(:(

Btw, I/P, I saw that little note of yours!
But I agree with you, it IS going downhill. *heart breaking*

You'll have to switch to the Premiership ;)

At least you can watch Shevchenko there.

[Equinox]

You'll have to switch to the Premiership ;)

At least you can watch Shevchenko there.

When Ronaldo left Inter(BASTARD:mad: :down ) for Real.. I thought I would start watching Real Madrid games..

But I just could'nt :down ... And Im Glad I did not :up:

[Maxwell Smart]

Man I don't know all these terms. Whats the Premiership?

[Iceman]

When Ronaldo left Inter(BASTARD:mad: :down ) for Real.. I thought I would start watching Real Madrid games..

But I just could'nt :down ... And Im Glad I did not :up:

Same when Beckham went but there's been something very wrong with Madrid for about 3 years or so.

Man I don't know all these terms. Whats the Premiership?

aka English Premier League

[R_9]

Same when Beckham went but there's been something very wrong with Madrid for about 3 years or so.

We've had some of the worst coaches in the world :up:


:(

[DBella]

Yeah..Looks 90% likely to happen..

I really hope Adriano shuts up from now on and plays with his heart or just leaves the club to join a circus, where they will be able to make him laugh and be happy everyday :mad::down
Has Adriano been talking about leaving Inter?! :eek:

I don' think it's worth hanging onto players who don't want to play for the club however good they might be.

& I still can't believe the Italian thing. Delaying the season is a major step although I suppose many of the World Cup players won't be complaining too hard.

You'll have to switch to the Premiership ;)

At least you can watch Shevchenko there.
I agree. It's better that Sheva goes rather than have him forced to stay in Milan and be unhappy and play like crap.

I already have an EPL team though - The Red Devils. Now, if he plays for Man. Utd. I'll be a happy woman again. :up:

[DBella]

Man I don't know all these terms. Whats the Premiership?
Get Fox Soccer Channel and you'll get to see the English Premier League, Seria A, La Liga, Bundesliga, I believe they show Holland, Argentine League as well. :up:

[R_9]

Has Adriano been talking about leaving Inter?! :eek:


I've heard that he could come to Real Madrid, and so could Zlatan... but I don't believe this things until i see them.

[Equinox]

Has Adriano been talking about leaving Inter?! :eek:

Im guessing he will follow in Ronaldo's footsteps after the World cup :rolleyes:


I already have an EPL team though - The Red Devils. Now, if he plays for Man. Utd. I'll be a happy woman again. :up:

I heard Sheva wants to go to London.. So you count the Red Devils out of the race...

[Iceman]

I agree. It's better that Sheva goes rather than have him forced to stay in Milan and be unhappy and play like crap.

I already have an EPL team though - The Red Devils. Now, if he plays for Man. Utd. I'll be a happy woman again. :up:

:( for you

http://www.football365.com/news/story_186415.shtml

Chelsea clinch Sheva signing

Wednesday May 31 2006

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko from AC Milan for a fee of around £30million.
The 29-year-old flew into London to conclude negotiations with the Stamford Bridge club after announcing last week his intention to leave.
A statement posted on the www.acmilan.com (http://www.acmilan.com/) website said: "AC Milan communicates it has ceded definitely the sporting rights of footballer Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea Football Club."


We've had some of the worst coaches in the world :up:
:(
Eriksson could be next.

[Iceman]

I agree. It's better that Sheva goes rather than have him forced to stay in Milan and be unhappy and play like crap.

I already have an EPL team though - The Red Devils. Now, if he plays for Man. Utd. I'll be a happy woman again. :up:
This is from the AC Milan website:

http://www.acmilan.com/en/default.aspx

ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO: MILAN ANNOUNCEMENT

01/06/2006

A.C. Milan announce that it has ceded definitely the sporting rights of Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea Football Club. A.C. Milan would like to thank Shevchenko, an extraordinary man and striker, for the many emotions he has given us during his seven years with the Rossoneri jersey. His 173 goals - second in the all-time Milan goalscoring charts - has contributed in a vital manner to the winning of one Serie A title, an Italian Cup, a League Super Cup, a Champions League and a European Supercup.

[Equinox]

More on the Italian football scandal,

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may31j.html

[Equinox]

This is from the AC Milan website:

http://www.acmilan.com/en/default.asp

Something tells me that he'll be a flop at Chelsae :down

[DBella]

This is from the AC Milan website:

http://www.acmilan.com/en/default.aspx

ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO: MILAN ANNOUNCEMENT

01/06/2006

A.C. Milan announce that it has ceded definitely the sporting rights of Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea Football Club. A.C. Milan would like to thank Shevchenko, an extraordinary man and striker, for the many emotions he has given us during his seven years with the Rossoneri jersey. His 173 goals - second in the all-time Milan goalscoring charts - has contributed in a vital manner to the winning of one Serie A title, an Italian Cup, a League Super Cup, a Champions League and a European Supercup.
Dammit, Sheva!! Why not Man. Utd? :mad:
I could have tutored your son for free if you really wanted to stay at Milan.

[Iceman]

Something tells me that he'll be a flop at Chelsae :down

It'll be very hard for him to live up to his time in Italy. I don't think there's any chance of him being a Veron level flop but it might take him a while to adapt to English football at the age of 29.

[Iceman]

Dammit, Sheva!! Why not Man. Utd? :mad:
I could have tutored your son for free if you really wanted to stay at Milan.

If only he had found out in time, things could have been so different. :(:(





Actually I'm not :(, I'm :D

Welcome to England Sheva :p

[Equinox]

It'll be very hard for him to live up to his time in Italy. I don't think there's any chance of him being a Veron level flop but it might take him a while to adapt to English football at the age of 29.

Speaking of Veron.. He's leaving Inter.. Im happy :) :up:

[Iceman]

Speaking of Veron.. He's leaving Inter.. Im happy :) :up:

Congratulations :up:

Where's he going?

[kit1982]

Well Chelsea have pulled off a right coup and they didn't even have to give up Crespo, Gallas or Drogba. Hats off to the blues I've heard its in the region of £24 -30 million. I even think its less than Rio Ferdinands deal :up:
I think the Italian Scandal has affected him, well Serie A's loss is Englands gain. Can't wait to see him play in the FA cup on a cold tuesday night at Grimsby! God Bless Abramovich first Ballack and now Sheva :up:

[Equinox]

Congratulations :up:

Where's he going?

Who cares :mad:

I think back to Argentina...

[Equinox]

Well Chelsea have pulled off a right coup and they didn't even have to give up Crespo, Gallas or Drogba. Hats off to the blues I've heard its in the region of £24 -30 million. I even think its less than Rio Ferdinands deal :up:
I think the Italian Scandal has affected him, well Serie A's loss is Englands gain. Can't wait to see him play in the FA cup on a cold tuesday night at Grimsby! God Bless Abramovich first Ballack and now Sheva :up:

Rich Bastard :(

How is Rio Ferdinand playing by the way? I think he wasn't worth all that money...

[Iceman]

Well Chelsea have pulled off a right coup and they didn't even have to give up Crespo, Gallas or Drogba. Hats off to the blues I've heard its in the region of £24 -30 million. I even think its less than Rio Ferdinands deal :up:
I think the Italian Scandal has affected him, well Serie A's loss is Englands gain. Can't wait to see him play in the FA cup on a cold tuesday night at Grimsby! God Bless Abramovich first Ballack and now Sheva :up:

Those two together are the most significant pair of transfers by a premiership club in one season that I can think of. Chelsea will be scary next season.

[kit1982]

Rich Bastard :(

How is Rio Ferdinand playing by the way? I think he wasn't worth all that money...

He looked good for England yesterday although as many seem to forget is was only Hungary, he's been so so at Manchester United nothing like his Leeds form where he was rated as the worlds top centre back (Oh how I miss the days where we had good players). He wasn't worth 30 million at all but I don't care we got £30 million for a bloke who lost 8 months of his career because he forgot to turn up to a drugs test.

[Iceman]

More on the Italian football scandal,

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may31j.html

It gets messier by the day.

If I was a major star in Italy, I'd be thinking about my mates in La Liga or the Prem this summer. ;)

[DBella]

If only he had found out in time, things could have been so different. :(:(

Actually I'm not :(, I'm :D

Welcome to England Sheva :p
I'll be watching him in the EPL. Although it will make my heart ache. Anyone knows who's taking his place in Milan?

[kit1982]

It gets messier by the day.

If I was a major star in Italy, I'd be thinking about my mates in La Liga or the Prem this summer. ;)

Or the Coca Cola Championhip.......... well a guy can dream :mad:

[Iceman]

I'll be watching him in the EPL. Although it will make my heart ache. Anyone knows who's taking his place in Milan?

I think they want Van Nistelrooy.

[Iceman]

Or the Coca Cola Championhip.......... well a guy can dream :mad:

Veron for Leeds :up:

[kit1982]

Veron for Leeds :up:

Well if he fancies trips to Colchester and Southend next year, I don't think he'd fit into our free flowing one touch game (the one touch being the long ball) but he may sit on the bench.

I've heard some lad called Suazo think he plays for Udinese or someone, he's the man Milan want along with Ruud Van Nistlerooy

[Iceman]

Well if he fancies trips to Colchester and Southend next year, I don't think he'd fit into our free flowing one touch game (the one touch being the long ball) but he may sit on the bench.

I've heard some lad called Suazo think he plays for Udinese or someone, he's the man Milan want along with Ruud Van Nistlerooy



The thing I dont understand - Van Nistelrooy valued at $8-9m and Shevchenko at $30m. They're the same age. Is Sheva really that much better than Van Nistelrooy?

[kit1982]

The thing I dont understand - Van Nistelrooy valued at $8-9m and Shevchenko at $30m. They're the same age. Is Sheva really that much better than Van Nistelrooy?

Well I rate Van Nistlerooy alot, actually think United are crazy to consider selling him Rooney and Saha won't be able to hit the figures hes got particularly in the champions league. Statistically the Best front 2 for the reds is Saha and Ruud. I think the falling out with Ronaldo and Fergie has a massive bearing on the price and to be honest in that whole Ronaldo Van Nistlerroy arguement you can see why Sir Alex is selling.

But to be fair to Sheva top champions league goalscorer of all time, footballer of the year once, one champions league scudettos and the like.

[Iceman]

Well I rate Van Nistlerooy alot, actually think United are crazy to consider selling him Rooney and Saha won't be able to hit the figures hes got particularly in the champions league. Statistically the Best front 2 for the reds is Saha and Ruud. I think the falling out with Ronaldo and Fergie has a massive bearing on the price and to be honest in that whole Ronaldo Van Nistlerroy arguement you can see why Sir Alex is selling.

But to be fair to Sheva top champions league goalscorer of all time, footballer of the year once, one champions league scudettos and the like.

Yeah I agree with Sheva's price. There aren't many players like him around. I also agree that Fergie should sell Van Nistelrooy but he should be looking for 15-20m surely. It was only a couple of seasons ago that Henry & Van Nistelrooy were level in my book (Henry has blown him away since) as the best strikers in the Premier League and two of the best in Europe. If the Ronaldo argument has lowered the price, it is Man Utd's public relations/communications dept / Fergie who are to blame for letting the incident become a public matter.

One thing everyone needs to know, don't cross Fergie no matter how good you are. Stam, Keane & now Van the Man - 3 of United's very best players tell the story.

[kit1982]

Yeah I agree with Sheva's price. There aren't many players like him around. I also agree that Fergie should sell Van Nistelrooy but he should be looking for 15-20m surely. It was only a couple of seasons ago that Henry & Van Nistelrooy were level in my book (Henry has blown him away since) as the best strikers in the Premier League and two of the best in Europe. If the Ronaldo argument has lowered the price, it is Man Utd's public relations/communications dept / Fergie who are to blame for letting the incident become a public matter.

One thing everyone needs to know, don't cross Fergie no matter how good you are. Stam, Keane & now Van the Man - 3 of United's very best players tell the story.

To be honest I still prefer Van Nistlerooy to Henry for the simple fact that only 30% of Henrys goals this season have been away from home the lowest total of the top 6 goalscorers in the premiership. Henry can't get you a goal when the chips are down and your creating few chances, Van Nistlerooy can. For the bloke to get 21 goals when he's a bit part player is incredible, in all fairness I don't think Van Nistlerooy has ever got the credit he deserves. Obviously Henry overall is far better, but just for a fox in the box who can get you goals from nothing is there really anyone better than Ruud?

[Iceman]

To be honest I still prefer Van Nistlerooy to Henry for the simple fact that only 30% of Henrys goals this season have been away from home the lowest total of the top 6 goalscorers in the premiership. Henry can't get you a goal when the chips are down and your creating few chances, Van Nistlerooy can. For the bloke to get 21 goals when he's a bit part player is incredible, in all fairness I don't think Van Nistlerooy has ever got the credit he deserves. Obviously Henry overall is far better, but just for a fox in the box who can get you goals from nothing is there really anyone better than Ruud?

I've got no idea where this below £10m valuation for Van Nistelrooy came from. Every club should be remortgaging their ground for a chance to get him. I'm surprised all the big clubs (not just Milan) aren't already chasing him.

Henry has become like a symbol at Highbury similar to Gerrard at Liverpool (& Cantona back in the day). The one guy who everyone at the club looks to. Van Nistelrooy is definitely underrated nowadays which is surprising given what he has achieved in the Prem.




Leeds maybe?

[kit1982]

I've got no idea where this below £10m valuation for Van Nistelrooy came from. Every club should be remortgaging their ground for a chance to get him. I'm surprised all the big clubs (not just Milan) aren't already chasing him.

Henry has become like a symbol at Highbury similar to Gerrard at Liverpool (& Cantona back in the day). The one guy who everyone at the club looks to. Van Nistelrooy is definitely underrated nowadays which is surprising given what he has achieved in the Prem.




Leeds maybe?


Haha, I like the sound of it wouldn't think he'd like to be dropped for Richard Cresswell. Apparently Woodgate is coming back on loan to regain some sort of fitness and Hasselbaink is trying to get a move back here.

Wouldn't you say now there are players who break the old rules of "no player is bigger than the club" I mean the ones you mentioned certainly figure in that. Its a shame IMO

[Iceman]

Haha, I like the sound of it wouldn't think he'd like to be dropped for Richard Cresswell. Apparently Woodgate is coming back on loan to regain some sort of fitness and Hasselbaink is trying to get a move back here.
That would be worth paying to see ;)

Good news if you can get Woodgate and/or Hasselbaink in Division One.


Wouldn't you say now there are players who break the old rules of "no player is bigger than the club" I mean the ones you mentioned certainly figure in that. Its a shame IMO

Definitely true - although I don't think it's really their fault. In the case of Henry and Gerrard it is a combination of their consistent individual brilliance and inspirational drive and the lack of this throughout the rest of the team (although both Liverpool and Arsenal have now improved). I don't think either player actually want to be bigger than the club and would prefer if their teammates performed to a similar level enabling them to compete for the Premiership again.

[Equinox]

Inter want Van Nistelroy too :o

[Iceman]

Inter want Van Nistelroy too :o

You'd have to be mad to leave the Prem for Seria A at this time. :O

Kaka & Co will all be playing here next season (probably all for Chelsea ;))

[Equinox]

You'd have to be mad to leave the Prem for Seria A at this time. :O

Kaka & Co will all be playing here next season (probably all for Chelsea ;))

Hey, Inter are the only big club that are out of all this big mess that's going on :up:

[Iceman]

Hey, Inter are the only big club that are out of all this big mess that's going on :up:

In that case, with Juve and AC being disqualified, you might have won the Serie A title for the last 3 years! :up::p

[Equinox]

In that case, with Juve and AC being disqualified, you might have won the Serie A title for the last 3 years! :up::p

If I remember correct, we should have won 5 serie A titles from 1995 to now :up:

[Iceman]

If I remember correct, we should have won 5 serie A titles from 1995 to now :up:

I was joking. :confused: Do you mean that you think Inter have actually been cheated out of any titles? (all the way back to 95)

[DBella]

You'd have to be mad to leave the Prem for Seria A at this time. :O

Kaka & Co will all be playing here next season (probably all for Chelsea ;))
Hell no, he's not!! :mad:
Stop trying to steal all my people. :(
But then again, Seria A is a mess now and I wouldn't blame my husband if he leaves.

[Iceman]

Hell no, he's not!! :mad:
Stop trying to steal all my people. :(
But then again, Seria A is a mess now and I wouldn't blame my husband if he leaves.

I thought I could sneak that one in while you weren't here ;)

I've got Kaka in my Dream Team (UK Competition) for the World Cup. :up:


Maybe you can help me out. Do you know if Oddo is expected to start for Italy at the tournament. I was trying to find a cheap Italian defender but it's not very easy. If not who plays with Nesta, Cannavaro & Zambrotta at the back?

Thks if you know.

[Equinox]

I was joking. :confused: Do you mean that you think Inter have actually been cheated out of any titles? (all the way back to 95)

If all the allegations against Juve or the other teams that were implicated are true.. then, YES :o

I still remember the season in 98(I think), when Ronaldo was denied a clear cut penalty in the championship deciding match against Juve..which Juve went on to win, when Inter should have :( :mad: :down

[Equinox]

Maybe you can help me out. Do you know if Oddo is expected to start for Italy at the tournament. I was trying to find a cheap Italian defender but it's not very easy. If not who plays with Nesta, Cannavaro & Zambrotta at the back?

Thks if you know.

I think the LB would be Fabio Grosso if Im not mistaken!

[Iceman]

If all the allegations against Juve or the other teams that were implicated are true.. then, YES :o

I still remember the season in 98(I think), when Ronaldo was denied a clear cut penalty in the championship deciding match against Juve..which Juve went on to win, when Inter should have :( :mad: :down

I had no idea it was that serious. Someone should be shot.


I think the LB would be Fabio Grosso if Im not mistaken!

Thanks




& it looks like Man Utd recognise that Van the Man is definitely worth a lot more than $8m
http://www.football365.com/news/story_186485.shtml

[DBella]

I/P,
I am sorry I didn't answer your question sooner. I am not sure which players will be starting for Italia. And I missed their friendlies against Switzerland. :( Anyone here watched that?

Oh, I read about Sheva going to Chelsea earlier and how he hoped to win the CL with the Blues. I felt sick in the stomach. :(

As for Juve... Is it really possible to go through the whole season with only one loss with teams like Milan, Inter, Roma, Fiorentina in the league? That is simply an amazing feat, imo.

[Iceman]

I/P,
I am sorry I didn't answer your question sooner. I am not sure which players will be starting for Italia. And I missed their friendlies against Switzerland. :( Anyone here watched that?



I've got no Italians in my team anymore. :( They're too expensive & they're all injured.

As for Juve... Is it really possible to go through the whole season with only one loss with teams like Milan, Inter, Roma, Fiorentina in the league? That is simply an amazing feat, imo.
Very impressive.

Arsenal went a whole season unbeaten in the Premier a couple of seasons ago even though they struggled to finish top 4 this season.

[Equinox]

Big news on the Italian Scandal,

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/soccer/06/22/italian.scandal/index.html

[Iceman]

Big news on the Italian Scandal,

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/soccer/06/22/italian.scandal/index.html

I heard about this on the news today. Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina - four of the biggest European clubs. I wonder how likely it is that they will get relegated. Relegation to the 3rd division will be much harder to come back from than the 2nd and I wouldn't expect any major players to hang around for a 2 year minimum period. The lower leagues will be as interesting as Serie A next season.

[DBella]

Big news on the Italian Scandal,

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/soccer/06/22/italian.scandal/index.html
O CRAP!! It feels like something inside of me just died. :(:(

[Iceman]

O CRAP!! It feels like something inside of me just died. :(:(Sorry - that must be awful when you support one of the teams :(

[R_9]

It's going to be a weird champions league without Milan and Juve.

[Van Petrol]

Its still early days yet, I have a feeling the action tken won't be so drastic. But anything is possible and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they were all relegated, however part of me still doubts it.

The sort of punishment they are talking about in a way seems too good to be true...

[DBella]

Sorry - that must be awful when you support one of the teams :(
I feel extremely awful! Even that is an understatement. It'd be easier not to care, but even that is hard to do. :( I actually had a dream/nightmare last night that Milan was relegated to Seria C. I can't wait for the trial to be over and hoping that Milan will be found innocent of the charges.

It's going to be a weird champions league without Milan and Juve.

YOu can say that again. :(

[DBella]

Its still early days yet, I have a feeling the action tken won't be so drastic. But anything is possible and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they were all relegated, however part of me still doubts it.

The sort of punishment they are talking about in a way seems too good to be true...
But it needs to be done, maybe more. Hopefully that will deter something like this from happening in the future.

[Iceman]

Maybe the individuals involved should be punished very severely while the clubs are given a lesser sentence. I'm not sure what the best punishment would be if the charges are proven to be true.

It seems unlikely that everybody named will be able to escape punishment. At least one club/individual will probably face a very heavy punishment.

[DBella]

Individuals involved will DEFINITELY be punished and should be banned from involvement in the sport... forever. I think the guilty club(s) will have to be relegated, to be an an example of. But the thing with that, it's been done before and it doesn't seem that much of a deterrent.

[Iceman]

Individuals involved will DEFINITELY be punished and should be banned from involvement in the sport... forever. I think the guilty club(s) will have to be relegated, to be an an example of. But the thing with that, it's been done before and it doesn't seem that much of a deterrent.The way to make it a serious deterrent is to relegate two divisions down. Otherwise a lot of these big clubs may be able to come straight back up in one season without significant problems. I would expect that most international players would want to leave the clubs if that happened.

[DBella]

The way to make it a serious deterrent is to relegate two divisions down. Otherwise a lot of these big clubs may be able to come straight back up in one season without significant problems. I would expect that most international players would want to leave the clubs if that happened.
My thoughts exactly and I was talking about this last night to another poster. Being relegated to Seria B is bad, but not bad enough... people still watch that so that can still make money and with money they can still have some pretty decent player and be back in Seria A in just one season. But being bumped down to Seria C... that would be tougher. Oh, international players, even domestic ones that are worth a lot, will definely leave. Which world class player wants to play for Seria C when they can play elsewhere with more prestige and more money?

[DBella]

Equinox, this is for you. Not sure if you've read it.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=372484&cc=5901

Also, the charges against Milan doesn't look too serious so they might not be relegated.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=372262&cc=5901

[Iceman]

My thoughts exactly and I was talking about this last night to another poster. Being relegated to Seria B is bad, but not bad enough... people still watch that so that can still make money and with money they can still have some pretty decent player and be back in Seria A in just one season. But being bumped down to Seria C... that would be tougher. Oh, international players, even domestic ones that are worth a lot, will definely leave. Which world class player wants to play for Seria C when they can play elsewhere with more prestige and more money?I can't see any players willing to stay in Serie C.

I wonder which Italian clubs will be in Europe next season. There could be some surprises in store.

[Iceman]

Italian prosecutor asks for Juve to be relegated at least two divisions and Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio to be demoted to Serie B

http://www.goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=87582

& Fabio Capello leaves Juve (possibly for Real Madrid)

http://www.football365.com/news/story_188098.shtml

[Sava]

bye bye Italian football :D

[Iceman]

bye bye Italian football :DIf that actually happens the impact would be unbelievable. Would the clubs originally relegated in the same way still be relegated? How would they replace the four teams going down? Although it could be disastrous for Italian football, I think Inter supporters and Serie B and C broadcasters could live with the decision. ;)

[Sava]

that would just help teams like Man Utd to buy good players :D

[Iceman]

that would just help teams like Man Utd to buy good players :DYeah, the vultures must be out. All those good players suddenly available. Inter might get a few Juve players (doubt Milan players could go there) but others may move to Spain or even England. It's strange as all the Italians involved in the World Cup are based in the Italian league. I wonder how they are feeling now.

[Equinox]

Yeah, the vultures must be out. All those good players suddenly available. Inter might get a few Juve players (doubt Milan players could go there) but others may move to Spain or even England. It's strange as all the Italians involved in the World Cup are based in the Italian league. I wonder how they are feeling now.

The possibility of an Inter or Milan player switching teams is far higher than an Inter player going to Juve and vice versa... It has happened like this a lot of times in the past too...

[Equinox]

Equinox, this is for you. Not sure if you've read it.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=372484&cc=5901

yeah I read that... Moratti was just talking like Berlusconi there, by laying claim to the Scudettos..

But totally anulling the last two scudettos would be stupid in my opinion.. If they do that, it means there is no justice for the teams that played fairly and without cheating..

I think that justice should be served honestly and properly.. We will know what happens by July20th I guess.. That's when the trial ends!

[R_9]

Next years champions league is going to be weird without juve and milan. It's going to be hard for juve starting with -30 points. I hope Cannavaro, Emerson and Zambrotta come to Real Madrid

[Sava]

I hope Man Utd go a bit far this season, and i hope we get Torres

[R_9]

If Torres learns to score goals he will be a great player.

[Sava]

doesnt he already know how to score, if not 25mill would be an extreme waste of money

[R_9]

He doesn't know how to do it very well hehehe. He usually misses a lot of chances and he isn't very good when the goal looks easy. But if he learns to put the ball in the goal instead af the goalkeeper's hands, then he'll be great.

[DBella]

Next years champions league is going to be weird without juve and milan. It's going to be hard for juve starting with -30 points. I hope Cannavaro, Emerson and Zambrotta come to Real Madrid
I think most likely Cannavaro will go where Capello goes, and that will be Real Madrid.

[Iceman]

I think most likely Cannavaro will go where Capello goes, and that will be Real Madrid.Capello at Real Madrid is scary. They haven't had any managers of that class for a very long time. I think they'll do well this season. Real Vs Barca will be two great matches.

[DBella]

Capello at Real Madrid is scary. They haven't had any managers of that class for a very long time. I think they'll do well this season. Real Vs Barca will be two great matches.
I believe you are right. With Capello going to Real Madrid, I would be watching more La Liga this season.

[Iceman]

Is AC Milan keeping most of their players now that they are staying up?

[DBella]

Is AC Milan keeping most of their players now that they are staying up?
I have not heard of any players leaving Milan. Last I read, Buffon is heading there. Wonder what will happen to Dida if Buffon goes to Milan. They need a forward to take Sheva's place.

[Iceman]

I have not heard of any players leaving Milan. Last I read, Buffon is heading there. Wonder what will happen to Dida if Buffon goes to Milan. They need a forward to take Sheva's place.Buffon would be an improvement over Dida. All thing sconsidered Milan are in a reasonable position. Although they won't have any champions league football this season (and possibly next), by keeping most of their players and losing their main rival, they will be stronger domestically in the long run.

[DBella]

Buffon would be an improvement over Dida. All thing sconsidered Milan are in a reasonable position. Although they won't have any champions league football this season (and possibly next), by keeping most of their players and losing their main rival, they will be stronger domestically in the long run.
I hope Inter and Roma will give Milan some very good competitions in Seria A. Oh, I used to live in Catania and they've recently been promoted to Seria A. I hope they do well like Palermo.

[Edward Brock]

OK, here's the 3rd round qualifying draw:

Sherrif Tiraspol (Moldova) or Spartak Moscow (Russia) v Slovan Liberic (Czech Republic)

Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) v Hafnarfjordur (Iceland) or Legia Warsaw (Poland)

FC Zurich (Switzerland) or Salzburg (Austria) v Valencia (Spain)

Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) or Sioni Bolnisi (Georgia) v Chievo Verona (Italy)

Hearts (Scotland) or Siroki Brijeg (Bosnia) v AEK Athens (Greece)

CSKA Moscow (Russia) v Djurgarden (Sweden) or Ruzomberok (Slovakia)

AC Milan (Italy) v Cork City (Ireland) or Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)

Galatasaray (Turkey) v Mlada Boleslav (Czech Republic) or Valerenga (Norway)

Standard Liege (Belgium) v NK Gorica (Slovenia) or Steua Bucharest (Romania)

Austria Vienna (Austria) v Benfica (Portugal)

Ekranes (Lithuania) or Dynamo Zagreb (Croatia) v Arsenal (England)

FC Copenhagen (Denmark) or MyPa 47 (Finland) v Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Hamburg SV (Germany) v Osasuna (Spain)

Metalurgs Liepaja (Latvia) or Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine) v Fenerbahce (Turkey) or B36 Torshavn (Faroe Islands)

Liverpool (England) v Maccabi Haifa (Israel)

Lille (France) v Debrecen (Hungary) or Rabotnicki Skopje (Macedonia)


Go Benfica! :) At first sight I'd say we're favorites for the match but looking back at Portugal's overall performance on this round in the last years, I'm not so confident.

Wouldn't it be something if we had an Iceland team on the CL? :D

[Edward Brock]

Group draft day! Here are the results:

GROUP A
Barcelona
Chelsea
Werder Bremen
Levski Sófia

GROUP B
Inter
Bayern Munich
Sporting
Spartak Moskva

GROUP C
Liverpool
PSV Eindhoven
Bordeaux
Galatasaray

GROUP D
Valencia
AS Roma
Olympiakos
Shakhtar Donetsk

GROUP E
Real Madrid
Lyon
Steaua
Dynamo Kiyv

GROUP F
Manchester United
Celtic
Benfica
FC København

GROUP G
Arsenal
FC Porto
CSKA Moskva
Hamburg

GROUP H
AC Milan
Lille
AEK
Anderlecht


It seems like Barcelona and Chelsea are defenitely stuck with each other...:cwink:

Go Benfica!!! :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot:

[DBella]

Group draft day! Here are the results:

GROUP A
Barcelona
Chelsea
Werder Bremen
Levski Sófia

GROUP B
Inter
Bayern Munich
Sporting
Spartak Moskva

GROUP C
Liverpool
PSV Eindhoven
Bordeaux
Galatasaray

GROUP D
Valencia
AS Roma
Olympiakos
Shakhtar Donetsk

GROUP E
Real Madrid
Lyon
Steaua
Dynamo Kiyv

GROUP F
Manchester United
Celtic
Benfica
FC København

GROUP G
Arsenal
FC Porto
CSKA Moskva
Hamburg

GROUP H
AC Milan
Lille
AEK
Anderlecht


It seems like Barcelona and Chelsea are defenitely stuck with each other...:cwink:

Go Benfica!!! :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot:
Go Man Utd!! :o :D

I think Barca will top its group and AC Milan has a good chance to top its group. I am not familiar with either Lille or AEK though.

[Sava]

lol... Barcelona and Chelsea must love this :D...

[Aiden]

Go Man Utd!! :o :D

I think Barca will top its group and AC Milan has a good chance to top its group. I am not familiar with either Lille or AEK though.NOOO!!!!

Celtic always get a hard group :(

[Equinox]

Please discuss in,

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242171

Please :)

[Edward Brock]

It's a little messy in there but I'll try. :cwink:

[moleman]

*bump*

Rangers are going to qualify woop.

[DBella]

When does the qualifying rounds begin?