tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13160085503767745442024-02-20T05:10:45.779-05:00Football GeezerFootball, Soccer, Fútbol, Fußball - just call it the beautiful game.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.comBlogger471125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-43633368115501856502014-05-28T16:44:00.001-04:002014-05-28T16:44:37.606-04:00Not your typical soccer knockout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkyTBTllrvedrEcOLyNUzN_meFYOuJAu8j35t78u9yMLufNwBgIH-6Os2rYooWR-l2h5vcwTFQV1VVFWAEHd6pspM6EGxNIbQzAzSq_BUksQabFvvycwO8rbpPLecuRBO4Q1eCR5X_Q0/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkyTBTllrvedrEcOLyNUzN_meFYOuJAu8j35t78u9yMLufNwBgIH-6Os2rYooWR-l2h5vcwTFQV1VVFWAEHd6pspM6EGxNIbQzAzSq_BUksQabFvvycwO8rbpPLecuRBO4Q1eCR5X_Q0/s1600/giphy.gif" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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How did you get injured?<br />
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<i>I took my teammates arse to the face.</i><br />
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Ok, moving on....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-45693894090060727662014-05-28T13:19:00.002-04:002014-05-28T13:19:39.539-04:00The Battle for New York begins tonight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsV-qEq8ZylbuAAulrzpDEsbpAHvMp6iqKop6oWDQRDwv0UGNWv2jlvLSLwelc8ZIPOdWrmtkPr7gLaII3-4kY6nnMp4M5DQKzE14z_gF5AFg-pYEMsQzttGCQtuNY-EciwFoTblZER8/s1600/cosmos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsV-qEq8ZylbuAAulrzpDEsbpAHvMp6iqKop6oWDQRDwv0UGNWv2jlvLSLwelc8ZIPOdWrmtkPr7gLaII3-4kY6nnMp4M5DQKzE14z_gF5AFg-pYEMsQzttGCQtuNY-EciwFoTblZER8/s1600/cosmos.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525;">With the Red Bulls technically a New Jersey-based team, the battle for New York’s soccer bragging rights may be decided at St. John’s Belson Stadium tonight when the Brooklyn Italians take on the NY Cosmos in the third round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The tournament is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S., and offers amateur teams the chance to test themselves against MLS stars. Founded in 1949, Brooklyn currently sits atop the Northeast region of the National Premier Soccer League, regarded as the fourth tier of American soccer. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And while the <span class="apple-converted-space">Cosmos no longer have anyone with the star power of legendary striker and now Honorary President Pele, they do include Marcos Senna, part of the Spain team that won the European Championships in 2008. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #252525;"><span class="apple-converted-space">The winner may not own the rights for too long though, they will face </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;">defending<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>MLS<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>Supporters’ Shield winners </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #252525;">the Red Bulls in the next round. But being Kings of New York doesn’t even matter that much in the Open Cup - no team from the 5 boroughs (or Jersey) have reached the final since the Metrostars in 2003, and the last NY team to win it was the Rochester Rhinos in 1999. </span> </span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-80586848343049993602014-05-20T18:37:00.003-04:002014-05-20T18:37:25.687-04:00Pirlo brilliant on free kicks, not so much on drinking<br />
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Andrea Pirlo, trashed, slurring and passing out --- a true legend</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8uoTLuK23gOAFKIzOpjqjt5PqdaGZcgkZk_szQZwwAbq2n7bWnbKCvayLtawQGieePcw5S_wSOU5HudEC1FQwFOQAbA1Zq4LFmYA9eboOVJDVRYZvKVo1Y9OmGbsbLWf7HgAIRwQHlQ/s1600/pirlo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8uoTLuK23gOAFKIzOpjqjt5PqdaGZcgkZk_szQZwwAbq2n7bWnbKCvayLtawQGieePcw5S_wSOU5HudEC1FQwFOQAbA1Zq4LFmYA9eboOVJDVRYZvKVo1Y9OmGbsbLWf7HgAIRwQHlQ/s1600/pirlo.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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How do you celebrate winning your country's league, you ask? Stumble on the top of a bus, barely able to stand and throw some of the bubbly at your adoring fans. Rinse, repeat, pass the f*(k out inside the bus for all to see!<br />
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<br />Freddy Sebastianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08248964699144759438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-29182572592660948482014-05-20T15:19:00.002-04:002014-05-20T15:19:44.870-04:00Batigol still has it at 45<br />
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Argentine legend scores a cracker and celebrates with Santa Claus</h3>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SPsok3wLZoU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Gabriel Batistuta scores on a 30-yard goal in an annual charity match in Italy and is immediately mobbed by grumpy old men.<br />
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-Tio Pelotas<br />
@TioPelotas74Freddy Sebastianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08248964699144759438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-48871945004198547742014-05-19T12:41:00.001-04:002014-05-19T12:41:43.650-04:00Moyes, Van Gaal... Clayton Blackmore?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbR71DH29n32QNgrUVcIE9arebPlZs6AqkPXUL3NMQkPV5V2ghhTAYStwfEV-LK751Ihof1xLbHjawy3qaieiN7jWIbrmHQh0gW-IzkTaPZh3MmQyvhDkvJy1oevsXDx9vSRo_DKKpSs/s1600/louis_van_gaal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbR71DH29n32QNgrUVcIE9arebPlZs6AqkPXUL3NMQkPV5V2ghhTAYStwfEV-LK751Ihof1xLbHjawy3qaieiN7jWIbrmHQh0gW-IzkTaPZh3MmQyvhDkvJy1oevsXDx9vSRo_DKKpSs/s1600/louis_van_gaal.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van Gaal </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiL6t6BhSjsN2G2bU8fVL5AkkHTnELB7IFc1IbuWQDBY9BKjaDdBPkX0L7vJ50dpdo8RO5ltujvl_xgq5SgT75b53cZjywfGLnia4cq_3thTH_S3m7yJxdgCSomPAGkfyKW2kUp-rLJk/s1600/David-Moyes-1982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiL6t6BhSjsN2G2bU8fVL5AkkHTnELB7IFc1IbuWQDBY9BKjaDdBPkX0L7vJ50dpdo8RO5ltujvl_xgq5SgT75b53cZjywfGLnia4cq_3thTH_S3m7yJxdgCSomPAGkfyKW2kUp-rLJk/s1600/David-Moyes-1982.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moyes</td></tr>
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There is no substance to this article at all, just wanted to share some pics from the late 1970s and early 80s that show that any average midfielder can go on to manage Manchester United.<br />
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There's hope for Clayton Blackmore yet - especially as these pics suggest he could be their secret lovechild anyway! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngW7LdXrZ_zzG76Zw7wxDiAXt8fgrPWfJEEvZQG5Nk2QwUYCnKsiemvfxpHGO5SXwLRj78TJtnCQLtWWJcYUprYTE3ZIm3mQn8R3Tdwqf2aJZQGce4nlg1c4dAfNoWEEYt4HQts0OJ5w/s1600/clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngW7LdXrZ_zzG76Zw7wxDiAXt8fgrPWfJEEvZQG5Nk2QwUYCnKsiemvfxpHGO5SXwLRj78TJtnCQLtWWJcYUprYTE3ZIm3mQn8R3Tdwqf2aJZQGce4nlg1c4dAfNoWEEYt4HQts0OJ5w/s1600/clay.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-50308260210832077692014-05-16T15:47:00.002-04:002014-05-16T15:53:40.719-04:00Bolivar makes history in Libertadores<br />
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No Brazilian teams in Copa semis for the first time in 20+ years</h3>
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The samba beats have gone quiet for now.<br />
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For the first time in 23 years, not one representative from Brazil is in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores, representing the darkest hour for Brazilian sides since the 2011 edition when four of their teams were ousted in the quarterfinals. It's also a humiliating experience as the World Cup kicks off there in just under a month.</div>
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Brazilian teams have lifted the Libertadores trophy for the past four straight years.<br />
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This year, there will be a new champion as Bolivia's Bolivar, Argentina's San Lorenzo, Paraguay's Nacional and Uruguay's Defensor Sporting each have not taken home the continent's most coveted silverware.</div>
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The focus, however, has to be on the Bolivian side managed by Spain's Xabier Azkargorta, who led the Bolivian national team to the 1994 World Cup in the U.S. The Bolivians have never achieved the levels of success as their other South American cousins on the international side--both country and club--but have boasted several semifinals appearances back in the 1980s with Bolivar, Wilstermann and Blooming. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSa6axn5rb54E5ImhO0YxVUi7O83p8x6m6R17ELXHFk18alGEmTcmx7Gc7shYfKTGGYDksGeRAwSHTtIBSUF-oWn4jXxYXqxgX1AfE45vXIa0KxRwkDr9f0Hkvqwy5yL_IzHyWTeNGO8/s1600/coach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSa6axn5rb54E5ImhO0YxVUi7O83p8x6m6R17ELXHFk18alGEmTcmx7Gc7shYfKTGGYDksGeRAwSHTtIBSUF-oWn4jXxYXqxgX1AfE45vXIa0KxRwkDr9f0Hkvqwy5yL_IzHyWTeNGO8/s1600/coach.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Bolivians played intelligent on the counter at home in their second-leg 1-0 win but also have the skies of La Paz to thank for and also to Lanus defender Carlos Izuierdoz for punching his way out of a fracas in the penalty area that earned him a straight red.<br />
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They're two matches away from the final and three from giving Bolivia a bit of glory. They may also have already scored tickets to the World Cup final at the famed Maracana stadium too---Bolivar's president and Miami MLS investor Marcel Claure offered them this bonus if they made it to the semis!<br />
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-Tio Pelotas</div>
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@TioPelotas74</div>
Freddy Sebastianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08248964699144759438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-5141438125416607622014-05-16T14:40:00.001-04:002014-05-16T14:40:38.610-04:00Will Atletico Madrid end up with nothing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sHhj7vjJhQ0WIiqWjDyGaVOs1Lnji_ybZxicjpVAZxREB4_aY-FoFVvHdtOnaDzM4vVUgqu5_M6RFzS5hSrlUt2aW-1RM4fiM7LN9-Od3CkCx5uwRaY4vXHuu6ANTU2Yoeg3wjca1yk/s1600/atl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sHhj7vjJhQ0WIiqWjDyGaVOs1Lnji_ybZxicjpVAZxREB4_aY-FoFVvHdtOnaDzM4vVUgqu5_M6RFzS5hSrlUt2aW-1RM4fiM7LN9-Od3CkCx5uwRaY4vXHuu6ANTU2Yoeg3wjca1yk/s1600/atl.jpg" /></a></div>
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Atletico Madrid go to the Camp Nou tomorrow with the hope of becoming the first Spanish team other than Real Madrid or Barcelona to win La Liga since 2003-04. Atletico themselves haven't won it since 1995-96.<br />
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They only need to avoid defeat.<br />
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But should they lose, they will then travel to Lisbon the following Saturday to play city rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final. Lose that one too and they could end up with <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/may/16/atletico-madrid-barcelona-la-liga-title-decider" target="_blank">nothing to show</a> for their fantastic season.<br />
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Diego Costa has been the first player in ages to get close to Ronaldo and Mess's haul of goals. Koke has provided more assists than anyone bar Angel Di Maria, and Thibaut Courtois has been so good in goal that he's either going to be the starter for Chelsea or Barcelona next year.<br />
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But is this their last chance for a while to win something? Diego Simeone is a coach in demand, Costa seems set to leave along with Courtois, whose loan expires.<br />
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Unfortunately, teams who have unexpected success seem to have their best players taken from them before they get the chance to build and threaten the long-term domination of the big boys. No doubt Sevilla will have some of their player cherry-picked after their Europa League success, while Southampton seem set to lose Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw after a great Premier League campaign.<br />
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I hope Atletico win La Liga or the Champions League (or both). It's nice to see a great group of players mix it with the big spenders. And while players like Costa and Courtois may find more success in their careers, Atletico fans may not get another chance to win something for another 20 years.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-69019826362761745892014-05-15T17:09:00.000-04:002014-05-15T17:09:22.588-04:00Who wouldn't want to sh*t on Steve Bruce?Many people say he looks like his face has been <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT3ZN0Ww4-Y" target="_blank">hit by a shovel</a>, and that even though it's happened before, people would like to do it again.<br />
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Am I being harsh on Steve Bruce?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmA7GCoblm-L9lbKrpmccN6oN082qGJEs0_ZVJhg4TcbWfCdEjPep3xgUIax3219fGdqpWZPLn9Nsp_SqW_l1U_y-rDskCIgJqwZxBGFeu0RGMdCGaKbcGVJ4qE1soTHPu1NaAxF4x1c/s1600/bruce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmA7GCoblm-L9lbKrpmccN6oN082qGJEs0_ZVJhg4TcbWfCdEjPep3xgUIax3219fGdqpWZPLn9Nsp_SqW_l1U_y-rDskCIgJqwZxBGFeu0RGMdCGaKbcGVJ4qE1soTHPu1NaAxF4x1c/s1600/bruce.jpg" /></a></div>
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He's not a looker, but we won't hold that against him. How could we when his own club even promotes the idea of taking a dump on him?!<br />
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Yes, Hull City - King Tigers of Yorkshire - are selling a Steve Bruce toilet seat ahead of their FA Cup Final with Arsenal on Saturday. Here is the evidence...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6a9KnkDawFY-1c3N8Zsv-wOYWBhkNmYd377gAKYAOdUWnXe-dZP3xyn0bZvZ_un7XwLsqIV_RpsbZu4mUM2MKylgdmBxr8BtCmWrFf5s8279JnuX9PXGdohEiR6uswmlwUVg5d164AI/s1600/Hull-City-Steve-Bruce-loo-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6a9KnkDawFY-1c3N8Zsv-wOYWBhkNmYd377gAKYAOdUWnXe-dZP3xyn0bZvZ_un7XwLsqIV_RpsbZu4mUM2MKylgdmBxr8BtCmWrFf5s8279JnuX9PXGdohEiR6uswmlwUVg5d164AI/s1600/Hull-City-Steve-Bruce-loo-009.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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So you can't actually shit on him, but you could piss on him. Seems a little strange to say the least, and not sure I'd want to compare my johnson to his nose!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-79296555330251821252014-05-14T12:49:00.000-04:002014-05-14T12:49:16.729-04:00Joey Cole, always believe in your soul..You've got the power to know, you're indestructible, always believe in, that you are Gold...<br />
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Ok, enough <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSq8ZBdSxNU" target="_blank">Spandau Ballet</a>.<br />
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Joe Cole has <a href="http://talksport.com/football/exclusive-cole-hunt-new-club-after-confirming-west-ham-exit-14051391098" target="_blank">left West Ham</a> again, but seeing as it's World Cup season, why not watch his goal v Sweden in the 2006 tournament.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-79608777896233557342014-05-12T12:12:00.002-04:002014-05-12T12:12:57.398-04:00Oops, Man City fans should be embarrassed <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo_nj1C4p11I_l7aiUQlDlDAiSNO2GSzX1Hl-yZnCwM2_G3l7dG29ffpI12wb5Lzeln7i7E5IHmgvdopcOutOTkwg2lsOm6YUtP-3TyogNrUUpkcnPX5bF1nAHEFVBnTr_-zMvvgTdIg/s1600/oops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo_nj1C4p11I_l7aiUQlDlDAiSNO2GSzX1Hl-yZnCwM2_G3l7dG29ffpI12wb5Lzeln7i7E5IHmgvdopcOutOTkwg2lsOm6YUtP-3TyogNrUUpkcnPX5bF1nAHEFVBnTr_-zMvvgTdIg/s1600/oops.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
First of all, congratulations to Manchester City.<br />
<br />
Second point, get some fans with a little class. You're really going to put up a banner with Britney Spears song title on it? You should be deducted points for being bell-ends.<br />
<br />
There are plenty of fans that sing songs by rather dubious artists - and various incarnations of Winter Wonderland, Guantanemera, Can't Take My Eyes Off of You etc., but i don't recall any fans bringing professionally made signs to a ground promoting their knowledge of a teen pop star who later became famous for flashing her bald parts - head and tails if you know what I mean.<br />
<br />
I don't mind seeing kids cry when their team get relegated, or grown men jumping up and down when they win the league, but seeing a 60 year-old slide on his knees and kiss the pitch after beating West Ham 2-0 at home is a little over the top.<br />
<br />
Congrats again to the City players, but if you win it again next year, tell your fans to act like they've been there before. Or Hit Me Baby One More Time and out me out of my misery of watching you celebrate.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-23113788023818718272014-05-09T14:14:00.004-04:002014-05-09T14:14:52.696-04:00Secretly hoping he got smashed in the face!Don't jump, don't jump. He can't get it up and down from there.<br />
<br />
Next time people shout that at you in the wall, just remember that it's easier than lying on the floor!<br />
<br />
Maybe someone should hang upside-down from the crossbar next time!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bodNmWa2TDo" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-68322610761846900832014-05-09T11:09:00.002-04:002014-05-09T11:09:51.005-04:00Liverpool hope resting on Andy Carroll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoy4yZeZd27kHVl45ywjEf69dwXrzLdjxcWkOXH_9JIJjI_49x0xFCw1qO2Kw7sPRpkcssATS-B0ZvP_F9rAALNhpsiaGBOEkvoNQKfwOYbBg63y_JxKAjGg0pFJvzhxwi4-7pEJkq0Vc/s1600/ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoy4yZeZd27kHVl45ywjEf69dwXrzLdjxcWkOXH_9JIJjI_49x0xFCw1qO2Kw7sPRpkcssATS-B0ZvP_F9rAALNhpsiaGBOEkvoNQKfwOYbBg63y_JxKAjGg0pFJvzhxwi4-7pEJkq0Vc/s1600/ac.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Believe it or not, Andy Carroll actually played 44 games for Liverpool after his 35 million pound move, scoring just 6 goals. But his biggest game for them actually comes this weekend as West Ham travel to Manchester City.<br />
<br />
The Reds need West Ham to win, and it could be the big Geordie's chance to prove that he was good enough for a top 4 team, just the timing was all wrong.<br />
<br />
It wasn't Carroll's fault that Kenny Dalglish wanted to spend the money on him, and I'm sure Newcastle just threw that number out to see what Liverpool's starting point was.<br />
<br />
But what are the chances of West Ham actually getting a result at the Etihad? They have conceded 12 goals in 3 games against City this year, have nothing to play for (apart from trying to finish 12th), can't keep the ball, and are facing a team that has scored 100 league goals this year.City have won 16 of their 8 league games at home, losing only to Chelsea, and West Ham have only won 4 and scored 15 goals away from home all season.<br />
<br />
QPR almost beat City two years ago on the final day, but they know how to win the league now, are in great form and know that one goal will probably be enough to win it.<br />
<br />
Liverpool have to hope that West Ham can keep it tight, reach half-time at 0-0 and then nick one with 15 or less to go - and maybe it's time for Andy Carroll to show Liverpool what he was really worth.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-40084085435547665332014-05-08T12:34:00.002-04:002014-05-09T10:54:10.356-04:00Belarus not going to Brazil but already won with this <h3>
Lithuanian-based striker would have made Zlatan proud</h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/YDpNu8MiKzc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Dzimtry Koub scored a late equalizer for his Trakai side against Lithuania league leaders Zalgiris and took to the stands to commemorate the goal. </span>Freddy Sebastianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08248964699144759438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-21410983158098464352014-05-08T12:08:00.003-04:002014-05-08T12:08:33.136-04:00Who is the biggest absentee from the World Cup this summer?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
No Robinho, Kaka or Ronaldinho in the Brazil squad for this summer's showpiece - not a huge surprise, but all 3 will be missed, although they are no longer at the peak of their powers.<br />
<br />
Who else will be missed this summer?<br />
<br />
The easy answer is Zlatan, but we'll exclude him as Sweden didn't qualify.<br />
<br />
Any thoughts? The early answer is Francesco Totti, although I'm still holding out hope that he makes the Italian squad.<br />
<br />
I think I may be a bit obsessed!<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-52434224095876398362014-05-06T15:57:00.001-04:002014-05-06T17:23:21.343-04:00Diego shows you (again) why he's the best ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRq8GgYfic-O1ppj52-sX3znMFbszuTFPL0UZhzhb8yTxLK9oS5lJ9BJ0R4uAmfadjph40Nw5nzeLC-kqcgndzMF_wUYww4Vfs7D-hj-UQ4bnhA_QfmNtKreNUG2TKtlxH5NNDCOIc00/s1600/diego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRq8GgYfic-O1ppj52-sX3znMFbszuTFPL0UZhzhb8yTxLK9oS5lJ9BJ0R4uAmfadjph40Nw5nzeLC-kqcgndzMF_wUYww4Vfs7D-hj-UQ4bnhA_QfmNtKreNUG2TKtlxH5NNDCOIc00/s1600/diego.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Most of these challenges would be straight red cards now, some offenders would be facing prison time.<br />
<br />
Unbelievable talent.<br />
<br />
If the goal at the 3 minute mark is in a proper game, then it's got to be one of the best ever.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DBAqGhqZq_M" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-36310329984496976072014-05-05T05:00:00.000-04:002014-05-05T05:00:09.520-04:00Don't mess with the ref !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-n6PcC8emi6hJKX3FTXj_ceIDJjt2nWtPqWhJezU2lf5dh9s24Tdhf6MIxuiYxTct64luxpULt7qpHLlMH5Gryn1ydt8bjcaxNKa2z8LR1qLUbfmBIXZtHlVA9-_SzHIcbC4_seneL2E/s1600/RespectfulBriskBarebirdbat.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-n6PcC8emi6hJKX3FTXj_ceIDJjt2nWtPqWhJezU2lf5dh9s24Tdhf6MIxuiYxTct64luxpULt7qpHLlMH5Gryn1ydt8bjcaxNKa2z8LR1qLUbfmBIXZtHlVA9-_SzHIcbC4_seneL2E/s1600/RespectfulBriskBarebirdbat.gif" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-48242345153337622732014-05-04T15:44:00.005-04:002014-05-04T15:44:58.667-04:00Where did it go wrong for Chelsea?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBxyJMMQLXdm6YAoyDNuJcO6x3PFfXfFZ6PvLnCOCoSolrtFy5Z927fyPBGrut9wZi8etwVK2YBtQHSOgByxNR-XjryGtYH-0yIS69NN2DO4_ceYu2h-gX_mC0r0jJh7JuCw6dUeMcTA/s1600/jt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBxyJMMQLXdm6YAoyDNuJcO6x3PFfXfFZ6PvLnCOCoSolrtFy5Z927fyPBGrut9wZi8etwVK2YBtQHSOgByxNR-XjryGtYH-0yIS69NN2DO4_ceYu2h-gX_mC0r0jJh7JuCw6dUeMcTA/s1600/jt.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Chelsea can only win the league if Liverpool and Manchester City lose both of their last two games and the Blues win their final game - not going to happen, and it caps a miserable few weeks for Jose Mourinho's men.<br />
<br />
But who is to blame? It's hard to look past Mourinho - especially as his mind games (which used to rile everyone) have turned on him and seem to be in his head now.<br />
<br />
Jose doesn't seem to know his best team, what tactics to play or how to manage his young stars. Mourinho never used to turn on his own players - and his players always backed him to the hilt. But Eden Hazard <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/10804024/Chelsea-manager-Jose-Mourinho-hits-back-at-Eden-Hazard-in-tactics-row.html" target="_blank">speaking out</a> on Chelsea's negative tactics would never have happened in Mourinho's first spell at Chelsea, or his time at Inter Milan.<br />
<br />
He's always been good at getting everyone on board, and he usually does it by picking on one of his team's stars or someone who thought they were immune from criticism, as he did with Juan Mata this year.<br />
<br />
Chelsea will no doubt strengthen over the summer, and this will be the real test of the <i>Special One </i>(a term I am loathed to use). They need two strikers - Torres, Eto'o and Ba will have to go. Maybe not all of them, but at least 2. If it's Romelu Lukaku, Diego Costa, Edinson Cavani or Didier Drogba (he will be back at Stamford Bridge) who comes in, they need to know exactly where they stand. There can't be a sham like this season. It's hard to watch Fernando Torres so low on confidence - he's a shell of the player he was. And for once, Mourinho hasn't backed his own players.<br />
<br />
They also need to strengthen in midfield. Lampard isn't the same player and Nemanja Matic has to become the focal point of the team. Sure, sell David Luiz and get someone more disciplined in, but then Oscar, Hazard, Schurrle and Willian need to produce more. Ramires is a box-to-box guy, but there's not a great deal of quality there. Also, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Petr Cech have to accept smaller, or non-existent, roles too. They are past their best. There, I said it. Jose needs to build again, although those three will be very hard to replace.<br />
<br />
For once, I think Mourinho's team lacked identity this season, and reverted to negative tactics to grind out results. It's not that different from what Rafa Benitez was doing - and Jose won't want to carry on like that.<br />
<br />
It's almost like Jose didn't want to win anything this year, read into that what you will.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-46555029782242375852014-04-25T17:36:00.001-04:002014-04-25T17:41:43.600-04:00RSL only unbeaten team left, Sounders back home<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Earthquakes, Chivas USA look for points, Impact visit Philly</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPJppTm9xuAvQXmqdIJTdjdGioGXKd7goBuialUv6_khVYHPu0ml8JSBg3OI4kDfwKWMlT_ACELjiaSLS8eqz1If5AkaZxN9I9Gm5cDbrC8BhHjOSPi6bgpihknxj-M34mua6Yp6-DlU/s1600/union.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPJppTm9xuAvQXmqdIJTdjdGioGXKd7goBuialUv6_khVYHPu0ml8JSBg3OI4kDfwKWMlT_ACELjiaSLS8eqz1If5AkaZxN9I9Gm5cDbrC8BhHjOSPi6bgpihknxj-M34mua6Yp6-DlU/s1600/union.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Seven rounds gone and Real Salt Lake remains the sole undefeated side, just three points out of the Western Conference summit along with Seattle as FC Dallas enjoys the top overall record early on in the campaign.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Colorado, Vancouver and L.A. Galaxy aren't far off but a negative streak could complicate matters.<br />
<br />
In the East, the familiarity of a tightening top-half sets in as Kansas City, Columbus and New York all sit in comfortable settings for now but Toronto, D.C. United, New England and Philadelphia give chase and have the capacities to do so.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<b>Here are some games to look out for:</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Colorado at Seattle, 4pm Sat. -- April has been kind to the Sounders as they accumulated seven points this month, all on the road (Portland, Dallas & Chivas USA). Now they come home for a three-match homestand in front of one of the best crowds in the world. But the Rapids also possess the visitors mystique as they took six points at Vancouver and Toronto and have also produced a backline that's produced three shutouts so far.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Philadelphia at Montreal, 4pm Sat. -- Montreal sits in the cellar of the East and need points fast to calm supporters and not let the season slip out of their hands. Panic? Not yet. They now move back home to intimate Saputo Stadium where fans are right on top of the action, compared with the massive Olympic stadium. Philly knows about intensity from the crowd as Union games are packed with rabid fans, as a team in Philly should be. This will be the first match that the two opposing forwards--Jack McInerney and Andrew Wenger--play each other since the sides swapped them in a trade last month.<br />
<br />
Chivas USA at San Jose, 10:30pm Sat. -- Injuries plague the Goonies' firepower as Chris Wondolowski is isolated up top with target man Alan Gordon being questionable and Steven Lenhart out for another week or so. Other depth players are out through suspension and injuries as well, making it difficult for the Earthquakes to get their first win. And along comes the Goats, whose striker Erick Torres has more goals than San Jose altogether this year. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqY_G2SSgNO_dCHiUmukqrm5aKYmO7fsTomE0FTDMay8PLy2Se7Fr9WvVW77aMWN7lYKrcDsO7U4Uq8RijyuFMJ0t0yw1CZgWUOtlWXf5_b3V9d6exgdren4CaXcYxr-DhBDp0pMoGoCk/s1600/nick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqY_G2SSgNO_dCHiUmukqrm5aKYmO7fsTomE0FTDMay8PLy2Se7Fr9WvVW77aMWN7lYKrcDsO7U4Uq8RijyuFMJ0t0yw1CZgWUOtlWXf5_b3V9d6exgdren4CaXcYxr-DhBDp0pMoGoCk/s1600/nick.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<b><u>Other matches:</u></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br />
Dallas at D.C. United -- Won't be huge, but Ben Olsen's side can make a statement if it takes three points against a talented Dallas team.<br />
<br />
New York at Columbus -- Although the Crew is winless this month, their three wins in March has helped settle nerves, just as Michael Parkhurst has settled down the backline.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Kansas City at New England -- The Revs face a sturdy test when they host the attack-minded defending champions. New England have not allowed a goal at home this year. And they've welcome back Shalrie Joseph.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Vancouver at Salt Lake -- Veteran goalkeeper has a chance to equal the league's shutout record at 112, currently held by the now-retired Kevin Hartman.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Portland at Houston -- The Dynamo got spanked in Red Bull Arena this week; the Timbers are winless. Will be a nervy start to the match.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
-Tio Pelotas</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
@TioPelotas74</div>
Freddy Sebastianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08248964699144759438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-47582612036630975782014-04-25T14:11:00.001-04:002014-04-25T14:11:59.701-04:00Would Liverpool take a point?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's not their style right now, but Liverpool should be content to take the draw at home to Chelsea on Sunday. They will beat Newcastle at home on the last day, and although away to Crystal Palace is tougher than many would have expected, you'd have to think Liverpool should win there too.<br />
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Not that Brendan Rodgers should play for the draw. Do that and they'll lose - players just don't know how to play for a draw from the start of a game. If it's 1-1 with 10 minutes left, fine, shut up shop. But Liverpool are top and are playing fantastic football - they need to stick with what they know best.<br />
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Plus, if Jose Mourinho plays a weaker team, you have to get after them. Mark Schwarzer is 41, he can only dive so many times before he breaks a hip!<br />
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Then there's the other end of the spectrum. Sunderland at home to Cardiff. The visitors may take a point, but Sunderland need all three. Games are running out and while it's hard to see Norwich or Aston Villa getting many more points, they do already have points on the board.<br />
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No one can win the League this weekend, and no on can go down, but don't take your eyes of the games this weekend - unless you were going to watch Stoke v Tottenham. It will probably end up 5-4, but no one will care.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-81481328371082147542014-04-24T12:19:00.002-04:002014-04-24T12:19:18.573-04:00Is there a favorite in the Champions League?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Real Madrid are 1-0 up, but there are few of us who think Bayern won't score at least once in the second leg.<br />
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Chelsea are very hard to watch, but Jose Mourinho knows how to win the Champions League, and he got exactly what he wanted from the first leg.<br />
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So are the teams that were away from home in a better position than the Madrid clubs? Or is it all still very even?<br />
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Real <a href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27136704" target="_blank">surprised </a>Bayern with their counterattacking approach in the first leg, but with Ronaldo at 50% and Bale sick, maybe Ancelotti did the right thing. They soaked up the pressure really well and Bayern didn't have many great chances. Gotze has one and Muller another, but they were late on once Real had to reshuffle after Pepe's injury. Cristiano had a great chance to make it 2-0, and I feel they may rue that miss. Bayern won't be as blunt again in attack at home, and one goal there could bring three. They may have to score 3 though as Bayern's defense was brutally exposed by the pace of Ronaldo, Bale and Di Maria - and you have to think they'll try and exploit that again.<br />
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It's hard to discuss the Atletico Madrid v Chelsea game without wanting to fall asleep. Chelsea played 6 at the back for most of the game and limited Atletico to deep crosses to the back post where Terry and Cahill bossed Diego Costa. Chelsea offered nothing going forward, and may as well not have played Fernando Torres up front. He gets a lot of criticism, but was so isolated he must have wondered if Jose was just hanging him out to dry. But having kept the clean sheet away, the impetus will be on Chelsea to attack at home. I don't think they will unless Eden Hazard plays. Atletico are very dangerous on the counter, but Mourinho's set-up showed that they don't have that many ideas if you get lots of men behind the ball. Expect more of the same with one goal settling the tie.<br />
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So to answer my own question, no there isn't a favorite. I predict the overall winner coming from the Real Madrid/Bayern Munich tie, but I can't even pick a winner of either semi-final.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-72752252267722862762014-04-23T10:10:00.000-04:002014-04-23T10:35:25.239-04:00Marquez sent off for Mr. Miyagi-inspired kick<br />
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Mexican captain gets straight red as Leon bows out of Libertadores</h3>
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Rafael Marquez immediately apologized on his official Twitter account for the above recklessness against Bolivian international Juan Carlos Arce following its match in the Round of 16 stage of the Copa Libertadores.<br />
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With about 15 minutes left and the match leveled at 1-1, the Mexican captain made it difficult for his Club Leon side as he was directly sent off for the challenge. The former New York Red Bulls defender did not even protest the decision as he walked off the pitch.<br />
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The 3-3 aggregate allowed Bolivar to advance onto the quarterfinals, only the fourth time the Bolivian side has done so in its history but Leon had plenty of chances and kept up with the South Americans in the skies of La Paz.</div>
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-Tio Pelotas</div>
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@TioPelotas74</div>
Freddy Sebastianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08248964699144759438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-15117654819087589412014-04-23T09:50:00.001-04:002014-04-23T09:50:16.079-04:00Red Bulls need to be pushovers<h3>
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No revenge, only 3 points needed, as RBNY hosts Houston tonight</h3>
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Mike Petke humbly took the blame for the Red Bulls' early form that saw them winless through six matches before its 2-1 win at Red Bull Arena last Wednesday over the Philadelphia Union. But surely his players are having none of that.<br /><br />You sensed the grittiness and hard work that Thierry Henry & Co. displayed in their first victory last week as players walked off the pitch, with Henry limping and Tim Cahill huffing and puffing more so than usual. However, there was relief as the increasingly-versatile Eric Alexander produced an intelligent and quiet yet effective display on the field.</div>
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Now the Houston Dynamo roll into town--a team that New York has had success against during the regular season here in nearby Harrison, N.J. and in Texas. The Dynamo have problems of their own, starting out slow once again and scrambling to get back on track much like the Red Bulls are. On the other hand, this is a script that supporters have seen from Houston. Even Henry knows it as he watched the Dynamo's goalless draw in Philadelphia, a game that he feels Houston should have put away.</div>
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It doesn't matter that the Dynamo stole a 2-1 win in the second leg of last year's playoff series at Red Bull Arena that eliminated New York, stinging the team and supporters alike. Right now what matters is a win at home for Petke and his side, a result that could kickstart a positive streak in this year's campaign. The playoff loss as well as its Supporters Shield is in the past; their main focus is turning around early-season woes.<br /><br />That will take focus, commitment and maybe some bullying. New York will be missing some pieces tonight but have the depth to control proceedings, especially against a demoralized Dynamo side that have lost three in a row before its goalless draw in Philly. Houston will be missing a key piece in defense that the Red Bulls can look to exploit.<br /><br />It's still early in the season but the sole game in MLS tonight will be watched by many. A win by either would catapult them higher up in the Eastern Conference table. </div>
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@TioPelotas74</div>
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Freddy Sebastianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08248964699144759438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-22499594413589503542014-04-22T19:51:00.000-04:002014-04-22T19:51:00.920-04:00Intriguing match set to kick off in La Paz<br />
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Bolivar hosts Mexico's Leon in Round of 16, second-leg match</h3>
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Cant' recall the last time two Bolivian clubs have advanced past the group stage in Copa Libertadores but here they are with a chance to continue their paths onto the quarterfinals.<br /><br />Bolivar and The Strongest, two rivals that are close to making some history and give Bolivian football some much-needed signs of optimism, are in favorable positions and have looked decent in the initial phases. Bolivar had the much tougher group and, more impressively, topped the table, while The Strongest relied on its home-match streak to advance.<br /><br />Tonight, Bolivar hosts Mexico's Leon, captained by Rafael Marquez. The first leg in Mexico ended in a 2-2 draw but Leon can't be discounted. They eliminated Brazil's Flamengo at the famed Maracana on the last day of group play.<br /><br />Also taken into consideration is the fact that the Bolivians have not lost since its initial match in Ecuador to Emelec 2-1.</div>
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Plus, these sides met in the group stage; Leon snatched a point in La Paz and Bolivar stole a win in Mexico.</div>
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It's an intriguing match and it's too bad not many know about it. But Geezer will keep you posted.</div>
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-Tio Pelotas</div>
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@TioPelotas74</div>
Freddy Sebastianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08248964699144759438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-27082017808839863152014-04-22T12:42:00.000-04:002014-04-22T12:42:19.407-04:00Who should Manchester United turn to? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So David Moyes <a href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27107795" target="_blank">didn't even make it</a> a full season, but was allowed to spend huge sums on Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini. More than anything, he seemed a little out of his depth - but it was going to be an impossible job to follow Fergie (unless another Class of '92 magically appeared).<br />
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But he's gone, and the only discussion now is who will replace him.<br />
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Ryan Giggs has the interim job, and has all his coaching badges. He wouldn't be a terrible choice, but I always feel that it's better not to coach players you have played with - at least in the last couple of seasons. They still have a relationship with you as a player, and you want them to ultimately to respect you as the boss.<br />
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Pep Guardiola <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/10779287/Manchester-United-prepared-to-see-if-Bayern-Munich-coach-Pep-Guardiola-would-take-over-at-Old-Trafford.html" target="_blank">is an option</a>, but only if he wins everything with Bayern and feels he has nothing to prove there. There is talk that the establishment at the German club don't like his style of play, but I don't see him taking on a project like Manchester United.<br />
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The argument still stands that <a href="http://footballgeezer.blogspot.com/2014/04/manchester-united-need-to-rebuild-with.html" target="_blank">any manager will have to rebuild </a>at Old Trafford. And here's why I don't think bringing in an older coach like Louis van Gaal makes sense.<br />
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United need to find a new identity, one that doesn't include Ferguson, Scholes, Giggs etc. The success they enjoyed over the last 20 years was based on the emergence of those youth team players - and let's be honest, it's highly unlikely to happen again in the next 25 years.<br />
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Hence, it's a longer term project. Chelsea and Manchester City are the big boys in England now - Liverpool may join them, but United and Arsenal face a battle to get back to the top.<br />
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Perhaps that was the thinking with Moyes - but he just didn't handle the transition well at all. Changing manager every season or two won't bring success, but they still need a manger and squad that will be able to compete at the top every year.<br />
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I doubt they could poach another Everton manager, but Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers are the type of young, progressive coaches United should go for.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023910825329114591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316008550376774544.post-33753442714905125252014-04-21T19:38:00.001-04:002014-04-21T19:39:09.312-04:00Ajax lit up by minnows in Dutch Cup final<br />
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PEC Zwolle lift first trophy in first final in 37 years</h3>
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It was over in a little over a half hour when Dutch giants Ajax spectacularly were down 4-1 on its way to a 5-1 defeat.<br />
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But the images that will be remembered is former Manchester United netminder Edwin van der Sar pleading with his Amsterdam side's supporters to stop the fireworks as Ajax endured the goalfest. Play had to be delayed, officials debated whether to stop the match and the rest of the stadium's fans were shellshocked at the proceedings on the field.</div>
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In the end, it was the minnows that won by a heavy scoreline to lift its first major honor in the club's history. This is what football is all about.</div>
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-Tio Pelotas</div>
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@TioPelotas74</div>
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Freddy Sebastianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08248964699144759438noreply@blogger.com0