View Full Version : Champions League 08/09
I understand what Souness was talking about. I mean, they'll be upset that they didn't get an away goal, but the tie could have been killed in the first half. So to have come out of the first half only one goal down and still be very much in the tie, Wenger will be in a positive mood.
Oh and I can't believe media are saying we have one foot in the final :huh: I'm pretty sure they are just saying this, so they can rip in to us, if we fail to make it through.
Phil W.A.F.C
05-05-2009, 16:18
I'm really looking forward to the second legs of the Semi's. Tonights game should be a tense one for United fan's but a decent one for the neutral. I'm expecting United to go through with them winning, just about. Tomorrow, i'm expecting both teams to go all out in the first twenty to get that first goal and if no one scores in that first twenty i think we'll be seeing both teams trying to settle. Man United and Chelsea heading to Rome for me.
AgentZero
05-05-2009, 22:17
id like barca, game wont be a cagey affair and we might get spanked but , to claim your the best gotta beat the best.
uA - 1905
05-05-2009, 22:24
Almunia, what a cock.
Can't believe it, bitter sweet in a way.
Amazing that we battered Arsenal, missed the start of the match though as I had a football match of my own to play. Coming back in the car after it with the commentary on, scoring twice we all went mental - was epic. Then to see Fletcher banned from the final is a proper kick in the bollocks, especially considering he's been one of our best players this season, and one of our most consistant. He simply doesn't deserve this, and the tackle itself was actually quality.
Any chance it can get overturned ? My mate was saying that a card can only be overturned in the Champions League if it's mistaken identity. Really hope that isn't the case.
AgentZero
05-05-2009, 22:34
nope fergie mentioned at a interview at the end that the biggest disappointment is that he can not even appeal the decision, because it was a straight red or something.
Any chance it can get overturned ? My mate was saying that a card can only be overturned in the Champions League if it's mistaken identity. Really hope that isn't the case.
Theres no way it can be overturned. Even if there was, I highly doubt UEFA would.
The truth is that Fletcher is a moron for even trying to play hero to begin with.
BarnDoor
05-05-2009, 22:46
Usul's right, Fletcher should never believe he has talent.
Fletch would walk into pretty much every team in the league except maybe Chelsea and Liverpool. Gutted for the guy as nobody works harder and players like him allow Ronaldo to do what he does.
Can't believe it, bitter sweet in a way.
Amazing that we battered Arsenal, missed the start of the match though as I had a football match of my own to play. Coming back in the car after it with the commentary on, scoring twice we all went mental - was epic. Then to see Fletcher banned from the final is a proper kick in the bollocks, especially considering he's been one of our best players this season, and one of our most consistant. He simply doesn't deserve this, and the tackle itself was actually quality.
Any chance it can get overturned ? My mate was saying that a card can only be overturned in the Champions League if it's mistaken identity. Really hope that isn't the case.
I cant see it being over-turned and is a kick in the teeth for the man. I actually felt sorry for him, but more so for Gibbs - The kid looked devastated after his slip lead to the first goal.
I just hope Barca can do the business tomorrow against Chelsea.
Mullet Taylor
05-05-2009, 22:51
i want to punch something, every cunt wanking over darren *5th choice* fletcher. Fergie basically said after the game that he wouldnt have started the game anyway. If it was rooney or rio red carded and the same question had been asked fergie woulda been giving it " aww absolwoootley. wooney would have started " etc
Cunts need to calm down, hes not that big of a loss.
The truth is that Fletcher is a moron for even trying to play hero to begin with.
:faceplm:
In those situations, you simply don't stop to think "I'll let him through because I maybe sent off" - if you believe you can get the ball (as Fletcher clearly did) then you automatically try and win it. More a reflex than anything.
Fletcher has been quality this season, and we went through a tough period a month or so ago, and amongst near enough our entire midfield playing poorly, Fletcher carried us. He doesn't deserve this, and I can't even imagine what he's feeling like now. Having to celebrate with his teammates, whilst knowing that he's banned in the final must be heartbreaking.
Honestly, injustice or otherwise, i'm happy they'll miss him in the final, if we're to make it. :happy:
Too big a test for Anderson, and Scholes is well past it, unless he pulls a Zidane...
AgentZero
05-05-2009, 23:00
Honestly, injustice or otherwise, i'm happy they'll miss him in the final, if we're to make it. :happy:
Too big a test for Anderson, and Scholes is well past it, unless he pulls a Zidane...
unless chelsea do us a favour and chops seven shades of shit onto iniesta and xavi.
:faceplm:
In those situations, you simply don't stop to think "I'll let him through because I maybe sent off" - if you believe you can get the ball (as Fletcher clearly did) then you automatically try and win it. More a reflex than anything.
Fair enough, but that doesn't condone the subsequent wrestling move.
unless chelsea do us a favour and chops seven shades of shit onto iniesta and xavi.
:lol:
:no:
Do any Barca or Chelsea players have to avoid a booking tomorrow?
Do any Barca or Chelsea players have to avoid a booking tomorrow?
Hmm, if memory serves well, Xavi, Eto'o and maybe Messi. :erm:
Fair enough, but that doesn't condone the subsequent wrestling move.
Condone ? It was more just a tangle of legs after Fletcher won the ball, by that time it was quite irrelevant as he'd already won the ball. Anything after that was just unfortunate.
Just awaiting a YouTube video of some sort, I imagine it will be up within a few hours.
Favourite moment of the night ? Arsene Wenger with his head sunk deep into his hands whilst sitting on the bench after going 2-0 down. Classic image.
Favourite moment of the night ? Arsene Wenger with his head sunk deep into his hands whilst sitting on the bench after going 2-0 down. Classic image.
I preferred Beckham's school-girl giggling and hand rubbing. A GIF of that is a necessity.
Here's hoping Messi gets another booking for diving tomorrow. :lol:
Condone ? It was more just a tangle of legs after Fletcher won the ball, by that time it was quite irrelevant as he'd already won the ball. Anything after that was just unfortunate.
That was pretty far from being only an unfortunate tangle of legs.
Here's hoping Messi gets another booking for diving tomorrow. :lol:
Fortunately, he's not that sort of man.
I preferred Beckham's school-girl giggling and hand rubbing. A GIF of that is a necessity.
:D That was hilarious.
It was like he had put on a massive bet on man utd to win this game haha
AgentZero
05-05-2009, 23:22
hahaha yeah...he probably had a spread of 2 goals or more on united.
Nifty1Pound50
05-05-2009, 23:33
Condone ? It was more just a tangle of legs after Fletcher won the ball, by that time it was quite irrelevant as he'd already won the ball. Anything after that was just unfortunate.
If I can get hold of a full 90-minute video of the game, I will show you three instances of Darren Fletcher making meals of tackles and, essentially, cheating. Something he's clearly picked up from Ronaldo - the difference being is that he resorts to it because he's not very good. For that alone, I'm glad that of all the players on the pitch - barring Ronaldo - it was him who got sent off. It wouldn't have been justice for someone like Rooney, Vidic or Carrick to have suffered that fate, but Fletcher got what he deserved for play-acting numerous times.
Favourite moment of the night?
Plenty of moments. At any given time after about the first 10 minutes, I can only salute the professionalism of every Arsenal player who came anywhere near Cristiano Ronaldo. Watching it at home, I had so much fury in me I was actually repeatedly explaining to my pet cat that breaking at least one of his legs with a mindless assault would be worth any prison term he could press charges for.
Outstanding footballing talent. Pathetic, embarrassment of a human being. It's a shame that the world's second best footballer is also one of the biggest cheats in world football.
That aside, we were pathetically poor tonight. Yes, we got comprehensively beaten - but we didn't even put up a fight. Obviously the players bottled it and the main reason for that will be touted as the inexperience in the squad, but a big point today was our lack of physicality. Man Utd stamped their authority on the game - not in a let's-bemoan-their-shit-football Bolton Wanderers way, mind you - and won almost every 50-50 throughout. The manner of the first goal is going to knock the stuffing out of you a little bit because you've started brightly, but don't just give up.
Limply falling out of Europe without giving it a proper go is entirely pathetic. There was no desire. One of the worst performances I've seen from us, regardless of the opposition being a good side. For the first time in years, I've seen us play in a way that I imagine is similar to the sort of performances needed most weeks to make Middlesbrough fans chuck their season tickets at Steve McLaren. That's how bad I thought it was.
Dannyholt
06-05-2009, 04:04
Plenty of moments. At any given time after about the first 10 minutes, I can only salute the professionalism of every Arsenal player who came anywhere near Cristiano Ronaldo. Watching it at home, I had so much fury in me I was actually repeatedly explaining to my pet cat that breaking at least one of his legs with a mindless assault would be worth any prison term he could press charges for.
Get over yourself fool, like no Arsenal player under Wenger has ever dived lol.
Remember a certain player called Marc Overmars and since when was making a meal of tackle been called "Cheating" ?
If a player is fouled and he makes more of it, that isn't cheating, cheating is when you DON'T get fouled and you dive in order to get a free kick/penalty.
I have to admit, Ronaldo is sometimes annoying but most of the time he is fouled, but he makes more of it, to see a world class cheater, watch a reply of Dani Alves against Chelsea last week that is a cheater, his display last week a joke.
The current Arsenal team is simply not good enough and thats that.
Dannyholt
06-05-2009, 04:06
Scholes is well past it, unless he pulls a Zidane...
Yeah, the player that knocked you out last year!
Favourite moment of the night ?
I was there, and for me seeing the Arsenal fans walking out with 20mins to go.
Fair enough, but that doesn't condone the subsequent wrestling move.
What wrestling move?
He won the ball, fair and square, what happends after that is neither here or there.
AgentZero
06-05-2009, 05:56
Yeah, the player that knocked you out last year!
I was there, and for me seeing the Arsenal fans walking out with 20mins to go.
What wrestling move?
He won the ball, fair and square, what happends after that is neither here or there.
Amen son..amen. Fletch will be missed..but not greatly missed. He does do a very good jobs in what he does especially against big teams but i feel he is replaceable. Also you might want to be careful with the double posting, just incorporate your new post/ideas into your earlier one via edit.
I thought it was a penalty and a red card. There was intention to play the ball, but it was so awfully executed that he ended up fouling him and if you go by the book he was the last man.
I think Rosetti would be judged by superiors had he not given both.
Nifty1Pound50
06-05-2009, 09:13
like no Arsenal player under Wenger has ever dived lol.
Good argument. I wouldn't condone an Arsenal player who did it, either. Eboué is a notorious cheat and I can't stand the way he falls about the place.
To try and claim Ronaldo isn't one is ridiculous.
Making a meal of a tackle is cheating. If you don't get fouled and make out that there was contact, that is making more of a tackle than there was. If there is contact, but not enough to constitute a foul, and the player acts as though there was more contact, is that not essentially the same thing?
At no point did I say we deserved to go through. Or that we were good enough.
That still doesn't change the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is a diving, cheating and unfortunately very gifted footballer. I say unfortunately because any 'man' who behaves like that does not deserve to have such talent.
Nice to see Arsenal fans showing some class :rolleyes:
It's like you've all turned into Usal :erm:
Phatmann
06-05-2009, 09:34
I was sure it wasn't a pen after watching the replays last night and after seeing this clip again, I'm still sure:
pk69swQTsm0
Don't know how long that will stay up though. The penalty incident is at 6:54.
Its clear Fletcher touched the ball its even more clear he brings down Fabregas as he follows through. His contact on the ball was not enough had he not brought down Fabregas, he would have had a clear goalscoring oppotunity. That and it being the last man means the ref was spot on.
Over the two legs Man Utd were probably 3 goals better than Arsenal. It could have been different, Arsenal started the game very well last night, if it were not for an unfortunate slip who knows what could have happened.
If Barcelona can get past Chelsea I would expext them to beat Man Utd though. I think there is a gulf in class between the two teams I just hope we are given a chance to see it.
Phatmann
06-05-2009, 10:51
Its clear Fletcher touched the ball its even more clear he brings down Fabregas as he follows through. His contact on the ball was not enough had he not brought down Fabregas, he would have had a clear goalscoring oppotunity. That and it being the last man means the ref was spot on.
But he wouldn't have had a clear goalscoring opportunity as Fletcher knocked the ball away from him.:mellow:
But he wouldn't have had a clear goalscoring opportunity as Fletcher knocked the ball away from him.:mellow:
The ball didn't move much from his path after he touched it.
On the subject of making a meal out of things, did anyone see Van Persie slap Vidic in the face?
What a fucking PUSSY.
Phatmann
06-05-2009, 11:17
Watching it at full speed I don't think Fabregas would've had a goalscoring opportunity.
The other video is down so I found another:
http://www.dailymotion.com/search/fletcher/video/x975az_arsenal-v-manchester-united-050509_sport
Vidic always goes down a bit easy and can be theatrical at times. Quality defender though.
The other video is down so I found another:
http://www.dailymotion.com/search/fletcher/video/x975az_arsenal-v-manchester-united-050509_sport
The slow motion replay from behind (not in that clip), is the best indication that the ball moves away enough.
Watching it at full speed I don't think Fabregas would've had a goalscoring opportunity.
The other video is down so I found another:
http://www.dailymotion.com/search/fletcher/video/x975az_arsenal-v-manchester-united-050509_sport
Vidic always goes down a bit easy and can be theatrical at times. Quality defender though.
After watching that I think Fabregas would have got the ball I'm not as sure. I'm sure it was a pen. I would like to add that Fletcher makes sure that no goalscoring opportunity occurs, his execution of the tackle was awful, ending up with your legs wrapped around the attacker show a lack of skill in your tackling. There is no doubt in my mind the ref was right.
Fergie has to defend Fletcher, he showed selflessness throughout the game and that challenge is a perfect example of it. If he came out and says the ref was correct the player would not sacrifice himself for the cause again. I can see no other valid reason why anyone can defend the "tackle".
Things even themselves out during the season and the Fletcher penalty incident and red card is payback for the penalty you had against Spurs the other week!
Things even themselves out during the season
Not necessarily, no. Said this to someone recently and will say it again without meaning to have a go at you specifically: that phrase is a load of bullshit and gets used too much. Hopefully you'll take my response in the correct context.
Phatmann
06-05-2009, 12:09
Things even themselves out during the season and the Fletcher penalty incident and red card is payback for the penalty you had against Spurs the other week!
Surely if "things even themselves out" the Carrick penalty was in response to the penalty we were denied against Everton the week before? That was a decision that may have cost us an FA Cup final spot - had the penalty taker scored the penalty, although if Berbatov was taking it it wouldn't have been any use. :faceplm:
wrathchild_uk
06-05-2009, 12:19
If Barcelona can get past Chelsea I would expext them to beat Man Utd though. I think there is a gulf in class between the two teams I just hope we are given a chance to see it.
Hmmmm So with United potentially on their way to a 3rd consecutive premiership title, unbeaten in the champions league since the semi final loss to Milan, a 2nd champions league final in two years and you still talk as if their a load of shit..:rolleyes:
Lorenzinho
06-05-2009, 12:22
I really don't want United to win the Champions League.
I agree that it was unfair for Fletcher to be sent off but I can't blame the referee. I was watching and my instinct was 'PENALTY!'.
Things never even themselves out. The reason being officials are too inconsistent/unpredictable in their decisions of important moments in games.
So according to Cobinho, it's a foul because he played the ball and then took the player out? Using that view of penalties are you saying Gomes did foul Carrick, and the penalty against Spurs was correctly awarded?
If your hatred/jealousy of United wasn't as obvious as it is, I might see sense in some of your posts.
I was watching and my instinct was 'PENALTY!'.
I shouted out "quality tackle". Was amazed when referee gave penalty, let alone a red card too. First viewing our penalty against Spurs I knew it wasn't a penalty, but was pleasantly surprised he awarded that one too.
I should become a ref :)
I thought it was a penalty and a red card. There was intention to play the ball, but it was so awfully executed that he ended up fouling him and if you go by the book he was the last man.
I think Rosetti would be judged by superiors had he not given both.
After watching that I think Fabregas would have got the ball I'm not as sure. I'm sure it was a pen. I would like to add that Fletcher makes sure that no goalscoring opportunity occurs, his execution of the tackle was awful, ending up with your legs wrapped around the attacker show a lack of skill in your tackling. There is no doubt in my mind the ref was right.
I honestly cannot understand how anyone can believe that the referee made the correct decision. Did Fletcher win the ball before bringing down Fabregas ? Yes. 'Nuff said, or should be anyway. It's irrelevant what happened after that, his technique of the tackle was poor but he ultimately done what is required for a good tackle - win the ball before the man.
It would have been a red card if he didn't get the ball and bring down Fabregas, but that clearly didn't happen, hence why it shouldn't have been a penalty and hence why he shouldn't have been carded.
Let's face it people, the ref was pretty shite all night. There were many 'soft' free kicks, a blatant obstruction missed and some terrible theatrics from both sides.
We should all know better that european ref's see things differently to english league refs.
It's bad enough having a lack of consistency just within one league, in european competitions anything can be expected...
AgentZero
06-05-2009, 12:42
If Barcelona can get past Chelsea I would expext them to beat Man Utd though. I think there is a gulf in class between the two teams I just hope we are given a chance to see it.
...:realmad: I disagree that there is a gulf of class. Both teams are equally strong in attack and depth of option, if not Barcelona better by a few margins. On a matter of Defence i beleive we have a much stronger unit. Yes Barcelona play a different brand of football and are more easy to the eye but to have the nerve to say that there is a gulf in class is brandishing united (no offence) one of the teams up for relegation against one of the top 4. I can see why you aren't taken very seriously at times.
Lorenzinho
06-05-2009, 13:11
I honestly cannot understand how anyone can believe that the referee made the correct decision. Did Fletcher win the ball before bringing down Fabregas ? Yes. 'Nuff said, or should be anyway. It's irrelevant what happened after that, his technique of the tackle was poor but he ultimately done what is required for a good tackle - win the ball before the man.
It would have been a red card if he didn't get the ball and bring down Fabregas, but that clearly didn't happen, hence why it shouldn't have been a penalty and hence why he shouldn't have been carded.
Could the referee see the fact that Fletcher got the ball though? I doubt it.
There's several shots of the view the referee would have had, and to say the least it doesn't exactly back up his decision.
Dannyholt
06-05-2009, 13:22
Its clear Fletcher touched the ball its even more clear he brings down Fabregas as he follows through. His contact on the ball was not enough had he not brought down Fabregas, he would have had a clear goalscoring oppotunity. That and it being the last man means the ref was spot on.
Over the two legs Man Utd were probably 3 goals better than Arsenal. It could have been different, Arsenal started the game very well last night, if it were not for an unfortunate slip who knows what could have happened.
If Barcelona can get past Chelsea I would expext them to beat Man Utd though. I think there is a gulf in class between the two teams I just hope we are given a chance to see it.
OMFG....
Are you insane, he gets the ball before the man, it doesn't matter if the ball moves 1 cm or 1 mile, Fletcher won the ball and hence its no penalty.
Over the two legs, Arsenal were poor and we were excellent, Fergie got the tactics spot on.
In regards to the comment about GULF in class, WTF m8, Barca and United play to completely different styles of football. Also you say that IF you get past Chelsea, if you have a gulf in class over United, then what the hell do you have on Chelsea in terms of class?
It should be a walk in the park for you tonight shouldn't it, well IMO Chelsea will do you tonight.
On another note, UEFA need to have a look at the rules FFS, you can only appeal a card "if the right to file a protest within 24 hours of the match, however a protest against a caution or sending off is only admissible if the referee's error was to mistake the identity of the player."
That is pathetic, just goes to show that the they don't have a clue about football.
You get a Yellow card for taking your shirt off ect... it's a joke tbh.
I honestly cannot understand how anyone can believe that the referee made the correct decision. Did Fletcher win the ball before bringing down Fabregas ? Yes. 'Nuff said, or should be anyway. It's irrelevant what happened after that, his technique of the tackle was poor but he ultimately done what is required for a good tackle - win the ball before the man.
It would have been a red card if he didn't get the ball and bring down Fabregas, but that clearly didn't happen, hence why it shouldn't have been a penalty and hence why he shouldn't have been carded.
It was poor judgment from Fletcher, to tackle like that especially in that situation. From the ref's point of view this was obviously a penalty and a red card; first he grabs Fabregas on his left arm, then he lunges his one foot towards the ball (barely touching it) while he, very unfortunately, appears to slip with the other and bring down Fabregas.
If this happened against Ajax I'd have said "what idiotic defense" and verbally abuse the man in question particularly when there is a comfortable 0-4 on aggregate on the scoreboard.
To me it is not even open for discussion, but we'll never agree on this it would appear.
EDIT: Don't know why there a smiley on top of this post, never mind that.
Dannyholt
06-05-2009, 13:54
It was poor judgment from Fletcher, to tackle like that especially in that situation. From the ref's point of view this was obviously a penalty and a red card;
Wrong and Wrong.
How is it poor judgement, he made a FINE tackle and WINS the ball?
From the refs point of view, he got completely wrong, you can tell from Fabregas's response, he him self didnt think it was a penalty as Fletcher won the ball.
Wrong and Wrong.
How is it poor judgement, he made a FINE tackle and WINS the ball?
From the refs point of view, he got completely wrong, you can tell from Fabregas's response, he him self didnt think it was a penalty as Fletcher won the ball.
I agree with what Barry is saying, it was unnecessary for Fletcher to make the challange considering the time left in the game & the score at that time.
I still think in the grand scheme of things that the decision was wrong, but can understand why a ref in the heat of the moment would give it.
It may have been unnecessary for him to make the challenge, but as been said before instict must have kicked in. Fergie would have been angrier if he'd stood there and let Fabregas go through to score.
Funny how it's only Man Utd fans that think it was a good challenge. Had it been at the other end I'm sure a few Arsenal fans opinions' would change! Funniest thing is I can't see how anyone can say it was a penalty. Wasn't even 50/50, as he won the ball ("barely" my ass, it was enough to change the direction of the ball by almost 90°).
Still, we're in the final. Now to finish this league off once and for all.
wrathchild_uk
06-05-2009, 16:33
Considering Wenger doesnt usually see anything and he's come out and said the sending off was harsh then that says it all really..
It's so easy to judge in retrospect, but when seen from behind it's understandable why the ref would conclude that he had taken both man and ball.
Fletcher is a fool for lunging like that anyway.
I would have been furious if one of our players had done that in the dying moments of a match that was 100% in the bag.
Nice to see Arsenal fans showing some class :rolleyes:
It's like you've all turned into Usal :erm:
Can't you spell my name correctly or are you just acting the cunt?
Could the referee see the fact that Fletcher got the ball though? I doubt it.
I doubt it to in all honesty as he was behind the players as the replay showed. However then if he wasn't able to see the tackle properly how can he give the decision ? It's just slightly strange at times, and maybe the referee's play off instinct as well ? Maybe the linesman signalled for a penalty hence why the referee followed as he was unable to see the tackle properly ? I'm not sure but I still stand strongly with the point that if the referee couldn't see the crucial point in the tackle, he certainly cannot make such a huge decision.
Can't you spell my name correctly or are you just acting the cunt?
I actually stopped for a second whilst typing it, as wasn't sure if I had spelt it correctly or not.
Why, is it your real name? Or have I offended you by misspelling your made-up name?
What a stunning strike that was.
I cant watch the match as im slumped with work. But this description will do me just fine.
That is the goal of the season, all wrapped up - and it might just be the most important one so far. Frank Lampard's ball into the box loops up in the air off Yaya Toure and Michael Essien hits the most outrageous left-foot volley from 22 yards that crashes off the underside of the bar and over the line. Think Tony Yeboah, but better. Better.
Better than Tony Yeboah's ? Really, no, let's not get ahead of ourselves here.
greenegg
06-05-2009, 20:06
Is it just me or did that goal not get as much instant hype it would have if it had been Gerrard or CRonaldo? Sure Andy Gray said it was nice but I feel if it was some flashy type he'd have been screaming and jizzing himself silly. I thought it was a proper quality goal but because it was the grafter Essien it will get attention but not as much as others would.
http://www.atdhe.net/6873/watch-chelsea-vs-barcelona Works great for me ;)
Aaronarid
06-05-2009, 20:24
Andy Gray seemed to think it was technically superior than Zidanes at Hampden Park.
God I hate that man.
Commentators on BBC 5Live are great sometimes.
"Terry's quite good at having a few tugs"
Andy Gray deserves to die in pain
Corrected.
I saw the match from about 20 minutes on (through that live feed link) and thought it was pretty boring. Hopefully the second half isn't as boring.
Btw, that feed I posted up has died now so I'm gonna have to find a new one somewhere else :(
Dragonfly
06-05-2009, 20:39
Someone must have lit that wick on Malouda's hair cos he's on fire.
Andy Gray seemed to think it was technically superior than Zidanes at Hampden Park.
God I hate that man.
I was briefly watching the game on a stream showing ESPN and I could swear the Irish commentator called Essien "Gerald". :lol:
I can't see Barca scoring. Eto'o is too quiet again, just like he was against Madrid. Really missing Henry. Can't believe I'm saying this but it may be worth putting Hleb on for either Busquets or Keita, then put Iniesta in the middle where he's more effective.
Chelsea are defending brilliantly as a team. There's hardly any space between the defenders and midfielders when they don't have the ball. Barca have hardly any room to work with.
Oh, and Essien's goal was better than Zidane's. It was much further out and something you didn't expect on his weak foot. You do(did) expect that Zidane because he was that good.
I agree mate, if Iniesta is put into the middle second half then Barca will have a better chance of threatening and Iniesta is miles better in the middle than he is down the wing, he has looked very limited down there first 45 minutes. He needs that creative freedom and space to roam into. I don't know if there'll be much of that though; Chelsea are defending brilliantly and not giving Barca any room.
I think the game will finish 1-0.
The Messiah
06-05-2009, 20:55
The reason Barca score so many in La Liga is because the defending is shithole there. :flip:
wrathchild_uk
06-05-2009, 21:07
So much for this gulf in class...
Viperized
06-05-2009, 21:08
I can't see Barca scoring. Eto'o is too quiet again, just like he was against Madrid. Really missing Henry. Can't believe I'm saying this but it may be worth putting Hleb on for either Busquets or Keita, then put Iniesta in the middle where he's more effective.
Chelsea are defending brilliantly as a team. There's hardly any space between the defenders and midfielders when they don't have the ball. Barca have hardly any room to work with.
Oh, and Essien's goal was better than Zidane's. It was much further out and something you didn't expect on his weak foot. You do(did) expect that Zidane because he was that good.
Where is Henry? Injured?
Shocking - Abidal isn't last man.
EDIT: Actually, a bit tighter on that then I thought :>
Barca can still score and go through. Barca would then be playing with major defence problems.
My picture is rubbish quality, but did Abidal even make contact? I heard Andy Gray saying about a tug of the shirt, but all I saw Anelka tripping over himself.
Anelka and Ballack to get booked please :>
Dragonfly
06-05-2009, 21:27
Bring on Eidur, god damn it!
GET A FUCKING SHOT OFF!! :faceplm:
EDIT: INIESTA!!!! Fucking brilliant!
I don't fucking believe it.
Dragonfly
06-05-2009, 21:36
Oh my daze!
I need to erase my epic fail PM to Jin. :lol:
No Abidal, Alves, Milito or Marquez in the final.
The Radio 5 Live commentators couldn't have been any more bias with their reaction. A real sucker punch that.
chelsea should have taken some of their earlier chances
Why is Ballack not sent off?
That wasn't deserved at all.
Bollocks result, and I now hate the away goals rule.
Wow! Not sure what to say at the moment.
Fair enough. Should make for a great final now. A few injuries in the couple next games for United should even things up for Barca. ;)
That wasn't deserved at all.
Bollocks result, and I now hate the away goals rule.
Yes it was deserved. Had Chelsea won, that too would have been deserved.
Why is Ballack not sent off?
Deserved yellow (a.k.a suspension) at least. And that instance wasn't even a penalty.
Ref was terrible all night mind you.
EDIT: I didn't realise he was booked in the end. :faceplm:
Dragonfly
06-05-2009, 21:42
Why is Ballack not sent off?
Hahaha! His reaction made me laugh. He so desperately wanted to rugby tackle the ref.
What a class goal to win it and a final with the best two teams in the world is a fitting end to the tournament.
Phew. I really fancy our chances with their defensive problems.
Yeah I agree Guillermo the ref was terrible, but meh.
Man utd - Barcelona final!
Scott Minto is about to cry on SSN
Fucking hell what a finish. I wanted Barca to win but I feel sorry for Chelsea at the same time. Chelsea should have had at least 2 pens but even with 10 men, Barca were the team bossing possesion and looking to attack, so they got what they deserved in that sense.
Ballack's reaction at the end was disgraceful to be honest.
lol at the amount of penalty shout chelsea had through out that whole game. And ballacks reaction made me laugh, chasing the ref round the pitch lol.
Ballack being a cunt? :ohmy: Never.
Awesome finale.
Pick that out from Iniesta.
Essien - shades of Zidane in 2002 :D
Mjällharth
06-05-2009, 21:49
Epic. Simply marvellously epic with the brilliant goal in the deep dungeons of extra time from the man of the match to make up for the shit ref, I love this.
Can Abidal's red be rescinded? There wasn't even contact from what I saw.
Can Abidal's red be rescinded? There wasn't even contact from what I saw.
No. :smug:
Drogba came back on in flip flops to shout at the ref?
wrathchild_uk
06-05-2009, 21:50
Sky Sports news were saying he's one of the top refs in europe earlier :S
The amount of Barca Bandwagoning/ Chelsea hate on Facebook is amazing.
First of all, congrats to Barca and I hope you win the final.
But at the moment I have never felt so pissed off at a football game ever. I understabd Barca should have had a penalty last week, but how on earth can 3 legit appeals from us been turned down. It's the Pique handball that hurts the most. It was so fucking clear. It's unbelievable.
That said, Didier should have put us two up and we had some other chances that should have been taken.
I said we'd need two to go through and that was clear. Good strike from Iniesta. Why he had so much space? I don't know. Would have liked to see Ballack rushing to shut him down, rather standing to block the goal.
Good effort from our boys. Defended brilliantly. Great goal from Essien - shame it was him who was to mess up with the clearance, but it happens.
Losing the final last year had me hurt, but at the moment, the emotion is more anger. But I have nothing against Barca, they were not officiating the match after all. They are a bit fucked on the full back options for the final, but I'll be hoping you can do it.
Referee, feel free to go fuck yourself.
CDDRodrigo
06-05-2009, 21:52
Fucking shit, God bless Iniesta's foot!
Dragonfly
06-05-2009, 21:52
I liked how Silvinho was calming Guardiola down and suggesting a substitution.
Phew. I really fancy our chances with their defensive problems.
You guys should give Barcelona's defence a much tougher test. Toure looked uncomfortable when players turned him, but his strength was enough to slow the attacker down. Some of his tackles were on the verge of fouls, especially a couple of near-penalty incidences. Who else do Barcelona have at right-back? Will Puyol play there, with Toure retaining his place at centre-back? Silvinho will probably get raped.
Assuming Man Utd play counter-attacking football, they'll win, as much as it pains me to say it.
What was Drogba shouting to the camera? I heard "fucking" or "fucker" and that's about it.
He said its a fucking disgrace.
Dragonfly
06-05-2009, 21:55
Ballack being a cunt? :ohmy: Never.
A footballer being a cunt? :ohmy: Never.
Excuse me whilst I send death threats to the referee...
Don't really want to say much, but well done Barca.
He said its a fucking disgrace.
Was he looking in the mirror when he said that? I think so.
Why is there not highlights on ITV later tonight ? Unless they're on tomorrow night of course.
I've already seen the game but definitely want to watch the highlights for the pure hilarity of it all. The pundits are usually biased towards Chelsea anyway, but this is hilarious! They're going mental.
well tbh drogba should of put one of his chances away.
well tbh drogba should of put one of his chances away.
I agree. The same can be said for Bojan's header in the 1st leg.
The tie was filled with massive moments in both legs. Too many for officials, of the standard they were, to deal with.
Dragonfly
06-05-2009, 22:06
Why is there not highlights on ITV later tonight ? Unless they're on tomorrow night of course.
I've already seen the game but definitely want to watch the highlights for the pure hilarity of it all. The pundits are usually biased towards Chelsea anyway, but this is hilarious! They're going mental.
There are usually no highlights (on the week of the games) for semi-finals on ITV, or at least there haven't been this year. You'll have to wait for Tuesday 1am, or whatever crazy time they show it nowadays. You should be able to find 15 minutes (at least) of official UEFA.com highlights on FootyTube/Myspace the day after the game.
No Alves or Abidal in the final though?
I'll go for Man U.
Viperized
06-05-2009, 22:08
There is nothing worse than losing to the away goals rule.
I think the team with the higher away goals should be awarded a penalty kick at the end of the match. If they score, they win. If not, extra-time or a penalty shoot-out...
D:
Wanted Barca to win though and that was a SUPERB strike by Iniesta. But I'm pretty sure Man United will probably rip Barca apart :\
So ladies, what punishment will Drogba be given ? :lol:
AgentZero
06-05-2009, 22:12
I sympathise with chelsea fans that is a horrible way to go out
I think a one-off game on a neutral ground suits Barca far more than a 2 leg tie against a Man Utd, Chelsea.
Acquiesce
06-05-2009, 22:14
There is nothing worse than losing to the away goals rule.
I think the team with the higher away goals should be awarded a penalty kick at the end of the match. If they score, they win. If not, extra-time or a penalty shoot-out...
D:
Wanted Barca to win though and that was a SUPERB strike by Iniesta. But I'm pretty sure Man United will probably rip Barca apart :\
:faceplm:
Dragonfly
06-05-2009, 22:15
I think a one-off game on a neutral ground suits Barca far more than a 2 leg tie against a Man Utd, Chelsea.
That's what I think, but the lack of defence will make the focus of possession and scoring doubly important for Barcelona in the final.
Viperized
06-05-2009, 22:16
http://i43.tinypic.com/14ui442.jpg
Dragonfly
06-05-2009, 22:17
http://i43.tinypic.com/14ui442.jpg
That would go well with 'Crank Dat'.
http://i43.tinypic.com/14ui442.jpg
LOSER!
That would go well with 'Crank Dat'.
:chanlaugh::huh:
I think someone needs to do some editing GIF wise with the Ballack incident.
Great respect to Hiddink for remaining so calm. Class act.
AgentZero
06-05-2009, 22:22
haha that was fucking quick viper...and yeh monkey drummer boy Ballack would do nicely. Guus' face is so unfortunate...ive seen that same expression when we were robbed in germany...funny that a pen robbed him that time and a lack of one robbed him this time.
Not the way i like us to win them, but i'll take it. I don't remember ever celebrating a goal like Iniesta's tonight. :happy:
Drogba was right, it was a fucking disgrace, but he fucked us as well. Abidal barely made contact and, if i remember correctly, he wasn't the last defender.
Anyway, Drogba and Malouda are disgraceful as well. When you cry wolf so many times, it ends up biting you where it hurts.
I feel bad for Essien, but let's not get carried away, even though his goal would have been such a glorious winner that i would not have been sad if we lost as a result, it was an unstoppable fluke of a shot. Zidane's was a calculated master piece. Great shot nonetheless.
Anyhow, we're going to the final, but even more screwed defensively than before. :no:
Who is the fat guy that brings him away, always see him during the games.
Who is the fat guy that brings him away, always see him during the games.
Hiddink? :lol:
I think you mean the famous translator that Ranieri had. ''At the end of the day, it's a game of two halves'' bloke.
Platini's reaction to the all-English final not happening...
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/06/28/article-0-0182B9FA00000578-510_468x502.jpg
:lol:
Ive seen him before, a very square head. He acts like the team's secretary.
uA - 1905
06-05-2009, 22:35
Who would want another all-English final anyway? Especially when it's Man U - Chelsea we're talking about.
I'm really glad Barcelona are through.
Anyone happen to be watching "You're On Sky Sports" ? There's a bald guy on here who's talking some real good sense, it's quite a breath of fresh air to have someone with decent opinions and a level head on TV talking about football.
I think you mean the famous translator that Ranieri had. ''At the end of the day, it's a game of two halves'' bloke.
Platini's reaction to the all-English final not happening...
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/06/28/article-0-0182B9FA00000578-510_468x502.jpg
:lol:
He and I are in agreement on some things...
Who would want another all-English final anyway? Especially when it's Man U - Chelsea we're talking about.
I'm really glad Barcelona are through.
Obviously not you and me but there's plenty who would. The entire Sky Sports team although they were happy enough that the two leagues they show made up all four quarter-finalists anyway.
Anyone happen to be watching "You're On Sky Sports" ? There's a bald guy on here who's talking some real good sense, it's quite a breath of fresh air to have someone with decent opinions and a level head on TV talking about football.
Bald head? Not my mate Ray Wilkins is it? :w00t
Anyone happen to be watching "You're On Sky Sports" ? There's a bald guy on here who's talking some real good sense, it's quite a breath of fresh air to have someone with decent opinions and a level head on TV talking about football.
It's Arsenal legend Perry Groves!! :w00t
Viperized
06-05-2009, 22:39
http://i39.tinypic.com/2a7a3qv.jpg
RAGE
Anyone happen to be watching "You're On Sky Sports" ? There's a bald guy on here who's talking some real good sense, it's quite a breath of fresh air to have someone with decent opinions and a level head on TV talking about football.
Surely it's not....Billy Minof? :lol:
I'm still awaiting my Beckham GIF from last night!
It's Arsenal legend Perry Groves!! :w00t
That's the one. He's not blaming the referee so to speak, he's more concerned over the people who appointed him. He's thinking of the bigger picture as opposed to just joining the bandwagon of launching insults and bold statements.
Agree with Perry Groves again here, with regards to having an appeal panel for UEFA and Champions League. Makes sense, especially when there's shocking decisions such as the Fletcher sending off.
Surely it's not....Billy Minof? :lol:
:chanlaugh: :chanlaugh:
Amazing.
Acquiesce
06-05-2009, 22:48
http://i39.tinypic.com/2a7a3qv.jpg
RAGE
:lol2: I wonder what Ballack is shouting??
AgentZero
06-05-2009, 22:50
http://i39.tinypic.com/2a7a3qv.jpg
RAGEif you look closesly when the ref turns around he gives ballack a sneaky elbow.
TheAlchemist
06-05-2009, 23:00
http://www.offthepost.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ballack-referee.jpg
YMCA, It fun to stay at the...
fluke of a shot
I'm sorry but srsly?
That strike was freaking sublime
if you look closesly when the ref turns around he gives ballack a sneaky elbow.
Yeah. :lol:
It took me about 15 views to realise it myself, but it is a bit obvious when looking at it. Not complaining mind as Ballack deserved it, maybe more so in the face though.
Still awaiting a gif of Drogba going down like he'd been shot after chesting the ball. C'mon gentleman get it sorted.
Mullet Taylor
06-05-2009, 23:15
nothing will beat Drogba and Jens that time. That is Classic.
I'm sorry but srsly?
That strike was freaking sublime
Yes, a sublime fluke. I'm not saying it wasn't a beauty, just a flukey one. He meant to score alright, but i'm just saying it wasn't better than Zidane's.
How many times out of 100, do you think he'd get that in, with a defender in front of him, with such a small angle? That's right, not one. Well, maybe one or two, but please.
Regardless, i'm not saying it wasn't fantastic. I applauded when that went in.
Dragonfly
06-05-2009, 23:24
http://i39.tinypic.com/2a7a3qv.jpg
RAGE
The more I watch it, the funnier it gets. It's like Ballack missed his piggy back ride.
:lol:
That's the greatest football GIF i've ever seen.
Hmmmm So with United potentially on their way to a 3rd consecutive England League title, unbeaten in the champions league since the semi final loss to Milan, a 2nd champions league final in two years and you still talk as if their a load of shit..:rolleyes:
Man Utd are not shit. Yes you have been consistant in the league but that Champions League run, many of your performances have been average, I've rarely seen you play well actually. Its a good record I just wouldn't let it blind my judgement. I think Man Utd are a very strong team, just overrated.
So according to Cobinho, it's a foul because he played the ball and then took the player out? Using that view of penalties are you saying Gomes did foul Carrick, and the penalty against Spurs was correctly awarded?
If your hatred/jealousy of United wasn't as obvious as it is, I might see sense in some of your posts.
Re read my view on the incident.
I honestly cannot understand how anyone can believe that the referee made the correct decision. Did Fletcher win the ball before bringing down Fabregas ? Yes. 'Nuff said, or should be anyway. It's irrelevant what happened after that, his technique of the tackle was poor but he ultimately done what is required for a good tackle - win the ball before the man.
It would have been a red card if he didn't get the ball and bring down Fabregas, but that clearly didn't happen, hence why it shouldn't have been a penalty and hence why he shouldn't have been carded. My view is Fletcher's touch on the ball did not prevent Fabregas' goalscoring opportunity, the foul afterwards did. Fletchers tackle only slightly affected the path of the ball and had he not then brought Fabregas down he would have been 1 v 1 with Van der Sar. Which is why I think it was both a pen and red card.
...:realmad: I disagree that there is a gulf of class. Both teams are equally strong in attack and depth of option, if not Barcelona better by a few margins. On a matter of Defence i beleive we have a much stronger unit. Yes Barcelona play a different brand of football and are more easy to the eye but to have the nerve to say that there is a gulf in class is brandishing united (no offence) one of the teams up for relegation against one of the top 4. I can see why you aren't taken very seriously at times.
I think I'm being quite objective here. If Allardyce's Bolton went to Old trafford played deep packed out the midfield I would say its because they were the inferior team. If such a tactic was rewarded with a win, I still think they were would. When Man Utd do the same thing to me its for the same reason. I wouldn't really have a problem with them for doing this but its almost as if people become blind to the similarities just because its "Man Utd".
As for not being taken seriously, I think its clear from almost every post I make I'm not bothered by this. I make a point of saying what I think is right regardless of how it may be perceived.
Cannon ball
06-05-2009, 23:41
I think I'm being quite objective here. If Allardyce's Bolton went to Old trafford played deep packed out the midfield I would say its because they were the inferior team. If such a tactic was rewarded with a win, I still think they were would. When Man Utd do the same thing to me its for the same reason. I wouldn't really have a problem with them for doing this but its almost as if people become blind to the similarities just because its "Man Utd".
As for not being taken seriously, I think its clear from almost every post I make I'm not bothered by this. I make a point of saying what I think is right regardless of how it may be perceived.
Good point.
Re read my view on the incident.
My view is Fletcher's touch on the ball did not prevent Fabregas' goalscoring opportunity, the foul afterwards did. Fletchers tackle only slightly affected the path of the ball and had he not then brought Fabregas down he would have been 1 v 1 with Van der Sar. Which is why I think it was both a pen and red card.
I'm baffled. I feel as though I'm trying to debate with Karl Pilkington.
I'm baffled. I feel as though I'm trying to debate with Karl Pilkington.
Maybe I wasn't clear doesn't matter.
I think you were clear mate, I'm just trying to work out whether you actually know what a good tackle/foul is. Sounds harsh, but I'm starting to wonder.
AgentZero
07-05-2009, 00:04
also on that note of Bolton coming into Old Trafford with bus parked then yes there is a gulf, but i it think it hinges on the matter if Bolton had the choice of doing so or if they play like that normally. Seeing as we don't go to away grounds and play like we do against barcelona last season week in week out. The 'gulf' or difference in quality is only marginal.
Acquiesce
07-05-2009, 00:09
There is no such thing as a marginal gulf.
AgentZero
07-05-2009, 00:13
There is no such thing as a marginal gulf.:faceplm: oxymoron...fuck but you get the gist.
also on that note of Bolton coming into Old Trafford with bus parked then yes there is a gulf, but i it think it hinges on the matter if Bolton had the choice of doing so or if they play like that normally. Seeing as we don't go to away grounds and play like we do against barcelona last season week in week out. The gulf if there is one is only marginal.
Bolton would not play that way against a team from a lower league just as Man Utd wouldn't against most Premier League teams. Its quite simple really. They use the tactic for the same reasons.
Dannyholt
07-05-2009, 00:17
Man Utd are not shit. Yes you have been consistant in the league but that Champions League run, many of your performances have been average, I've rarely seen you play well actually. Its a good record I just wouldn't let it blind my judgement. I think Man Utd are a very strong team, just overrated.
Please tell me how on earth the Champions of Europe, are overrated ?
We have arguably the best defensive partnership in world football, and an attacking force that is as good as Barca, arguably better in terms of depth.
Also a sign of a great team is when you don't play well, you still win.
My view is Fletcher's touch on the ball did not prevent Fabregas' goalscoring opportunity, the foul afterwards did. Fletchers tackle only slightly affected the path of the ball and had he not then brought Fabregas down he would have been 1 v 1 with Van der Sar. Which is why I think it was both a pen and red card.
Mate, what are you going on about really, so what your saying there is that if someone wins the ball anywhere on the pitch and then the player stumbles over him, that's a foul ?
Is it fuck!
Every ex-professional player who was commenting after the match, were all of the same opinion, that the ref made a mistake and I think they might know a little more than you.
I think I'm being quite objective here. If Allardyce's Bolton went to Old trafford played deep packed out the midfield I would say its because they were the inferior team. If such a tactic was rewarded with a win, I still think they were would. When Man Utd do the same thing to me its for the same reason. I wouldn't really have a problem with them for doing this but its almost as if people become blind to the similarities just because its "Man Utd".
A Sam Allardyce's Bolton played like that all the time, thats his preferred tactics, when Man Utd do it, it's not because Fergie thinks that last years Barca team are superior, its because he knows what there strengths are and knows that there defence is average at best (this is also due to the way they play) and so he plays counter attacking tactics.
If United were to play the way they do in the Premiership there is a 50/50 chance that you may beat us, but if you use the tactics we used in last seasons semi final and the same Chelsea used in the Camp Nou the game swings in our favour, because from the midfield onwards apart from Yaya Toure all your midfield players are attacking minded.
AgentZero
07-05-2009, 00:21
Bolton would not play that way against a team from a lower league just as Man Utd wouldn't against most England League teams. Its quite simple really. They use the tactic for the same reasons.
then what gulf are you on about!? Barca are a class acct i agree but theyre not lightyears ahead as you have seem to portray them
They are not and, yes, they used the best tactic available to them, but that's because there is a gulf, it's undeniable.
It's as clear as daylight that Barcelona are superior in the middle, that's why Fergusson used those tactics.
I thought Chelsea would opt for more attacking football, as they aren't lacking in any department, but it seems to me that Hiddink was being overly cautious and wary of Barcelona. Unless things didn't go according to plan and, once again, they were left with no options.
When you are superior to the opposition, you don't sit back and defend waiting for a counter-attack, be it a planned tactic or otherwise.
Besides, this Barcelona squad has never sat back to defend a 1-0 score. They're always on the move.
Honestly, i'm disappointed, as i was hoping that at least in Europe, we'd find worthier opponents. :tongue:
Mourinho had more balls, it must be said. He did play defensively away, but in Stamford Bridge, as i recall, they went for it.
The only team that has beaten us this season, playing football, was Atletico Madrid, and that was an epic match and a loss i had no problem whatsoever digesting. They gained my respect and that of many others, even our own.
Chelsea defended admirably, but it's something i don't expect from a rich club with such good players capable of playing well and inflicting damage.
then what gulf are you on about!? Barca are a class acct i agree but theyre not lightyears ahead as you have seem to portray them
Who said anything about lightyears? I just said gulf in class. As I said its very simple. Man Utd use those tactics for the same reason Bolton or any other team would...Playing against superior oppostion.
Dannyholt I can't really repeat myself. You made some good points and bad ones. All I will say is I do not think Man Utd are as good as most people think they are. They have some big games coming up like the Man City, Arsenal and of coarse Barcelona to prove to me and the world what they are made of. I actually don't expect them to win any of these games without a dodgy penalty, red card or something else. I would be honest enough to admit if I'm wrong, if however I'm right would you start to see where I'm coming from?
They are not and, yes, they used the best tactic available to them, but that's because there is a gulf, it's undeniable.
It's as clear as daylight that Barcelona are superior in the middle, that's why Fergusson used those tactics.
I thought Chelsea would opt for more attacking football, as they aren't lacking in any department, but it seems to me that Hiddink was being overly cautious and wary of Barcelona. Unless things didn't go according to plan and, once again, they were left with no options.
When you are superior to the opposition, you don't sit back and defend waiting for a counter-attack, be it a planned tactic or otherwise.
Besides, this Barcelona squad has never sat back to defend a 1-0 score. They're always on the move.
Honestly, i'm disappointed, as i was hoping that at least in Europe, we'd find worthier opponents. :tongue:
Mourinho had more balls, it must be said. He did play defensively away, but in Stamford Bridge, as i recall, they went for it.
The only team that has beaten us this season, playing football, was Atletico Madrid, and that was an epic match and a loss i had no problem whatsoever digesting. They gained my respect and that of many others, even our own.
Chelsea defended admirably, but it's something i don't expect from a rich club with such good players capable of playing well and inflicting damage.
Your choice of words is poor.
Any team that beats you is playing football. Whether its football you like to see is a completely different matter.
If a team defends it doesn't always mean they're inferior, it can sometimes mean they've a rock solid defence which they're fully utilising. Nothing wrong with that at all but obviously it doesn't lead to attractive play.
Dannyholt
07-05-2009, 01:04
It's as clear as daylight that Barcelona are superior in the middle, that's why Fergusson used those tactics.
I've taken off my red glasses, but for me Barca aren't superior in the middle of the park, you have a completely different approach on how to play football, and history has shown (excluding the 70 Brazil team) that attractive football doesn't mean you are the best or a better team, Greece anyone.
Your midfielder's although very very technically gifted just wouldn't work in our system, the same can be said for our midfielder's wouldn't work in yours.
But IMO opinion are midfield is more of a unit than Barca's, people like Carrick, Fletcher, Park and Anderson dont get the credit they deserve.
Dannyholt I can't really repeat myself. You made some good points and bad ones. All I will say is I do not think Man Utd are as good as most people think they are. They have some big games coming up like the Man City, Arsenal and of coarse Barcelona to prove to me and the world what they are made of. I actually don't expect them to win any of these games without a dodgy penalty, red card or something else. I would be honest enough to admit if I'm wrong, if however I'm right would you start to see where I'm coming from?
So please tell me and all of the other Man Utd fans on these boards, why Man U aren't as good as people say we are according to you.
Also yeah we do have some tough games coming up but why would we need and I quote "a dodgy penalty, red card or something else" to win them games, anything can happen on derby day that's why there so exciting and people look forward to them, again same goes for Arsenal, a good team and on there day capable of beating us, but if we don't win these games, then fair enough we might not have been good enough on the day but for you to say that in order to change your opinion on how good Man utd are they need to win these games, is someone who is has very little knowledge sorry.
Your choice of words is poor.
Any team that beats you is playing football. Whether its football you like to see is a completely different matter.
If a team defends it doesn't always mean they're inferior, it can sometimes mean they've a rock solid defence which they're fully utilising. Nothing wrong with that at all but obviously it doesn't lead to attractive play.
You're right, but i still think they chose that style because they are inferior in some aspects, specially when it's a side that usually attacks teams they deem inferior.
I'm just surprised that someone that manages a team with such funds, would actually tell his players something like:
Hiddink: 'Ok, guys, we cannot take them on in the middle, as Messi and Iniesta will totally rape us if they get too much space, so we gonna close shop and wait for a counter'.
Ballack: 'But...boss...zis is bullshit! We're all Vorld Class players...we can take zem!'
Hiddink: 'Shut your mouth you worthless Kraut! They are better, and they will tear you a new one. I know this, i have experience, and you are not even worthy of wearing Xavi's boots. Now fuck off and go practice your ankle-ligament-tearing moves. And don't forget the trips. You exaggerate too much when you raise your hands. You should learn from Drogba and Malouda.'
Ballack: 'But..err'
Hiddink: 'Quiet! Now go!'
Anelka: (thinking to himself) 'I'll show the old fart how good i can be as well. The second i'm running towards goal and i've got a defender beside me, i'm gonna dive into that turf like it was fresh, young, unshaven, French muff'.
Cole: (musing to himself) 'Will i be able to stop Messi..?'
Terry: (pondering) Why the fuck did i slip? Why!?
Malouda: (daydreaming) Mmmm, i wonder how Essien would react if i touched his perfectly defined butt-cheeks by surprise, while we're showering...
I've taken off my red glasses, but for me Barca aren't superior in the middle of the park, you have a completely different approach on how to play football, and history has shown (excluding the 70 Brazil team) that attractive football doesn't mean you are the best or a better team, Greece anyone.
Your midfielder's although very very technically gifted just wouldn't work in our system, the same can be said for our midfielder's wouldn't work in yours.
But IMO opinion are midfield is more of a unit than Barca's, people like Carrick, Fletcher, Park and Anderson dont get the credit they deserve.
I have no problem admitting that our defense is not as good as yours, but i don't see why you can't accept that our midfielders are superior to United's.
I'm sure they get the credit, but Barcelona's are, IMO, if anything, a bit better, as a unit.
Who was the last person to win consecutive European Cup/Champions League medals, but obtained these with two different clubs?
It's strange for me to think that Pique grabbed us a goal in Rome last season, but will now face us at the very same stadium. :(
Usul, I can't believe you are really hammering home that Malouda and Drogba are divers, when you have Dani Alves - probably a bigger diver than Ronaldo and Drogba put together - in your team.
Also when did Malouda dive? I remember Malouda should have had a penalty as Alves fouled him in the box, but was only awarded a free kick.
Also, Anelka did not dive. It was just a coming together with Abidal.
I was fucking about with the Anelka thing, but what does Alves being a cunt have anything to do with Malouda and Drogba being shameless bastards?
I didn't think it was such a clear foul anyway. Malouda produced an Oscar winning performance out of that one.
By the way, it's impossible for any one man to be a bigger diver than Drogba and Ronaldo put together.
Alves acted like he wanted to rip off Malouda's shirt and see his rock hard torso. Why the hell couldn't he have waited until the end of the game, asked for permission to use the home showers and then take a look? Malouda definitely didn't make a meal of it. In fact, he stayed up long, as it was happening from near the middle of your half into the penalty box.
Drogba is definitely a shameless bastard and I won't argue against that, but I'm just trying to say don't throw stones when you live in a glass house.
The amount of diving last night was awful. Yes, Chelsea should have had a number of penalties but I think that at least two of the appeals were just dives. I also don't agree with Joel's assertion that Anelka's fall was due to them coming together. I think it was just clearly yet another dive.
If it was another team I could perhaps see some justification in it as so many legitimate appeals had been turned down but Chelsea have never needed justification to dive have they?
Anyway, the ref was awful. The dives should have been punished by yellows, the legitimate penalties should have been given and Abidal should have stayed on the pitch.
Who was the last person to win consecutive European Cup/Champions League medals, but obtained these with two different clubs?
It's strange for me to think that Pique grabbed us a goal in Rome last season, but will now face us at the very same stadium. :(
It must be Frank Rijkaard (AC Milan 1994, Ajax 1995) and before him, Marcel Desailly (Marseille 1993, AC Milan 1994). Unless I've missed out someone obvious from recent times.
Well, well, well, what a farce that was!
Penalties not given, red card handed out for nothing, Redknapp looking like he was going to burst a bloood vessel and Drogba losing the plot.
Overall I'm glad Barca went through, despite all the shit surrounding the two legs (let's not forget the penaly that wasn't given to Barca in the first leg...). As a united fan I would rather see us play Barca than Chelsea.
I also cannot bear to see Terry cry again...
I'm trying to find Chelsea on my SatNav.
Apparently they're two minutes away from Rome.
:badumtish:
Mullet Taylor
07-05-2009, 10:07
I'm trying to find Chelsea on my SatNav.
Apparently they're two minutes away from Rome.
:badumtish:
you'll lose votes for that one :P
I don't care, I literally LOL'd when I first heard it :)
I've taken off my red glasses, but for me Barca aren't superior in the middle of the park, you have a completely different approach on how to play football, and history has shown (excluding the 70 Brazil team) that attractive football doesn't mean you are the best or a better team, Greece anyone.
So here you suggest its the team that wins is the best team.
anything can happen on derby day that's why there so exciting and people look forward to them, again same goes for Arsenal, a good team and on there day capable of beating us, but if we don't win these games, then fair enough we might not have been good enough on the day but for you to say that in order to change your opinion on how good Man utd are they need to win these games, is someone who is has very little knowledge sorry.
And here you say how anyone can win on the day. When you can settle for one or the other maybe then I could uderstand your point. Beyond a desire to blindly defend defend Man Utd.
Your midfielder's although very very technically gifted just wouldn't work in our system, the same can be said for our midfielder's wouldn't work in yours.
But IMO opinion are midfield is more of a unit than Barca's, people like Carrick, Fletcher, Park and Anderson dont get the credit they deserve.
So Carrick, Fletcher, Park and Anderson are as good or better than Xavi, Iniesta and Toure? I think you are giving the undue credit there.
So please tell me and all of the other Man Utd fans on these boards, why Man U aren't as good as people say we are according to you. Your team is clearly one of the best in Europe like 7/8 other teams they have done nothing this season to show me they are anything more than this. Barcelona's performances have shown why they are the best team in Europe and I think its wrong for people to say United are even on par with them.
Even domestically there is not much between the top four and I would say that I think Liverpool and Arsenal impressed me more this year.
AgentZero
07-05-2009, 11:30
To restore some parity for the ref, in regards to the Abidal send off.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.indi vidual&VideoID=56982512
around 6:55 mark he gives chelsea the free kick and looks at his linesman and i beleive gets a statement that abidal is to be sent off from the lino.
The amount of diving last night was awful. Yes, Chelsea should have had a number of penalties but I think that at least two of the appeals were just dives. I also don't agree with Joel's assertion that Anelka's fall was due to them coming together. I think it was just clearly yet another dive.
If it was another team I could perhaps see some justification in it as so many legitimate appeals had been turned down but Chelsea have never needed justification to dive have they?
Anyway, the ref was awful. The dives should have been punished by yellows, the legitimate penalties should have been given and Abidal should have stayed on the pitch.
I know you're a Fulham fan, thus making us rivals, but to SINGLE us out for diving, is pretty poor.
Yes we have divers, most notably Drogba, but so does most of the big teams in Europe. Is it right? No. Is it going to stop? No.
Papa, 7:07 on the video Agent Zero posted on the previous post - Can you seriously say Anelka dived after watching that?
And on the Abidal red card - He shgouldn't have had one for the coming together with Anelka, but for me he is lucky to have stayed on the pitch for so long, as he was pulling Drogba's shirt in the box and hitting him with his left leg, preventing a one on one opportunity.
That's all I have to say about this now. It's a new day, Barca are in the final, not us and there's nothing I or any Chelsea fan can do about it.
Foxhound
07-05-2009, 12:21
Found this on RedCafe
http://i44.tinypic.com/33xwsye.gif
TheAlchemist
07-05-2009, 12:23
http://i44.tinypic.com/18gal3.gif
http://i39.tinypic.com/2aenfps.gif
http://i44.tinypic.com/33xwsye.gif
I'm trying to find Chelsea on my SatNav.
Apparently they're two minutes away from Rome.
:badumtish:
:chanlaugh: Well played, have some rep.
Papa: I don't think Anelka dived at all, generally players can hit the deck without diving. It seems loss of balance just doesn't exist anymore. Anelka simply tripped himself, ultimately bringing himself down. He didn't dive I don't believe. It's also possible that Abidal got just the slightest of touches forcing Anelka to inadvertedly clip his own heels. However because the touch by Abidal may have been so little and so unnoticeable, I'd find it difficult for any official to be positively sure and hand out the red card.
Ballack is quite pathetic. I think this is a victory for football, not because Barcelona was better (far from) but because Chelsea have nothing to please me. 11 vs 10, they still played the defensive game when they could have pounded in the 2nd goal, but even then Barcelona was making the play.
What a goal by Essien, marvellous. The diving on both ends was terrible, though Drogba deserves a special mention - not in the least for the complete immaturity towards the ref.
I think you can blame the ref for some things but Chelsea should blame themselves most of all.
The diving on both ends was terrible, though Drogba deserves a special mention - not in the least for the complete immaturity towards the ref.
"It's a fucking discrace"!
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/05/07/article-1178183-04D5D254000005DC-55_468x334.jpg
" No respect, no respect!" :D
Foxhound
07-05-2009, 12:54
I laugh everytime I look at the video of Drogba. His face while he was saying "it's a disgrace, a fucking disgrace" cracks me up.
AgentZero
07-05-2009, 12:54
" No respect, no respect!" :D
in the great words of Paddy Evra...'ahh no...no respect'
"You said Rome was that way..."
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/05/07/article-1178183-04D5D254000005DC-55_468x334.jpg
C'mon Cookie - work your magic on this ffs...
Any GIFS going around of Drogba breakdancing, after he didn't get awarded penalty appeal #34 of the night?
http://i39.tinypic.com/2aenfps.gif
:lol: :lol:
Dragonfly
07-05-2009, 13:16
It must be Frank Rijkaard (AC Milan 1994, Ajax 1995) and before him, Marcel Desailly (Marseille 1993, AC Milan 1994). Unless I've missed out someone obvious from recent times.
Paulo Sousa? Juventus in 96 then Dortmund in 97? I can't think of anything more recent.
Any GIFS going around of Drogba breakdancing, after he didn't get awarded penalty appeal #34 of the night?
He was doing the worm, right?
just seen this. found it quite amusing.
http://www.upload3r.com/serve/060509/1241648354.gif
I know you're a Fulham fan, thus making us rivals, but to SINGLE us out for diving, is pretty poor.
Yes we have divers, most notably Drogba, but so does most of the big teams in Europe. Is it right? No. Is it going to stop? No.
Papa, 7:07 on the video Agent Zero posted on the previous post - Can you seriously say Anelka dived after watching that?
And on the Abidal red card - He shgouldn't have had one for the coming together with Anelka, but for me he is lucky to have stayed on the pitch for so long, as he was pulling Drogba's shirt in the box and hitting him with his left leg, preventing a one on one opportunity.
That's all I have to say about this now. It's a new day, Barca are in the final, not us and there's nothing I or any Chelsea fan can do about it.
Having watched the incident again, I recognise I was wrong about the incident and he legitimately tripped so accept my apologies (this is directed towards you too Hunter). However, I stand by my point about Chelsea's simulation. Think of it like the boy who cried wolf. Your team has dived so much that the officials will now hold with them the suspicion that they are diving even when it is a foul.
Though I'm not saying you are the only team to dive, of course you aren't. In fact, Ronaldo is a victim of what I explained above as well. He often doesn't get free kicks which are fouls because so often he dives and wins ones which aren't fouls. My only point is that it appears to happen more than most teams with you lot. I was disgusted by Belletti for example when he came on.
But, having said that, I'm sure you've seen much more of Chelsea than I have this season so feel free to contradict me. Perhaps I've just watched the matches in which a stiff breeze is able to knock your lot over and this is not normal. Having not seen enough matches, I'm in no position to say.
Acquiesce
07-05-2009, 18:08
http://i39.tinypic.com/2a7a3qv.jpg
The more I watch it, the funnier it gets. It's like Ballack missed his piggy back ride.
This gif will never grow old, fuckin hilario! It's like the door on the team bus just closed in Ballack's face, and the bus pulls off, with Ballack running beside it yelling at the driver!:lol:
Now that's a GIF someone surely has to create?
Phil W.A.F.C
07-05-2009, 19:58
The last two nights of football has been absolutely hand rubbing. Firstly, Ronaldo's free-kick nearly got me off my seat ready to knock one out only for my bad leg to stop that. The red card that wasn't, for me, was a disgrace.
Last night, Chelsea should've atleast had three penalties but none of them was given which was quite amusing. Iniesta with Barcelona's first shot on target with a minute to go belts the top bag and sends Barcelona through. Then Ballack wanting that penalty made me laugh then at full time Drogba's claims 'It's a fucking disgwase', text book stuff by the Ivorian.
TheAlchemist
07-05-2009, 23:25
http://i39.tinypic.com/tafr6u.gif
uA - 1905
07-05-2009, 23:30
http://i39.tinypic.com/tafr6u.gif
:lol::lol:
Having watched the incident again, I recognise I was wrong about the incident and he legitimately tripped so accept my apologies (this is directed towards you too Hunter). However, I stand by my point about Chelsea's simulation. Think of it like the boy who cried wolf. Your team has dived so much that the officials will now hold with them the suspicion that they are diving even when it is a foul.
Though I'm not saying you are the only team to dive, of course you aren't. In fact, Ronaldo is a victim of what I explained above as well. He often doesn't get free kicks which are fouls because so often he dives and wins ones which aren't fouls. My only point is that it appears to happen more than most teams with you lot. I was disgusted by Belletti for example when he came on.
But, having said that, I'm sure you've seen much more of Chelsea than I have this season so feel free to contradict me. Perhaps I've just watched the matches in which a stiff breeze is able to knock your lot over and this is not normal. Having not seen enough matches, I'm in no position to say.
Well said...
It's the same thing with me, I have mostly watched the high-profile matches; Chelsea vs Arsenal, Chelsea vs Liverpool, etc, etc...
But in those few matches I've watched there's too much diving, it must be hard to distinguish Real Fouls amongst all the Diving. Example; the ball hits Drogba in the chest, and he goes to ground and starts rubbing his face.
Overall, I don't like it that John Terry (a player that I hugely respect) says things like: "We had a game plan coming into both of these games, did what the manager asked of us and are not going through because of a bad refereeing decision".
Did the Referee Disallowed any Goals???
Perhaps they should have been awarded One Penalty... but at the same time, as a Referee it must be hard to tell with all the DIVING going on.
I don't like the fact that Chelsea's "game plan" is so focused on Referee Calls... Why couldn't they win the Old fashioned way - By scoring more Goals than Barcelona??
Am I being Biased?? Or are Chelsea and Man Utd a bit too reliant on Referee Calls going their way?
Phil W.A.F.C
07-05-2009, 23:49
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss25/phil_bowds/image3.gif
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss25/phil_bowds/image2h.gif
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss25/phil_bowds/312e1sl.gif.
A few i came across on another forum.
Dragonfly
07-05-2009, 23:52
It would be funnier if they kept the original faces and just put them in different situations.
I just typed 'Chelsea' into the Sat Nav in the car there and it came up saying 'Two minutes from Rome...'
Dragonfly
07-05-2009, 23:56
I just typed 'Chelsea' into the Sat Nav in the car there and it came up saying 'Two minutes from Rome...'
How many times has that joke been posted on this site alone? A few hundred?
How many times has that joke been posted on this site alone? A few hundred?
Probably, but Im behind the times over here and Ive just got that joke via text. So you can forgive me for that.
A few hundred and one now, I suppose.
Nothing really beats the original one... Ballack's expression is priceless. I thought it would've gotten old by now, but it's still funny.
Lorenzinho
08-05-2009, 03:20
just seen this. found it quite amusing.
http://www.upload3r.com/serve/060509/1241648354.gif
I've been looking at this thinking it was Ray Wilkins and have, rather stupidly, only just realised it was the ref. It all makes sense now. :rolleyes:
uA - 1905
08-05-2009, 03:27
just seen this. found it quite amusing.
http://www.upload3r.com/serve/060509/1241648354.gif
What is the black steward saying? Ideas please
"Any chance of an autograph Didier?"
Lorenzinho
08-05-2009, 04:19
'Chill homeboi', we'll f**k him up afta, innit?'
sliced-bread
08-05-2009, 17:36
http://i44.tinypic.com/bemw5.jpg
I found this one and thought it was more amusing.
Cannon ball
09-05-2009, 10:55
Who said anything about lightyears? I just said gulf in class. As I said its very simple. Man Utd use those tactics for the same reason Bolton or any other team would...Playing against superior oppostion.
Dannyholt I can't really repeat myself. You made some good points and bad ones. All I will say is I do not think Man Utd are as good as most people think they are. They have some big games coming up like the Man City, Arsenal and of coarse Barcelona to prove to me and the world what they are made of. I actually don't expect them to win any of these games without a dodgy penalty, red card or something else. I would be honest enough to admit if I'm wrong, if however I'm right would you start to see where I'm coming from?
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6bnz1Y9FZ_8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6bnz1Y9FZ_8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
What are the odds of something like that happening tommorow?
I wouldn't bet against something like that happening
AgentZero
09-05-2009, 11:43
I wouldn't bet against something like that happening
mmm give me some of those bitter sourgrapes please. Out of the Arsenal & City fixtures id be happy, heck delighted with 4 points.
mmm give me some of those bitter sourgrapes please. Out of the Arsenal & City fixtures id be happy, heck delighted with 4 points.
Ditto. All that would be needed is a victory in either of the other two fixtures remaining. But this conversation is for another thread. :mellow:
TheAlchemist
09-05-2009, 20:38
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/872/drogbac.jpg
:biggrin:
Let's bring this thread back alive, since the Final is tomorrow.
Personally, I will be feeling hurt watching this game tomorrow. I'm not going to go back in to the Chelsea vs Barca game, as that is long gone and I have somewhat got over it, but I know whilst watching it tomorrow, I'll just be thinking that we could have been there.
Nevertheless, I will try my best to enjoy the game. I just hope it flows well, but it is the Final of the Champions League - The biggest game on the European football calender, so it is understandable if it ends up being cagey.
I'll be hoping Barcelona win, simply because it'll be annoying to hear all the ass kissing Man Utd get from the media. Saying that, I expect Man Utd to take retain the trophy.
Now for a little fun:
Best Game of the Tournament
Best Goal of the Tournament
Most Surprising Result of the Tournament
Best Performance of the Tournament
Best Player of the Tournament
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament
Best Defender of the Tournament
Best Midfielder of the Tournament
Best Striker of the Tournament
Who do you want to win tomorrow?
Who do you think will win tomorrow?
-----------------------------------------------------------
Best Game of the Tournament
Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool
Best Goal of the Tournament
Michael Essien vs Barcelona
Most Surprising Result of the Tournament
Roma 1-2 CFR Cluj
Best Performance of the Tournament
Liverpool's 4-0 win over Madrid. It was flawless on their part.
Best Player of the Tournament
Andres Iniesta
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament
Victor Valdes
Best Defender of the Tournament
Nemanja Vidic
Best Midfielder of the Tournament
Andres Iniesta
Best Forward of the Tournament
Lionel Messi
Who do you want to win tomorrow?
Barcelona
Who do you think will win tomorrow?
Man Utd
Best Game of the Tournament
Chelsea- 4:4 -Liverpool
Best Goal of the Tournament
Essien vs Barcelona
Most Surprising Result of the Tournament
Liverpool- 4:0 -Real Madrid
Best Performance of the Tournament
Liverpool- 4:0 -Real Madrid
Best Player of the Tournament
Tom Hening Ovrebo
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament
Valdes
Best Defender of the Tournament
Pique/ Vidic
Best Midfielder of the Tournament
C. Ronaldo
Best Striker of the Tournament
Hard to say
Who do you want to win tomorrow?
Barcelona
Who do you think will win tomorrow?
Manchester United- 2:0 -Barcelona
Best Game of the Tournament
Chelsea- 4:4 -Liverpool
Best Goal of the Tournament
That Adebayor bicycle kick; how often do you seem executed that well. Somewhere Van Basten was smiling. 2nd place would be either that counter-goal finished by Ronaldo against Arsenal. 3rd place is that Essien scorcher against Barca.
Most Surprising Result of the Tournament
That Cluj result that Joel mentioned.
Best Performance of the Tournament
Perhaps Bayern demolishing Sporting twice, but for impact it has to be the Liverpool - Real result; the 4-0.
Best Player of the Tournament
Probably a Barcelona player; Messi springs to mind.
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament
The safe choice would be one of keepers in the final.
Best Defender of the Tournament
I have no idea.
Best Midfielder of the Tournament
Xavi
Best Striker of the Tournament
Messi
Who do you want to win tomorrow?
Barcelona, as the crown on a season filled with great football.
Who do you think will win tomorrow?
I think United will concoct a strategy that can deal with Barcelona's schemes. Perhaps Guardiola will pull some tricks out of his hat but how likely is that? Not a knock on Pep but he's only just starting his career and so far he really didn't have to deal with opponents particularly crafty in the tactical department - besides perhaps Chelsea. I, like anyone else not a Barca or Man Utd fan, hope for a great game of football but that is looking quite bleak; Man Utd would be foolish to attack blindly against a team that will rip you apart if you do and I can see the referee playing a very big part; not exactly a bold prediction.
Molonono1
26-05-2009, 19:40
Best Game of the Tournament
Chelsea 1-1 barcelona
Best Goal of the Tournament
Ronaldo Vs porto
Most Surprising Result of the Tournament
juve drawing with bate
Best Performance of the Tournament
Man utd vs arsenal 2cd leg
Best Player of the Tournament
Andres Iniesta
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament
Van der Sar
Best Defender of the Tournament
Vidic
Best Midfielder of the Tournament
Iniesta
Best Striker of the Tournament
Messi
Who do you want to win tomorrow?
Manchester United
Who do you think will win tomorrow?
Manchester united 3-1
Dannyholt
26-05-2009, 19:58
Best Game of the Tournament
Chelsea- 4:4 -Liverpool
Best Goal of the Tournament
For me it has to be the Ronaldo's goal against Porto, for the importance of the goal and the sheer shock factor.
Most Surprising Result of the Tournament
That Cluj result that Joel mentioned.
Best Performance of the Tournament
I am of the same opinion as Barry....
Perhaps Bayern demolishing Sporting twice, but for impact it has to be the Liverpool - Real result; the 4-0.
Best Player of the Tournament
Messi
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament
Van Der Sar
Best Defender of the Tournament
Easy Vidic.
Best Midfielder of the Tournament
Gerrard as much as it hurts me to say that.
Best Striker of the Tournament
Messi
Who do you want to win tomorrow?
Manchester United.
Who do you think will win tomorrow?
Manchester United.
With barca missing Oscar nominee Dani Alves and Abidal, I think they loose some of there attacking outlet and with Man U being as strong as we are defensively, I think will just win it.
mufcsean
27-05-2009, 00:15
Best Game of the Tournament - Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool
Best Goal of the Tournament - I can't choose between Adebayor's bicycle kick, Ronaldo's long range goal at Porto and Ronaldo's against Arsenal (counter attack goal)
Most Surprising Result of the Tournament - Liverpool 4-0 Real Madrid
Best Performance of the Tournament - Liverpool 4-0 Real Madrid
Best Player of the Tournament - Andres Iniesta
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament - Edwin van der Sar
Best Defender of the Tournament - Nemanja Vidic
Best Midfielder of the Tournament - Andres Iniesta
Best Striker of the Tournament - Lionel Messi
Who do you want to win tomorrow? - Man United
Who do you think will win tomorrow? - Man United
I have a nasty feeling as well that the result will come from a poor refereeing decision.
my prediction will be Ronaldo diving and awarded a penalty, scores, Man Utd wins and Yaya Toure being sent off for the foul.
AgentZero
27-05-2009, 08:13
I have a nasty feeling as well that the result will come from a poor refereeing decision.
my prediction will be Ronaldo diving and awarded a penalty, scores, Man Utd wins and Yaya Toure being sent off for the foul.
or we were denied several legit penalty claims, carrick sent off for a wonderful last gasp tackle.
EDIT:
Heres an interesting thing (may have mentioned in another thread)
United are $17 for a 3-1 scoreline, where
Barcelona are $23
This is the only discrepancy at the booking agent where all other bets are identical.
Best Game of the Tournament - Chelsea 4-4 Bindippers
Best Goal of the Tournament - Iniesta vs Chelsea
Most Surprising Result of the Tournament - Sporting Lisbon 0-5 Bayern Munich
Best Performance of the Tournament - Bindippers 4-0 Real Madrid
Best Player of the Tournament - Lionel Messi
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament - No-one stands out, suggestions of Valdes are laughable (unless he is unstoppable tonight)
Best Defender of the Tournament - Gerard Pique
Best Midfielder of the Tournament - Andres Iniesta
Best Striker of the Tournament - Lionel Messi
Who do you want to win tonight? - Man United
Who do you think will win tonight? - Barcelona
Think Man Yoo will win it btw. They aren't as good as Barcelona at playing football and Fergie knows this. So they will press Barca and sit quite deep, bodies behind the ball and squeeze the game. Then they will more than likely get a goal due to a mistake from a makeshift Barcelona defence.
nath_scfc
27-05-2009, 11:36
Think Man Yoo will win it btw. They aren't as good as Barcelona at playing football and Fergie knows this. So they will press Barca and sit quite deep, bodies behind the ball and squeeze the game. Then they will more than likely get a goal due to a mistake from a makeshift Barcelona defence.
Yep.
Dreading the gloating already.
AgentZero
27-05-2009, 12:37
a results a result...theres no judges for elegance, form and finese.
But i do agree would rather lose at having a crack than sitting back and losing and wondering
CaptainCabinet
27-05-2009, 18:08
2-1. Man Utd. Extra Time. 1-1 at Full Time.
For Barcelona:
I just want to tell you good luck, we're all counting on you.
http://www.movie-list.com/a/airplane.jpg
C'mon Henry. I'll be wearing my old, tatty Barca away jersey. Green one from mid-late 90s.
Mjällharth
27-05-2009, 20:45
The first half has really been a joy to watch. Immense.
The first half has really been a joy to watch. Immense.
Agreed.
I see Tevez coming on!! Its about to get a whole lot better!
Dannyholt
27-05-2009, 21:22
As much as I hate to say it.... and it may be premature but we aren't going to get back into this match, the way we've been playing.
So...... Congrats to Barca!
We are playing complete and utter shit, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, O'Shea, Park, Anderson, Rio, and even Vidic have all been shit.
I think this is worse I have ever seen Rooney play football, we have been completely played off the park, tactically and physically.
We can't even string a few passes together and were doing a Chelsea and just hoofing the ball up field and hoping for the best.
So well done to Barca, you've proved that your the best team this season and we just weren't good enough on the night.
Mjällharth
27-05-2009, 21:25
Paul Scholes is, putting it briefly,
S C U M
Seems like Henry is going to get his first Champions League trophy, shame it is in a Barca shirt.
I think it may be too late for United now, just been outplayed by a great team.
BarnDoor
27-05-2009, 21:36
I barely heard the United fans throughout the game.
Mjällharth
27-05-2009, 21:40
I can say without any exaggeration that this team could just be playing the most beautiful kind of football I've ever seen.
"Kind Of Red-Blue" - For those who know :D
I barely heard the United fans throughout the game.
I barely saw the United team throughout the game.
"Kind Of Red-Blue" - For those who know :D
:cool:
Brilliant game.
Unlucky united. Well not really, you were outplayed, but i'm you appreciate the sentiment.
Scholes was filth, what the fuck was he doing really? And Vidic lol Oh dear.
Messi can't head the ball. Oh and he can't play against English teams. Xavi and Iniesta are overrated, Fabregas should be starting for Spain. Barca's makeshift defence isn't good enough and United's strong back four is too good for them.
Don't you love the English press?
Dragonfly
27-05-2009, 21:50
http://www.dreamsofmytiger.com/pictars/Pique.jpeg
Man of the match, right there. Solid and kept a level head throughout, despite the burden of the early booking. I haven't seen a centre back pass the ball that well in so long.
Fantastic game and a much deserved victory for the best team in the world.
Messi can't head the ball. Oh and he can't play against English teams. Xavi and Iniesta are overrated, Fabregas should be starting for Spain. Barca's makeshift defence isn't good enough and United's strong back four is too good for them.
Don't you love the English press?
Haha the worst was when Andy Townsend was saying something like "Oh Puyol at right back, I don't think anyone including himself wants him to play there."
What the fuck you prick? He pretty much started out as a right back!
Pique could easily play along in the middle of the park with iniesta and xavi, the guy is a top class passer
Mjällharth
27-05-2009, 22:00
I haven't seen a centre back pass the ball that well in so long.
I first witnessed those during the Chelsea game, great passes indeed.
Viperized
27-05-2009, 22:02
Nice. The best football side in Europe has won the CL and deservedly so.
Nice. The best football side in Europe has won the CL and deservedly so.
Youre right, they have played the best football all season
Messi can't head the ball. Oh and he can't play against English teams. Xavi and Iniesta are overrated, Fabregas should be starting for Spain. Barca's makeshift defence isn't good enough and United's strong back four is too good for them.
Don't you love the English press?
But remember the Premier League is still four times as good as any other league in the world. ;)
The difference in class on the ball tonight was what made the difference as has been said. Also thought it was a win for football as well and glad Ferguson's tactics never paid off due to that early goal. Although I think it's bad news for the league as he's going to try and up his team once again. (I am aware he tried this before with Veron btw)
Rooney is uniteds key player, and just didnt turn up, along with the other united forward, thats quite simply becuase barca controlled the majority of the game
TheAlchemist
27-05-2009, 22:08
And To think, they were 30 seconds from going out
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