2006-07 Soccer Thread - Page 5

ISiddiqui · 07-25-2006, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Holy shit, if this is true, then they did get a HUGE let off.

(this is per a couple posts on Big Soccer)

Juve serie b -17
Fiorentina serie a -19
Lazio serie a -11
MIlan serie a -8, CL preliminaries.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...374375&cc=5901

Quote:

ROME, July 25 (Reuters) - An appeals court confirmed on Tuesday that Juventus will play in Italy's second division Serie B next season but reduced the penalty points imposed on the soccer club for their involvement in a match-fixing scandal from -30 points to -17.
The court overturned a sports tribunal's decision to relegate Fiorentina and Lazio, allowing them stay in the top flight Serie A league next season but with penalty points. Fiorentina will start the new season with -19 points and Lazio with -11 points.

Initial reports suggest that AC Milan have been reinstated in the UEFA Champions League.

Damn.

Ajaxab · 07-25-2006, 03:49 PM

Damn is right. These teams dodged a huge bullet. I guess it's still okay to mess with referees given that these penalties aren't too severe. Who cares about the integrity of the game?

Ajaxab · 07-25-2006, 03:55 PM

dola

I love the statement by Juve's chairman: hxxp://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374399&cc=5739

It basically comes across as, "If you don't let us back into Serie A, we're going to start stamping our feet. If that doesn't work, we're going to hold our breath until our faces turn blue."

ice4277 · 07-25-2006, 04:21 PM

That is bullshit.

SirFozzie · 07-25-2006, 04:30 PM

watch, the next level of appeals will knock it down some more.

The end of it will be four slaps on the wrist, and an official Parliment message of thanks about their tactics preparing Italy for the World Cup

ISiddiqui · 07-25-2006, 04:46 PM

Well, I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised. It is Italy after all.

Jonathan Ezarik · 07-25-2006, 05:27 PM

Interesting. I'm glad Juve's penalty was reduced some, and I hope they'll be able to bounce back up next year, but Milan being allowed into the Champions League is a complete joke. Taking away the CL money was the real punishment. With this decision, Milan got away scot-free. Color me shocked.

I feel sorry for the supporters of Lecce and Treviso. It must have been a serious roller coast for them the past few weeks.

ice4277 · 07-25-2006, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonathan Ezarik

I feel sorry for the supporters of Lecce and Treviso. It must have been a serious roller coast for them the past few weeks.

I have no idea what those two squads have done in terms of bringing players in, but they could be screwed financially as well, especially if they've been bringing in/keeping players with wage levels you would find in Serie A.

Desnudo · 07-25-2006, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katon

I thought Milan were still out of the CL.

In any case, yes, this is a huge difference - Juve's odds of winning promotion just doubled and Milan now have an outside shot at the title. Lazio and Fiorentina probably won't get into Europe next year, but just being in Serie A will be huge (especially for Lazio, given their financial situation).

Report is that Milan is now the 4th team in for the CL. So qualifiers. Also Juve is going to sue in civil court to remain in Serie A.

Everyone knew it was coming, but what a joke. I'm sure Juve will get even more lenient treatment on their appeal, probably ending up back in Serie A. You try and fix matches and then get a slap on the wrist.

Desnudo · 07-25-2006, 06:24 PM

Ok, so looking into a bit further it appears that the evidence against Lazio and Fiorentina was pretty light to start with. Especially Lazio. Milan and Juve handling is ridiculous though.

Katon · 07-25-2006, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desnudo

Report is that Milan is now the 4th team in for the CL. So qualifiers. Also Juve is going to sue in civil court to remain in Serie A.

Everyone knew it was coming, but what a joke. I'm sure Juve will get even more lenient treatment on their appeal, probably ending up back in Serie A. You try and fix matches and then get a slap on the wrist.

It does look that way now, yes.

I think Juve were the only ones who had completely indefensible evidence against them. The rest weren't exactly innocent, but pretty clearly not on the same level. I don't have a problem with Fiorentina or Lazio's current punishment, and I could live with Milan's if it weren't for the CL reinstatement.

Desnudo · 07-26-2006, 01:34 AM

What looks odd to me is that Lazio and Fiorentina (especially) were buying up Serie A level players weeks before the verdict. I think the whole thing has become a sham. I think Milan's control of the media covered up their role. Really it should have been Milan to B and Juve to C in an impartial world.

TazFTW · 07-26-2006, 06:26 PM

Nice goal by the Crew.

Shame that Everton didn't start Howard.

MIJB#19 · 07-26-2006, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katon

It does look that way now, yes.

I think Juve were the only ones who had completely indefensible evidence against them. The rest weren't exactly innocent, but pretty clearly not on the same level. I don't have a problem with Fiorentina or Lazio's current punishment, and I could live with Milan's if it weren't for the CL reinstatement.

If Milan is indeed found guilty of bribing (which it sounds like it does), then they have no business in playing in the UEFA competitions this season. If they do, UEFA has become even more of a joke than they already were...

Jonathan Ezarik · 07-26-2006, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

If Milan is indeed found guilty of bribing (which it sounds like it does), then they have no business in playing in the UEFA competitions this season. If they do, UEFA has become even more of a joke than they already were...

Can UEFA even do anything about it? I was under the impression that it's up to the FA of the said country to determine who appears in which tourney. Wasn't that one of the things last year when Liverpool wasn't going to get in the CL despite winning the year before?

So if the Italian FA says Milan is in, then they're in. Of course, I'm sure if UEFA really wanted to, they could keep Milan out, but I don't see that ever happening.

Mac Howard · 07-26-2006, 10:07 PM

UEFA are considering Milan's position later today. They could ban Milan themselves and either insist on another Italian club or give the spot to a team from another national league. It would be ironic, and deserved, if they took the second option and Italy lost a spot because of this.

Jonathan Ezarik · 07-26-2006, 10:35 PM

Having just read the article on soccernet about Milan in the Champions League, I see that their is precedent for UEFA to kick Milan out (Marseille back in the early '90s). I really hope they do. It will make the pain of having Juve in Serie B a little more bearable.

Oh, and congrats to Inter for finally being able to "win" the scudetto.

Fighter of Foo · 07-26-2006, 11:16 PM

Comprehensive Summary of the Italy Investigation:

Very informative read

http://blogs.foxsports.com/BobbyMcMahon/2006/07/26/The_Italian_Scandal_can_we_debate_the_facts_as_best_we_can_please2

Jonathan Ezarik · 07-26-2006, 11:32 PM

That's a pretty good summary.

How does Franco Carraro, ex-FA head, get off with only a 80,000 euro fine?

Critch · 07-27-2006, 04:39 PM

Manchester United have signed Michael Carrick from Spurs for 17mil pounds, according to Setanta.

Seems like a lot of cash for a defensive midfielder who can't tackle

Serious downgrade from the Vieira or Gattuso rumors.

SirFozzie · 07-27-2006, 05:02 PM

Some good news for MLS fans, apparently Fox Soccer Channel has finally agreed to a deal with MLS, so starting this weekend, you will see a MLS game of the week on FSC again.

MIJB#19 · 07-27-2006, 05:12 PM

Now official, Ruud van Nistelrooij from Manchester United to Real Madrid.

I suppose that means Raul is going back to midfield duties then.

Critch · 07-27-2006, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Some good news for MLS fans, apparently Fox Soccer Channel has finally agreed to a deal with MLS, so starting this weekend, you will see a MLS game of the week on FSC again.

Good news, something worth watching on FSC again. SoccerTV lists Kansas City v New England on FSC this saturday evening.

GrantDawg · 07-27-2006, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Some good news for MLS fans, apparently Fox Soccer Channel has finally agreed to a deal with MLS, so starting this weekend, you will see a MLS game of the week on FSC again.

Be great if I didn't have to pay an extra $10 a month for it. As it is, not great news.

SirFozzie · 07-27-2006, 05:21 PM

Oh.. DirecTV has it and GolTV for free as part of the Sports Pack

GrantDawg · 07-27-2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Oh.. DirecTV has it and GolTV for free as part of the Sports Pack

Comcast has it as part of their "sports pack" too, but it would have been the only channel worth watching on the whole deal, and it is an extra $10 a month. Not worth it.

ISiddiqui · 07-27-2006, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

Now official, Ruud van Nistelrooij from Manchester United to Real Madrid.

I suppose that means Raul is going back to midfield duties then.

For a nice 15 mil Euro. First step to paying back that 660 mil pounds they owe

.

ISiddiqui · 07-27-2006, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Comcast has it as part of their "sports pack" too, but it would have been the only channel worth watching on the whole deal, and it is an extra $10 a month. Not worth it.

$10 a month? Wow... I can't believe it is that different in Covington. It's $5/month in Roswell and the Sports Pack has FSC, GolTV, FS Atlantic, Central, and Pacific, plus a few others around here.

Critch · 07-27-2006, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

For a nice 15 mil Euro. First step to paying back that 660 mil pounds they owe

.

Not if they turn around and spend 25mil Euro on Carrick

ISiddiqui · 07-27-2006, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Critch

Not if they turn around and spend 25mil Euro on Carrick

Yeah, I just saw that post of yours!

What in the WORLD are ManU thinking?! 17 mil pounds is more than Owen's price last year wasn't it? Now, Owen's been injured all over the place afterwards (couldn't have predicted that, really), but its utter insanity to think Carrick was bought for more than Owen was!

tanglewood · 07-27-2006, 07:19 PM

No word on the fee yet for Ruud. Infact, Man Utd haven't even confirmed it yet and Nistelrooy's agent is not speaking to the media about it. The only confirmation so far of any kind is that it has been put up on the Real website. And all this considering just yesterday Ferguson said that even though Real had marginally improved their offer, they were still well off their valuation and nothing had changed. So, colour me skeptical at this point.

Also I can't find anything anywhere on the Carrick thing, although Man U are definitley interested in him and had made a bid before of £10m which was turned down.

Fwiw, Owen went to Real Madrid for £12m and left for Newcastle for £18m.

Mac Howard · 07-27-2006, 07:24 PM

My understanding is that the real sticking point was Madrid's wish to pay the fee over time with appearance fees etc defining the final price whereas Utd wanted cash up front. Assuming that's what they have then I suspect that this will now bring on the Carrick deal.

Critch · 07-27-2006, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanglewood

Also I can't find anything anywhere on the Carrick thing, although Man U are definitley interested in him and had made a bid before of £10m which was turned down.

It's on the front page of the Setanta website, they're claiming it as an exclusive. They're the only ones reporting it at the moment, but they do carry MUTV so it should be from a good source.

Ryan S · 07-27-2006, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanglewood

No word on the fee yet for Ruud. Infact, Man Utd haven't even confirmed it yet and Nistelrooy's agent is not speaking to the media about it. The only confirmation so far of any kind is that it has been put up on the Real website. And all this considering just yesterday Ferguson said that even though Real had marginally improved their offer, they were still well off their valuation and nothing had changed. So, colour me skeptical at this point.

According to the Man Utd website:

Quote:

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been given the go-ahead to undergo a medical with Real Madrid.

This means that the money issue has obviously been resolved. If Man Utd had not settled a fee there is no way they would let the player undertake a medical with another club.

Mac Howard · 07-27-2006, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanglewood

Also I can't find anything anywhere on the Carrick thing, although Man U are definitley interested in him and had made a bid before of £10m which was turned down.

It's beginning to appear all over the place now. Here's The Independant. It's not usually given over to wild rumour:

Quote:

The Carrick transfer was concluded in the small hours of yesterday morning and the 25-year-old was understood to be in Manchester yesterday with the likelihood he will be announced as a United player today.

http://sport.independent.co.uk/footb...cle1201257.ece

Crapshoot · 07-27-2006, 10:32 PM

Btw,
am I the only one who's a big fan of the Guardian's coverage of ... well.. every sport ? i love their minute by minute cricket and football stuff - and even their rumors are amusing.

BreizhManu · 07-28-2006, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

but its utter insanity to think Carrick was bought for more than Owen was!

IMO there much more good strikers than good defensive midfielders so it seems normal to pay more for that kind of players.

But true, the real insanity is to consider Carrick a top notch DM.

condors · 07-28-2006, 05:28 AM

I sure hope Saha can stay healthy, i don't have a problem with Carrick he isn't Keane, but i like him as a player.

ISiddiqui · 07-28-2006, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BreizhManu

IMO there much more good strikers than good defensive midfielders so it seems normal to pay more for that kind of players.

But true, the real insanity is to consider Carrick a top notch DM.

Indeed... we are not talking about Makalele or Gattuso here. Carrick isn't even a holding midfielder. He's a deep lying playmaker.

Critch · 07-28-2006, 08:36 AM

More good news on the televised soccer front. GolTV has picked up some German soccer, starting with the Liga Pokal tomorrow morning. Hamburg v Hertha at 9.30 then Shalke v Leverkusen at 12-ish.

It's like the start of the season for me, even if the Liga Pokal is a fairly laidback, unimportant compitition.

cthomer5000 · 07-28-2006, 09:49 PM

I'm sure Liverpool fans are pumped about that Champions League qualifying draw....

Celeval · 07-29-2006, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Comcast has it as part of their "sports pack" too, but it would have been the only channel worth watching on the whole deal, and it is an extra $10 a month. Not worth it.

Seriously? Their sports pack includes CSTV where we are, which carries a lot of college football games both live and repeat, iirc.

daedalus · 07-29-2006, 10:53 AM

So, uhhh, Carrick and Pennant went for how much? Yikes. AND gadzooks. No wonder we can't afford any Englishmen on our club. 10 large for Mr Davies? Hey, no thanks. That said, I think Carrick is a very good player who will be in a great situation -- and I think ManU are looking better day-by-day -- and Pennant has the ability to be one. But the very idea of Pennant, Bellamy and Fowler on the same squad makes me giggle. Like a schoolgirl.

On the other hand, dagnabbit, it'd be nice to see us come up with a solid 23-25 year central defender -- seriously, I'd dig us taking a flyer on Onyewu -- who has had some first team experience so I don't have to tear my hair out with the concept of "Central Defender, Pascal Cygan". I mean, y'all cannot possibly imagine how much the concept of the Cybot wearing #6 in these friendlies gives us ulcers. Or gas. More ulcer than gas, though. Mostly.

Jonathan Ezarik · 07-29-2006, 10:54 AM

So UEFA has postponed any decision on Milan and allowed them a provisional place in the third qualifying stage. With the decision to come down 2 Aug and the third stage starting that next week, if they do kick Milan out (not holding my breath), what's going to happen? Does UEFA pull in someone else to qualify, or does Milan's opponent get an automatic pass?

Ryan S · 07-29-2006, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonathan Ezarik

So UEFA has postponed any decision on Milan and allowed them a provisional place in the third qualifying stage. With the decision to come down 2 Aug and the third stage starting that next week, if they do kick Milan out (not holding my breath), what's going to happen? Does UEFA pull in someone else to qualify, or does Milan's opponent get an automatic pass?

I would think that Milan's opponents will get a free pass into the Champion's League if they decide to kick Milan out, but I doubt Milan are going to be removed from the competition.

GrantDawg · 07-29-2006, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celeval

Seriously? Their sports pack includes CSTV where we are, which carries a lot of college football games both live and repeat, iirc.

None that really cared that much about. I had it for over a year, and only watched the soccer channels. It just wasn't worth it.

ice4277 · 07-29-2006, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Critch

More good news on the televised soccer front. GolTV has picked up some German soccer, starting with the Liga Pokal tomorrow morning. Hamburg v Hertha at 9.30 then Shalke v Leverkusen at 12-ish.

It's like the start of the season for me, even if the Liga Pokal is a fairly laidback, unimportant compitition.

That was the longest round of penalties EVER.

MIJB#19 · 07-30-2006, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan S

I would think that Milan's opponents will get a free pass into the Champion's League if they decide to kick Milan out, but I doubt Milan are going to be removed from the competition.

UEFA has to withdraw's Italy's apporval of ACMilan in the Champions' League, if they want to keep their credibility (like they still have that

). They kicked Dynamo Kiyv out for one ref bribing attempt (albeit being in the CL itself). Milan has been found guilty of bribing their place in the league. Olympique Marseille was denied access.

It's a really bad sign to the soccer world if teams who fix games to get into European competitions are not punished for it.

Critch · 07-30-2006, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ice4277

That was the longest round of penalties EVER.

So long that my tivo stopped recording before they finished.

ISiddiqui · 07-30-2006, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ice4277

That was the longest round of penalties EVER.

None of the GKs will be confused with Jens Lehmann

.

07-25-2006, 03:55 PM	#203
Ajaxab College Benchwarmer Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Far from home	dola I love the statement by Juve's chairman: hxxp://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374399&cc=5739 It basically comes across as, "If you don't let us back into Serie A, we're going to start stamping our feet. If that doesn't work, we're going to hold our breath until our faces turn blue." Last edited by Ajaxab : 07-25-2006 at 03:57 PM.

07-25-2006, 04:30 PM	#205
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	watch, the next level of appeals will knock it down some more. The end of it will be four slaps on the wrist, and an official Parliment message of thanks about their tactics preparing Italy for the World Cup __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

07-25-2006, 04:46 PM	#206
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	Well, I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised. It is Italy after all. __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

07-26-2006, 06:26 PM	#213
TazFTW Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI	Nice goal by the Crew. Shame that Everton didn't start Howard. __________________ "Teams don't want to make the trip anymore," says Hawaii coach June Jones. "They come here, we kick their ass, they go home." Fire Ron Lee.

07-26-2006, 10:07 PM	#216
Mac Howard Sick as a Parrot Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Surfers Paradise, Australia	UEFA are considering Milan's position later today. They could ban Milan themselves and either insist on another Italian club or give the spot to a team from another national league. It would be ironic, and deserved, if they took the second option and Italy lost a spot because of this. __________________ Mac Howard - a Pom in Paradise

07-25-2006, 03:49 PM	#202
Ajaxab College Benchwarmer Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Far from home	Damn is right. These teams dodged a huge bullet. I guess it's still okay to mess with referees given that these penalties aren't too severe. Who cares about the integrity of the game?

07-25-2006, 04:21 PM	#204
ice4277 Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Berkley, MI: The Hotbed of FOFC!	That is bullshit.

07-25-2006, 05:27 PM	#207
Jonathan Ezarik College Benchwarmer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bossier City, LA	Interesting. I'm glad Juve's penalty was reduced some, and I hope they'll be able to bounce back up next year, but Milan being allowed into the Champions League is a complete joke. Taking away the CL money was the real punishment. With this decision, Milan got away scot-free. Color me shocked. I feel sorry for the supporters of Lecce and Treviso. It must have been a serious roller coast for them the past few weeks.

07-25-2006, 06:24 PM	#210
Desnudo Coordinator Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Here and There	Ok, so looking into a bit further it appears that the evidence against Lazio and Fiorentina was pretty light to start with. Especially Lazio. Milan and Juve handling is ridiculous though.

07-26-2006, 01:34 AM	#212
Desnudo Coordinator Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Here and There	What looks odd to me is that Lazio and Fiorentina (especially) were buying up Serie A level players weeks before the verdict. I think the whole thing has become a sham. I think Milan's control of the media covered up their role. Really it should have been Milan to B and Juve to C in an impartial world.

07-26-2006, 10:35 PM	#217
Jonathan Ezarik College Benchwarmer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bossier City, LA	Having just read the article on soccernet about Milan in the Champions League, I see that their is precedent for UEFA to kick Milan out (Marseille back in the early '90s). I really hope they do. It will make the pain of having Juve in Serie B a little more bearable. Oh, and congrats to Inter for finally being able to "win" the scudetto.

07-26-2006, 11:16 PM	#218
Fighter of Foo College Prospect Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Boston, MA	Comprehensive Summary of the Italy Investigation: Very informative read http://blogs.foxsports.com/BobbyMcMahon/2006/07/26/The_Italian_Scandal_can_we_debate_the_facts_as_best_we_can_please2

07-26-2006, 11:32 PM	#219
Jonathan Ezarik College Benchwarmer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bossier City, LA	That's a pretty good summary. How does Franco Carraro, ex-FA head, get off with only a 80,000 euro fine?

07-27-2006, 04:39 PM	#220
Critch lolzcat Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Herndon, VA	Manchester United have signed Michael Carrick from Spurs for 17mil pounds, according to Setanta. Seems like a lot of cash for a defensive midfielder who can't tackle Serious downgrade from the Vieira or Gattuso rumors.

07-27-2006, 05:02 PM	#221
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	Some good news for MLS fans, apparently Fox Soccer Channel has finally agreed to a deal with MLS, so starting this weekend, you will see a MLS game of the week on FSC again. __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

07-27-2006, 05:12 PM	#222
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Now official, Ruud van Nistelrooij from Manchester United to Real Madrid. I suppose that means Raul is going back to midfield duties then. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

07-27-2006, 05:21 PM	#225
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	Oh.. DirecTV has it and GolTV for free as part of the Sports Pack __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

07-27-2006, 07:19 PM	#231
tanglewood College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2004	No word on the fee yet for Ruud. Infact, Man Utd haven't even confirmed it yet and Nistelrooy's agent is not speaking to the media about it. The only confirmation so far of any kind is that it has been put up on the Real website. And all this considering just yesterday Ferguson said that even though Real had marginally improved their offer, they were still well off their valuation and nothing had changed. So, colour me skeptical at this point. Also I can't find anything anywhere on the Carrick thing, although Man U are definitley interested in him and had made a bid before of £10m which was turned down. Fwiw, Owen went to Real Madrid for £12m and left for Newcastle for £18m.

07-27-2006, 07:24 PM	#232
Mac Howard Sick as a Parrot Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Surfers Paradise, Australia	My understanding is that the real sticking point was Madrid's wish to pay the fee over time with appearance fees etc defining the final price whereas Utd wanted cash up front. Assuming that's what they have then I suspect that this will now bring on the Carrick deal. __________________ Mac Howard - a Pom in Paradise

07-27-2006, 10:32 PM	#236
Crapshoot Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Dec 2003	Btw, am I the only one who's a big fan of the Guardian's coverage of ... well.. every sport ? i love their minute by minute cricket and football stuff - and even their rumors are amusing.

07-28-2006, 05:28 AM	#238
condors College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	I sure hope Saha can stay healthy, i don't have a problem with Carrick he isn't Keane, but i like him as a player.

07-28-2006, 08:36 AM	#240
Critch lolzcat Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Herndon, VA	More good news on the televised soccer front. GolTV has picked up some German soccer, starting with the Liga Pokal tomorrow morning. Hamburg v Hertha at 9.30 then Shalke v Leverkusen at 12-ish. It's like the start of the season for me, even if the Liga Pokal is a fairly laidback, unimportant compitition.

07-29-2006, 10:53 AM	#243
daedalus Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000	So, uhhh, Carrick and Pennant went for how much? Yikes. AND gadzooks. No wonder we can't afford any Englishmen on our club. 10 large for Mr Davies? Hey, no thanks. That said, I think Carrick is a very good player who will be in a great situation -- and I think ManU are looking better day-by-day -- and Pennant has the ability to be one. But the very idea of Pennant, Bellamy and Fowler on the same squad makes me giggle. Like a schoolgirl. On the other hand, dagnabbit, it'd be nice to see us come up with a solid 23-25 year central defender -- seriously, I'd dig us taking a flyer on Onyewu -- who has had some first team experience so I don't have to tear my hair out with the concept of "Central Defender, Pascal Cygan". I mean, y'all cannot possibly imagine how much the concept of the Cybot wearing #6 in these friendlies gives us ulcers. Or gas. More ulcer than gas, though. Mostly.

07-29-2006, 10:54 AM	#244
Jonathan Ezarik College Benchwarmer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bossier City, LA	So UEFA has postponed any decision on Milan and allowed them a provisional place in the third qualifying stage. With the decision to come down 2 Aug and the third stage starting that next week, if they do kick Milan out (not holding my breath), what's going to happen? Does UEFA pull in someone else to qualify, or does Milan's opponent get an automatic pass?

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