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[hadareud]

I still haven't quite recovered from all the crying I did at the world cup.

 

[Shinobi]

Liverpool's goal scoring record is a bit deceiving. It might be close to last year's pace, but it's been wildly inconsistent this year. They've had several 4 goal games and a bunch of donuts, while last year most of their wins were 1 to 3 goal tilts. Arsenal is a bit that way as well...goal scoring hasn't been nearly as good the last year and a half as previous years, but we get those 7-0 or 6-2 home wins once or twice a year and it inflates things a bit.

Whilst I agree Arsenal do need Henry, I don't particularly think he should be captain, I think the way he plays has changed a lot since he was given the role and it's not been good for the side. He needs to be focussed more on what he needs to do for the team rather then what everyone else is doing.. I also think it intimidates other players around him when he's captain like they feel they need to go through him all the time (although that was more at the start of the season). It also doesn't help so much that he's been playing through injury the past two seasons, a body can only take so much and you can definantly tell it's effecting him despite the fact he still produces magic.

I never thought Henry should've been made captain, mainly because it's traditionally not a striker's role. But it was obvious why it was done...it was Wenger's way of saying he's vital to the team, along with trying to guilt Henry into staying. :lol I think there are better captain-type players on the team, and Henry is far better served simply concentrating on playing the beautiful game as only he can. But now that he is captain, I don't see what good taking the armband off him would do. Frankly it'd be a slap in the face. Henry could give the armband up voluntarily, but then his haters would say he's disrespecting the club by doing so, or giving up and showing he's heartless or whatever. So there's no real positives that I can see to changing it up now.

Besides, I don't think he's a bad captain. And frankly, the job he did in the second half of last season was exceptional. With the amount of games he missed he still managed to win the EPL golden boot with ease, scored goals that were both incredible and vital (the tying goal he scored at Highbury against Spurs as a sub was the key result in securing fourth), and let's face it, as captain he helped lead us to our first top European final, something Paddy was never able to do (though it wasn't from lack of trying). So while I do think there are better candidates for the captaincy, I don't think he's been bad for us at all. His body is just broken up at the moment, and needs some time to heal so he can get close to his peak (I think his absolute peak is behind him, but we could still get 90% peak which would still **** up any defense in the world).

seems like the Czech team had a good time after losing to Germany. They got fined 35k Euro for a little party after the game.

Rosicky is however denying that prostitutes took part in it, although there are allegedly pictures.

:lol

You wouldn't think he'd need to with the babe he's had on his arm for a few years...

Radka Kocurová...former Miss Czech in 2002, and a decent looking gal.

Since we are in the slow time, here's a few links to the wives and girlfriends of footie players...

http://mojkoticek.blogspot.com/2006_06_01_mojkoticek_archive.html
http://bia2.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t3580.html
http://www.whoateallthebratwurst.com/2006/05/10_sexiest_worl.html

My dear english people: Prepare to lose your first match in Wembley against us .

You say this as if we're prepared for anything else.

*Though after reading some of the responses...maybe not. :lol*

Germany 1 England 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BNkO9l318o

Awww, look how well they were doing at first. Just like the war.

Spoiler

/unnecessary comment

:lol

ONE NIL DOWN
FIVE ONE UP
TWO WORLD WARS
AND ONE WORLD CUP

I can't wait for Germany to lose again. It has to happen, and when it happens all hell will break loose. All the "supporters" will start complaining and the Bild-Zeitung will come up with great headlines again "WM Zauber vorbei! Löw's Versager Elf verliert in XY".

It's going to be a deep fall.

At least they're sitting in a place to fall from...I wish we were as lucky.

Honestly, I think Germany takes the mantle of best current team in Europe with ease. I've always had respect for this team because they always performed when the pressure was on, but the fact that they actually play football now (and play it damn well) makes it even easier for me to respect them. Hell, I even rooted for Germany in the semi-final against Italy (arguably the best World Cup game I've ever seen, and one of the highlights of an otherwise lacklustre tournament).

Besides, how can I root for a team that's backstopped by Mad Jens...

He might be the most entertaining athlete in sports today.

 

[Blablurn]

Who the **** is Lehmann?

 

[Mama Smurf]

Selective memory much?

*cracks open history textbook* Hmmm...lets not go there.

Let's!

Fixture history:

Games 9
England victories 4
Germany victories 3
Draws 2

"Recent" results:

Germany 1-5 England
England 0-1 Germany
England 1-0 Germany (neutral location)
England 1-1 Germany (Germany win on penalties)

Getting off the teasing bandwagon for a moment, I don't think England will necessarily win. I certainly hope we will and think we have a great chance, but Germany aren't the shite they have been in recent years. And I'm glad, I'd much rather a competitive game than an easy victory.

However, best team in Europe? I dunno, I don't think there is a stand out best team in Europe. In fact, I don't think there's a stand out best team in the world at the moment. In the recent past we've had France and Brazil, but they're not the powers they were and no one else seems to have steped up to take their place. Instead I'd say there are a bunch of teams any of which could beat each other on the day...which is great for international football as you never know who's going to win.

If I had to pick a team I'd hate England to play though, from the big guns, it would probably be Portugal. And not just because they've knocked us out of the last two tournaments, on penalties, I just think they're the team we're least equipped to deal with. Plus that Ronaldo bastard...

 

[MrPing1000]

I could make a book out of picture of Kahn, but one for now.

KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!


ps german domestic football is a pile of poo

 

[hadareud]

I think France, Portugal and Germany are probably on one level at the moment, closely followed by Holland. However, like always it hardly matters how good you are in form more than a year before a tournament is about to start. I suppose even the Germans would agree with me, considering they were absolute shit not long before the world cup. But it seems this was quickly forgotten.

Btw, before I forget to ask - are there any Swiss posters in this thread? I would have a question ...

 

[psycho_snake]

However, best team in Europe? I dunno, I don't think there is a stand out best team in Europe. In fact, I don't think there's a stand out best team in the world at the moment. In the recent past we've had France and Brazil, but they're not the powers they were and no one else seems to have steped up to take their place. Instead I'd say there are a bunch of teams any of which could beat each other on the day...which is great for international football as you never know who's going to win.

If I had to pick a team I'd hate England to play though, from the big guns, it would probably be Portugal. And not just because they've knocked us out of the last two tournaments, on penalties, I just think they're the team we're least equipped to deal with. Plus that Ronaldo bastard...

Since france won the world cup and the euro, there hasnt been a team that has been outstanding. Italy won the world cup last year but they were not the best team there. No team really showed the world that they were exceptional. If I had to pick a team Id say portugal, but thats only because they have Ronaldo. If you take him away from the team portugal would be average.

 

[psycho_snake]

I got bored and started reading some football quotes. Some people have said some funny shit

'I would not be bothered if we lost every gamelong as we won the league.' - Mark Viduka

'We lost because we didn't win.' - Ronaldo (Brazil)

'I've had 14 bookings this season - 8 of which were my fault, but 7 of which were disputable.' - Paul Gascoigne (Everton)

'I've never wanted to leave. I'm here for the rest of my life, and hopefully after that as well.' - Alan Shearer (Newcastle)

'I'd like to play for an Italian club, like Barcelona.' - Mark Draper

'You've got to believe that you're going to win, and I believe we'll win the World Cup until the final whistle blows and we're knocked out.' - Peter Shilton (ex-England)

'I faxed a transfer request to the club at the beginning of the week, but let me state that I don't want to leave Leicester.'- Stan Collymore

'Without being too harsh on David Beckham, he cost us the match.' - Ian Wright (ex-Arsenal)

'I'm as happy as I can be - but I have been happier.'- Ugo Ehiogu ('Boro)

'I couldn't settle in Italy - it was like living in a foreign country.'- Ian Rush (ex-Liverpool)

And here are a couple of quotes to remind the germans why they shouldnt open their mouths too soon

"I'll be happy with a draw but if Germany surprise me I'll be happy" Franz Beckenbaur before Germany's shock 5-1 defeat to England that would have pleased him. Well he got what he wanted, germany did surprise him; he never knew they could play so badly.

"Who is he?" Stefan Effenberg about Steven Gerrard before Gerrard scored the winner against Germany in their 5-1 win.

 

[Blablurn]

Let's post some random Kahn pics xD.

 

[hadareud]

Let's post some random Khan pics xD.

I don't think that's really appropriate for a football thread, but if we must

 

[hadareud]

more footballer quotes:

Germany are a very difficult team to play...they had 11 internationals out there today.
Steve Lomas

I always used to put my right boot on first, and then obviously my right sock.
Barry Venison

I definitely want Brooklyn to be christened, but I don't know into what religion yet.
David Beckham

The Brazilians were South American, and the Ukranians will be more European.
Phil Neville

All that remains is for a few dots and commas to be crossed.
Mitchell Thomas

The opening ceremony was good, although I missed it.
Graeme Le Saux

One accusation you can't throw at me is that I've always done my best.
Alan Shearer

I'd rather play in front of a full house than an empty crowd.
Johnny Giles

I was surprised, but I always say nothing surprises me in football.
Les Ferdinand

It was like the ref had a brand new yellow card and wanted to see if it worked.
Richard Rufus

There's no in between - you're either good or bad. We were in between.
Gary Lineker

I'm as happy as I can be - but I have been happier.
Ugo Ehiogh

Leeds is a great club and it's been my home for years, even though I live in Middlesborough.
Jonathan Woodgate

I took a whack on my left ankle, but something told me it was my right.
Lee Hendrie

My parents have always been there for me, ever since I was about 7.
David Beckham

 

[Cornballer]

"I'm the prince, and I'm sort of slaying the dragon, which is something I've never done before, obviously." -David Beckham

 

[bud]

Beckham still has the magic in his right leg. He could've still go on to play for Madrid for about a season or two. Now, the monies and scientology will finish him

<3 becks

 

[Lakitu]

Beckham still has the magic in his right leg. He could've still go on to play for Madrid for about a season or two. Now, the monies and scientology will finish him

<3 becks

 

[bud]

http://content.ytmnd.com/content/7/7/0/7703505c65e102c5c48470fca2b4aa7d.jpg[img][/QUOTE]

[IMG]http://static.flickr.com/62/222725531_8cffea53a9.jpg

 

[Cornballer]

 

[PleoMax]

Since france won the world cup and the euro, there hasnt been a team that has been outstanding. Italy won the world cup last year but they were not the best team there. No team really showed the world that they were exceptional. If I had to pick a team Id say portugal, but thats only because they have Ronaldo. If you take him away from the team portugal would be average.

Simão, Quaresma, Deco, Ricardo Carvalho, miguel, Jorge Andrade, Petit, Tiago.

Without ronaldo Portugal is average? Average as in what? As England? Lol the only thing that Portugal lacks is a Striker, but Nuno Gomes does play strangelly well in the national team, and hugo Almeida is in grEAt form.

So yeah, Portugal without Ronaldo looses that edge...but that's just how things work no? France Without Zidane is a whole different thing, and when Henry doesn't play they aren't even worth watching now. England's edge is Rooney, without Rooney England is like, "yeah ok..".

Cool thing about portugal is that i think they are stronger than they were at the World Cup, altought Figo is my hero, we are better off without him, Figo used to carry Portugal on his back, but now i think Portugal is much better balanced. Now there's room for Simão and Quaresma.

 

[hadareud]

Gallas is not very popular in the Arsenal blogging world for his recent interviews. Hardly earth shattering stuff, but I love this picture:

:lol

Spoiler

although I do agree that players should keep their criticisms internal instead of whining to the press, in the end of the day I am very happy to have Gallas on board regardless.

edit: rehosted for cornballer

 

[Cornballer]

Rehost the picture - I wanna see!

 

[Cornballer]

edit: rehosted for cornballer

:lol Thanks.

In other news....

Brazil 1 Ghana 0 - friendly result
STOCKHOLM, March 27 (Reuters)

Scorer: Vagner Love 17
Red card: Haminu Dramani (Ghana) 77
Halftime: 1-0

Brazil - 1-Julio Cesar; 2-Ilsinho (13-Daniel Alves 60, 17-Dudu Cearense 81), 3-Lucio, 4-Juan, 6-Kleber; 5-Mineiro, 8-Gilberto Silva (19-Josue 46), 7-Ronaldinho, 10-Kaka (18-Elano 70); 11-Robinho (20-Diego 77), 9-Vagner Love (21-Ricardo Oliveira 74)

Ghana - 22-Richard Kingston; 15-John Pantsil, 20-Francis Dickoh, 5-John Mensah, 2-Hans Sarpei; 18-Eric Addo (8-Derek Boateng 74), 7-Laryea Kingston (14-Bernard Yao Kumodzi 74), 23-Haminu Dramani, 6-Anthony Annan (13-Alfred Arthur), 11-Sulley Muntari; 3-Asamoah Gyan (12-Alex Tachie Mensah 10)
Referee: Peter Frojdfelt (Sweden)

Tee-hee. Too bad they weren't on the pitch at the same time.

 

[celestial body]

Some golden old ones:

"I never comment on referees and I'm not going to break the habit of a lifetime for that prat" Ron Atkinson (1979)

"Ardiles strokes the ball like it was part of his anatomy." Jimmy Magee, RTE WC commentator.

"We didn't underestimate them. They were a lot better than we thought."
Bobby Robson after England nearly lost to Cameroon, WC 1990.

"The new West Stand casts a giant shadow over the entire pitch, even on a sunny day."
CHRIS JONES, Evening Standard

"Both sides have scored a couple of goals, and both sides have conceded a couple of goals." PETER WITHE, speaking on Radio 5 Live

"I was saying the other day, how often the most vulnerable area for goalies is between their legs..." ANDY GRAY, Sky Sports

"It's now 1-1, an exact reversal of the score on Saturday." Radio 5 Live

"We say 'educated left foot'... of course, there are many players with educated right foots." RON JONES, Radio 5 Live

"Football today, it's like a game of chess. It's all about money." NEWCASTLE UNITED FAN, Radio 5 Live

"The shot from Laws was precise but wide." ALAN PARRY

"In terms of the Richter Scale this defeat was a force eight gale." JOHN LYALL

"Certain people are for me and certain people are pro me." TERRY VENABLES

"Strangely, in slow motion replay, the ball seemed to hang in the air for even longer." DAVID ACFIELD

 

[hadareud]

some of those are great

btw Arsenal & Chelsea were fined £100,000 for the Carling Cup final handbags.

WTF???

100k? WHAT THE **** IS WRONG WITH THE FA? For what? Nothing? Yes.

 

[Shinobi]

**** the FA...I guess they want to build up a nest egg in case England doesn't qualify for Euro. They'll also need the notes to wipe the egg off their faces.

Who the **** is Lehmann?

WTF...how can you hate on one of your World Cup heroes???

Incidently, I thought one of the coolest things about the World Cup was Lehmann and Kahn becoming friends after years of bitter fueding. Then Lehmann stepped aside in the third place game to allow Kahn to play. That was some cool shit.

BTW, I still can't get over how funny that avatar of yours is...with Arsenal gone it's easily the best/funniest Champions League moment of the season.

:lol :lol :lol

I kinda forgot about Portugal...I'd put them equal top in Europe along with Germany. And I do think they're more then Ronaldo, though he's obviously a huge cog in that wheel.

 

[Mama Smurf]

This is the rumoured England lineup tonight:

----------------------Robinson

Richards----Ferdinand----Terry--------Cole

Lennon------Gerrard----Lampard----Downing

--------------Rooney-------Defoe

Makes sense, given the opposition. If we didn't need that Hargreaves protection against Israel then we certainly don't need it against Andorra. It's a much more balanced lineup, which is nice to see, even if I don't really like Downing or Lampard and Gerrard playing together. I'm sure they can handle the 163rd best team in the world though.

 

[Shinobi]

Heh, they'd better...heads will roll if the reverse occurs.

Interesting that Richards is playing in place of Neville...media talk suggests that Man U are prepping up a bid for their crosstown rival's young star.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Well if you mean Phil Neville then Richards has always been ahead of him in the pecking order (thank god), he just didn't start against Israel because he was recovering from an injury. If you mean Gary Neville he's injured and not in the squad, I'm sure he's still first choice.

The only thing that should be a worry about this game is that Andorra are just about the dirtiest international side in the world. It'd be...tragic...if Rooney and Ferdinand were injured for the Blackburn game on Saturday. Fingers crossed.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Aaaaand Lampard's just been ruled out of the game with a broken wrist. Which was the result of a Rooney shot hitting him.

Man, that must be like kaizoku's wet dream. I imagine he'll pass out in orgasmic pleasure if it's Carrick who gets the nod instead.

 

[bud]

Hiddink is being named as the new manager after the EC is over. Hiddink always said that he was going to quite after the WC in 2010 so maybe he'll go out with a bang

 

[Hooker]

KNVB needs to sack Van Basten and put Hiddink up the helm again. The only one to whip this sorry bunch of so-called internationals into shape and bring back the ones that truely matter.



(Van Basten had his moment of enlightment when he brought back Seedorf though, now we need someone to finish the job with Van Bommel and Van Nistelrooy...)

 

[psycho_snake]

Aaaaand Lampard's just been ruled out of the game with a broken wrist. Which was the result of a Rooney shot hitting him.

Man, that must be like kaizoku's wet dream. I imagine he'll pass out in orgasmic pleasure if it's Carrick who gets the nod instead.

Maybe Lampards injury is a blessing. He's deserved some of the criticism that he's receieved, but to be fair he's not the only one who isnt performing well. Now that lamps is injured we'll get to see what england play like without him. I really cant understand whats wrong with him when he plays for england. I dont understand how he can score 20 in midfield during one season, yet he couldnt score one of his 23 shots in the world cup.

 

[PleoMax]

Ronaldo injured himself yesterday, don't know if he will play today. Hopefully nothing big.

 

[Mama Smurf]

I don't know how much we'll be able to tell from this game, unfortunately. Shame one of Lampard or Gerrard didn't get injured for Israel, that might have actually been worth seeing.

As it is, we could play our defence in midfield and get an easy victory.

 

[Shinobi]

The only thing that should be a worry about this game is that Andorra are just about the dirtiest international side in the world. It'd be...tragic...if Rooney and Ferdinand were injured for the Blackburn game on Saturday. Fingers crossed.

:lol

 

[Mama Smurf]

You know, it's a shame so many of us are spread out around the world. I've never really got how people become friends in real life after meeting on a messageboard, but maybe I'm just too cynical. My brother met his girlfriend on some random forum and there are always E3 meet ups so I guess it works out. And one of my friends visits this stupid girls' forum where they talk about fashion and Celebrity Love Island and other shit like that, and they're all really nice and friendly to each other so I guess they could become friends...I joined to see what it was like and was banned within a day. I was just posting like I do at gaf, she looked stupid in her new boots! She needed to know the truth, in as harsh a manner as possible!

My point is this thread is the closest thing I have to that. It'd be great to have some sort of E3-style meet up at a big football match every so often, but we're all over the world, so it's just not gonna happen.

It's a partcular shame none of you live in South Africa, as far as I know, so you can't put me up for free for the next world cup.

 

[Cornballer]

It's a particular shame none of you live in South Africa, as far as I know, so you can't put me up for free for the next world cup.

You can stay with some of us here in the US once South Africa can't complete their stadiums on time and we end up hosting again.

So Hiddink got out of his tax evasion problems with just a large fine, eh? I was wondering if some jail time would keep him out of the coaching circuit for a few years, but I guess that's not the case. Sounds like a lot of different national teams are sniffing around to see if he's available.

 

[gollumsluvslave]

Biggest game yet for Scotland tonight, and although I don't hold out much hope, one never knows with the Italians.

The last time at the San Siro, although they won 2-0 they had next to no chances from outfield and only scored from 2 amazing Pirlo free-kicks. Sky is reporting that Pirlo is a serious doubt for tonight, so that would be a great start

My prediction is that Italy will win 1 or 2-nil, but the longer the game goes without a goal, the happier i'll be. Our biggest problem is that with only Miller up-front it's going to be a tall order to grab a goal.

 

[Cornballer]

Off of some guy's blog. I thought it was a decent preview of who's playing who tonight and what's at stake.

2007-03-26 - European Championship Qualifiers Review / Preview

Forty teams started the night with high ambitions but in the end most of them went as expected, with only six matches worth talking about. The only real upset came early with Kazakhstan beating the Serbs 2-1. The Serbs must really be kicking themselves as they've now lost the impetus in the group with Poland and Portugal moving above them leaving them fourth in the group. The notable results of the night all away wins with Turkey (1-4 v Greece), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1-2 v Norway) and Germany (1-2 v Czech Republic) all impressing. On the other end of the scale were the 0-0 matches between Israel and England, and Netherlands v Romania where fans must have wanted their money back.

Group A

Finland and Poland should end the night with three more points each with matches away to Azerbaijan and at home to Armenia respectively. The real battle of the night will be in Belgrade where the disappointed Serbs will be desperate to perform against the confident Portuguese. Based on Saturday's performances I'd have to go for an away win to compound the troubles of the Serbian team.

Group B

Georgia and Ukraine will likely see off the challenges of the Faroes and Lithuania respectively, but Italy won't have it so easy against the resurgent Scots who have already shown they mean business in the group. Italy will be strong favorites to take the points but they must be careful not to underestimate their challengers and play like they did against the U.S.A. and Australia in the World Cup. If the Scots manage a result, the Italians will be in a lot of trouble in the group as they still have to play France and home and both the Ukraine and Scotland away.

Group C

Turkey head the group and given their respective scores on Saturday they are likely to stay three points ahead of challengers Greece when they play Norway in Frankfurt on Wednesday. Following their punishment handed to them during the last qualifiers, the Turks will be allowed to play their remaining matches at home, and you'd have to say that they shouldn't have any further problems staying top of the group until the end as all the other teams seems to be struggling. Hungary have it all to do at home to Moldova and are no longer easy to predict. Having once ruled Europe, they are now quickly becoming one of Europe's minnows having already succumbed to Malta away and Norway at home. Greece should keep the heat on Turkey when they visit Malta.

Group D

Following Saturday's matches the Germans are strong favorites to win the group with ease. The Czechs have been knocked back into a share of second place but they should get three points when they host Cyprus on Wednesday. Ireland who have claimed three wins on the trot, albeit against San Marino (twice) and Wales, are now back in the race for the runners-up spot but they're up against the tricky Slovakians who are themselves not out of it. The Irish will be desperate for a win as anything else will all but finish their challenge. Even though they have 10 points, they've already played a game more than their challengers, and they've already played three of the four games against the group's minnows. In the group's other match, it should be a case of how many for Wales against San Marino.

Group E

Both Israel and England will be able to let out their frustrations on Estonia and Andorra respectively and you'd expect a few goals in both matches. With wins both will share second spot with Russia, but the Russians will be in the comfortable position of knowing they have a game in hand. It will be a few months yet before we find out who qualifies from this group as many of the really big matches in this group are towards the end.

Group F

With Denmark out of action on Wednesday, Spain know that a win at home to Iceland will get them up to third in the table just a point behind Northern Ireland with a game in hand, assuming that the Swedes, who have been clinical so far, dispatch their opponents just like they have done in their four previous matches. If so, they'll be five points ahead of their opponents, six points ahead of Spain, and eight points ahead of Denmark. Latvia should be too strong for Liechtenstein in the night's other match.

Group G

After Romania's draw in Rotterdam the group is still wide open, with three of the six matches between the top three teams having been drawn. Both Bulgaria and Romania should keep right on the heels of the Dutch with home games against Albania and Luxembourg. For the Dutch, Marco van Basten will be trying to work out why his in-form players produced such a sedated display on Saturday with only four shots on target during the 90 minutes against Romania, and of those not one really tested the goalkeeper. Slovenia isn't of the same standard as Romania, but tactically they'll probably play just like the Romanians did by sitting back and let the Dutch play and that will frustrate the Dutch. If the Dutch get a goal though, I expect the floodgates to open to release the frustration.

It might well be a night without any upsets, but if any upsets are to happen, it might just be the Scots or Slovenians getting a draw or a win, or the Slovakians winning away to Ireland who won't have their trusty Landsdowne Road beneath their feat.

 

[hadareud]

I will probably live in Vienna at the time of the Euro, unless I don't become rich within the next 12 months.

And there's at least one team having their Euro base camp in my actual hometown in Austria. South Africa wouldn't be too bad either though.

edit: to increase the jealousy factor, here's a picture of my home town.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Pfff, I can't see a McDonald's anywhere. What a crap place to live.

 

[hadareud]

:lol

it's true, the nearest McDonald's is actually 15 miles away.

no fast food at all actually

 

[Ghost]

:lol

it's true, the nearest McDonald's is actually 15 miles away.

no fast food at all actually

Sweet jesus...what do you do after a night at the beer tent?

 

[Cornballer]

Sweet jesus...what do you do after a night at the beer tent?

 

[gollumsluvslave]

but Italy won't have it so easy against the resurgent Scots who have already shown they mean business in the group.

Noooo! Don't say things like that! I much prefer when Scotland are totally written off! :lol

One point he's right in though is that it's the definitive 'six-pointer' for Italy - they win as expected, and they are right back in the hunt - a draw, whilst bad for them would not be disastrous, but if by some absolute miracle we pulled off a win, then they would be 8 points behind, which is a bit of a mountain.

With that in mind, and knowing how negative Italians can be, if it we can keep it tight, they may get a bit nervous with 20 minutes to go at 0-0 It's always possible to sneak a goal....

Of course, one is allowed to dream :lol

 

[Mama Smurf]

You can just about make out The Black Tower above the lake in that picture. The Black Tower, where the Dark One, thousand-eyed Vildaroth, builds his army deep beneath the Ice Mountains.

And look, there in the middle of the town is the White Chapel, last frontier of man, where the blind priests focus their inner eyes upon Vildaroth, trying to perceive his plans. Surely he does not plan to awaken the Elder force lying deep in slumber beneath the deceptive placid waters of Lake Corsant, one of the nameless ones that walked the void before there was form.

In fear of this the blind priests have reached out to the creatures of the Direwoods that surround them, but they are indifferent to man's needs, caring only for a greater understanding of their forests, and the power that knowledge will bring.

Yet all are unaware of a third player in the game, one that will affect them all. A dark shadow creeps across the south of the land, despite the cloudless sky, unnoticed by the townfolk as its grasping hand draws ever closer....

 

[hadareud]

Sweet jesus...what do you do after a night at the beer tent?

go back there and have a beer-tent-chicken and a few more beers.
or have what Cornballer posted. And a few more beers.

speaking about it, they actually have Austria's biggest beer tent there. Not very enjoyable though, since there's mostly germans and pretentious twats from Vienna attending anymore.

edit: by germans I mean german tourists in Lederhosen. Not the nice kind.

 

[bud]

is sheva playing right now?

 

[Cornballer]

is sheva playing right now?

Yup. He's in the Ukranian lineup. They're up 1-0 on Lithuania.

 

[Lakitu]

I will probably live in Vienna at the time of the Euro, unless I don't become rich within the next 12 months.

And there's at least one team having their Euro base camp in my actual hometown in Austria. South Africa wouldn't be too bad either though.

edit: to increase the jealousy factor, here's a picture of my home town.

It's always been my dream to live in a place like that, I just live in a shitty town in London and the biggest eye-candy is a block of flats

 

[Cornballer]

The US has another friendly tonight against Guatemala. As of right now, we're still playing under "interim" coach Bob Bradley, who has led the squad to victories over Denmark (3-1), Mexico (2-0), and Ecuador (3-1.) The head of the US Federation said that he will be making a decision and placing a long term head coach sometime before June, and everyone is curious what he's going to decide.

Supposedly, he wants to get a look at some high profile European coaches (Gerard Houllier and Carlos Queiroz have been mentioned frequently), but I can't see him sacking Bradley if he starts 4-0 against some decent competition. I hope that he at least gets to coach through the Gold Cup and the Copa America this summer to really show if he has what it takes to lead this team. That being said, the president of our federation is a bit of a control freak/egomaniac (we couldn't get Klinsmann because our federation didn't want to give up as much control as Jurgen wanted), so who knows what will happen.

 

[Mama Smurf]

I used to live here:

I don't anymore

Oh well, only an...11 hour flight away.