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[Cornballer]

I know one thing about the WC 2010 draw though...every single team not a top seed will be desperate to be in South Africa's group.

Which is funny because I believe the host country has qualified for the 2nd round in every World Cup so far that had a 1st round. Though I guess it begs the question if South Africa is the worst host nation (footballing-wise) yet. Maybe Japan was worse? The US in 1994?

I'm not having a go at you, just at whoever wrote it in that blog.

Naw, I know. The guy who wrote that writes an almost-daily stat column where he crunches some numbers, so sometimes he's a little short on relevant material and comes up with something like this. The seeding is one of those things I find interesting to check in on every few months just to see how it's going. The 'mock draw' portion is akin to fantasy football, as you say.

 

[Mama Smurf]

I see what you mean, I didnt think that through properly.

I knew that cech was ranieri's signing, along with robben, but I'm pretty sure that drogba was a moruinho signing.

Like Cech and Robben, Drogba didn't play for Chelsea until Mourinho's first season, but they were all on their way while Ranieri was still in charge. Mourinho just inherited them and got the credit, whilst Ranieri, the poor bastard, never got to put them in his team.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Which is funny because I believe the host country has qualified for the 2nd round in every World Cup so far that had a 1st round. Though I guess it begs the question if South Africa is the worst host nation (footballing-wise) yet. Maybe Japan was worse? The US in 1994?

Well at least Japan and the US were amongst the best sides in their region, South Africa can't even claim that. It's 3 years off so things can change, but right now I'd say Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Morroco, Tunisia, Cameroon, Egypt, Togo, Ghana, Senegal and Angola are all better African nations, it's ridiculous.

In fact, at the 2006 African Cup of Nations (the last one, we'll be able to check them out again early next year), South Africa came bottom of their group, with 3 games played, 3 losses, 0 goals scored...and their group wasn't even that tough. Guinea, Tunisia and Zambia. They avoided the heavyweights.

EDIT: And host nations tend to get help getting through because they've avoided a top seed by automatically being one themselves. If the host nation got seeded normally, South Africa would be one of the bottom ones I'm sure and would have little hope of progress unless they got a very, very lucky draw.

 

[Cornballer]

Well at least Japan and the US were amongst the best sides in their region, South Africa can't even claim that. It's 3 years off so things can change, but right now I'd say Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Morroco, Tunisia, Cameroon, Egypt, Togo, Ghana, Senegal and Angola are all better African nations, it's ridiculous.

In fact, at the 2006 African Cup of Nations (the last one, we'll be able to check them out again early next year), South Africa came bottom of their group, with 3 games played, 3 losses, 0 goals scored...and there group wasn't even that tough. Guinea, Tunisia and Zambia. They avoided the heavyweights.

Good point. The homefield advantage is hard to quantify, but it's not as if SA have a lot of talent to work with. I think they're currently sitting at about #80 on the World Rankings (ELO) and that has to be much, much lower than where Japan and the US were.

EDIT: And host nations tend to get help getting through because they've avoided a top seed by automatically being one themselves. If the host nation got seeded normally, South Africa would be one of the bottom ones I'm sure and would have little hope of progress unless they got a very, very lucky draw.

True. The other tricky part is that the pot system doesn't ensure evenly distributed groups in terms of difficulty, it's more concerned with avoiding large groupings of teams from the same Confederation. So you're always going to get some really difficult groups along with a few easier ones. Strict seeding would be better for the sake of fairness, but I don't think it provides matchups that are as appealing for the fans.

 

[BatiGOOOOOOL]

:lol

He's probably sad that no one recognizes him.

 

[Shinobi]

ZOMG - Henry hanging out with Spurs!

My favourite player, hanging with my second favourite NBA team (Raptors being first, Nets being third...yep, I'm a NBA slut). Henry seeing TP winning his third ring and finals MVP will just make him even more antsy to win some hardware of his own.

On a sort of related tangent, it's kinda weird that Henry's only been on the field for two or three of the six major trophies he's won. He wasn't on the field in the '98 World Cup final, the 2002 clash at Old Trafford, or the 2005 FA Cup final. I assume he was on the field for the other three ('02 and '03 FA Cup, '04 clincher at Tottenham), but I'm not even sure about that. But he might feel a little...I don't know, down, discontent, guilty that he hasn't been on the pitch to clinch some of the medals that he's pocketed. That's not even getting into Henry's bizarre streak of playing in 8 different finals without scoring a goal.

he looks and talks like a nice guy, but don't you worry - if he needs to he is ruthless.

No matter the name or what the player has done for the club. He will bench players and he will sell them if he thinks it's the right decision.

Then why is Ljunberg still hobbling around for us? He's even more done than Pires was a year ago.

It's just a mock draw. Yes, it's possible that CR would get that unlucky, but it's very unlikely.

Of course it's unlikely...Canada's gonna beat out Costa Rica for qualification. Don't know why he's so worried.

I'm not having a go at you, just at whoever wrote it in that blog. I mean, we could talk about the 2014 World Cup if he likes, it'll have as much relevance. The amount the rankings change can change in the next 3 years and the fact that qualification hasn't even started (or even been drawn) practically makes it a fantasy discussion.

Eh...it's not THAT different to our twenty pages of transfer rumour speculation, 90% of which is complete and utter tosh.

Besides, we're trying to squeeze another 6000 posts into this thread before we start the new one in six weeks...we've gotta use any angle we can find.

 

[BatiGOOOOOOL]

*shakes fist*

 

[Shinobi]

:lol

He's probably sad that no one recognizes him.

:lol Wonder how much stick he'll get in London for wearing a Spurs jersey. I like to wear my Spurs Duncan jersey with my Arsenal cap, just because the combination is so ridiculous.

What pisses me off about the finals was TP winning the MVP...I wanted TD to become only the second player ever to win four finals MVP's goddamnit. Ah well, there's always next year...though they seem to prefer being the champs in odd-numbered years.

*shakes fist*

:lol

 

[Mama Smurf]

London? His flight's not booked back to London...

I imagine it's nice for someone as famous over here as Henry to be able to go around unrecognised, I always thought that was a perk of not being big everywhere.

 

[hadareud]

Then why is Ljunberg still hobbling around for us? He's even more done than Pires was a year ago.

I didn't imply that Henry was past it - not in the slightest. Because he isn't.

Ljungberg might be and I think he's going this summer.

 

[Cornballer]

Early word out today that the Haavard Nordtveit has completed his move to Arsenal. It's a 4 year deal costing 2 million pounds. Supposedly is going to join up on July 2nd. No official confirmation yet.

 

[Shinobi]

AWESOME!!!







...er, who the **** is Nordtviet?

London? His flight's not booked back to London...

:lol

I didn't imply that Henry was past it - not in the slightest. Because he isn't.

Ljungberg might be and I think he's going this summer.

Oh I know you didn't suggest that...I'm just surprised Wenger hasn't shown his ruthlessness in Freddie's case.

 

[Cornballer]

AWESOME!!!







...er, who the **** is Nordtviet?

WHO IS NORDTVEIT!?! He's just the kind of 16-year-old Norweigan central defender to put us over the hump. Champions League victory, here we come!!!

 

[hadareud]

Oh I know you didn't suggest that...I'm just surprised Wenger hasn't shown his ruthlessness in Freddie's case.

There could be a few reasons: maybe he thinks Freddie can still help the team from the bench; maybe he thinks the young players can learn from him; maybe he didn't want to get rid of him while he was injured; or maybe he thought he was still better than he is.

Or maybe nobody wanted to take over his salary so far.

 

[Mama Smurf]

£2m for a 16 year old centre back from a mid-table, second division Norwegian side? Bloody hell...he better turn out to be the next Cannavaro or something...

 

[Cornballer]

Here's the full story.

Arsenal seal Nordveit deal
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 15 Jun 2007

Arsenal have reached an agreement with FK Haugesund to sign starlet Havard Nordveit, according to reports in Norway.

Arsene Wenger has been keen to tie up a deal for the 16-year-old defender and travelled to Norway earlier this week in hope of sealing his signing.

However, The Gunners had a bid in the region of £1.8million rebuffed by Haugesund, who then invited other top European clubs to table their bids.

Arsenal have now come back with an improved offer of £2million which has been accepted by the Norwegian club.

Nordveit is understood to have agreed a four-year contract at Emirates Stadium and the deal will officially go through on 2nd July.

The young stopper will travel with the rest of the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour of Asia.

Here's a pic:

 

[psycho_snake]

I like the way this transfer window is going. United have spent 50 million pounds on three very good players, whilst chelsea have had to bring players in on frees, liverpool are being linked with the likes of bent and benayoun and wenger keeps signing children.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Crap, I just realised the final La Liga games are on at the same time as the England - Serbia U21 match. I'm not sure what to do.

 

[Cornballer]

Crap, I just realised the final La Liga games are on at the same time as the England - Serbia U21 match. I'm not sure what to do.

One on the tv and one on the computer?

 

[Mama Smurf]

Neither are on TV for me.

The last La Liga games were really exciting, but so was the U21 match in another way. The La Liga games are definitely the last games of the season, whereas England might go on and I could watch other matches...but I can't be certain we will and I am English so that adds an extra appeal.

I wonder if my connection could handle two streams from different programmes...I doubt it, I'll have to try it out tomorrow.

 

[Steroyd]

I like the way this transfer window is going. United have spent 50 million pounds on three very good players, whilst chelsea have had to bring players in on frees, liverpool are being linked with the likes of bent and benayoun and wenger keeps signing children.

We better keep watching the transfer window then, Wenger might sign someone from the Arsenal Ladies on the potential she'll give birth to the next Zidane and Liverpool's star signing of the Summer might be Albert Luque.

 

[hadareud]

The young stopper will travel with the rest of the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour of Asia.

we don't have a pre season tour of Asia.

Looks like a joke bid. They are sending him to Asia alone.

 

[Wes]

GK

Jaaskelainen - £2m
Taylor
Boyle

RB

Young - £4m
Hughes

LB

Baines - £8m
Bouma

CB

Mellberg
Campbell - free
Cahill
Ridgewell

L/RW

Barry
Young
Agbonlahor
Berger

DCM

Reo-Coker - £9m
Davis

ACM

Koumas - £5m
Petrov
Maloney

FW

Bellamy - £9m
Carew
Nugent - £7m
Moore

£44m

Sell Sorensen, Laursen and Djemba-Djemba to cover the £4m, and there's the £40m target.

That team should certainly challenge for the UEFA Cup, and create a good basis to build on over the next few years until you might just be able to have an outside shot at the CL.

Laursen wont be going anywhere. We may get another centre back just to challenge for places though, with Ridgewell being shipped off somewhere. Laursen's a bit like Woodgate, doesn't have an outstanding performance that puts him in the spotlight but always does a really good job.

For Goalkeepers I'd really like a young-ish signing. With a new squad being built I'd like to see someone between the sticks who could easily be there for the next 4 years without a problem. So I'd really like to see Craig Gordon here.

RB: I can see us bidding for Young. Or soemone from the continent. We have to get a right back as Aaron Hughes just doesn't cut it as a first team option, but is good backup.

LB: We've been linked with the Holland U-21 Left Back Drenthe. O'Neill saw him play in their first match and immediatly sent his chief scout over there. i hear he's quite an exciting prospect and maybe the idea of workign alongside Bouma could make him join us?

As far as midfield goes it's hard to tell. We don't know how MON is going to play next year, the main question being where will he put Barry. It's been suggested that MON really sees Barry in more of a central role rather than on the wing. If that's the case then we'd also need a new winger and another centre-mid guy (probably Reo-Coker from the sounds of it) and maybe an outlandish bid for Wesley Sneijder who can play anywhere in midfield.

This'll leave Young, Moore and Agbonlahor as forwards to can also play on the wing. It's been stated many times that MON wants Agbonlahor to play in a more central role alongside Carew. In that instance Maloney would have to play wide right, which isn't his preferred position. hence me thinking we need a new right-sided attacking mid. Maybe Koumas? I'd prefer someone from the continent, add a bit more flair in the side.

And for strikers we only have Carew who can hold up the ball so I'd like to get another target-man type personally. But we probably wont, we'll get another pacey youngster ie. Defoe.

Apart from that your transfer suggestions sound abotu right Mama



We haven't done any business yet though which is annoying!

 

[h0pper]

:lol

He's probably sad that no one recognizes him.

I wish I was at that game. I would have found Thierry (and I wouldn't have had a problem getting to him because I'm sure he didn't have any security with him based on the fact that not many people in the US know who he is) and I would have pleaded with him not leave Arsenal.

If he goes to Barca, we better get Eto'o.

 

[velvet_nitemare]

The spuds must be having a field day with that pic of Henry...gotta hunt down some quotes while it's hot.

 

[Cornballer]

A feel-good story here. Young American Danny Karbassiyoon was a trainee with Arsenal who played a few matches and scored a match winner in a Carling Cup game. He never panned out with Arsenal, and then when he was at Burnley he blew his knee out again. The doctor's said that for the sake of his long-term health, he should never play again. So he retired at age 22 and was ready to go back to school...

During the months of uncertainty and rehab, Danny considered his future. He decided he would go to college. Last month, the day before Danny was to head to Virginia Tech and start picking classes, he got a call.

It was a representative from Arsenal. How would Danny feel about being a North American scout for the club?

"I was just like, 'OK!' " Danny said with a laugh. "They said, 'Well, think about it.' I said, 'I think I've thought about it already.' It works."

Two weeks ago, Danny went back to England for scout training. Thierry Henry, an Arsenal striker and one of the top soccer players in the world, shook his hand and said was good to see him again.

"Nice to know I made some sort of impression," Danny said with a smile.

Danny's new job will take him all over the U.S. and Mexico and occasionally to Canada. Today he is in Dallas, scribbling notes about youngsters.

"It's definitely a lot more than what the average person would think that a scouting job requires," he said. "It's not like you just go and see a game and say, 'Oh, he's good.' "

There are plenty of questions to answer about any prospect. Is he loafing? Is his head in the game even when the team is losing? Does he act a jerk? Is he a team player?

And maybe, just maybe, is he the next Danny Karbassiyoon?

Full story here.

 

[Maverick]

This thread makes the work day go twice as fast.

 

[hadareud]

nice story, I remember his name, don't have a clue how he looked like though.
feel good is the right description, really cool for him.

I wonder if Arsenal have a scout in Austria. Or Hawaii. I am available!

 

[Mama Smurf]

One problem I just thought of with Eto'o is that he'll be off representing Cameroon early next year in the African Cup of Nations.

The tournament runs from January 20th to February 10th (and as Cameroon, like the Ivory Coast, are such a strong nation they've got a good chance of making it that far), but I believe FIFA rules are you have to release players 2 weeks beforehand. So we're talking January 6th to possibly February 10th without him (not to mention Toure, Eboue, Adebayor), which covers 5 Premiership fixtures, 2 League Cup semi-finals if they've made it (though younger players would probably play anyway) and the FA Cup fourth round (if they don't go out third round, which is extremely unlikely). So it's something to consider.

That's probably another reason Wenger's looking at another right back in Bakari Sagna. With Toure and Eboue missing, you don't want to risk so few defenders in case of injuries or suspensions. Speaking of, did you guys know Sagna got player of the year for his position in France last year?

The other top team losing important players is Chelsea. Essien, Drogba, Mikel and Kalou should be galavanting off around Ghana, but unfortunately for Chelsea they've got some harder Premiership fixtures at that time than Arsenal, including two games against Spurs and one against Liverpool.

 

[Cornballer]

Here's his goal against Man City in the Carling Cup. Some familiar names playing with him.

I wonder if Arsenal have a scout in Austria. Or Hawaii. I am available!

Don't hold your breath! I'm just bummed the US position is filled now.

 

[Mama Smurf]

A feel-good story here. Young American Danny Karbassiyoon was a trainee with Arsenal who played a few matches and scored a match winner in a Carling Cup game. He never panned out with Arsenal, and then when he was at Burnley he blew his knee out again. The doctor's said that for the sake of his long-term health, he should never play again. So he retired at age 22 and was ready to go back to school...


Full story here.

Has that been posted here before? I remember reading his story a few months ago, but I don't see why I would have if it hadn't been linked from here.

 

[Cornballer]

Has that been posted here before? I remember reading his story a few months ago, but I don't see why I would have if it hadn't been linked from here.

I think I posted something about him retiring because of the injury back in the Winter, but I didn't find out until today that he'd be a scout for Arsenal.

 

[hadareud]

Here's his goal against Man City in the Carling Cup. Some familiar names playing with him.
Don't hold your breath! I'm just bummed the US position is filled now.

oh, yeah. I remember him now, I watched that game.

Good goal, great pass by Cesc.

 

[Karakand]

RSL @ GaLOLaxy, talk about a marquee MLS match up this weekend!

Edson Buddle Future.

 

[Cornballer]

RSL @ GaLOLaxy, talk about a marquee MLS match up this weekend!

Edson Buddle Future.

:lol Yeah, don't think I'll be tuning in for that.


Falch - some more info for you from the US Soccer blog:

Friday, June 15 @ 1:33 p.m.
DaMarcus Beasley asked if he could borrow the laptop to make this statement to the fans:
"I've heard a lot of rumors out there about me leaving the U.S. camp during the Gold Cup to pursue a possible transfer, and I felt like I needed to clear things up. First of all, I want all the fans to know that I am 100 percent focused on helping our team defend the Gold Cup title. We have played well so far, and I think the best is still yet to come for the U.S. team. But to set the record straight, I haven't signed with any team, nor has there been any deal reached with a club. It's true that Rangers are interested, as well as several other teams, but at this point nothing is set in stone. I am still a PSV player, and we will worry about my club situation after the Gold Cup. Right now, it's time to get ready for training."

 

[Karakand]

:lol Yeah, don't think I'll be tuning in for that.

I figure they'll win 5 games this season so I might as well tune in for something they have a remote chance of winning.

Plus it's not like I have anything better to do on Dad Day.

 

[Outdoor Miner]

Wiki can be such a good source for info most of the times, but equally as bad other times.

From the Eto'o wiki page:

It was confirmed on Thursday 14th June that Barcelona have agreed to sell Eto'o to Liverpool for £28 Million which could rise to £35 Million. Barcelona will now use seek his replacement with Thiery Henry the most likely option.

... Did I miss something yesterday?

 

[hadareud]

was he born in wales?

 

[Cornballer]

I figure they'll win 5 games this season so I might as well tune in for something they have a remote chance of winning.

You're a braver man than I am.

Miner - any predictions for the Gold Cup this weekend?

 

[Mama Smurf]

When is Beckham due to join up with Galaxy? I assume they're giving him some time off after the Spanish season, even though their league is still going on.

 

[Cornballer]

When is Beckham due to join up with Galaxy? I assume they're giving him some time off after the Spanish season, even though their league is still going on.

From Fox Sports...

Lalas said he expected Beckham to arrive in Los Angeles in mid-July and play in his first game shortly after that.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Hmm, I hope they give him time to get fit again after a month off rather than throwing him into a game too soon.

When does the season go till? And when did it start?

 

[Cornballer]

Started on April 7th. I think the last games are the weekend of October 21st, and playoffs run for a month after that. MLS Cup is November 18th.

 

[jamesinclair]

Hmm, I hope they give him time to get fit again after a month off rather than throwing him into a game too soon.

When does the season go till? And when did it start?

April- November

Although November is for playoffs so not all teams are involved.

 

[Mama Smurf]

So we'll have a relatively fit Beckham for Euro 2008 if we make it, he's had at least 4 months off (quite the novelty) followed by just a couple of months of matches. And that's normally the point when players get back up to full speed.

 

[Outdoor Miner]

You're a braver man than I am.

Miner - any predictions for the Gold Cup this weekend?

USheygiveusBradleyback 2 - Panama 0
Mexico 1 - Costa Rica 1 (MEX on penalties, oh shit, unless Sanchez is GK!)
Canada 3 - Guatemala 2
Guadeloupe 2 - Honduras 1 (upset special)

-Yeah USA will have a cakewalk against a weakened Panama side.
-Mexico will just "scrape" by Costa Rica in what is starting to appear to the norm to expect for Hugo-era.
-Guadeloupe actually looked pretty decent in group play, I have a feeling they'll catch an overconfident Honduras napping.
-There's always that one goalfest game, and all that's left is Canada-Guatemala. :lol

 

[Osorio]

I figure they'll win 5 games this season so I might as well tune in for something they have a remote chance of winning.

Plus it's not like I have anything better to do on Dad Day.

Take pictures of Xavier's hair.

 

[Cornballer]

So we'll have a relatively fit Beckham for Euro 2008 if we make it, he's had at least 4 months off (quite the novelty) followed by just a couple of months of matches. And that's normally the point when players get back up to full speed.

There are some club competitions and a bunch of preseason stuff before MLS starts up, so he should be ready to go for the Summer.

USheygiveusBradleyback 2 - Panama 0
Mexico 1 - Costa Rica 1 (MEX on penalties, oh shit, unless Sanchez is GK!)
Canada 3 - Guatemala 2
Guadeloupe 2 - Honduras 1 (upset special)

Honduras looked really dangerous in group play. It should be a fun game against Guadeloupe and their geriatric midfield general - I have no idea what's going to happen.

Oh, and this pic is for you:

 

[Outdoor Miner]

Oh god damn. I just about puked out my damn lunch.

KILL EEEEEEEEEEEET WEEEEEEET FIRE!

 

[Cornballer]

Oh god damn. I just about puked out my damn lunch.

KILL EEEEEEEEEEEET WEEEEEEET FIRE!

:lol Seriously, how have they not fired him yet?