The Official Soccer/Football/Futbol/Calcio thread

[TheRiddick]

Refs should be all tested for drugs! I can't imagine one missing out on an obvious clean play by Fletcher, but 2 of them? So much for Arsenal's supposed ability and all the bravura by the players in the in the past 2 days, when push came to shove they looked like kids and on numerous occasions like thugs (Fabregas). I only wish the ref does the right thing and rescinds the red card, as he should.

Not a fan of Chelsea, but will be hoping they win tomorrow after all the whining by Barca players after last game. If they are so good, as they claim, how come they could not score even once?

[aldukes]

[Jdbwolverines]

''It's a f****** disgrace!''

That made me laugh. That referring was horrendous. As much as I hate Drogba, I do feel for him in this situation. I understand blowing a call during an in game situation, but over and over like that is just unacceptable. Barcelona got their butts kicked that whole match, and for them to advance is just wrong. I have never rooted for ManU in my my whole life, but I hope they destroy Barcelona in Rome.

[mastershogun]

Originally Posted by Jdbwolverines

''It's a f****** disgrace!''

That made me laugh. That referring was horrendous. As much as I hate Drogba, I do feel for him in this situation. I understand blowing a call during an in game situation, but over and over like that is just unacceptable. Barcelona got their butts kicked that whole match, and for them to advance is just wrong. I have never rooted for ManU in my my whole life, but I hope they destroy Barcelona in Rome.

I won't say the ref was totally in barca's favor. He did give a questionable red against barca. also, the previous game henry had a foul that was not called. totally don't agree with you on the butt kicking. Barca maintained possession some 60-70%. If chelsea was in such control where was it shown?.. especially against a team that is not as strong, tall, lacking first team centerbacks, having a keeper who is weak on crosses, missing a first team striker, etc. if anything ballack should have been sent off for his craziness.
Having said this, i thought chelsea was going to the final but guess not.
Hiddink did play a good game but not enough with the away goal rule

[Jdbwolverines]

I agree with you that the red was questionable and that last game Chelsea pry did have more calls go their way than Barca. However, to miss what I would say was clearly 2, maybe even 3 or 4 penalty kicks is bad, especially in a game that close. While Barca may have also lead in ball possession, they had very few true scoring threats. Chelsea should have however capitalized on more of their chances to make sure 1 away goal would loose it for them, especially after Barca went a man down. The prevent defense only prevents you from winning.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by mastershogun

Barca maintained possession some 60-70%.

Sometimes possession means nothing, for the most part it just indicates a style of play in my opinion.

Originally Posted by mastershogun

If chelsea was in such control where was it shown?

In Barca's lack of offensive threat. Offensive threat is how Barca is defined and they showed very little of it over either leg. Controlled.

Hard luck to Chelsea but I'd much rather see a Barca vs. Manchester United final truth be told! Hope that ref never leaves Norway on UEFA's dime again.

Well at least I got something right.. barca v united... I expect Barca will actually show up for the final. However I predict United to be too strong. 2-1 Rooney and the ginger ninja put 'em away. Messi pulls one back late. Now I need Arsenal to revenge themselves upon United, and Chelsea to make up for last year.

[mastershogun]

Originally Posted by Jason

Sometimes possession means nothing, for the most part it just indicates a style of play in my opinion.

In Barca's lack of offensive threat. Offensive threat is how Barca is defined and they showed very little of it over either leg. Controlled.

But that is my point... barca plays possession game... they don't play a little possession with long passes or rely on set piece kind of game. they played the kind of game they wanted to play. sure the final third was missing big time but to claim that chelsea dominated the game i would say that chelsea would have to bump barca off "their game"... which is possession. The game barca plays is not "a lot of goals" game... that is the kind of game every team wants but sometimes you only get 1 goal. The "barca game" is possession and possession they had. They did play an offensive game... they were not playing defense 60-70% of the time. They were playing offensive 60-70% of the time... again, maybe not in the final third but nonetheless offense.
I am not saying this was one of barca's better games by a long shot!