The Official Soccer/Football/Futbol/Calcio thread

[Jason]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

The news is a massive blow to Liverpool's title challenge

They have a 62 man squad and a top manager, they should be fine.

What do you think about Gerrard's place in the team? Is he not replaceable? Do you think he bosses Rafa any? He's got the teeth (I've heard that he bares them as well) due to fan support. I've always thought Rafa would not want to rely on him so completely but he'd lose the supporters if he included him in the crazy rotations.

They have the depth of talent to take care of business but I'm not sure about the mentality, spiritual issues if you will.

I hope they excel while he's out

[Jdbwolverines]

While Gerrard is an irreplaceable type of player, I too think that Liverpool will do alright without him. I think Benayoun has been playing well lately and can fill in for him pretty well. I also wouldn't be surprised if Rafa started playing Babel back a bit to serve as a bridge from the midfielders to Torres. Liverpool's schedule also is pretty light, save the Man City game, but they have been dropping way too many points to the weaker clubs this year so who knows. I do wonder however as to how Robbie Keane could have filled in with Gerrard out. I think he would have played nicely in Gerrard's spot behind Torres.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Jdbwolverines

they have been dropping way too many points to the weaker clubs this year

This year? That has been their problem for a couple of years now. They just can't seem to bury the sides they should.

Breaks my heart.

Liverpools title tilt shouldn't be determined by missing steven gerrard for 2 PL matches. while he would add something to Any team, I'm more worried about the first leg of the Real Madrid clash.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

Liverpools title tilt shouldn't be determined by missing steven gerrard for 2 PL matches. while he would add something to Any team, I'm more worried about the first leg of the Real Madrid clash.

True. But we all know that the CL title will be little consolation. The EPL title is the hardware to be had.

[Lumpold]

Tomorrow I will mostly be supporting West Ham.

lumpy I'm with you. GO 'AMMERS!

[Jason]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

lumpy I'm with you. GO 'AMMERS!

you had your day in the sun

[aldukes]

First Adams - then Scolari- will Rafa be next?

Prob not. but its wishful thinking.

messers gillet and hicks have said that if There is no PL title rafa is gone. according to what I've read. But Scolari getting sacked is pretty impressive. Didn't see that coming...don't be surprised if Gian Franco Zola winds up at the bridge

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it's staying close boys. very close.

[Bubba - NJ]

Another great goal by Fernando Torres on Saturday . Good game overall too , I thought . I'm learning about some of the interesting rules like intentionally playing a ball back to your keeper and that the keeper can't use his hands on said play . Are there any other rules that a new fan should be aware of ? Giggs had a good goal on Sunday as well .

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Bubba - NJ

Another great goal by Fernando Torres on Saturday . Good game overall too , I thought . I'm learning about some of the interesting rules like intentionally playing a ball back to your keeper and that the keeper can't use his hands on said play . Are there any other rules that a new fan should be aware of ? Giggs had a good goal on Sunday as well .

To clarify your statement "intentionally playing a ball back to your keeper and that the keeper can't use his hands on said play"

The direction (back) is immaterial. The goalkeeper may not handle the ball in his own penalty area when it has been played deliberately (not a deflection) by a teammate. The result is an indirect free kick for the opposing team.

thus resulting in a goal for fabio.

aldukey how goes your club season?

[aldukes]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

thus resulting in a goal for fabio.

aldukey how goes your club season?

Due to snow and temps around 10 degrees for 3 Wednesdays straight- the winter league was canceled. We have "scrimmages" that are planned week by week now.

I'm thinking about taking everyone's numbers from the previous contest and applying them to Spring season that starts the first week of March. I still have plenty of cigars to give away.

wow! it's like 60 degrees here. Our season is 1 week away getting kinda excited.. and worried my left knee is questionable.. and it's my good knee. you should put up some pictures of your kit and the like...

[aldukes]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

you should put up some pictures of your kit and the like...

We wear Arsenal jerseys

I think were getting new kits in the fall- I'll post them up when we do.

I am starting to look at new boots though

one of the guys on my team bought those. says he loves them. I picked up some year old preds white and blue... sorry you're forced to wear arsenal shirts...

seriously! espn? unbelievable. showing argentina v france instead of Spain v England? WTF OVER!

[Jdbwolverines]

Guus Hiddink to replace Scolari at Chelsea. He is going to continue managing the Russia national team as well. Not the most obvious of choices if yoask me, but he is one of Abramovich's guys so not a huge surprise. Given his success at PSV, I'm sure Don has a comment or two about him.