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General Category => Sports => Topic started by: KiloDeltaCharlie on May 08, 2019, 04:14:50 PM
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First off I'm excited about the Champions League final: Liverpool vs Tottenham
Both teams had miraculous comebacks in their semi-finals. Lsst night Liverpool (3-0 down to Barcelona from the first leg) won the second leg 4-0. And tonight Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate against Ajax at half time in the second leg, before scoring 3 goals in the second half to make it 3-3 on aggregate but winning the tie on away goals!
It's nice to have an all English final next month, I've been a Liverpool fan for 45 years but if my memory serves JackTheStripper is a Tottenham fan... Come On You Reds!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN1WN0YMWZU
One of my favorite football sketches, apropos for Liverpool's recent victory. :)
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I wish I could have seen that second Liverpool vs Barca game...from all accounts that was rather awesome.
But since Champions League went to the paid networks there ain't much I can see. I am hoping that atleast they'd air the final on an open channel...but I am not holding my breath.
It's really sad cause I always watched as much CL as I possibly could back when it was possible.
This is only the second time CL history that it's an English team vs English team...quite a special final coming up.
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First off I'm excited about the Champions League final: Liverpool vs Tottenham
Both teams had miraculous comebacks in their semi-finals. Lsst night Liverpool (3-0 down to Barcelona from the first leg) won the second leg 4-0. And tonight Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate against Ajax at half time in the second leg, before scoring 3 goals in the second half to make it 3-3 on aggregate but winning the tie on away goals!
It's nice to have an all English final next month, I've been a Liverpool fan for 45 years but if my memory serves JackTheStripper is a Tottenham fan... Come On You Reds!
I certainly am. I wanted to take the day off this morning after Spurs incredible back from the dead performance, just to soke up all the reactions and revel in the ecstasy all Spurs fans were feeling around the world. Seriously! I never thought I'd live the day that Spurs would make a Champions League final. I still can't believe what unfolded in the 2nd half.
Getting goosebumps just thinking about it now.
I'm sure you felt just the same after Liverpool's astonishing performance just 24hrs earlier.
What a final it's gonna be...
COYS
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^^^
Harry Kane should be back for Spurs, and Mo Salah will be back for Liverpool. Both teams should be able to field their strongest line-ups.
I think Liverpool will be favourites but Spurs won't make it easy... it should be a good game.
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I wish I could have seen that second Liverpool vs Barca game...from all accounts that was rather awesome.
But since Champions League went to the paid networks there ain't much I can see. I am hoping that atleast they'd air the final on an open channel...but I am not holding my breath.
It's really sad cause I always watched as much CL as I possibly could back when it was possible.
This is only the second time CL history that it's an English team vs English team...quite a special final coming up.
I've only seen extended hi-lights, as it is being shown on pay for view TV here as well. BUT BT Sport who own the rights in the UK are offering the Champions League and Europa Cup (which could easily be an all-English affair too!) finals for free, but I need to look further into that as there are probably "catches" on that.
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^^^
Harry Kane should be back for Spurs, and Mo Salah will be back for Liverpool. Both teams should be able to field their strongest line-ups.
I think Liverpool will be favourites but Spurs won't make it easy... it should be a good game.
Kane's scored 24 goals this season so they'll be desperate for him to play and he'll be equally desperate to play. Liverpool will be heavy favourites regardless.
What would you rather win Kilo? The Premier League title this weekend or the Champions League?
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Without a doubt the Premier League, it's been 29 years since we last won it. But I don't think it will happen, Man City have to draw or lose to Brighton to give us a chance and Brighton barely avoided relegation this year. It could finish:
1) Man City 98pts
2) Liverpool 97pts
That 97pts would have been enough to have won any Premier title in history except last year when Man City got 100pts.
... obviously though both titles would be nice! Perhaps next year! :smug:
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I thought you'd choose that for the reason you stated.
Crazier shit has happened on the final day of the season, so you never know, but it is hard trying to make any sort of case for Brighton though. Would've been better if they were still fighting off relegation. In saying that, it ain't gonna to be easy for Liverpool to back up after such a huge high and emotionally draining win and beat a very good Wolves team.
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Wolves have done really well this year, they're the "best of the rest" so to speak. I'm not saying it will be easy, but unless Man City slip up then the Liverpool result is accademic.
The only thing in Brightons favour is they gave Man City a good test in the FA Cup semi final and were unlucky not to score. And with the threat of relegation removed they may play with renewed freedom... however, I feel they may just "phone-in" the performance as they're probably already mentally "on the beach"!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_k7dTt5Wdw
I support Kettering Town FC because I'm a James Acaster fan. :)
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Ummm... sorry Europe it's now an all English Europa Cup final as well as the Champions League final (Arsenal vs Chelsea). A comfortable passage for Arsenal winning 7-3 on aggregate against Valencia. But Chelsea and Frankfurt went to penalties after drawing 2-2 in normal play... they won the penalties 4-3.
I'm sure we'll let other countires have a go next year! ;) O:-)
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Ummm... sorry Europe it's now an all English Europa Cup final as well as the Champions League final (Arsenal vs Chelsea). A comfortable passage for Arsenal winning 7-3 on aggregate against Valencia. But Chelsea and Frankfurt went to penalties after drawing 2-2 in normal play... they won the penalties 4-3.
I'm sure we'll let other countires have a go next year! ;) O:-)
Well it's about time! England hasn't really been up there in years and years...
I can see there is a great improvement in English footsy going on now...which is great.
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I think it's been the best league for years personally...At least to watch/follow anyway.
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I also think it is the best league in the world. Not entirely for the best reasons, as obscene amounts of money attracts all the best players at the expense of other countries leagues. Only Spain seems to compete.
The Premier League has 6 teams which (in theory) could win the Champions League: Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham. Most other countries only have at most 2 or 3. It will probably swing the other way in due course.
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In the final analysis everything went much as expected this afternoon in the Premier League.
Liverpool did their best this afternoon beating a tough Wolves 2-0, but despite a valiant start by Brighton (who took an early lead) they were unable to take any points from Man City losing 1-4.
So in the end Man City won the title with 98 points and Liverpool were second with 97 points. Chelsea were 3rd on 72 after a 0-0 draw away to Leicester and Tottenham finished 4th on 71 points after a 2-2 draw at home to Everton.
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EPL played out as expected except for Brighton scoring first and going 1-0 up only for Man City to equalise less than a minute later.
Tell me Kilo, the winner of of the Europa league final gains entry to the Champions Leauge for next season but given Chelsea has already qualified by finishing 3rd in the EPL, what happens to that extra spot if Chelsea was to win the Europe league final?
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^^^
I'm not entirely sure but I don't think it gets given to Arsenal in that circumstance. I suspect it will just mean an extra spot in the preliminary qualifying rounds for the Champions League proper.
I have a feeling that Arsenal might win it anyway... I can't stand Arsenal! ;) :-X
It has been reported that Pochetino has been making threats about leaving if he doesn't get to strengthen the Spurs squad in the summer. I can't say I blame him, he's worked wonders with the squad he has and could walk into 'any' job now... I think Real Madrid could come calling.
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^^ You're probably right about an extra spot in the preliminary rounds.
Yeah an article about Pochetino came across my FB over the weekend. He wants to know Levy's 5year plan and whether the plan with Levy's expectations are realistic. There's also some consternation around a football director being appointed above him.
Levy needs to open his eyes!! We don’t want to be another Arsenal who spend just enough to be up there but never any glory! I get it’s a business but it’s also his reputation and as Poch has said if you don’t give an employee the tools (players) they need to do their job they will leave!
We can’t afford to lose him!!
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So the UEFA Cup final has been and gone. Chelsea won 4-1 against Arsenal, I'm pleased about that because while I'm not a fan of Chelsea... they're not Arsenal!! A mediocre first half where Arsenal were marginally the better team gave way to a pretty good second half dominated by Chelsea. Hazard signed off with a couple of goals before a probable move to Real Madrid in the summer.
Now waiting for Saturday's Champions League final... my team Liverpool vs Jack's team Tottenham :pub:
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This seems like a genuine once in a lifetime opportunity(At least in my lifetime) for Spurs to achieve something truly great and remarkable. I just hope the moment doesn't get the better of them and they not only take it to Liverpool but come away with a memorable and potentially history defining victory.
I'd wish you luck Kilo but I won't mean it so I won't :P
COYS
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If Liverpool play to their best I don't see Spurs having a chance, but cup final matches can be a great leveller.
I just hope it's a good match and Spurs aren't embarressed! :smug:
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Where's the final being played? I just checked the tv schedule and it is suppose to air here past midnight!??! Usually these have always started around 9pm.
I sooo wanted to watch this...
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It kicks off Saturday at 20:00 in Madrid, I guess your local TV isn't showing it as it happens?
I'm watching it live on the BT YouTube channel but I susoect that will be blocked outside the UK.
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Well that is odd! I have to check that again then. Blocks don't matter to me anymore as I've got VPN nowadays...but I hate watching stuff like this from my computer...need a more comfortable seat for this kind of stuff! ;D
EDIT:
Yup...it shows live on the paid network and comes after the fact on the free one...FUCK THIS SHIT.
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I refuse to pay for subscription TV too, I just couldn't see myself watching it that much. So I'm resorting to streaming as a next best option, it worked okay for the Chelsea/Arsenal match on Wednesday. I've got a 24" display so that's ok, but there was a slight issue with sound/image being unsynched so I need to see if I can do something about that, probably a setting needs tweaking.
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That unsyching happens a lot in streams...usually it's a bandwith issue on the other end...doubt there's anything you can do about it. Also might be your net speed that is the issue.
I gotta look at some streaming options too maybe...cause I haven't missed a Final in years.
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One of our major Telco's Optus has the rights to the EPL and Champions League amongst other things which cost $14.99 a month subscription or free if you're an existing Optus customer which I am. I have the Optus Sport app on my iPad and can watch it that way or I can go to Optus sport in the browser on my Smart TV and log into my account and watch it on my LG Oled 4K Smart TV.
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My smart tv is so damn old nothing works on it anymore...the the web browser is totally useless so you can't watch anything through that either... :(
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Found a good stream so I'll be watching it live thank god!
So predictions...?
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I really have no real favourite here...but I guess I am kind of rooting for Liverpool...more players that I know are there...but honestly I won't be sad in either case...just having the final this rare is a win.
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Prediction?
I predict Jack will go for a Tottenham win and I go for Liverpoo winl!!!
The score will be 3-1 Liverpool. ;)
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I really have no real favourite here...but I guess I am kind of rooting for Liverpool...more players that I know are there...but honestly I won't be sad in either case...just having the final this rare is a win.
Glad you got your live stream sorted.
I realised that my NowTV box allows me to stream YouTube, so I'm watching on my normal TV via BT Sports' YouTube channel.
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I'm hoping for an even and exciting match. Would be great if the one team could get a goal in pretty early that would keep the game active and would push the other team on the offense...the last thing I want to see is a 0-0 or a big lead early on...
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Watching the buildup it appears the sound sync problems are absent through the NowTV app.
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Quite a dramatic start to the match....which was something I had hoped actually...didn't expect it to come in the form of a penalty kick though...
Tottenham kept the ball but couldn't really get anything done...Liverpool played extremely well...Spurs need to change something if they want to score in the second half...cause this ain't working.
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So it is half time and Liverpool are 1-0 up, but I think the goal came too early. I'm sorta hoping Spurs equalise so that Liverpool have to start playing again. Trouble is Spurs are playing okay until they get close to goal!
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Spurs final touch >:(
Fuck this result!
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Well done Liverpool! Well deserved win after such a long wait and especially after the loss last year.
Tottenham never really got their game going...they had the ball and some good possiblities but just couldn't finalize the deal so to speak.
And Kane was such a disappointment really...I guess the long break showed.
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@Jack
Not a great game Jack for either team. I think experience told in the end, Liverpool have been here before and know how to get the job done, Spurs will learn from the experience, and will be better for it.
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Yeah experiance and class told. Was a frustrating 2nd half. In hindsight Harry Kane shouldn't have played or maybe just been used late, but that's a tough call to make. Proud of them though... They just weren't quite good enough in the end.
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Moderation note - moved the discussion of pay gap question to a new thread, keeping this one about footy proper.
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Anyone else following the Women's World Cup?
I've not been a big fan of women's football, they've shown the Women's FA Cup in the UK for maybe 15+ years and the games have been so boring I've not bothered to watch them for a while.
I caught a couple of early matches in the World Cup and was surprised as to how much the female game has improved in recent years... I still prefer the men's game! But I've watched a number of games now -- mainly the better teams -- and now we are down to the semi-finals: USA vs England today and Sweden vs Netherlands tomorrow.
No disrespect to tomorrows game but I think the USA / England game should have been the final, the two best teams in the competition and the 1st and 3rd ranked teams in the world too.
Come on the Lionesses!!!
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I lost interest once the Matildas got knocked out in the rd of 16. They under achieved in this World Cup. Not surprised though after the turmoil leading up when their long time coach was sacked a few months out for reasons that still remain a mystery.
Don't really care who wins now but given the USA have been the number 1 ranked team for awhile now I'd probably like to see them win it.
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I've watched a few games here and there.
And I do have to say women's footsy level has increased a lot over the years. That being said I do wish that the referees would follow the same rules as in the mens games though...now they seem to whistle every single little contact...makes the game really annoying to follow with all those cuts.
After what the US team did with Thailand I have to say I lost all respect for them...the unsportmanship was totally out of control. Also seems that the captain Rapinoe is quite the attention seeker with all of those non-footsy related comments she's making...again not something that really belongs into footsy in my opinion.
I do wish England would wipe the floor with the US!
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After what the US team did with Thailand I have to say I lost all respect for them...the unsportmanship was totally out of control. Also seems that the captain Rapinoe is quite the attention seeker with all of those non-footsy related comments she's making...again not something that really belongs into footsy in my opinion.
I do wish England would wipe the floor with the US!
Agree on all counts. But I won't be watching any of it.
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Haha! Looks like I was day late to the party...and the US already won England yesterday! I was under the impression that it was tonight...damn.
Also seems that the unsportmanship behaviour in the US team continues..
https://nypost.com/2019/07/03/alex-morgan-ripped-by-rival-for-distasteful-tea-celebration-at-world-cup/ (https://nypost.com/2019/07/03/alex-morgan-ripped-by-rival-for-distasteful-tea-celebration-at-world-cup/)
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Who and when the finals?
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Finals are on Sunday.
Either Netherlands or Sweden...second half is underway now and it's 0-0...probably going to penalty kicks I suppose..
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^^^ It's not been the most thrilling of games, the USA will walk all over these two.
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Netherlands made it to the finals I see.
Sadly I don't think they'll put up much of a fight against the US either...Honestly the team has played well but their actions have so often been so despicable they really don't deserve the win.
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How come they decide so many of these games with penalty kicks? I watch a lot of hockey, and they play overtime until there is a goal. It is one of the best things about the NHL playoffs. They only use a shootout during the regular season.
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In soccer, playing until there's a goal can result in matches going on for three days... and we already have cricket for that!
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Cricket can go 5 days and still be a draw ;)
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In soccer, playing until there's a goal can result in matches going on for three days... and we already have cricket for that!
That sounds exaggerated. :twitch:
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Well, even so... these guys have already been running hard for regulation time, extra minutes, and then overtime. I don't think European work rules allow them to run any more after that.
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So Super Cup final tonight.
Another UK vs UK team situation and AGAIN Liverpool is one of them.
So Will they win this one too or can Chelsea pull a trick or two out of their collective butts?
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Chelsea will struggle this season according to many pundits and may not challenge for the top 4. They lost their best player in the summer and have been banned from the transfer market until next summer. It's going to be a tough season for them particularly having lost 4-0 to a so-so Man Utd team in the first game of the season on Sunday. I think Frank Lampard should have waited a year before becoming their manager!
Liverpool "should" win this if they have the right attitude.
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Oh I didn't know Chelsea's in trouble like that.
I don't really know how this Super Cup thingy ranks among the teams...will they go all in or treat it just like a warm up at the beginning of the season...
But haven't watched a whole footsy match since the Champions League Final so I'm gonna check this one out tonight.
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^^^
Well I suppose the players Chelsea have left aren't going to suddenly become bad, but the loss of Hazard and being unable to add a quality play maker could be telling. They are appealing the transger ban but it's too late for the summer window.
I think the Super Cup is a "nice to win" trophy but no one will shed tears or lose sleep if they lose. It's a season opener which doesn't tell us anything about the coming season.
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Wow... Liverpool is struggling big time and Chelsea is in control. That's bit surprsing. I guess they did pull some tricks up their collective butts.
Let's see how Liverpool can counter in the second half...or if they even can...
In order of full disclosure I do have to admit I did put some money down on Liverpool so.... :-[
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^^^
I've not been watching live, but I see Liverpool have equalised.
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2-2 after extra time... I can't stand penalties
EDIT: Ok Liverpool won 5-4 on penalties, maybe they aren't so bad after all!! ;)
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Quite the match I have to say...lots of action in this one...
Also glad to see the Penalties didn't end with a failure but with a successful save from Adrian.
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RIP Bury FC.
After 125 years Bury -- in the 3rd tier of English football -- have been kicked out of the football league after being unable to secure finances or a buyer. They had been unable to fulfil any of their fixtures this season and the league had given them until Tuesday to come up with a survival plan... they couldn't and now they have gone. The 3rd tier will now only have 23 teams in it and only 3 teams will be relegated this season rather than 4.
In a similar vein Bolton Wanderers (also in the 3rd tier) had to also prove they were financially sound last night... the league gave them an extra 14 days and today the club was sold after a protracted takeover. Bolton have started the season on -12 points and have been playing games with youth players as they only have 3 senior players left. It's only about 5 or 6 years since Bolton were finishing in the top half of the Premiership. They'll probably get relegated this year but like Portsmouth a few years back (the last team to be relegated from the 1st tier to the 4th tier in consectutive seasons) they'll start to rebuild and bounce back with a new, sensible financial plan.
As for Bury, a new team will probably emerge from the ashes in due course, I think they may be able to restart in the 6th tier but I'm not entirely sure on the rules there.
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So what's the deal with soccer clubs folding because of finances? I remember seeing a discussion of such back in the early 80s on an episode of Yes, Minister. Is this due to changing tastes in football or are some towns just falling on hard times and can't keep the old club going?
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It's a mixture of reasons really. Most of the money is in the Premiership coming in from TV rights, corporate deals and sponsorship. I heard mention recently that most of the top teams could play to empty stadiums and it wouldn't matter a bit to their profit margins.
It's the teams on the fringe that seem to be susceptible to financial difficulties. Bolton and Portsmouth are two such teams in recent years, in order to get success they spend money they don't have in order to get better players. The trouble is a few good players don't make a good team, yes both teams had a couple of good seasons but then they have a poor season and get relegated... they still have players with premiership wages who they can't always off-load because in fact they were not very good players. On top of which Bolton had built a flashy new stadium which is going to look great in the lower divisions!
Club owners can be criminally stupid... one of Portsmouth's owners was the only middle east sheik who didn't have any money!
I'm not quite sure what Bury's problem was but they got promoted last season and although it may have been on a smaller scale they may have achieved that promotion by spending money they didn't have.
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So how does a club get a shot at Premiership without dropping a ton of cash on salaries for talented players? I can see a possibly profitable existence as a perpetual farm club, always sending talent up to the majors once they get good, but if you want a crack at that top tier, it's a huge risk, seems like.
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Well how about that...Finland qualified for the Euro Championships for the first time in history!
That's quite something.
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^^Well done Finland. What a huge fillip for the Country.
Most experts would've had Greece going through with Italy in that group.
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^^^
^^^
Congratulations, that had passed me bye, let's hope it's a sign of good things to come.
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Yeah...Finland has stepped up it's game a lot with the current coach Markku Kanerva...He has really improved the ball posession and especially the offence game and still not forgetting defence. Also the team is much more united now than ever before.
But it'll be quite the battle to actually achieve anything in the championships though...I am expecting us to be at zero points after the group stage...or maybe one lucky tie point...depending ofcourse a little bit on the luck of the group draw...Finland still has a long way to go but this is a nice first step and it's a huge win just to get into the games.
I just fear that now people are starting to put unrealistic expectations to the team and when they will fall short it will crush the moral again and it will be even harder to achieve anything after that. The finnish press has a way to start demanding impossibilities from atheletes no matter the sport.
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While you're probably right Charger, look at the last Euros in 2016, Iceland got to the Quarter Finals and Wales (who hadn't even qualified since the 1950s) got to the semi-finals! So stranger things have happened... don't forget Greece won the whole thing a few tournaments back!
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FINLAND FEVER SWEEPS THE FORUMS!
:)
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Well Greece showed Finland how it's done again.
This loss wasn't as meaningless as people around here seemed to think (including the team I think since they used a lot of b-players) as this ofcourse means it's gonna be a tougher group stage ahead then.
But again we are in and I guess that's the important part. Even if it would be a zero points group stage atleast we got in. :)
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Wow, I didn't see that coming... Spurs have sacked manager Mauricio Pochettino after 5 years. I know they haven't had a great start to the season, but they're not "that" far off the pace.
There's rumours that Jose Morihno is being lined up.
I doubt Pochettino will be too bothered, he can walk into any managers role he wants.
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Don't think anyone saw it coming and I'm personally both shocked and bewildered at this decision. Hie record since arriving has been impressive leadimg them from perennial under-achievers to a strong club in the premier league again winning a league cup in his first season and qualifying them for multiple champions league appearances culminating in the Champions league final last season.
Sure their form in the Premier league this season has been lacklustre at best but surely his past record and what he's done for the club has to count for something? Ridiculous decision.
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Perhaps there was some schism between him and the owners...or between him and the players...?
Just saw the report that Mourinho has been hired as a replacement. Maybe they just wanted him instead?
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It's the last chance for Morinho, he's not "the special one" anymore.
Do Barcelona or Real Madrid need a manager? We know who's available if they do.
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After 30 years Liverpool have finally won the league in England... it wasn't even called the Premiership the last time they won.
As a Liverpool fan I think this is more important than the Champions League. They did it with a record 7 games to go and a chance of getting the highest points tally ever (but they might let up the gas now they've won, so we'll have to see!).
The relief of finally winning is like a weight being lifted!
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Glad they were able to get the season back up & running so Liverpool could claim the title the right way. They thoroughly deserved it.
Klopp is the best manager/coach in world sport.
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Klopp, for sure, is one for the ages. Incredible leader.
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Can't argue with that!
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I do believe that the competition this year has taken a step backwards particularly Manchester City, but Liverpool still had to perform, and could not have done much more.
But Klopp is key to the success, he has taken good players and made them great.
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Good to see Liverpool got their due. That story even made it to USA news. :)
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Final day of the English Football season (except for some playoffs in the Championship).
Premier League Champions - Liverpool with 99 points, just missing the record (100) but I think they let their foot off the gas after they had guaranteed the title with 7 games to go.
Champions League Qualifiers - Manchester City (81 points), Manchester United and Chelsea (both on 66 points)
Europa League Qualifiers - Leicester City (62 points) after being in the top 4 virtually all season and Tottenham (59 points). Wolves (also 59 points) may qualify if Chelsea beat Arsenal in the FA Cup final next week otherwise Arsenal will get the spot).
Relegated - Norwich (21 points), Watford and Bournemouth (both 34 points). Aston Villa (35 points) just avoided relegation by getting a point on the last day. Geezer will be happy, I expect to see an FB post from his shortly.
Promoted into the Premiership - Leeds and West Bromich Albion gain automatic promotion. A 4-way playoff for the 3rd spot between Brentford, Fulham, Cardiff and Swansea
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Spurs had a rather inconsistent season. Picked it up towards the end but the horse had bolted in terms of nabbing a Champions league spot. Don’t think they improved much if at all after Mourinho took over.
I thought Man City was going to be banned from next seasons champions league for cheating but just looked it up now and saw that the verdict was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport a couple of weeks ago.
What a bunch of bullshit!
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Yep, the Manchester City situation is probably the death knell for The Fair Play rules. They will have to be revisited and amended but as they are it is dead in the water!
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My God I just watched an absolutely ridiculous handball decision against Dier late in stoppage time to hand Newcastle a point against Tottenham. Fucking filthy on it >:(
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^^^
I've not seen it yet, but the same sort of thing happened yesterday to give Man Utd a very late win at Brighton. I know the rules on hand ball have changed slightly this season in light of some ridiculous VAR decisions last season, but I don't know if that's relevant here. Spurs have been a little mixed this season, either playing a blinder or being indifferent. Looking at the match stats, I can't help thinking they should have been more than 1-0 up as they entered stoppage time.
Edit: Ok, I've seen it now! Absolutely rediculous decision!
On a more positive note Leicester thrashed Man City 2-5!
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What in the holiest of sand billy muskets!?!??!
Finland just won France in a practice match of footsy....
:kramer:
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^^^
Good for you! Although France had most of the play, they just couldn't convert the pressure into goals.
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What in the holiest of sand billy muskets!?!??!
Finland just won France in a practice match of footsy....
:kramer:
Wow. We are living in The End Times. That's the only explanation I can think of...
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Yeah...
That was the first win from France in history! And probably the last... :D
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So Tottenham are top of the Premieship for the first time in 6 years. It may just be on goal difference from Liverpool, but 1st place it is. Jack should be happy! ;)
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Yep, very happy. Mourinho has got them playing as a very cohesive unit at the moment and full of spirit. Still a long way to go though.
Even the Cowboys had a win today :banana:
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^^^
I know it's only 9 games in but its looking like a topsy turvy campaign this year. While the top 4 are no surprise (Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea and Leicester), the other usual suspects: Man Utd, Arsenal and Man City are nowhere at the moment (10th, 11th and 13th). And also-rans like Southampton and Aston Villa are pushing for European spots... but early days.
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^^^
I know it's only 9 games in but its looking like a topsy turvy campaign this year. While the top 4 are no surprise (Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea and Leicester), the other usual suspects: Man Utd, Arsenal and Man City are nowhere at the moment (10th, 11th and 13th). And also-rans like Southampton and Aston Villa are pushing for European spots... but early days.
It is good seeing those less powerful clubs up there while the likes of Man City and Arsenal are struggling. These crazy times are certainly throwing up some crazy results, in all of world sport.
If not for a dodgy VAR decision late in injury time against Newcastle and blowing a 3-0 lead late against West Ham, Spurs could’ve had a nice gap on the rest.
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I know, VAR is a good idea on paper, but some of the decisions are a joke. Very much a work-in-progress.
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Its a mess. Should only be used what it was originally intended for, goal line and complete howlers.
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Spot on. Couldn’t agree more
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Oh and Spurs have just sacked Jose Mourinho.
Could see it coming but gotta question the timing of it, a week out from the league cup final.
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^^^
I don't like Mourinho, but also I don't think Spurs changing their manager at this stage of the season will make a difference to thier chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Regarding the Super League, no one has a good word for it. I don't think it has a hope in hell of being succesfull if no one wants it. And while UEFA may not be perfect, they're not doing a bad job.
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With the poor timing of his sacking I wonder if it had anything to do with him being opposed to this Super League?
Whoever doses take over in the short or long term does need to release the shackles and get them back to playing more of an attacking style of football.
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They say the sacking was driven by results and had nothing to do with the ESL... ;)
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There was little doubt he was gonna survive with Spurs performances this season anyway but it might’ve been brought forward. He’s the type that would’ve spoken out about this Super League and wouldn’t have held back with his criticism.
As if Levy and co would admit to that anyway.
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The ESL may be unravelling before it even gets going... Chelsea are preparing to withdraw their participation.
It has been suggested that as many of the teams have US owners they think that they want to turn the European game into a clone of the NFL.
EDIT: Now Manchester City are getting cold feet too. Woo Hoo!
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Tell me more about this "Super League." Sounds like a comic book thing...
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Tell me more about this "Super League." Sounds like a comic book thing...
It's definitely comic! However, you did ask....
As I understand it... 12 of the top teams in Europe (Manchester Utd, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham from England. Plus Athletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona from Spain and Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus from Italy) were going to arrange their own mid-week competition where only those teams play each other, with no chance of relegation at the end of the season. They were hoping to get some German and French teams to join in but as yet none have done so.
Basically each team would play in their national leagues at the weekend, but drop out of the existing European Competitions.
I don't think they expected the backlash they got, not just from UEFA and FIFA, but their supporters, and in some cases their players and managers (Klopp and Guardiola have both criticised the idea). In addition governments have vowed to stop it from happening through legislative measures.
UEFA/FIFA have said that any players from teams particpating would be banned from the World Cup and other similar competitions. Additionally there have been calls from the UK for the UK teams to be thrown out of the Domestic Leagues and Cup competitions should it all come into effect.
EDIT: Since posting last night, the whole thing has collapsed, all 6 UK teams as well as Athletico Madrid and one of the Milan teams (I forget which) have withdrawn their support.
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So which supervillan was behind it and which superhero broke it up? Should be a fun discussion. :smug:
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Juventus President Andrea Agnelli is said to be the supervillain behind the Super League along with the billionaire American and foreign owners of the big European/English Football clubs. And the Superhero were the fans or people power if you like.
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So... Lex Luthor against a combined Justice League, then?
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The UK didn't quite get a clean sweep of finalists in the two European Cup competitions. Manchester City and Chelsea are the finalists in the Champions League and Manchester United are in the final of the Europa League, Arsenal failed get the goal they needed to beat Villareal so failed to procede (such a shame :D ). Sadly no Liverpool or Spurs this year neither team has performed well this season.
I think both cups will end up in Manchester this year!
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Champions League is Man City’s to lose. Man City and Chelsea actually meet each other this weekend in the premier league. Spurs need Man City to win if they’re any chance of jagging a Champions League spot. Chelsea have a bit of a testy run home compared with Spurs.
The Hammers could nudge them both out though.
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From a personal point of view 4 of Liverpool's 5 remaining games are against weaker opposition (Southampton, Burnley, West Brom and Crystal Palace who they beat 7-0 when they met in December and belied the slump in Jan/Feb which was to follow). Their only stern match is away to Man Utd which has been re-arranged for next Thursday (13th May). On Paper I could see them getting to 66pts, 67 if they can squeeze a draw at Man Utd. I'm not convinced Chelsea in fourth and currently on 61pts will fall below that total even with their more difficult run-in. Spurs haven't got it easy but their only really difficult match is away to Leicester so 65pts would seem likely. West Ham's run in seems quite easy too -- but we do not need West Ham in the Champions League!! -- having said that they've been inconsistent recently!
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Arsenal failed get the goal they needed to beat Villareal so failed to procede (such a shame :D ).
(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/71451135/the-thing-about-arsenal-is-they-always-try-and-walk-it-in.jpg)
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Well if that wasn’t the final nail in Spurs season it’s pretty dam close. What a rabble!
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^^^
Leeds have had a good first season back in the Premiership after 16 years, mid-table with nothing now to play for. They've been exciting to watch, they score goals... but they concede them also, I felt Tottenham might have the edge... but it all depended on which Tottenham turned up. This is the sort of game they need to win to be challenging for the top four.
EDIT: Ok, Chelsea's surprise win at Man City probably is that nail in the coffin of Spurs chances of a top 4 finish, but Leicester's equally surprise loss at home to Newcastle last night brings them back into the mix. Liverpool are 1-0 up against Southampton after 31 minutes but I won't be relaxing until they get a couple more, they've given away leads recently. (Phew!! They went on to win 2-0!)
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That’s the thing. As good as Leeds have been this season they have nothing to really play for where’s Tottenham have everything to play for but yet they dish up that uninspiring crap.
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A few weird results (Chelsea losing to Arsenal, Leicester beating Man Utd thus gifting Man City the title) meant that things are unclear as to who the chasing pack are actually chasing! It was imperative that Liverpool beat Man Utd at Old Trafford tonight, they had the bonus that it was Man Utds 3rd game since Sunday. And Liverpool duly went on to win 2-4 to keep themselves in the running for the Champions League spot.
3. Leicester 66pts with 2 games to go
4. Chelsea 64pts with 2 games to go
------------------------------------
5. Liverpool 60pts with 3 games to go.
Chelsea play Leicester next Tuesday (just a few days after they meet in the FA Cup final)... they can't both win!
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So the final Premiership games were played today with 3 teams still fighting for 2 Champions League places. Manchesters City & United were already confirmed as 1 and 2. Chelsea, Liverpool and Leicester were all separated by just 1 point and in the end Liverpool were the only one to win finishing 3rd with Chelsea's defeat at Aston Villa leaving them 4th as Leicester City lost at home to Tottenham meaning they missed out in 5th.
West Ham were 6th which means they join Leicester in the Europa League. Tottenham's win leaves them in 7th which means they qualify for the new Europea Conference League (which could lead to a Europa League spot). But more importantly they finished above Aresnal! ;)
Talking of Tottenham they have some big changes coming over the summer, Kane (who won the Golden Boot this year) looks like he's leaving, Bale may return to Real Madrid, and they need a new manager! And several other teams are also looking for new managers for next season! Nuno Espirito Santo is to leave Wolves and will probably grab a new job at virually any but the very biggest of clubs.
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So those different leagues... are those set up so that teams that may not be the best get to keep playing more football?
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So those different leagues... are those set up so that teams that may not be the best get to keep playing more football?
They are more an extra incentive for clubs to play for/aspire to and fans to excited about outside of their own countries League competition while also being a huge revenue gatherer for both UEFA and club.
Those countries own local Football comps don’t have a finals or playoff system at the end of the H&A season to determine the ultimate winner so it can get rather boring and uninspiring to watch or compete in when a team has sewn up the championship quite a few games from the end of the season or other teams are no chance of winning it. They do have relegation and promotion to keep clubs and fans engaged but it only really effects a handful of clubs.
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Only a month since the end of the Euros and the Premiership is back up and running...
After the first round of matches there were no draws, so we have 10 winners and 10 losers. Too early to make any predictions, but it looks like Arsenal are not going to improve much this year as they lost 2-0 to new boys Brentford who haven't been in the top flight for 74 years, and thoroughly deserved the win! And maybe Spurs (who beat Man City 1-0) are not quite in the slump that many people predicted.
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Wow no draws, can’t imagine that’s happened too often.
Haven’t yet seen the highlights of the Spurs Man City game yet but a perfect way to start the season for Spurs and with Arsenal losing :)
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"The thing about Arsenal is that they always try to walk it in." Been true for HOW MANY years? :D
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Jack, you appear to have Harry Kane for another year!
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Well that’s kinda good news but he states that he’ll be staying at Tottenham this summer. Does that mean only up until the January transfer window?
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Good point, but Levy refused to let anyone approach him, so if that continues over the January window then who knows! But his contract runs until 2024 so if Levy doesn;t budge I'm not sure he's going anywhere.
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Woop-di-doo! Christiano Ronaldo is back in English football. He's just moved from Juve to Man Utd for 15m euros, 12 years after leaving the club under a cloud!
I'm not a fan of the smug prick, he's a great footballer, but I was happy for him to be playing elsewhere in the world where he won't be constantly on UK TV!
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How old is now 36? Past his best but still a class finisher. He’s been pretty durable injury wise too.
Have always followed Celtic in Scotland but this season I’ve taken an extra keen interest in them as they’ve appointed an Australian manager that dominated the league over here before taking the reigns of the Australian team winning the Asian Cup and then taking them to a World Cup. He resigned from the job over FFA boardroom politics before taking up the managers role for Yokohama F Marinos in the J League taking them from last to winning the title. This season he had them 2nd before taking up the job at Celtic where he has them absolutely humming in the Scottish league scoring lots of goals while also qualifying them for the group stage in the Europa league.
The fans and media over there have fallen in love with the guy after initially hating the decision to appoint him. You want to check out the fans reaction on FB Kilo. It’s insane!
Big Derby game tomorrow against Rangers.
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I've always preferred Celtic over Rangers*... but if I'm honest I think I'd like to see another team break the Glasgow stranglehold. Maybe Hibs, Hearts pr Aberdeen can capitalise on their good starts... but I think over the course of 38 games it will end up in the hands of the usual suspects! ;)
*Yes even though Liverpool great Steven Gerard is now the manager and doing a great job.
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I do like this new Arsenal football team. They are exploring new territory... like what it's like to play in the Championship! I'm sure my Spurs supporting friends are cheering them on in this goal! 🤐
FYI they are bottom of the league 3 defeats, no goals, conceded 9! This is their worst start to campaign since 1954! YAY!
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Could you imagine if they got relegated? For a Spurs fan that would be nearly as good as Spurs winning the Championship ;D
Watching the Rangers v Celtic game at the moment. 0-0 20 minutes in. Pulsating game
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^^^
I haven't seen any of the match, but I think it may have boiled down to home advantage? The stats look like Celtic had a lot of possession but didn't seen to make as many chances as Rangers.
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I would like to see Arsenal relegated, they have never been relegated since joining the top flight in the 1919-20 season!
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Yep. That was an intimidating atmosphere to play in. Rangers won 1-0 but Celtic looked the better and had two very good chances and should’ve equalised.
On we roll to Spurs v Watford
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I don't see Tottenham dropping any points against Watford (but stranger things have happened!), and should they win they'll be the last 100% record in the Premiereship.
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A goal keeping error saw Son score from a set piece just before HT. Spurs have dominated possession but haven’t looked all that dangerous to me.
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It doesn't seem to have been a great performance, but a win is a win and puts Spurs top of the league with 3 wins from 3.
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Finland won their World Cup Qualification match of the day against Kazakhstan 1-0....
And Sly was super excited to see that:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51422936902_8c01bf07f8_z.jpg)
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Just watched a second stream England team struggle to break down Andorra... yup! Andorra. Yes they finally won 4-0 but this is Andorra they should be 4-0 up at half time!!! All the possession, short, safe passes is no substitute for actually trying to move forward and score! Andorra got tired and conceded 3 late on, but in a group where goal difference could be crucial we should have looking for a lot more!
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GO ANDORRA! They only lost by 4!
:yeahright:
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Finland vs France tonight...
France has been playing rather poorly lately so there is a small possibility Finland might even be able to magically pull of a tie here...but I doubt that... A LOT.
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^^^
Good luck, I hope you get a result.
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Well first half wasn't exactly brilliant playing from France...not by far. But they did manage to get one in though... But Finland had few great plays too...and France's defence is struggling...
Second half should be interesting.
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Remember, to be better than Andorra, the team has to lose by 3 points or less!
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Well we were better than Andorra! Woohoo! That makes us almost champions then! ;D
First half was pretty damn good playing from Finland but the second half was total French domination! So it is a near miracle we only lost 2-0!
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The UEFA qualifying looks hard. Only 13 teams will qualify from the 55 team group stage and 10 of those spots will be the winners of each group and the other 3 positions will be playoffs between the 10 runner ups in the group and two other teams.
Australia qualifies through Asia. They’ve already had 2 stages of qualifying and are now into the 3rd and final stage where the 12 teams that got through the first 2 stages are now n 2 groups of 6
Group A: Iran, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon
Group B: Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, Oman, Vietnam
The winners and runners up in each group will qualify with the 2 third placed teams having a playoff with the winner then going into an intercontinental playoff with best 3rd or 4th placed teams from CONCACAF, Oceania and South America in a drawn 2 leg playoff with 2 the winners going through to the World Cup.
Australia has won both its games so far in the final qualifying stage and currently sits top of their group.
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^^^
That seems a little complicated!!
I'm glad Finland didn't get overrun.
England are away to Poland tonight in their next qualifier.
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^Nah it’s not that complicated, basically you just need to finish top 2 in your group to qualify for the World Cup and if you finish 3rd you get another chance of qualifying via another route.
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Yeah... it's basically the same system as it is in the final tournament too.
Goal differences do come into play as well.
I think Fifa could open up the World cup to few more teams though...not too many obviously but we could use a few more I think...
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Poland 1 - 1 England
England dominated possession, didn't make many chances. Kane scored a speculative opener, but then we conceded in injury time. The result was ok, sorta what I expected before the game, but I can't help thinking from what I saw they should have won it.
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Once again, Poland cannot into space.
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The English Premiership is almost a quarter of the way through (9 games in) and things are taking shape. Chelsea, Liverpool and Machester City are starting to pull away although the chasing pack are not out of touch. All three leaders had big wins this weekend: Chelsea 7-0 (against bottom club Norwich), Man City won 4-1 (away to Brighton) and Liverpool beat arch rivals Manchester Utd 0-5 at Old Trafford (yay!).
Sadly Arsenal have improved and are now mid-table. Tottenham lost at West Ham today and are now 6th behind West Ham in 4th and Brighton in 5th. Manchester Utd are in 7th after a good start but have now slid back into the pack!
Many pundits are now calling Liverpool's Mo Salah the best player in the world after scoring in 10 consecutive games. Many also think that Man Utd's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is probably the next manager to get sacked (I think there's a few other candidates though).
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Lots of goals this round. The cream is rising to the top in Man City, Liverpool & Chelsea. They’ll fight it out as usual. Another lacklustre performance from Spurs, no passion or intensity in their play and Nuno seems clueless as a manager. Kane’s transfer value is going down by the week.
Solskjaer’s days look numbered.
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Spurs are officially a shambles. First trounced 3-0 by Man U on Saturday they’ve now sacked the manager Nuno after 4 months in the job. Not really his fault as he shouldn’t have been appointed in the first place given he was about 8th in line for the job when appointed but should’ve at least been given one season in charge.
Levy and the board are the real problem at Tottenham.
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I wasn't aware of that until you mentioned it here it must have been very recent!
I knew he was at risk though. Nuno's not a bad manager he worked wonders at Wolves with limited funds, but expectations there would have been lower.
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It looks like Antonio Contie is in talks to take over at Spurs.
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It was now confirmed that Conte indeed is the new coach for Spurs.
Conte is a very capable coach for sure he's got the track record to prove it...and he's a joy to watch on the side of the field...very energetic and animated! Always worth a chuckle watching him.
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Finland faces Bosnia Hertzegovina today... Finland pretty much needs to win this if we want to go forward. But Bosnia is pretty good and Finland has not been all that great in their past two matches.
I'm predicting a tie, but hoping for a win.
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Well how about that a 3-1 win for Finland! It was a great game...considering we played the entire second half with one player short and still managed to score twice!
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Good result for Finland! You ust need to beat France on Tuesday to guarantee a play-off spot! :D
England had a solid win over Albania last night, but they took their foot off the gas after being 5-0 up at half time as that was the final score. Jack will be pleased that Kane got a hat-trick. England will progress as group winners if they can scrape a draw against San Marino on Monday!
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We don't even need to win France...tie will most likely do it as well. :) Although that's easier said than done too! :
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^^^
Well, at least try to concede fewer than Kazakhstan!
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^^^
Well, at least try to concede fewer than Kazakhstan!
Always a worthy goal, doing better than Kazakhstan. That's a general life goal of mine. :)
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Well for most people I think that's an achievable goal. :D
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Well, we have to have some kind of standard, even if it's a low bar. :smug:
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I was casually glancing through today's womens FA Cup results, and was pleasantly surprised to see that my local team -- Portsmouth Women -- had won 13-0... until I saw that Hashtag United Women had won 17-0 and Huddersfield Town Women had won 20-0! Me thinks there's a big gulf between the 2nd tier of womens football and some of the other leagues taking part!
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I've noticed that women tend to score more than men...might be because in general women goalies are shorter than men so they don't have as big of a reach?
I don't know...just a thought.
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That might well be a factor. Also there is not the strength in depth in the women's game so the regional clubs are playing with enthusiastic amateurs at best.
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England are 0-6 up against San Marino... and it's only half time! Harry Kane has 4!
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Okay...so men CAN score plenty too then! :D
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Okay...so men CAN score plenty too then! :D
Indeed! England went on to score 10 in the end with 2 more disallowed. Kane was substituted after the 7th so didn't add to his tally. That's our biggest ever competitive score.
Italy failed to beat Northern Ireland so go into the play-offs with Switzerland getting the automatic spot!
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Keeping an eye on the Finland vs France game tonight, it would be nice if Finland could get a point and squeeze into the play-offs. Ukraine need to win to keep them out.
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My goodness Finland played a great first half. France was actually surprisingly weaponless... So 0-0 feels like a lead at this point actually.
I know France will come back with a vengeance for the second half but still...We can be proud on how we played on the first half.
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Seriously, that's quite good!
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Well... 0-2....France's individual talent was just too strong...
BUT as a team I'd say we actually played better than France and we were even in control in the beginning of the second half.
I can say Finland can be pretty damn proud of this team for the way they played today.
Sadly Ukraine went and won Bosnia so we fell to the third place but it's okay. Just seeing a small ice hockey nation giving France a good match on the footsy field is already quite something...and in 3 years for the Euro Championships...who knows.
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Sorry about that Charger. It was always going to be tough but Ukraine actually winning in the group was a surprise!
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Was it? I didn't think Ukraine was that bad of a team...they advanced in the Euro championships too...and them NOT winning teams like Kazacstan or Bosnia...now THAT would have been a surprise... Them winning us was a bit of a downer though...
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^^^
I would usually agree, but in ths qualifying group before tonight they had 6 draws and just the 1 win! This was only their second win in qualifying!! Money should surely have been on another draw. ;)
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Well looking at it like that yeah...but then again one might also think because of so many ties they were bound for that win too! :D
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Australia has left themselves with a bit of work to do to qualify. They had actually won 12 matches in a row through the various stages of qualifying but in the last 3 games they conceded a late own goal in stoppage time in Japan and went down 2-1, then they could only manage a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in torrential rain in which was their first home game on Australian soil for 2 years, then last night playing away to China could only manage a 1-1 draw. They now sit 3rd in their group 1 point of Japan in 2nd and 5 points off Saudi Arabia who top the group.
The fact the Australian players all have to fly in separately from various parts of the world and only get 1 training session together before they play makes it all the more harder on them.
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The fact the Australian players all have to fly in separately from various parts of the world and only get 1 training session together before they play makes it all the more harder on them.
So did the Australian cricket team operate in a bubble together?
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I hadn't realised that the Saudi's were any good?
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I hadn't realised that the Saudi's were any good?
The Saudi’s are quite a skilled team and are both aggressive and hard working. They’ve won 3 Asian cups. They’re also the biggest floppers >:(
So did the Australian cricket team operate in a bubble together?
No Covid has nothing to do with them flying in separately, they haven’t been able to play at home for 2 years because of quarantine requirements but both Vic & NSW have lifted quarantine requirements now for the vaccinated. Australian players play in all parts of the world so they never get to train or go into camp together before games.
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@Jack
What's the qualifying for the Asia/Oceania group. I see there are two 3rd round groups each of 6. I presume some get automatic qualification and some go into play-offs?
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Australia qualifies through Asia. They’ve already had 2 stages of qualifying and are now into the 3rd and final stage where the 12 teams that got through the first 2 stages are now n 2 groups of 6
Group A: Iran, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon
Group B: Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, Oman, Vietnam
The winners and runners up in each group will automatically qualify with the 2 third placed teams having a playoff with the winner then going into an intercontinental playoff with best 3rd or 4th placed teams from CONCACAF, Oceania and South America in a drawn 2 leg playoff with 2 the winners going through to the World Cup.
I posted this a little while back Kilo which explains the Asian qualifying
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^^^
Yeah, that looks familiar... also complicated as hell! You really want to be in the first two automatic spots!
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Manchester United are looking for a new manager after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer today. The final straw was the 4-1 defeat to lowly Watford yesterday. 1 win in 7 and some horrible defeats in that run too, this was something people were predicting weeks ago.
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oof, aren't Man U supposed to be a *good* football club? :smug:
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Been expecting that....Solskjaer has done a pretty poor job...even Ronaldo can't carry a whole team match after match.
Hopefully they'll get someone good for a coach...cause that team's got potential still.
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On paper they have a very good team... sadly! But they play like individuals. It's a long time since they they had a good "team".
Carrick is the caretaker manager until they can get someone who may only have the role until the end of the season (they may have someone in mind who isn't available at the moment).
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Zidane has said no to any idea of talks with Man Utd over the vacant managers job. But apparently Mauricio Pochettino has said he's open to talks, he may even be available now so making a temporary appointment until the end of the season unnecessary... I hadn't realised there were problems at Paris St Germaine which might make his immediate release possible and even desirable!
As a Liverpool fan I'm not sure I want Man Utd to get a good manager! ;)
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Barcelona have failed to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time sine the 2003-04 seaon. The Spanish press are already conducting a post-mortem and I can't help thinking heads will roll! They lost 3-0 last night to Bayern Munich who had already won the group and with Benfica beating Dynamo Kyiv to leap frog Barcelone they drop in to the Europa League.
Liverpool qualified without dropping a point, the first time an English team has achieved that. They join Ajax and Bayern Munich in that regard this season.
Qualifiers for the last 16 are:
Manchester City
Paris St Germain
Liverpool
Athletico Madrid
Ajax
Sporting Lisbon
Real Madrid
Inter Milan
Bayern Munich
Benfica
Manchester Utd
Villarreal
Lille
RB Salzberg
Juventus
Chelsea
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Heads WILL roll in Barcelona, especially with Real Madrid making the cut!
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It should have been the half way point of the English Premier League season today with all teams having played 19 games... as of today only 4 teams have managed that as a over the last 2-3 weeks numerous games have been called off due to Covid-19 amongst the squads. Burnley have only played 15 games. It makes assessing the league table awkward as you're constantly thinking a team is in a lowly position, but when you consider their games-in hand they could be in a far better position.
It will almost certainly cause fixture congestion later in the season as there are only 2 mid-week slots which aren't already allocated to some competition or other. The season can't overrun because next season is starting early due to the Nov-Dec scheduling of the Qatar World Cup!
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You think the Premier League will switch to a COVID format like the NFL is considering, where there is no testing for asymptomatic players? That can help to keep a roster from being ravaged and allow more games to be played, with or without audience in attendance.
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I haven't heard anything like that. I know in Scotland they've brought their winter break forward by a few weeks, but I don;t think the Premiership have any break planned this year. All that seems to happen is one manager complains that they have to play too many games at this time of year, whilst the next manager wants a break for COVID reasons and then after a managers meeting last week with the FA everythings going ahead as normal!
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Christian Eriksen has signed a 6-month deal to play for Brentford in the Premier League. After suffereing a cardiac arrest during the Euros and having his contract terminated in Italy where he's not allowed to play with an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator, he hopes to return to the Danish national squad in time for the World Cup.
I suspect it's only a 6 month contract as he hopes to prove his fitness and ability and move to a larger club, just my guess! ;)
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More on Christian Ericksen, as well as helping Brentford win their last two games after a barren run, he's now been recalled to the Danish squad for some upcoming friendlies.
With about a quarter of the season left (but some teams have a few games in hand) the Premiereship is shaping up for a close finish. It's basically down to Manchester City and Liverpool the latter are playing Arsenal tonight and should they win they will be a point behind Man City (it's 0-2 to Liverpool as I type, with still about 20 minutes to go). Therefore it makes the match between Man City and Liverpool on the 10th April a potential title decider, well it will go a long way to deciding it anyway! Liverpool have won their last 8 games, while Man City had a good run but have a defeat and a draw in recent matches.
Chelsea are in an awkward position at the moment. With owner Roman Abramovitch sanctioned for being a Russian oligarch, they are unable to sell tickets or stuff from the club shop. They are allowed to be sold and there is an American businessman looking to do just that. Chelsea are likely to run out of money by the end of March so a quick sale is important. It's not been decided what will happen to the money that is used to buy Chelsea. One suggestion is that it goes to charities which supprt Ukrainian refugees etc. but that might be legally dodgy and it will probably just go into a locked account until such time as Abramovich is no longer sanctioned... he probably won't get the £3 billion he was looking for. On the brighter side they look like going through to the last 8 of the Champions league tonight (currently 4-1 ahead on aggregate).
EDIT:
Liverpool won 2-0 at Arsenal.
Chelsea won 2-1 at Lille and so join Man City and Liverpool in the last 8 of the Champions League... Manchester Utsd having gone out to Athletic Madrid last night.
Elsewhere Spurs beat Brighton 0-2 to maintain their chase for a European Football next year maybe even Champions League.
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An important weekend in the Premiership this week, and while some things still remain unclear one or two issues have clarified a little.
At the top Manchester City hosted Liverpool in what was seen as a title decider, but the 2-2 draw leaves it pretty much as open as it was before. With 7 games to go and just 1 point between them I can now see this going all the way and could be just 1 point in it like it was 3 seasons ago.
Elsewhere, Spurs are looking in the best shape to get the last Champions League spot, they are on a fantastic run while the teams around them are inconsitent at best, and their goal difference is much better than their nearest rivals (Arsenal).
Looking like Norwich, Watford and Burnley are getting relegated. Teams like Leeds, Brentford and Newcastle have pulled away from the relegation zone in recent weeks, and only Everton are in touching distance of the bottom 3 and even they won at the weekend.
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Thanks for the update Kilo. Yeah Spurs have been in ripping form. Won their last 4 and are scoring plenty of goals. Arsenal have a game in hand though but have a trickier run home. May 13 is gonna be huge.
Going to be an exciting finish to the season
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I was hearing about Everton on the edge of relegation... from a Liverpool fan, so he was happy to enjoy the schadenfreude.
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^^^
Everton have a proud history in the Top Flight, they have stayed the longest without relebation second only to Arsenal. The last time Everton were relegated was the 1950/51 season, Arsenal were last relegated in 1912/13. So as a Liverpool fan I think it would be finny as hell if they were relegated... but not as funny as if Arsenal got relegated!!
Last time relegated:
Arsenal 1912/13
Everton 1950/51
Liverpool 1953/54
Man Utd 1973/74
Spurs 1976/77
Chelsea 1987/88
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What did they have to do to get un-relegated?
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Win promotion from the lower league. In most cases it was a mere year or two later, 8 in the case of Liverpool.
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So when a team is relegated and another team bubbles up, does the team that bubbled up have a history of getting relegated back rather quickly?
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You know, it is pretty much the case that a team that gets promoted into the Premiership is favourite to go back down the following year. Having said that, quite often one of the 3 teams will do well.
This year Watford, Norwich and Brentford came up and it looks like Watford and Norwich will go straight back down. Yet Brentford will end up maybe mid-table and it's not as if they were the best team promoted. Some teams cope better, some teams don't cope at all. Some like Norwich, Watford, West Bromich Albion and Fulham tend to "yoyo" between the two leagues, lucky to stay up for two years once in a while.
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The Premiere League is in it's last 10 days, and while some things have been resolved some others are still in the balance.
As expected Watford and Norwich have been relegated, the third spot is between Leeds, Burnley and Everton. I fear it may be Leeds that go down, currently in the 3rd spot with 2 games to go the other two have 3 games to go.
While it's still between Liverpool and Manchester City for the title, Man City have the advantage 3pts ahead with 2 games to go and now have the better goal difference (they've been scoring fo fun these last few games!), sadly Liverpool may be concentrating on the FA Cup and Champions League finals. :(
It looks like Chelsea will take 3rd spot despite a recent slump although Arsenal and Spurs could theoretically catch them.
Fourth spot (and the last Champions League spot) will be either Arsenal or Spurs. They played tonight and Spurs won 3-0 although Arsenal had a player sent off in the first half. 1 Point between them and 2 games to go but Spurs have the better goal difference.
Remember when Arsenal lost their first 3 games and I was hoping they might get relegated... well maybe next year! ;)
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Hoping Everton drop their next game and Leeds win. Really need Everton’s final game against Arsenal to mean something to them like a draw or win to avoid relegation and give Spurs a chance to grab that 4th spot. Even a Newcastle Arsenal draw will do nicely provided Spurs win their last 2.
COYS!
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^^^
Newcastle will be a challenge. Since Eddie Howe took charge in November they've been one of the better teams in the league. If they hadn't had the rotten start to the season they would probably have been challenging for the minor European competitions.
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Was one heart palpitation moment when Burnley hit the post late and their keeper was able to make some great saves throughout the game but job done in the end by Spurs.
Over to you Arsenal
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^^^
A win is a win, and at this stage of the season that's what counts. Burnley will have fought hard for a result, they're in relegation trouble.
It looks like Leeds might not be doing any better than Burnley (already 1-0 down to Brighton) so a win for Everton this evening may be all they need to ensure survival and Brentford don't have anything to play for now.
West Ham are 1-0 up against Man City... but it's not even half time yet so I'm not going to count my chickens! ;)
Update
Everton lost, which means they still have everything to play for next week. Leeds got a late equaliser so leapfrog Burnley who are now in the relegation zone.
Whilst Man City went 2-0 down to West Ham at half time they came back to draw... sadly! They are now 4 points clear of Liverpool who have 2 games to play whilst City have one left (86 pts to 90 pts), so to make it go to the last game Liverpool need to beat Southampton on Tuesday.
Liverpool beat Chelsea in the FA Cup Final yesterday, they won on penalties (0-0 after Extra Time) but should have won in the 90 minutes. An okay game but the defences and keepers were on top.
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The fourth Champions League spot is in Tottenham's hands. They just need a point against Norwich on Sunday to secure 4th place. This is because Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-0 tonight leaving them 2pts adrift with 1 game remaining. As I suggested in an earlier post Newcastle are going to be challenging for the European places next year.
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Liverpool have taken the title to the last day of the season on Sunday.
They duly came from a goal down to beat beat Southampton 1-2. I wasn't convinced Klopp had put out a good enough team. I knew Salah and Van Dyke had knock which meant they were substituted in Saturday's FA cup final, but there were a lot of other changes which seemed excessive. Anyhow they still got the job done, they now need Manchester City to drop points on Sunday to keep the quadruple alive! ;)
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So Everton came from 2-0 down to best Crystal Palace 3-2 and avoid relegation. Would’ve been hard to imagine a big and iconic like Everton going down.
So it’s down to Leeds & Burnley(who have the advantage with goal difference) to determine who will get relegated. Tough one to call but I’m thinking it’s gonna be Leeds sadly.
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That Everton rise was quite something I see....
But stupid Chelsea couldn't get a win so my bet went belly up...
I had Everton, Chelsea and tie for Aston Villa Burnley...
That would have made me bit over a hundred...bugger.
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I would have liked to have seen Everton relegated... you know as a Liverpool fan, but if I'm honest it would have been a shock if they had gone down, they have some good players, who don't know how to play as a team.
I would prefer Leeds to stay up, last season they were a breath of fresh air, but some injuries and a change of manager haven't helped them this year.
It would be justice if Burnley went down, they got rid of their manager (Shaun Dyche) who was the longest serving manager in the league and had saved them from relegation more than once. Can you believe Jurgen Klopp is now the longest serving manager in the league (a little over 6 years)!
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Well the last day of the season pretty much had the results everyone expected, albeit the journey's to get those results were somewhat chaotic!
In the end Manchester City won the league with a 3-2 win over Aston Villa. Liverpool were a single point behind after a 3-1 win over Wolves. Aston Villa were 2-0 up with 15 minutes to go and Liverpool were 1-1 until the 84th minute... but class show'd in the end with late goals in both games.
Tottenham and Arsenal both scored 5, so Tottenham claim the 4th Champions League spot. Arsenal in 5th go into the Euroa league with Manchester Utd.
Burnley were relegated when they lost 1-2 at home to Newcastle whilst Leeds did a great escape and beat Brentford 1-2 to climb out of the relegation zone.
Under--achievers this year, and for several years were Manchester Utd, lost today but despite taking 6th spot they've been woeful. Leicester haven't had a good season either, after finishing 5th the last two years, the loss of Vardy through injury for much of the season might have been crucial.
Over-achievers this year, Brentford, as a team who came up they would have been favourites for going straight back down, but were safe with several games to go, and Brighton who finished 9th, their highest league finish.
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It's Manchester City's 4th win in 5 seasons.
Liverpool have got 90+ points in 3 out of the last 4 seasons and only won on 1 occasion.
Salah and Son shared the Golden Boot award for being top scorers: 23 each. In addition Salah won the award for most assists.
Man City's Ederson and Liverpool's Alisson shared the Golden Glove award for most clean sheets (20 each).
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How bad would Man U have to be in order to be relegated? Asking for a friend. :D
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Man Utd would have to do a lot worse than they did this season. They got 58 points which is their lowest total in over 30 years, but they still qualified for the Europa League and were 23 points clear of the relegation zone.
Hopefully they can hit new lows next season! ;)
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Would it be as a result of a single season implosion or would they have to scrape the bottom for a few years?
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The trouble is several teams will never get relegated because they can just buy their way out of trouble. There's about 6 teams I believe who will never get relegated again. Before this season I would have included Everton, but their finances are a complete mess at the moment.
Even though Manchester Utd have underperformed in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, they've still finished reasonably well in the league (never lower than 7th in the 30-odd years of the Premiership), but that's not good enough for their fans. They were 35 points behind their arch rivals this season (ie Liverpool and Manchester City).
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Glad Burnley got relegated and Leeds survived the drop. And ecstatic Spurs will be in the Champions League next season.
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Well it's Champion's League Finale day...
Liverpool vs Real Madrid...
Liverpool goes into the match as a clear favourite but Real has proven that they can still rise up when it counts so I'm assuming they'll give a good fight atleast.
Salah vs Benzema... Both have played a good season and Benzema has shown that he's still got it.
This should be a very interesting match for sure...
Back in the day I would have been all in for Real but nowadays I don't know...Real isn't what it used to be in any way really...So honestly I don't really have a favourite for this one...just hoping for a good match.
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Obvs I want Liverpool to win, but I won't be able to watch it live as I'm doing other stuff! I do hope to keep eye on things though! And yes, I am worried about Benzema! ;)
If Liverpool play at their best they should beat Real Madrid on this years form!
As an interest note, Liverpool have played all games it was possible for them to play this year: 38 league games and then add on the 3 cup competitions which they have got to the final of each. They have also held on the possibility of a quadruple longer than any other team, the previous record was about the 1st May, Liverpool were still in contention until the 22nd May
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Glad I didn't watch it! Looking at the stats it looks like Real had the better defence!
Ho hum, only 2 trophies this year then!
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Liverpool had a really strong start but then they kind of just stopped playing for what ever reason...and Real started getting more and more into the match...and after that first goal (which was taken away though for reason I don't yet fully understand) Real really put their game into gear and they started going...Liverpool had few good spots but Real had a strong defence and better middle field so they took it away.
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Wales qualified for the World Cup today when they beat Ukraine 1-0. Slightly sad Ukraine didn't manage to qualify given the circumstances, but it's the first time Wales have qualified since 1958.
Australia try to join them on Tuesday away to the UAE. Fingers crossed for the Aussies!
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I got another buddy in Cardiff saying "Everybody in the world hates Wales now, 'coz we beat Ukraine..."
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I wish they'd keep the politics out of sports... Usually better teams win...end of story.
I've got bit mixed feelings about Ukraine even playing in the qualifiers...
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I wish they'd also keep the World Cup out of November...
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Even if Australia beats the UAE this morning they have to play Peru in Peru next Monday to officially qualify. Ain’t impossible but highly unlikely.
To give you an idea at just how far the Socceroos have fallen in a short period of time. They beat China 7-0 in the final stage of qualifying and were sitting 6 points clear on top of their group having won 20 games in a row from since rd 1 qualifiers. The next time they met China a few months later who had nothing to play for except pride they could only scrounge a 2-2 draw.
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^^^
You got passed the UAE, so just Peru to go. That won't be an easy game, but fingers crossed for you.
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Yeah apparently that Peru game is in Doha which has been a home away from home for the Socceroos. Played a lot of early home qualifying games there throughout the pandemic. Won’t be a hot cauldron of Peruvian fans to deal with and our players have played in the climate and stadium plenty of times, so our chances are improved somewhat.
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Yay! Australia are going to the World Cup!
They beat Peru 5-4 on penalties after being 0-0 after extra time. I know it's not the most satisfactory way of winning but a win is a win.
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Today is the final of the Women's Euros, England vs Germany. I've not watched any of the games in full, caught bits of the occasional match, but never got excited about it. But I might watch this one.
History is with Germany as they've won it 8 times before including beating England 6-2 in the 2009 final. However much has changed since then, the England players are now full-time, the WSL is the league of choice for many of the worlds best players, they've reached the semi-final in their last 3 tournaments.
I suspect it will be a close game, settled by the odd-goal... but it's Germany and they always find a way!
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England beat Germany 2-1 (AET), I didn't watch it in the end (I'm a jinx!). I get the feeling that the game was even and probably the home crowd may have been the telling advantage.
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Well, I was having a bit of a chin-wag with some business associates from back in Blighty and I reckon it's time I get involved in Premier League action. One of the lads is a Brighton fan and the other is a Tottenham Spurs fan. I know Jack here is a Spurs fan and KDC will support Liverpool. I've got another Scouse friend on another forum who's die-hard Liverpool. Looking for advice on which club to develop an attachment to. I truly appreciated Jack's AFL suggestion to go with Geelong and that's paid good dividends of fun. Trusting the forum judgment here on who to root for.
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Get on Spurs Z. They’re a London club. They’re a big club, and their colours are navy blue & white. Just like the Cowboys and the Cats. They’re also in the Champions League this season which is the biggest competition in Europe.
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Nah, ignore Jack, Spurs haven't won anything in decades ;) !
Having said that it looks like being a down year for Liverpool, they might struggle to make the top 4 if the season start is anything to go by.
Brighton have had a great start but their coach was stolen by Chelsea a week or two back so it will be interesting to see if that momentum can be maintained with a new coach.
If you want to piss off both me and Jack then go for Arsenal who have had their best start to the season in a long time and are top.
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"The thing about Arsenal is... they always try to walk it in." -- bluffball.co.uk :smug:
That phrase has resonated for over 20 years and counting. I watched a video preview of the upcoming Arsenal v Tottenham match, and what do you know? Arsenal was walking it in. :D I'd prefer to not be an Arsenal fan so I could toss that comment out every time they get dinged.
Jack makes a compelling argument with the blue and white colours, that is a massive boost when coordinating wardrobe.
I'll need to find a good roundup sports presentation that covers the week in Premier League action, as I found the AFL's Access All Areas show to be very helpful in keeping on top of developments in that league. Open to suggestions on this area, along with any sports columns that do a good job of writing up the action. For US gridiron football, I learned a lot from Peter King and still enjoy reading his column. Gregg Easterbrook's Tuesday Morning Quarterback was always a treat, but is sadly not happening any more. So, I've got room for another columnist or two that really does a good job in breaking down important aspects of the sport.
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North London Derby coming up this weekend, suppose that's the best way to start out my career as a Tottenham fan. :D
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North London Derby coming up this weekend, suppose that's the best way to start out my career as a Tottenham fan. :D
Look for that career to be near misses and also-rans! :D
(Don't let Jack read this!)
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Fair enough. But I won't be accused of being a bandwagoner! :D
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Well I guess Liverpool is always a bit of a safe bet...same with ManU and ManC...
Currently I think Arsenal is actually leading the board with City and Tottenham close behind.
Both Liverpool and ManU haven't had great starts to the season...
I personally don't have an absolute favourite but I have always been a ManU fan...but honestly it hasn't been the team it once was in a long time.
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ManU has won a lot, earning it many fans globally while grating on everyone who's not a ManU fan. :D
Lots of Spurs supporters saying they'll be happy with a draw v Arsenal, we shall see. Manchester Derby follows the North London one, both promising good matchups.
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Fun fact about ManU....The world's 10th largest official ManU fan club is in FINLAND! Go figure!
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Fun fact about ManU....The world's 10th largest official ManU fan club is in FINLAND! Go figure!
:headbanger: I'd imagine it's the most metal club of them all, to boot!
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Disappointing performance from Spurs. Spent a lot of the game defending deep without putting enough pressure on Arsenal and that was even before the red card which was a harsh one, but a stupid challenge all the same.
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^^^
Just listening to some commentators suggesting that the red card was excessive and VAR should have taken a look.
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Even so, the play of the game calls into question Tottenham's ability to rely on the 5 defenders to get things back up front to the midfield and attackers. If you're letting the ball come to you and the ball's getting through when you face a top team, then you need to do something about that. Either don't let the ball through or don't let it come to you - retooling is in order, I'd say.
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^^^
Just listening to some commentators suggesting that the red card was excessive and VAR should have taken a look.
Yeah the red card was a joke. But Martinelli’s reaction after getting tackled was an even bigger joke. You would’ve thought he’d be missing many weeks of football with his reaction, but nah, straight back on his feet and good to go after the trigger happy ref brought out his red card.
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Meanwhile Man City clobbered Man U in their derby, Man City showing some real strength there.
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Lot of goals in that match holy moses! I wish I would have seen that, must have been a crazy entertaining match of footsy!
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I've sorta ignored posting here recently because the Premier League was a bit dire. Arsenal (boo!) and Man City (double boo) seem to have the top two spots tied up. Liverpool were in a slump and even Spurs have been inconsistent. However, the silver lining is that Southampton and Everton are in danger of getting relegated!
Just lately though Liverpool have got their Mojo back and are up to 5th, including last weekends 7-0 win over Manchester Utd. The resurgence is probably too late to turn around their champions league 1st leg against Real Madrid having lost 2-5 at home, they would need to win by 4 to proceed, I can hope, but that's unlikely!
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The Premiership is kind of taking it's final shape with 4/5 games to go. It now looks like Manchester City will win... again! :( Arsenal will wind up second with Newcastle and Manchester Utd likely to be 3rd and 4th but might swap positions yet.
The minor European places will go to 2 (I think!) from Liverpool, Tottenham, Aston Villa or Brighton. Tottenham are in freefall and Brighton have games in hand, so my guess is 5th and 6th will Liverpool and Brighton.
Relegation is still up in the air, but has come down to 5 teams. Southampton are adrift by 5pts and I suspect are gone :) , and there is just 1pt separating the next 4 (Everton, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Leeds). I think I'd like Everton and Leicester to go.
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Spurs are a shambles. Never known an interim coach/manager that has replaced a sacked coach/manager in season to also be sacked, in any sport. Hard to believe they’re still sitting in 6th after the tumultuous season they’ve had.
I reckon they could do worse than get Ange from Celtic. That man galvanises teams and wins trophies everywhere he goes.
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That's the 2022/23 Premiership season all done and dusted.
At the top end of the table the top 6 were had been finalised a week or two ago.
Champions Manchester City (Boo!)
2nd Arsenal (double boo!)
3rd Manchester Utd (triple Boo!
4th Newcastle Utd (Yay!)
5th Liverpool (an off season this year)
6th Brighton and Hove Albion (Yay!)
The only thing to finalise today was whether Spurs or Aston Villa would take the last European slot... in the end both teams won so Villa stayed 7th and Spurs remained 8th... Geezer will see European football next season!
At the bottom there were two relegation spots left to be sorted out from Leeds, Leicester and Everton (Southampton having been relegated a few games ago... yay!). Everton needed to win if Leicester won and Leeds needed a win and for the other two to lose. In the end Leeds lost (shame) and both Everton and Leicester won. That means Leicester and Leeds are relegated and Everton survive (boo!), hopefully they'll go next year! :)
Over performers of the year are probably Newcastle or Brighton. Underperformers by a mile were Chelsea (from top 4 contenders to struggling to 12th this year).
Prediction for next year... Harry Kane moves away from Spurs!
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Leicester relegated is a stunner. Didn't they win the premiership a few years ago? "Mighty have fallen" and all that...
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^^^
Yep, 7 years ago, and they won FA cup 2 years ago. It's only a couple of years since they were challenging for a Champions League spot.
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I reckon they could do worse than get Ange from Celtic. That man galvanises teams and wins trophies everywhere he goes.
You called it. Spurs are having talks with him today.
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I reckon they could do worse than get Ange from Celtic. That man galvanises teams and wins trophies everywhere he goes.
You called it. Spurs are having talks with him today.
Yep going to be announced today your time.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jun/05/tottenham-agree-contract-with-ange-postecoglou-manager-celtic
I think it’s a great appointment and exactly what Spurs need right now. Someone to bring the whole club and fan base together and play an attacking brand of football. Just hope he doesn’t get burnt if he doesn’t get results straight away. They need to stay the coarse with him.
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^^^
You might still lose Kane, Real Madrid want him and with the sort of money he could go for, they could really start to rebuild Spurs.
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^He might go but gut says he stays and see’s out the last year of his contract, especially if he’s seduced by Ange’s vision. Either way I think it’s a win win for Ange. If he stays he’s got one of the best strikers in English football at his disposal, if he leaves it takes a little bit more pressure of Ange to get results straight away.
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So Champion's League finals today!
Who do you think will win?
I'm rooting for City but I do fear that Inter isn't going to be an easy team to beat.
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30 mins in and still 0-0.
I'm expecting Man City to win, but it would be nice if the smug bastards lost! But then I usually support English teams in Europe even if I don't like them! :P
EDIT: City losing De Bruyne to injury could be telling.
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Inter played pretty well on the first half indeed...City had few spots couldn't finish...
I honestly wouldn't be surprised if this would be 0-0 after 90 mins.
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1-0 to Man City, but I don't think it's over yet, Inter have had their moments.
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Man City withstood a bit of pressure in the closing stages... only to be expected really. But they held on to win. I don't get the impression it was their greatest performance.
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I think Man City needs to send Lukaku a fruit basket for that save! It pretty much secured their win! :D
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This is the first one for Man City, if I recall what I read? They've got to be stoked beyond words.
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Anyone been taking an interest in the Women’s World Cup currently being played in Australia?
Looks like most of the top nations will get through to the knockout phase except Olympic champions Canada who were thrashed 4-0 and knocked out by Australia and possibly Brazil who are needing a win against Jamaica in their final group game to get through.
Japan have impressed the most so far as well as England, and Australia managed to top a very tough group without their star player and one of if not the best women players in the world Sam Kerr.
Favourites USA have been unconvincing in the tournament so far but managed to scrape through finishing 2nd in their group.
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I've been following in passing, and may take more interest once the group stages are over.
Many of the games take place over night or early morning here, but today they were later, but as I was out I didn't see England beat China 6-1!
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Brazil could only manage a 0-0 draw against Jamaica so are packing their bags home. Jamaica only needed a draw to get through to the final 16. That’s quite the shock!
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Haven't watched any but have caught a headline here and there. Relatedly, the world's first stadium dedicated to women's professional sports is being built right now nearby where I live. It's for the Kansas City Current, their team in the National Women's Soccer League. Was a pretty big deal leading up to it, and should be done and usable by next spring. It's more than just a stadium, though. I don't know what all it will have, but the area around is being called "Women's Soccer Village".
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I'm not really sure who are the big teams in women's football. I know the USA have been good, and England are the European Champions, but outside that I can only think of Germany who have been consistently good. Logically Brazil should be good and Jamaica should be "also rans", but I don't know if that is the case in the women's game! Nice to see Australia progress as a co-host, New Zealand not so lucky.
I see Italy and Argentina have also gone out at the group stages, but again I don't really know if that's a shock.
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Here are the FIFA rankings
https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/women?dateId=ranking_20230609
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Interesting rankings. Canada and Brazil going out are definite surprises, and Australia I thought were a good team, I hadn't realised they were a top 10 ranked team!!
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Haven't really followed it much due to the time zone issues.
As long as the US team gets knocked out early I'll be happy.
Other than that I have no real favourites...England is good and that one Swiss girl is quite hot indeed.
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And the biggest shock of the tournament has just happened. The #2 Ranked Germany has been knocked out after only managing a draw against Korea Republic while Morocco upset Colombia to jag the 2nd spot in that group.
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^^^
I just saw that result, it really is a shocker.
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Round of 16 results so far. Japan beat Norway 3-1 and Spain hammered Switzerland 6-1
Todays matches Netherlands vs South Africa and Sweden vs USA
Expecting both the Netherlands & USA to win but the way the US has been playing in this World Cup an upset is not out of the question.
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Sweden USA couldn’t be separated 0-0 after extra time. And in one of the more extraordinary penalty shootouts you’ll see, Sweden won 5-4 by virtually a millimetre.
USA is out
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I saw that, the question is: Are the USA slipping back or are the rest of the world catching up? I suspect it's bit of both!
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The rest of the world has definitely caught up and even gone past the USA now it seems.
Of all the remaining teams left, Japan is the only country that has previously won a World Cup, which tells you how just how much the other countries in women’s football have improved.
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Going by the World Rankings there's still a lot of highly ranked teams left:
Sweden
England
France
Spain
Netherlands
Australia
Japan
are all in the top 11 world rankings, so should still provide a worthy winner.
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So very happy to see the US out! Their pompous attitude has always been so unsportmanship it's not even funny.
Here's hoping for England to win the whole thing!
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Todays matches.
England vs Nigeria(0-0 HT)
Australia vs Denmark
Expecting England who are now the outright favourites to win this World Cup to beat a pesky Nigeria and fingers crossed Australia can get it done against the Danes. Its touch and go whether Sam Kerr plays for the Aussies tonight still recovering from a calf strain.
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After today's game, and despite winning on penalties, I don't think England should be anyone's favourite for this tournament.
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Yeah they were lucky to scrape through. A women down from the 87th minute all through extra time in which Nigeria dominated. I think they’re entitled to one off game, they’ve been really good otherwise and are in a good side of the draw. Fortunate to play Nigeria and then the winner out of Jamaica and Colombia.
Australia are currently leading 1-0 in the 50th minute against the Danes.
Yeah the Matilda’s. 2-0 winners over the Danes in what was a very professional performance. Even got some minutes into Sam Kerr late in the 2nd half when Australia was already 2-0 up.
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So very happy to see the US out! Their pompous attitude has always been so unsportmanship it's not even funny.
This is funny though :D
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Verily, "Pride goeth before a fall," ain't just some words!
Edited to add:
Maybe they'd have a tad bit more energy to bring to the field if they stopped trying to be a vehicle for a social agenda. Just focus on playing ball.
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Hah! Yeah...that commercial pretty much sums up everything that is to hate about that team...the sheer arrogance is unreal...
But they got put in their place thankfully and buh bye Rapinhoe and cronies!
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France made a mess of Morroco winning 4-0 and will meet Australia next in a QF while Colombia was able to break the Great Wall of Jamaica winning 1-0 and will come up against England next.
Japan vs Sweden and Netherlands vs Spain are the other QF matchups
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France look a strong bet for the final.
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Sad that France and England have to play against eachother this early...that would have been something of a final I think...although ofcourse it's bit different settings for women as it is for the men's teams...
No matter what KDC says I'm still rooting for England to go all the way! ;D
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I think you guys are underestimating Australia. They’ve been super without their best player and have gotten better with each match. France will be tough no doubt but they have the advantage of the home crowd and will have confidence in that they beat France in one of the lead up games to the World Cup. I’ll go out on a limb and tip an Australia vs Japan final
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I don't know much anything about the Aussie team...honestly I kind of thought they'd be around the same level as the men's team but clearly that's not the case. Looks like they've played an excellent tournament so far. So yes I wouldn't be surprised at all if they'd find themselves in the finals.
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I don't know much anything about the Aussie team...honestly I kind of thought they'd be around the same level as the men's team but clearly that's not the case. Looks like they've played an excellent tournament so far. So yes I wouldn't be surprised at all if they'd find themselves in the finals.
They’re on a different level to the men’s team in that they have a lot more world class players in the team that are playing for the biggest clubs in Europe and England. Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid etc and they have Sam Kerr who is ranked the #2 Female player in the world and has won multiple golden boots in the two biggest Women’s leagues in the world.
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Looks like Harry Kane is gone. 3 days before the season kick off :(
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^^^
If he didn't go this summer I don't think he would ever go. He's 30 now, but I thought he would end up at Man Utd rather than Bayern Munich. He is within touching distance of Alan Shearer's all time Premiere League goal scoring record, he won't get to that figure now.
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I was very surprised at that move. I was rather certain that if he'd leave Tottenham he'd still stay in the UK...very surprised indeed to see him go to Germany...
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Sweden and Spain go through to the Semi-Finals, both winning 2-1 against Japan and Netherlands respectively. I only caught the end of the Sweden / Japan match and Japan were all over Sweden, missing a penalty along the way. The commentary team did say they were a different team from the first half!
Tomorrow it's France vs Australia and England vs Colombia. The first game could go either way, France are higher ranked, but home advantage for Australia must play a part. On paper England should beat Colombia, but will it be the England team that showed up against China (a 6-1 win) or Nigeria (rubbish performance). We shall see.
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The Dutch were stiff. That penalty that got overturned on VAR was ridiculous. They had the better of the chances in the 2nd half and injury time but couldn’t finish. Japan had a disappointing first half while Sweden was ultra impressive and deserved the win in the end.
Fingers are crossed for the Matilda’s tomorrow. The whole country is behind them. Would be shocked if England doesn’t beat Colombia.
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0-0 and we’re into extra time in Brisbane. Australia has had so many opportunities :wall:
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Australia beat France 7-6 in an unbelievable penalty shootout :banana: :banana: :banana::wootwoot: :wootwoot: :wootwoot:
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I had to go out so I missed Extra Time and Penalties in that match. Happy for the Matilda's!
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England 2-1 winners over Colombia setting up whats going to be an epic semi final against Australia for a place in the World Cup final.
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Except for the China game I haven't really felt that the real England team have turned up. Hopefully the Matilda's will bring out the best in them! ;)
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England will wanna be at their best to best the Matilda's.
Australia was actually the last team to beat England. 2-0 in London back in April ending their 30 game unbeaten run.
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So the first team to make the final is Spain, they beat Sweden 2-1 with all 3 goals coming in the final 10 minutes. I thought Spain looked quite good.
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Yeah Spain have been solid all the way through this world cup and are deserved finalist.
Now we just need the Matilda’s through.
@Kilo we need to start a an EPL 23/24 season thread. With Aussie Ange taking over at Spurs I’m more invested than ever.
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Nope, we need the Lionesses through to the final!! :P
Yes a new thread for the EPL would be a good idea.
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I'm a little shocked, England won 3-1 against the Matilda's. Secretly I felt England had been below par this tournament and getting to the Semis had been an achievement in itself!
I feel sorry for Australia, they worked their socks off and often looked dangerous in attack, but the Lionesses have been stoic in defence throughout the tournament.
Just hope they haven't peaked! Let's hope the Matilda's can snag the bronze medal.
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Oh ye of little faith!
I had no doubt England would be in the finals! They're bringing it home! ;D
Tonight there's the super cup final with Man City vs Sevilla
On paper this should be a slam donk for City but they are missing quite a bit of their mid fielders and defenders so that might make a difference...might be a tight one.
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^^^
On paper City should have walked it, but in the end they won 5-4 on penalties. They might not have given it their full attention though.
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In hindsight it looked like that France game took its toll both physically and mentally on the Matilda’s. They looked worn out from the moment they stepped on the pitch. But full credit to them, they battled hard and threw everything at England, particularly in that 2nd half when they needed an equaliser but Englands experience was telling in the end as they pounced on Australia’s critical errors at the back and made them pay. Congrats to England
That Sam Kerr goal though :love:
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Can't see that video in the USA, but I *can* see this one, at least until the takedown hits it...
Ozzy Man Reviews coverage of the Aus-Fra goal shootout, bloody brilliant!
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As good as Australia played in this tournament, I think it will be a stepping stone for bigger things to come. I suspect they'll be challenging for, and winning tournaments for the next few years.
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Undoubtedly.
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Sad to see Australia didn't get the bronze...I think they deserved it more than Sweden...
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The Aussies were emotionally drained after the France game and all the air came out of them after the England loss. It was all or nothing for them playing in a home World Cup
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3rd/4th play-offs are always a nothing sort of game. As you say the Aussies had given it all in the earlier matches, and this result makes no difference, they played well and will build for the future.
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So Spain are the World Champions in women’s football. Thought the final was a little lacklustre and England disappointing. They were brave in defeat but didn’t play anywhere near as good as they did against the Matilda’s. No doubt they will still be a force in Women’s football in the years to come.
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It's funny because I didn't think England had played that well throughout the tournament except the games against Chine and the Matilda's, so I'm not so surprised they lost, Spain had a good tournament all round.
I missed the start, tuned in and Spain were 1 up and seemed to be all over England... I decided to watch something else!
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^That seems a bit fickle. How could you turn it off when only 1-0 down?
That was practically Spains second team. About a year ago the women protested they wanted the coach sacked or they wouldn’t play. So the Spanish FA said no prob, if you don’t want to play under this coach you can sit out and we’ll replace you with others. And that’s exactly what they did
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^^^
To be fair I'm a jinx when I watch stuff particularly penalty shoot outs! But I did keep an eye on the match and tuned in now and again... including just as Spain had the penalty! ::)
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^^^
To be fair I'm a jinx when I watch stuff particularly penalty shoot outs! But I did keep an eye on the match and tuned in now and again... including just as Spain had the penalty! ::)
Given the number of people watching the match, you have to balance your speculation of jinxiness against those actively practicing witchcraft and sorcery to defeat England. It could be that there are more warlocks and such-like in Spain that are actively influencing their women's soccer team, for reasons we do not yet know or understand.
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England play Finland tonight in the Nations League. Finland are at home, and to be honest this is a good time to play England they are going through changes and don't have a permanent manager... they just lost at home to Greece!
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Yeah I know...I'm purpously not watching that one.
Finns have lost every single match in NL so far so they're not going anywhere fast...I'm rather sure this will be a walk in tha park for England...2-0 or more...
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Yeah, England will hit a slick trick and win 48 - 0. I looked up "highest scoring football game" and, after sifting through the NFL stuff, found that two teams in Madagascar, in 2002, hold the honor. 149 - 0. It is legit as they were both league teams, but the score itself was some kind of protest...the losing team intentionally kicked "own scores" on themselves. Seems the coach and four players ended up fired and banned from the game or even going to any stadiums for three years afterwards.
The realistic high score was 36 - 0. Aberdeen, I think.
So, I predict England garners a new record by a wide margin and sets the world on fire with its dominating play. And then loses the rest of their matches.
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Not quite 48-0 but I suppose very dominating 3-1 for England...
Finland needs a new manager that's for sure!
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I thought that was very rude of Vyn to suggest that England might win 48-0! ;) :redcard:
But yeah, a 3-1 win for England was solid but not great, The Fins had a few decent chances!
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I thought that was very rude of Vyn to suggest that England might win 48-0! ;) :redcard:
I'm outta control!
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This is what Vyn does when Kansas City Chiefs have a bye week.