Beautiful Game 12/13 Thread (Major EPL slant)

[Macca00]

Quite possibly the best animated gif ever;

[pk500]

That is EPIC, dude.

[Murph]

Brad Evans (Who?) for the USMNT win over Jamaica!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8prjW6w-yow

[RobVarak]

Now THAT is how you deal with a piss-ant team like Panama in a home qualifier: Play them off the pitch with attacking football in front of a rabid crowd. Great showing last night by the team and the fans.

Honduras seems like it was a long, long time ago.


Awesome tifo last night too:

[GB_Simo]

Just when you thought Newcastle United might go an entire calendar week without doing anything that might reasonably be considered absolutely batsh*t insane or get-the-net-they're-escaping mental, Joe Kinnear is back. Still, as the first two segments of this feature illustrate, there is absolutely no cause for alarm.

[Naples39]

A somewhat underwhelming 1-0 home win for the USA last night against Honduras, but 3 points is 3 points and they are all but qualified at this point.

Also, some pieces are finally coming together for the first time under Klinsmann. Bradley and Dempsey are clearly the lynchpins, Altidore has scored in 4 straight after not scoring for 2 years, Jones seems to have a first choice spot locked up, and Zusi has been excellent. Left mid is less settled, but between Fabian Johnson and Donovan returning to the team I feel pretty good about it.

I like Chandler at right back, but I'm not convinced on the other backline spots yet.

[RobVarak]

A somewhat underwhelming 1-0 home win for the USA last night against Honduras, but 3 points is 3 points and they are all but qualified at this point.

That was a primer on how not to schedule a home qualifier. 90 degree kickoff at altitude is not the way to go if you know teams are going to come in here and park the bus. Klinsman wants tempo and possession, so put that game in Portland or anywhere temperate.

The combination of the conditions and a ref who was disinclined to blow the whistle made it really tough to break down a solid defensive team. Good work keeping their wits though and not giving in to the temptation to just play long ball/aimless cross the way that frustrated teams often do.

[Naples39]

That was a primer on how not to schedule a home qualifier. 90 degree kickoff at altitude is not the way to go if you know teams are going to come in here and park the bus. Klinsman wants tempo and possession, so put that game in Portland or anywhere temperate.

3 home qualifiers;
-one in a blizzard
-one on crappy temporary grass
-one at altitude in heat

Apparently this is the best we can do.

[RobVarak]

Henceforth and until Mexico pull off the spectacular feat of scoring twice in the same match, they shall be known as North Honduras.

[fsquid]

That was a primer on how not to schedule a home qualifier. 90 degree kickoff at altitude is not the way to go if you know teams are going to come in here and park the bus. Klinsman wants tempo and possession, so put that game in Portland or anywhere temperate.

3 home qualifiers;
-one in a blizzard
-one on crappy temporary grass
-one at altitude in heat

Apparently this is the best we can do.

at least they are going to places where the places looks full.

[Macca00]

Looks like Arsenal are going to sign Higuain - bloody great signing IMO. I'm very jealous.


Poor Tahiti.

[RobVarak]

Poor Tahiti.

On the bright side, looks like Torres found his level.

I stole that joke, but it was worth stealing.

[Naples39]

Poor Tahiti.

On the bright side, looks like Torres found his level.

I stole that joke, but it was worth stealing.

Torres shows up for the big games;

Fernando Torres' hat tricks for Spain have come vs San Marino, New Zealand, Tahiti.

[fsquid]

U-20 World Cup starts today on a variety of ESPN channels. USA plays Spain at 1:45 on ESPN2, I believe. For the first time that I can remember, the US is not using a mainly colllege player team in this sucker. Only 4 college players on the roster. 1 from an English academy, 2 from Germany, and 4 from Mexican teams.

[RobVarak]

Nice. ESPN ratings for Confederations Cup up 25% from '09 despite the absence of the US.

http://worldsoccertalk.com/2013/06/26/c ... d-to-2009/

[10spro]

Two beautiful FK's, one by Cavani, the other by Diamanti bringing Uruguay and Italy to a tie again. Both teams with some great scoring chances with ten minutes left.

Hope the finals is as competitive.

[10spro]

Wow, what a strike by Neymar. If #10 cuts down on his diving and occasional theatrics he's going to be a star in Barca.

What a save by David Luiz!

Haven't seen Spain so frustrated in awhile.

[Macca00]

Messi-Neymar will be a beauty to watch.

Just thought I'd bring this up again.



It's 3-0 now, Tiki-Taka getting smashed.

EDIT: With all of Spain's incredible pool of talent they can't find better right backs than Arbeloa (whom I love, regardless) and Azpilicueta? Madness.

[dougb]

Messi-Neymar will be a beauty to watch.

Just thought I'd bring this up again.



It's 3-0 now, Tiki-Taka getting smashed.

EDIT: With all of Spain's incredible pool of talent they can't find better right backs than Arbeloa (whom I love, regardless) and Azpilicueta? Madness.

Brazil have as much individual skill and are more physical - scary.

Doug

[dougb]

One thing Brazil are demonstrating is that Spain have a hell of a lot more problems if you press and don't give them time on the ball. Of course you have to have the fitness and speed to do that.

Doug

[Macca00]

One thing Brazil are demonstrating is that Spain have a hell of a lot more problems if you press and don't give them time on the ball. Of course you have to have the fitness and speed to do that.

Doug

Indeed!


Irony:

Pedro lecturing Neymar on diving.

[XXXIV]

Irony:

Pedro lecturing Neymar on diving.

[wco81]

Just doesn't seem to be Spain's day, after long match against Italy.

Missed penalty and a couple of good looks thar Cesar swallowed up.

[XXXIV]

Cant really argue that.

I know they will be playing in Brazil next summer but I still would not bet against Spain.

[10spro]

Cesar had some outstanding saves, Neymar and Fred were unstoppable up front and what a game by D. Luiz. Rock solid! But like Doug mentioned, what a display of skill, speed and most noticeably physical presence which usually is their weakness by the home team.

I haven't forgotten Macca, if I were a Barca fan (which I am but not directly ) they are in a for a treat.

That was Samba at its best tonight.