The Soccer thread

[At Least I Saw a Flag 5,315]

World Cup qualifier ... Socceroos 0 - Japan 2.

Inescapable fact that the Socceroos are not a particularly good football team. 

 

[layzie 34,339]

City 2 Liverpool 2. As a Reds fan I would have preferred to win but will take it after being behind twice and we live to fight another day, on the balance of play City might feel aggrieved to not come up with the 3 points. 

7 games to go and City's run in looks a fair bit easier than Liverpool's but there's plenty of football to be played. Can't see it ending any other way than down to the wire. 

[Macca 17,114]

On 4/11/2022 at 4:58 PM, layzie said:

City 2 Liverpool 2. As a Reds fan I would have preferred to win but will take it after being behind twice and we live to fight another day, on the balance of play City might feel aggrieved to not come up with the 3 points. 

7 games to go and City's run in looks a fair bit easier than Liverpool's but there's plenty of football to be played. Can't see it ending any other way than down to the wire. 

Still only 1 point in it and both teams (City & Liverpool) could both win their 5 remaining games ... so 10 wins combined without a hiccup?  It's possible but some other result is likely in 1 of the 10 games

Maybe my Hammers can help your blokes out when we are at home (May 16th) to Man City?  haha

[layzie 34,339]

2 hours ago, Macca said:

Still only 1 point in it and both teams (City & Liverpool) could both win their 5 remaining games ... so 10 wins combined without a hiccup?  It's possible but some other result is likely in 1 of the 10 games

Maybe my Hammers can help your blokes out when we are at home (May 16th) to Man City?  haha

Plenty of football to be played as the wise ones say. I do think your Hammers are our best chance of spoiling City's party so I'll be blowing bubbles that day!

[layzie 34,339]

The Champions League doesn’t disappoint does it! Villareal were so brave yesterday battling back from 2-0 down before Liverpool got it together and pulled away. I do wonder how Villareal would have gone had they had a decent keeper though..

And then this morning! My goodness, I was about to shut it off and get on with things at the 87^th minute but bam Rodrygo brace to get Real to extra time. Then 5 minutes after the restart Dias lunged in on Benzema and Los Blancos hit the lead with the penalty. They are proving to be the comeback kings and I’m very weary of facing them in the final. Hopefully it’s a beauty.

[roy11 3,968]

On 9/7/2020 at 10:05 AM, roy11 said:

Abraham will be lucky to finish the season at Chelsea.

They've spent 400 million pounds on players over the last 3 seasons. With a front 4 of Werner in front of Pulisic Havertz Ziyech they should be challenging this season. A lot of pressure on Frank now. 

 

Still don't rate FL as a manager, somehow in spite of his deficiencies they've won a few crucial games. Will be interesting to see who goes down

[layzie 34,339]

I think it's fair to say we moved a step closer to an EPL champion in 21-22. Was a tough game at Anfield yesterday morning and Tottenham came with a great game plan. Conte is a very good manager and has everyone playing their roles to perfection and working a little magic on the break, much like they did against us in December, obviously a bit gutted but Spurs very much deserved their point and would have been hard done by if they took nothing from that game.

Mo Salah is off the boil at the moment, and not at a good time either. I don't know what it is but he is just, off. I know we've played a lot of games in quick succession and I did see us dropping one soon. Didn't watch this morning but City had an emphatic win over Toon 5-0. They now have a 3 point lead and 4 goals ahead on goal difference. In any other league it's fair to say Liverpool have 3 league titles in the last 4 years but this is the EPL and you have to take your hat off to City. They just know how to get it done and are the masters of the 'run in' period. 

 

[Macca 17,114]

On 5/9/2022 at 9:51 AM, layzie said:

I think it's fair to say we moved a step closer to an EPL champion in 21-22. Was a tough game at Anfield yesterday morning and Tottenham came with a great game plan. Conte is a very good manager and has everyone playing their roles to perfection and working a little magic on the break, much like they did against us in December, obviously a bit gutted but Spurs very much deserved their point and would have been hard done by if they took nothing from that game.

Mo Salah is off the boil at the moment, and not at a good time either. I don't know what it is but he is just, off. I know we've played a lot of games in quick succession and I did see us dropping one soon. Didn't watch this morning but City had an emphatic win over Toon 5-0. They now have a 3 point lead and 4 goals ahead on goal difference. In any other league it's fair to say Liverpool have 3 league titles in the last 4 years but this is the EPL and you have to take your hat off to City. They just know how to get it done and are the masters of the 'run in' period. 

 

Man City put on a clinic against Newcastle and I'd be surprised if they were to drop points in their run home ... maybe a draw could happen but they are 3 points ahead so they are going to have to lose a game to surrender the title.  And then there's the goal difference

Just too much talent and their passing to set up the goals yesterday was absolutely supreme.  First rate in fact

[layzie 34,339]

12 hours ago, Macca said:

Man City put on a clinic against Newcastle and I'd be surprised if they were to drop points in their run home ... maybe a draw could happen but they are 3 points ahead so they are going to have to lose a game to surrender the title.  And then there's the goal difference

Just too much talent and their passing to set up the goals yesterday was absolutely supreme.  First rate in fact

Agreed Macca, way too good. Perfect bounceback from the CL disaster. They just have quality all over the pitch and deserve to be sitting top, glorious to watch when they're playing that kind of football. 

[Macca 17,114]

On 5/11/2022 at 9:15 AM, layzie said:

Agreed Macca, way too good. Perfect bounceback from the CL disaster. They just have quality all over the pitch and deserve to be sitting top, glorious to watch when they're playing that kind of football. 

And De Bruyne puts a casual 4 past the Wolves defence (what a player!) ... that CL catastrophe has really fired them up, layzie

Got to take your hat off to them though, when they are on they are damn good

Liverpool of course has the CL final to look forward to and that's a bigger prize - 29th May 5.00am (Sunday morning)

A pity it's not on FTA but I'll be able to stream the game (it's on Stan Sport)

[layzie 34,339]

9 hours ago, Macca said:

And De Bruyne puts a casual 4 past the Wolves defence (what a player!) ... that CL catastrophe has really fired them up, layzie

Got to take your hat off to them though, when they are on they are damn good

Liverpool of course has the CL final to look forward to and that's a bigger prize - 29th May 5.00am (Sunday morning)

A pity it's not on FTA but I'll be able to stream the game (it's on Stan Sport)

Way too good, way too good...

CL definitely the bigger prize but gee, I reckon I'd have preferred the EPL title. Silly I know considering City would probably trade places this season. 

I caved in and got Stan for this month. I've even deliberately tried to not watch any other shows on it so I won't get hooked and want to keep it, have too many streaming services as it is! 

[Macca 17,114]

A few upcoming matches to look out for

Sun 15th May 1.45am FA Cup Final - Chelsea vs Liverpool

Thurs 19th May 5.00am Europa League Final - Eintracht Frankfurt vs Rangers FC

Mon 23rd May 1.00am - Final Day EPL

Sun 29th May 5.00am Champions League Final - Liverpool vs Real Madrid

Wed 1st June - Socceroos vs Jordan (Friendly)

Tues 7th June - Socceroos @ UAE (World Cup Qualifier) ... winner to play Peru for the right to be included in the World Cup

Edited May 13, 2022 by Macca

[Macca 17,114]

Hammers draw with City! At one stage West Ham led 2-0

Opens the door for Liverpool as long as the Reds gain full points against Southampton

If that eventuates, we'd see a 1 point margin (at the top) going into the EPL final day

Although, it's difficult to see Villa gaining a point at Man City on the final day.  But you never know!  Nothing is written in stone

 

[layzie 34,339]

The main thing is it’s going to the last day of the season. Gives everyone something to watch!

Thought the Hammers were exceptional in that first half with those movements forward. Very glad they hung on for a point, seems like the Spurs draw from last week is gonna get us in the end but obviously it’s a tonne of moments like this that makes up a season.

Commiserations to Rangers this morning in Europa, had two decent chances to take it out in extra time but lost to the dreaded penalty shootout!

[layzie 34,339]

On 5/16/2022 at 1:26 AM, Macca said:

Although, it's difficult to see Villa gaining a point at Man City on the final day.  But you never know!  Nothing is written in stone

 

If there's ever a chance for Steven Gerrard to get redemption for that slip in 2014, this is it!

[Macca 17,114]

2 hours ago, layzie said:

If there's ever a chance for Steven Gerrard to get redemption for that slip in 2014, this is it!

My gut feel is that Man City will go a goal-spree but I hope it doesn't turn out that way

If Villa score early it could get interesting!

Soccer can often throw up skewed results and the 'Own Goal' or a dodgy penalty is always on the cards haha

Liverpool & Man City to both win and I can see both teams scoring 4+ goals each!!

[layzie 34,339]

15 hours ago, Macca said:

My gut feel is that Man City will go a goal-spree but I hope it doesn't turn out that way

If Villa score early it could get interesting!

Soccer can often throw up skewed results and the 'Own Goal' or a dodgy penalty is always on the cards haha

Liverpool & Man City to both win and I can see both teams scoring 4+ goals each!!

My gut feel is that too, they've had their blip against you guys now watch for the backlash. 5-0 Would be my prediction. Stevie needs to kit up 😜

But yeah you never know, a Villa strike early or an off day in front of goal for City, anything can happen. 

Well done to the Toffees this morning, the great escape is on! Feels weird applauding them but you have to after that. 

[roy11 3,968]

When Lampard was appointed at Everton they were in 16th place, they'll end up in 16th place. It may sound like I have an agenda, but if he sees out his contract at Everton I will be very surprised. Happy everton remain in the league as they are more of a rabble than my mob (United). 

Villa rested players this morning, clearly Stevie wants to help Liverpool but he still has Mings as his first choice CB so don't expect any favours there aha. 

[Macca 17,114]

Well there's a bit to play out tonight

Spurs & Arsenal are battling for a CL spot (Spurs 2 points ahead)

West Ham & Man Utd are vying for a Europa League position (United 2 points in front)

And as previously discussed, there is only 1 point between Man City & Liverpool for the title whilst one of Leeds & Burnley will be relegated (both are level on 35 points)

[layzie 34,339]

Well that burns a little 🙁 you have to hand it to City though, they are just an amazing and impressive team. If you're going to win it like that then you can really only tip your hat. We have a great side, definitely the best side in my time supporting Liverpool. Any other era or league in Europe they probably win this title but when you're going up against one of the very best teams ever that's just how it is.

I do wonder though what would have happened had Liverpool taken the lead while City were 2-0 down, could the heads have dropped for City once the news had passed around the Etihad? We'll never know. 

[Macca 17,114]

On 5/23/2022 at 2:41 PM, layzie said:

Well that burns a little 🙁 you have to hand it to City though, they are just an amazing and impressive team. If you're going to win it like that then you can really only tip your hat. We have a great side, definitely the best side in my time supporting Liverpool. Any other era or league in Europe they probably win this title but when you're going up against one of the very best teams ever that's just how it is.

I do wonder though what would have happened had Liverpool taken the lead while City were 2-0 down, could the heads have dropped for City once the news had passed around the Etihad? We'll never know. 

An amazing finish and when City were down 0-2 in the 75th minute I thought draw at best ... and at the same time the Reds were level with Wolves but my thinking was that Liverpool would score again and win

5 minutes later Man City were 3-2 up and Liverpool was still level with Wolves ... the rest is history!!

Meanwhile Leeds & Burnley were fighting to stay alive in the Premier League.  Leeds scored in the 94th minute but Burnley could have scored again and a draw would have kept them up (if the Leeds winner doesn't eventuate)

When we have these scenarios it's 2 of the best hours of sport.  High drama and high tension

So it's 5am Sunday morning for the Champions League Final in Paris

Liverpool vs Real Madrid

Should be a beauty!!

[Jibroni 5,035]

AC Milan won the Italian league today as well, FORZA!

[layzie 34,339]

15 hours ago, Macca said:

An amazing finish and when City were down 0-2 in the 75th minute I thought draw at best ... and at the same time the Reds were level with Wolves but my thinking was that Liverpool would score again and win

5 minutes later Man City were 3-2 up and Liverpool was still level with Wolves ... the rest is history!!

Meanwhile Leeds & Burnley were fighting to stay alive in the Premier League.  Leeds scored in the 94th minute but Burnley could have scored again and a draw would have kept them up (if the Leeds winner doesn't eventuate)

When we have these scenarios it's 2 of the best hours of sport.  High drama and high tension

So it's 5am Sunday morning for the Champions League Final in Paris

Liverpool vs Real Madrid

Should be a beauty!!

There's nothing like it anywhere. Seeing the transistor radios and phones out in the crowd for constant score checking!

Well done to Leeds I'm glad they stayed up, maybe James Milner leaves Liverpool to finish the career off where it started? Time will tell.

Nerves starting to kick in for the final this Sun morning. Bit worried about the health of our side, Thiago is 50-50, Fabinho  50-50, Van Dijk battling and I still don't feel Salah is 100%. Not ideal when you're taking on a rampant Real Madrid side full of belief right now. 

[Macca 17,114]

1 hour ago, layzie said:

There's nothing like it anywhere. Seeing the transistor radios and phones out in the crowd for constant score checking!

Well done to Leeds I'm glad they stayed up, maybe James Milner leaves Liverpool to finish the career off where it started? Time will tell.

Nerves starting to kick in for the final this Sun morning. Bit worried about the health of our side, Thiago is 50-50, Fabinho  50-50, Van Dijk battling and I still don't feel Salah is 100%. Not ideal when you're taking on a rampant Real Madrid side full of belief right now. 

We had a version of the EPL's last day in the VFL when all the games were on at the same time (Sat 2.10 approx)

The most memorable for Demon supporters being 1987 & 1976 but even in 1988 we needed to defeat 2nd placed Carlton in the last round just to make the finals ... ended up in the GF after winning 3 finals to get there!

But I recall there being a number of finals teams shuffled about in the last round ... and back in the day, the wooden spoon was to be avoided at all costs!

[layzie 34,339]

2 hours ago, Macca said:

We had a version of the EPL's last day in the VFL when all the games were on at the same time (Sat 2.10 approx)

The most memorable for Demon supporters being 1987 & 1976 but even in 1988 we needed to defeat 2nd placed Carlton in the last round just to make the finals ... ended up in the GF after winning 3 finals to get there!

But I recall there being a number of finals teams shuffled about in the last round ... and back in the day, the wooden spoon was to be avoided at all costs!

Macca if there's one day I wish like hell I was old enough to have fully experienced it's that final round in 1987, I reckon that would have been off tap.

In contrast though if there's one day I'm so very grateful I wasn't old enough to fully experience or remember well it's the 87 prelim at Waverley..