Football (Soccer)

[admin]

Reyes has been amazing lately, 5 goals in 5 games (or to go back to last season + the comm. shield, that's 8 in 9 games). Pires has been average (still, has score 3 goals coming on as subs), and that usually meant we would draw/lose games last season, but with Reyes (mostly playing in left mid), we've got decent cover now. Can't wait to see van Persie in action, as he was on fire during pre-season (he's carrying an injury right now), and could be a bigger talent than Reyes.

Man United's problem is not just the defence (although this is the biggest problem right now), but also the lack of goals at the other end. Arsenal's defence isn't that good at the moment either (we've conceded the same number of goals as you), but we never looked like we couldn't out-score the opposition, and so, that puts the fear into them. Teams don't fear United's attack anymore, and that's why the opposition are more adventurous in attack (and put heaps of pressure on your defence - even the best defence in the world will fail if there is too much pressure). The same problem started to be noticeable last season (lost to Wolves, for example). Rumours say that this will be Giggs and Keane's last season, and maybe Scholes' and RvN's (knee problem) as well, so United will need some more creative players in the middle. I think Liam Miller was bought in for this reason, but he's only been average so far. If you had another player like Ronaldo in midfield plus a defensive mid like Gerrard to replace Keane (plus Ferdinand back in defence), then I think you can beat any team (except Arsenal of course ).

I think your strike force (RvN, Saha, Smith, Rooney) is very strong already, although maybe only Saha can provide service for goals, hence the need for more creative players in the middle.

[DAFT]

we've always had soccer in the schools and it's always a popular sport. that is where it ends for the sport in the us though as far as public appeal. our home college of Rutgers has won the national game 3 times and not so much as a good job is metioned for the effort. you euro guys got it good out there, they at least have a larger than life image that only the greats of NFL, NBA, MLB can attain. i want to hear just once on the BBC that an american team is looking much better than they thought they could. i'll then know that we have arrived

[admin]

It's the same here in Australia - soccer is the biggest participation sport, yet we don't even have a domestic soccer league anymore (disbanded due to financial problems, and lack of any TV coverage). Our national team should be better, but the authorities here are more concerned about getting an automatic place in the World Cup (so Australia gets to be in every World Cup, if they can beat the soccer super nations of New Zealand, Fiji and American Samoa), then actually investing into the sport. I think the US MLS is actually one of the better leagues in countries which soccer is not the main sport (as otherwise, it would be called football). The US mens national team can at least get to the World Cup once in 30 years, although you might argue that Australia has some bigger stars (Kewell, Viduka, Emerton and Tim Cahill who got sent off for celebrating a goal - totally ridiculous).

Soccer is no longer available on free to air television here either, after the biggest (and soon to be only) subscription TV service bought the full rights to the Premier League, even though they don't plan on showing all the games (luckily, they still show Arsenal games, but Man United fans are already complaining about the lack of coverage). Luckily, it's not too expensive (about $AUD 600 per year, or £ 230 / $USD 400 - this is for the whole package, including the non sports channels), and there's no pay-per-view crap here. The other option is to get satellite at home or at pubs and get coverage from Asia/Sky Sports.

[DAFT]

Help...

Tv is one of the biggest hurdles soccer has in the US. We have thousands of stations in this country, but only 5 to 10 national stations that really market major sports. this is the trick. soccer could be the biggest thing in Richmond, Va. but only gets coverage there. It doesn't take a deegree in marketing to realize that if you televise soccer to the already faithful, whle you might get higher ratings, you lose the potential to expand the interest of the game in areas that have less exposure. ESPN is our national sports network and has 3 or 4 lesser sporting channels ie ESPN2, ESPN3, etc.) the higher the number, the less popular the sport. soccer is on late nights or Sunday mornings with bowling and 9 ball touris', that is not a good spot for the worlds most popular game. To make this sport a titan we need more friendly matches in the states. I would love to see a Man U game against the Metro Stars or DC U. Sure Man U would in all likelyhood destroy the Yanks but its that kind of matchup that brings out the best in athletes. When I played American Football in college, the better the team, the better the game I would have. win or lose, you would see a better US program emerge from the ashes of defeat. Am I wrong in assuming that if a player is tops in a small arena he must seek the challenge of the greatest players to see where he stands? In my experience, the one thing that showed the true measure of a man in sports was his mindset to win, from minute one to the end of injury, he never let the scoreboard beat him. Send your best, we need them to show the public who our heros truely are.

[Oriphus]

Sorry Guys, ive been away for a bit there. Need to get back to some regular banter on this thread now that the season has started.

Well, what about the new United team since we have gotten our blessed Rio Ferdinand back in defense and our great Rudd Van the Man Nistelrooy. Thats the best start to a match we have had in a long time. We hit the woodwork twice, once was an amazing effort from Ronaldo. Then we eventually scored from a great Silvestre header when he was completely unmarked.

All-in-all, i think we were excellent. The chances that Heinze and Van Nistelrooy had, as well as what shouldve definitely been a penalty for Rudd when he was pulled down in the box. Im really looking forward to the rest of the season now that i can see how we can play.

What we need is Gary Neville back in the side and the defense should be pretty rock solid. Im really looking forward to seeing Wayne Rooney playing for us on the 3rd October against Boro i think. That should be excellent, though im aware that it ay take him a while to settle into the side and start playing top football like he has done in the past. I remember th ematch he played against Arsenal were he hit the post 3 times. We need him playing like that, except not hitting posts, but scoring.

My Real Betis are not doing so well at the minute in the Spanish league either. Denilson should be abck in a month or so, and we signed Edu and another top Brazilian. WE are 4th from bottom and lost to Osasuna, but we should hopefully come back against Athletico Bilbao....hopefully

Arsenal, still looking like a good team. Their record is impressive, but what is more impressive? Their record of non defeats, or our record of 28 League wins? LOL we know what i think

[DAFT]

Sharing resorces

you guys have any thoughts on the NFL. alot of strange happenings this weekend, Giants beating Redskins is astounding. Jets are a great club this year but they are the most annoying team because of their fans. god i hate them, and i'm disapointed in the green ba loss. looks like they had Farves' Number that day. The real story is the Manning brothers. Payton is great, and i think after this season, his brother will be the starter on the giants. never thought i'd see a power offense on that team. usually a defense/ so-so offense set up. Defense not the focus in Coughlins mind. Back in 86' he was the Offensive Coordinator for the Parcel Giants. This man loves to split backfields and pass. It will be interesting to see how it turns out. he has no were to go but up, last season was a 4-12 mess. Ibelieve if Man U had a season like this there would be alot of layoffs. i'll give you guys the NFL highlights and you keep me in line with the Euro Football ok.

[admin]

Welcome back Oriphus. Is it just a coincidence that your return coincides with the only decent result lately for Man United?

Liverpool were poor. Remember this is the same team that lost to Bolton (whereas you drew with them, albeit with a suspect handball - in fact, there have been suspect handballs in your last 3 league games that lead to goals, so United have been enjoying some very good luck lately, not to lose all those games). I rated Liverpool at the start of the season, but didn't expect them to sell Owen (and at least expected them to get a replacement). I think this will hurt them more than they like to admit.

We are going through some bad form at the moment, but still have picked up 7 points out of 9 (including Europe), so I can't complain. Sol Campbell should be back this week, and van Persie should be playing soon, as Wenger really rates him, maybe even more than Reyes. We've already played the current 3rd, 4th and 6th teams, again 7 out of 9 points. Looking good at the moment with Chelsea struggling to score goals having loaned out their best striker (Forsell), released the second best (Hasselbaink) and loaned out and benched the third/fourth best (Crespo and Mutu).

Their record is impressive, but what is more impressive?Their record of non defeats, or our record of 28 League wins?

I guess the record that people give out special names for is the most impressive. Arsenal "The Invincibles" does have a nice ring to it

[Oriphus]

lol - it is merely a coincidence that my first post in a while has been after a victory over Liverpool I agree that Liverpool started poor, but irrespective of that we still did look very good in my opinion. It felt like the real United were coming back, although there was still ablunder in defense for us, most unfortunate. I enjoyed the win and particularly enjoyed the magnificent performance of Rio Ferdinand - he looked sooo good. His first touch of the ball was a cracker dummy outside his own box.

On more positive news for United, Wayne Rooney may be fit for a substitue appearance against Spurs tomorrow, which would be great to see. I would love to see a Rooney - Nistelrooy partnersship develop and a Smith - Saha partnership. I have to admit, apart from RvN, who is already a top top striker, our other 3 main strikers are looking exceptionally good. Im not of course including Bellion or the fantastic Forlan, as i really dont see them fitting into the picture much now. With rio back in defense, Heinze now playing for us, and Gary Neville coming back soon, United are starting to look like a team that will perform.

Im very mucheagerly anticipating the game tomorrow for us and i really cant wait for the match on the 24/25th of October when we beat Arsenal 3-1

Arsenal are still looking good though. In my opinion they have bought two of the most promising players in a while Reyes and Van Persie should be big stars, Reyes gtting there already.

"Arsenal the Invincible" - hahaha - we;ll see in October my friend lol

[admin]

Well, Man United have been performing like a very average mid table team recently, so you can't really get any worse at the moment with the players you've got. I still think you need to find replacements for Keane, Giggs and Scholes, if not for this season, then for the next. Those three are key players and are the reasons you were so successful in the past. Alan Smith for the scholes role?

Im not of course including Bellion or the fantastic Forlan

I don't know how to break this to you, but while you were away, Forlan was sold to Villarreal (and scored on his debut). It will be a big loss for United, I mean, who's going to miss all those easy chances now???

As for "The Invicibles", we'll lose sooner or later. I'd rather we lose to United or Liverpool or Newcastle, than Chelsea or some smaller team (and hopefully not to Spurs, or we'll never hear the end of it). I don't think anyone is taking much notice of the record now, which is either at 45 or 46 games, although we still have the all time world record to break (Juve's, I think - we'll have to be unbeaten until Christmas to beat that record).

[Oriphus]

Bloody Hell, while i was away Forlan was sold.....I didnt even belive you until i went and checked it. About time to in my opinion. What im wondering is how i never heard anything about even though i get updates to my phone about everything to do with United. Its a good move for United as he really just wasnt fitting into the squad. I have gotten to watch any Spanish La Liga yet as ive been so busy.

Yeah, I think that Alan Smith would make a great long term replacement for Scholes. However, I really dont think that United need to be replacing Scholes, Keane or Giggs yet. Keane is so solid when he plays for us. Very few people will get passed him one on one and very few people will get a shot in on goal when he is in theirway. However, I am noticing his defensive attributes a lot more now than his attacking. His ball control in my opinion is still one of the best in the premiership. He'll still have another season or two with us.

As for Giggs, he is still an amazing attacking force for us. Ronaldo going down one side and Giggs on the other side is gonig to be a problem for any team. Scholes will be back in form son. Like Zidane, Scholes will now benefit from no longer playing international football. If only Alex Ferguson would play Scholes in his favurite position we would see a much better performance.

I hear that Arsene Wenger is lookin at Shaun Wright-Philips as a possible targt in the Jnuary transfer window. He is an excellent player.

Didnt Juventus get nearly 2 seasons going unbeaten? Im a big fan of Juve, hope they do well this year.

Come on Real Betis, we need a win against Athletico cuz we're somewhere like 17th or so. Also want a good result from River Plate. And....of course, spurs will get a hammering - i hope lol. I'll also be supporting Norwich against Liverpool

[DAFT]

for all you interested in NFL here goes. this sunday is going to be tough on some, (must win for tampa with 0-2) and some strange reunions(tampa bay coach to play oakland in a very uphill battle). Only 5 teams have ever made the playoffs from 0-2 start and never 0-3 so this is a tough spot for tampa.
green bay will face off against the colts and this is the real game sunday guys. A quarterback duel to rival the OK corral. after a tough loss to the bears ( first loss to the bears people) they got something to prove.
miami and pitt...
I got nothin'. without Williams the running game is gone, no really it's dissapeared compleatly and leaves the Dolphins flat to me. never really liked them, (not a big AL supporter) but Williams was great to watch.
I'll keep you posted and would anyone have an accurate price for a Man U Home jersey. They are Pricy here...

[Oriphus]

A Man Utd Jersey should be around $65 in the US

[john179]

Rooney will start his career for Utd tomorrow night in Europe from the bench.Do all you reds out there believe as i do that Fergie will get even more out of him than sven does.

[DAFT]

yea I agree that they should be that price but the last one I saw was 100+ US so if there are any good sites for buying that you know of I'd appreciate the info...........

[Oriphus]

Hi Daft, im afraid i dont know of any US sites selling them. Try Kitbag.com maybe?

Wayne Rooney will either start tonight or make a substitute appearance against the team that ended Uniteds 40 year unbeaten record in all European competitions at Old trafford. Now theres a statistic for you Admin

Sir Alex is renowned for getting the best out of potentials. I dont rate Sven as a manager at all. I think he is pretty useless with his head somewhere up his midrift so i definitely think Sir ALex will get the best from Rooney. Look at how Ronaldo is progressing. Look what happened with Scholes, Giggs, Beckham, Nevilles, etc at the club. Look how Solskjaer progressed. Excellent manager.

Im really looking forward to match tonight. Unfortunately i wont be able to comment until Sunday cuz im outta the country then. Will see you all then