*Official* English Football Season 2006-07

[roseboy64]

Who scored?Hoping somehow Celtic can sneak one.

 

[Simon]

Awesome result for us at Arsenal. Alex is so powerful in the air, what an excellent goal, geez this is great, hopefully we can draw someone other than AC in the quarters and we are a chance of going through.

 

[Steulen]

Yes, brilliant result for PSV . Hope they get Bayern in the quarters.

 

[Simon]

Yes, brilliant result for PSV . Hope they get Bayern in the quarters.

im hoping Valencia and then they get kicked out for what happened against Inter. Ah I can dream cant i?

 

[Craig]

Why hopefully?

I know Andy Gray concurs with such a thought regarding Inter's future expulsion but then the tirade and his comment regarding if it was an English club. Simply led me to believe his Scaly in disguise.

Valencia created the needle and instigated the mass brawl at the Mestalla, David Navarro is not an Inter player and his forearm smash on Nicolas Burdisso is the incident which saw a little bit of handbags turn into a fall scale brawl. Navarro had no right to get involved; he was bench warming all night but give him credit he showed great pace to get away from Ivan Cordoba because if he caught him, Navarro would be consuming liquids through a straw for a couple of weeks.

Inter, deservedly should get punished but I can not see why their punishment should be worse than Valencia’s. Matter of the fact is, if Navarro did not forearm smash anyone then Inter would have bemoaned their luck for a few minutes and then begrudgingly preceded off the pitch, Navarro’s piece of ‘thuggery’ changed the whole situation and for that reason, Valencia should be fully accountable. And it’s no surprise to see Navarro come out and give a full scale apologise whilst most of his team-mates have also apologised full letting themselves lose control and taking the shine of what is a great result, considering Inter were easily the better team over the two legs.

The Nerazzurri do have bad rep which they bring on themselves but Los Ches are no way the innocent party in all of this and its ridclious how people can suggest otherwise.


For anyone that did not catch it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI1LuWs24aQ

Anyhow, great night of Champions League football, shame about Hilton would have been great if Chelsea got done over by Porto but elsewhere goal of the night down in Rhône. And its good to see Roma progress, any team that plays so outside conventional wisdom and thinks playing no strikers but just six midfielders who alternate at different times as a forward is fantastically refreshing. Can not see them progressing any further unless they get say a PSV but a really good team to watch.

And here's the Roma goal in question.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryYjGiUu8RA

If UEFA won't kick Inter out for the crowd violence against Milan two years ago in the Champions League, then why now, when it was just a brawl? It is being made to sound like Cordoba or Cruz chased Navarro with a knife and shanked (stabbed) him.

I may sound biased, but if Inter got kicked out, then why not Lillee?

Glad Roma won though, will rather they win it then anybody else, especially Milan

Actually I take that back, would rather PSV got it first.

 

[TT Boy]

If UEFA won't kick Inter out for the crowd violence against Milan two years ago in the Champions League, then why now, when it was just a brawl? It is being made to sound like Cordoba or Cruz chased Navarro with a knife and shanked (stabbed) him.

Inter statement regarding the 'brawl', pretty much the sentiments I hold. Although, IMO they should be accountable for their reaction. Christian Chivu of Roma also sustained a broken noise I believe against Lyon, in a quite malicious and calculated blow by Fred but Roma just got on with their business and did not overreact, Inter's response was a overdoing it a little. Though, I do understand why the likes of Cordoba, Cruz and Dacourt would want to lay into Navarro, two wrongs don't make a right.

"Further to the disconcerting incidents of aggression that took place in Valencia, F.C. Internazionale cannot underestimate or forget the fact that it was the victim of an absolutely serious situation, which arose from the physical aggression towards one of its players, who sustained a broken nose after being provoked. Any reaction that occurred was consequent to this unjustifiable episode; reactions that saw a player hit in cold blood at the end of the match and without any reason, when efforts had already been made to restore the calm after verbal provocations, which also came at the end of the match, and were directed at the same Inter player. What happened should have been prevented beforehand.

In consideration of the atmosphere inside and outside the stadium, both before and after the match, including the banner bearing the word 'Vendetta', which goes against all the rules of fair play, the club feels it should defend its image and that of its players, and point out the organisational limits of security which led to further confusion, both after the assault on Nicolas Burdisso and while all Inter officials were busy accompanying their players back to the dressing room.

For this reason, and certain that the exact evaluation of the facts that saw F.C. Internazionale become a victim of provocations and assaults will not have escaped the attention of UEFA, the club announces that it will assert its rights in all relevant courts, and with all the resources at its disposal."

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=25762&L=en

 

[TT Boy]

Glad Roma won though, will rather they win it then anybody else, especially Milan

Actually I take that back, would rather PSV got it first.

AC simply deserved to go through on the basis they were the only team who wanted to win in normal time and in both legs they were easily the superior team. Personally, I did not think Celtic's tactics were brave; they were pretty ****ing stupid in my opinion. AC did all the running in both legs and had over 30 shots last night, yet Celtic were heroic in defeat. Any other night, four of Kaka's 15,000 pot shots would have gone in the goal and Celtic would have been made to look as bad as they really are. The teams that have troubled AC this year are the teams who give them a game and attack, sitting around playing with your ass and expecting a Dida **** up is not a plausible way of winning Champions League encounters against decent opposition.

You could argue PSV came to London last night and did pretty much the same and I would probably agree (PSV were fortunate) but PSV did at least show some intent and have the quality up front to play a defensively orientated game which looks for the quick counter. Celtic can not defend at the best of times so trying to contain AC Milan was simply illogical. At least when they played Man U they tried to attack, they didn’t last night and got what they deserved.

 

[Craig]

Inter statement regarding the 'brawl', pretty much the sentiments I hold. Although, IMO they should be accountable for their reaction. Christian Chivu of Roma also sustained a broken noise I believe against Lyon, in a quite malicious and calculated blow by Fred but Roma just got on with their business and did not overreact, Inter's response was a overdoing it a little. Though, I do understand why the likes of Cordoba, Cruz and Dacourt would want to lay into Navarro, two wrongs don't make a right.

"Further to the disconcerting incidents of aggression that took place in Valencia, F.C. Internazionale cannot underestimate or forget the fact that it was the victim of an absolutely serious situation, which arose from the physical aggression towards one of its players, who sustained a broken nose after being provoked. Any reaction that occurred was consequent to this unjustifiable episode; reactions that saw a player hit in cold blood at the end of the match and without any reason, when efforts had already been made to restore the calm after verbal provocations, which also came at the end of the match, and were directed at the same Inter player. What happened should have been prevented beforehand.

In consideration of the atmosphere inside and outside the stadium, both before and after the match, including the banner bearing the word 'Vendetta', which goes against all the rules of fair play, the club feels it should defend its image and that of its players, and point out the organisational limits of security which led to further confusion, both after the assault on Nicolas Burdisso and while all Inter officials were busy accompanying their players back to the dressing room.

For this reason, and certain that the exact evaluation of the facts that saw F.C. Internazionale become a victim of provocations and assaults will not have escaped the attention of UEFA, the club announces that it will assert its rights in all relevant courts, and with all the resources at its disposal."

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=25762&L=en

The stupid thing about it is if he had left Carlos Marchena annd Burdisso alone, it would have been sorted and both players would probably shake hands over it after the game. And it was actually Douglas Maicon who was with Cruz and Cordoba who chased Navarro. Must say this is the first time I have seen Cruz do such a thing as he is usally quite mild tempered player, though it would be a different case where it Vieria or Ibrahimovic.

If the match showed one thing is that Inter need at least one more holding midfielder in the summer transfer window. Vince Grella's name has been branded about, but as far I know nothing has come of it.

 

[Pup Clarke]

Inter and Valencia should get a suitable punishment from UEFA which reflects the disgraceful scenes on tuesday.Valencia IMO should be chucked out of the competition.These players don't deserve to play the beautiful game andwannabe macho men and prima donners are taking over.I hope Navarro faces police charges as Richard Keys rightly pointed out that you would get arrested and charged with GBH if that was on a street.Going back to the football I feel Inter are a massively overrated club IMO.They seem to buy 7 or 8 supposedly "world class" players every season but they have never delivered.Italian football is at such a low just now.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Christ only the Geordies could wear black and white stripes and have the player name lettering in all white. I was wondering who the hell 'ar' and 'Seri' were.

 

[Scaly piscine]

I wish the utterly moronic commentators on TV would learn the handball rule. Ball is hit at a player's arm, he has no time to get out of the way and the two idiot commentators say they can have no complaints over it being a penalty...

Do they even know what deliberate means?

Roeder got what he deserved for his negative and stupid substitution at 4-1 anyway. Not great goalkeeping or defending on the penalty either.

 

[Craig]

Inter and Valencia should get a suitable punishment from UEFA which reflects the disgraceful scenes on tuesday.Valencia IMO should be chucked out of the competition.These players don't deserve to play the beautiful game andwannabe macho men and prima donners are taking over.I hope Navarro faces police charges as Richard Keys rightly pointed out that you would get arrested and charged with GBH if that was on a street.Going back to the football I feel Inter are a massively overrated club IMO.They seem to buy 7 or 8 supposedly "world class" players every season but they have never delivered.Italian football is at such a low just now.

If Inter are "over-rated" then what does that make Real Madrid? Oh yeah, by the way, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Lyon all got knocked out, all over-rated as well (we all know Piscine's thoughts on the London club)?

Sure Juventus are in Serie B, but a 16 point gap can't be sneezed at, when there have been no easy games in there and nore is winning 17 games in a row.

If you said Celtic or Rangers were over-rated, then sure I would agree.

 

[Matteh]

I wish the utterly moronic commentators on TV would learn the handball rule. Ball is hit at a player's arm, he has no time to get out of the way and the two idiot commentators say they can have no complaints over it being a penalty...

Do they even know what deliberate means?

Roeder got what he deserved for his negative and stupid substitution at 4-1 anyway. Not great goalkeeping or defending on the penalty either.

Personally i think it should be if it hits your hand then it's a freekick/penalty automatically in the same way a 'foot' is in hockey.

 

[Pup Clarke]

If Inter are "over-rated" then what does that make Real Madrid? Oh yeah, by the way, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Lyon all got knocked out, all over-rated as well (we all know Piscine's thoughts on the London club)?

Sure Juventus are in Serie B, but a 16 point gap can't be sneezed at, when there have been no easy games in there and nore is winning 17 games in a row.

If you said Celtic or Rangers were over-rated, then sure I would agree.

Yes I agree about Real Madrid as being "overrated" but defenitely not Lyon if you were being serious.And I don't seem to understand when you say "when there have been no easy games".Do you think every team in Serie A plays to a good standard?.I agree that 17 wins on the trot is good but without Juventus I am not surprised that Inter are so far ahead.And by the way Rangers are sure as hell not over rated as nobody really rates them in the SPL or European teams (apart from Rangers fans). Celtic played pretty poor against an average A.C Milan team IMO apart from Kaka.I don't think they're "overated" as playing in the SPL doesn't make alot of people feel terribly optimistic about a team's chances in europe.

 

[Matteh]

And by the way Rangers are sure as hell not over rated as nobody really rates them in the SPL or European teams (apart from Rangers fans). Celtic played pretty poor against an average A.C Milan team IMO apart from Kaka.I don't think they're "overated" as playing in the SPL doesn't make alot of people feel terribly optimistic about a team's chances in europe.

Don't think anyone thinks much of Rangers these days as Celtic are so far ahead of them quality wise it's unreal. In Premiership terms i could see Celtic getting into Europe but Rangers these days would probably be fairly Man City-esque in that they'd stay up but always finish around the last 3 safe spots.

 

[Pup Clarke]

Rangers these days would probably be fairly Man City-esque in that they'd stay up but always finish around the last 3 safe spots.

TBH Rangers IMO are not much better than Watford,West Ham or Charlton.

 

[Pup Clarke]

The Champions League draw has been made
Quarters
AC Milan v Bayern Munich
PSV v Liverpool
Roma v Manchester United
Chelsea v Valencia

Semi Final
Chelsea or Valencia v PSV or Liverpool
Roma or Manchester United v AC Milan or Bayern Munich

 

[Barney Rubble]

The Champions League draw has been made
Quarters
AC Milan v Bayern Munich
PSV v Liverpool
Roma v Manchester United
Chelsea v Valencia

Semi Final
Chelsea or Valencia v PSV or Liverpool
Roma or Manchester United v AC Milan or Bayern Munich

Liverpool v AC Milan again anyone?

Doubt it, but it could happen. All-English final also a distinct possibility, which would be brilliant.

 

[GIMH]

Liverpool-United final would cause murder round these parts. Excellent/

 

[Matteh]

3 English clubs in the Quarters. Italy with 2 and then Holland, Germany, Spain represented. Premiership making a claim for best league in Europe.