Soccer Thread

[Alex]

Before I start rambling like the insane, crazed and passionate soccer fan that I am, is anybody else on here a fan of the beautiful game?

[Muttley]

Not crazed, but I like to watch it every now and then. I go to see quite a few Railhawks games here in Cary. I was also able to get to the US Women's Team's match against Australia here last Sunday. It was an awesome game. My ladyfriend is really into soccer and she played in college, so that's where I get most of my fanhood from.

[BIGCatBobcat]

I like it. I wish I had some where to get out and play with some old out of shape fattys. I love the fact that they show live EPL games on FSC. Fall I actually watch that instead of college football. My Dad is from England so he tells me history stuff and my Grandfather still talks to his friends back in England and although he doesn't watch, he keeps up with who is where on the table. Possibly the most passionate sports fans in the world are EPL fans. I wish we sang songs instead of the stupid announcer or the sound effects bs at Bobcats games. America chants the rest of the world sings.

[Alex]

True the crowd atmospheres are tremendous in European stadiums and really soccer stadiums around the world.

What a race for the EPL title this season huh? It's coming down to the very last two matchdays. Chelsea HAS to win both matches knowing that any slip up will be the end of their chances.

How about the same two teams fighting for the title meeting in the Champions League final a week after the season is over, tremendous stuff.

By the way I'm a Steaua Bucharest fan, I was born and lived in Bucharest, Romania for 12 years and my dad's passion for the sport and Steaua transferred to me naturally. I'm also gonna be rooting for Romania at EURO 2008 this summer. They'll need all the help they can get with that group.

[Greg_UK_EO50]

Chelsea fan here....

not the best season but a good attack on all competitions.

its difficult to compare football crowds to american sports crowds. i am lucky enough to have been to a lot of the top teams stadiums over here in england and the atmosphere is electric.

american crowds seem lively and i have seen the Kings and Ducks play in london which was cool, but have to agree with the singing as opposed to chanting theme.

the best thing about it over here is when a new signing arrives and the hardcore fans have to come up with a new song to fit his name!!!!!!

would still swap it to live in the US as i love the basketball and baseball!!!!

greg

[tamburello]

Greg, it should be a very heart breaking loss in CL final for you. Until 5th penalties, it was all for Chelsea but the captain...

It was really emotional to see Terry's tears. I was rooting for loss of ManU only because of Cristiano Ronaldo's playing there, but penalties are 90% luck. Nothing to do with them.

Chelsea was so close to capturing both League and CL titles. But it didn't happen. This doesn't make Chelsea's season not worth to remember. The matter is being and staying close to them. Look at Liverpool FC, they reached lots of SF's in CL for years, but they are in League race by no means for almost 20 years. So in this aspect, I find Chelsea successful this season. ManU has a very balanced squad and has a genius manager in Sir Alex Ferguson.

[Muttley]

Anybody watching EURO's out there?

David Villa was sick. As was the Netherlands.

[tamburello]

Anybody watching EURO's out there?

David Villa was sick. As was the Netherlands.
Of course. Netherlands and Spain have looked as early favourites, as Villa for top scorer. But anything can happen, you see Croatia defeated Germany. Romania may be a problem for Netherlands.

We also have a decent chance to go through.

[Muttley]

Tamb,

Turkey's game against Switzerland was real exciting. Arda coming through in injury time was great. Best of luck throughout the tournament.

[tamburello]

Thanks Muttley. After Arda's strike, I was delighted and lost my control for a few minutes :D. It was like a buzzer beater.

Tournament is full of surprises. Either France or Italy (maybe both) will be sent home. Netherlands crushed France after Italy. Sneijder's last goal was fabulous.

[Mustachio]

I wish i knew about this thread a long time ago.

Huge Tottenham fan, sorry Greg.

as far as Euro 2008 is going. I like Croatia to win it, and can't wait for Modric to put on a Spurs shirt.

[Mustachio]

Tamb i think we've talked about this before... but who is your favorite team again.

[tamburello]

Tamb i think we've talked about this before... but who is your favorite team again.

Although I'd like to see Turkey as champions, my favorite is Portugal. People generally consider Netherlands as favorites, but still I have some concerns about them. They have never trailed in a game, so we don't know how they would react it since they are scoring many goals from counter attacks.

But never, ever underestimate the teams like Italy and Germany. They are "tournament teams" and are always candidates for championships either they have been playing good or bad.

[ALong13]

There have been some phenomenal quarter final match-ups....3 going into extra time and 2 going to shoot-out...Croatia/Turkey had to be the best game thus far tho

[Muttley]

There have been some phenomenal quarter final match-ups....3 going into extra time and 2 going to shoot-out...Croatia/Turkey had to be the best game thus far tho

Croatia/Turkey was incredible. Nobody scores for 118 minutes, then BAM! BAM! PKs.

I'm really pulling for Turkey now, but it's going to be quite difficult to get past Germany in the Semis with all the disqualifications.

Also, can't get over Russia beating the Netherlands. There are two clear favorites and two clear underdogs in the next round. I'd like to see Turkey beat Spain for the championship, but it's not likely to go down that way.

[tamburello]

We have 2 critical suspended players for SF game, Arda and Tuncay. Also Nihat is injured and will not play. These reduce our chances dramatically, but we've shown enough that under no circumstances we give up. So anything is possible, whole Turkey is anxiously waiting the game :).

Also thumbs up for Guus Hiddink and Russia.

[Mustachio]

We have 2 critical suspended players for SF game, Arda and Tuncay. Also Nihat is injured and will not play. These reduce our chances dramatically, but we've shown enough that under no circumstances we give up. So anything is possible, whole Turkey is anxiously waiting the game :).

Also thumbs up for Guus Hiddink and Russia.


yeah without Tuncay you guys are toast.

but its been a heck of a ride. still cant believe Modric missed that PK.

[Muttley]

still cant believe Modric missed that PK.

Tell me about it! unbelievable.

[Alex]

What an unbelievable EURO 2008 that was! Too bad Romania didn't perform up to expectations :(.

Time to look forward to Steaua's season now and hopefully another qualification in the CL :biggrin: