The Soccer Thread (Version 13) — Winter World Cup Edition

The 4 goals in the 2 semifinal games were all fantastic. Especially yesterday.

 

Back in my day, the only time someone would take deliberate penalties was when they wanted to get in the penalty box all by themself...

 

I was listening to the second half in the car running an errand and the broadcaster kept referring to AC as "Mee-lahn." He was non-American, but I was confused because I always pronounced it "m'lawn."

 

That is the way it’s pronounced. James Richardson explained why years ago on a podcast but I can’t remember why — maybe something to do with the fact that it was founded by Englishmen.

I know that the Italians refer to the coach as “Mee-ster” because the English, who brought them the game, used to call the Coach “Mister”.

 

What's the status of Serie A? I always thought it was well below Premier League and the fifth league. Plus a few gambling scandals don't help.

 

Maybe the fourth-best league in the world? Would probably put the Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga ahead of it (not necessarily in that order). Would place Serie A ahead of France Ligue 1 just because of depth.

 

France is definitely No. 5 in the pecking order. PSG, Marseille, Lyon and Monaco are the big 4 (Saint-Etienne might have made it a quintet but they were relegated). Below that it's a coin flip whether any of the rest could hang in the EPL without the drop.

If you're looking for an underfrog in Ligue 1, support Rennes, who have always been quite good but never have won the championship. 66 years in Ligue 1 and nary a title.

 

Oof, Celtic thumped by Rangers, 3-0.

 

Adieu, Southampton.

 

For those of you who are familiar with the National League, Notts County won the playoffs but they did it the extra hard way.

Today at Wembley, Notts' goalie gave up a penalty in the first six minutes, then they score an 88th-minute equalizer on a free kick, give up another goal in extra time, equalize in the 107th minute. They go to penalties and, up 3-2 in the fourth round, Notts' kicker takes a Panenka and hits the crossbar and then they win in the next round anyway.

 

Honestly, I love it when people eat shit on the panenka.