The Soccer Thread (IV)

Because reckless World Cup optimism is as English as skying a penalty over the bar. And because maybe Capello will have the stones to actually play for the win in extra-time?

Even though it's only a friendly, I'll be interested to see what happens against Brazil next month. They don't have to win, but if they can stand up to the Brazilians, that'll make me feel good.

 

You're not a Liverpool fan, by any chance?

 

I think they worry too much about the goalkeeper rather than just concentrating on their shot. That ends up getting them rattled, messing up their concentration and the kick.

 

No, although I do have a pretty sweet 1984 European Cup final throwback.

 

I'll join in the drum banging as well. It was horrific what happened in the accident, but as far as Davies goes, he let a lot of people down and showed no professionalism with his actions being out at 3 a.m. and breaking curfew. Nothing good can come of being out that late, and he was supposed to be preparing to help his teammates win a game. I hope he can recover and play soccer again, but obviously he showed a lack of good judgement.

 

Glad I'm not alone on this.

Tragic situation, brought on at least partly by his own irresponsibility.

And welcome back, GB-Hack.

 

At his age we all had lapses in judgment, but none of us were so scrutinized for it. Charlie is just a kid and deserves to get a bit of slack.

EDIT: Villa have a crystal clear penalty not given, then Drogba scores a beauty soon after. Shame if that bad call decides the game.

 

Well, Villa managed to get back on even terms by halftime, so we've got a pretty interesting second half ahead.

Dangerous free kick for Chelsea here.

Drogba wastes it, and Villa goes up the other end and scores from a corner. This is a seriously good game.

 

Match over.

2-1 Aston Villa. Bad move by the Chelsea keeper on that second goal.

 

Bad marking by Chelsea on both goals, both coming from corners.

Sunderland has an early lead on a Liverpool side that is missing both Gerard and Torres.

 

What's with the stripes on the field at Old Trafford? Was there a gridiron game of football played there?

 

If memory serves, the Super League (rugby league) Grand Final between St. Helens and Leeds was held there last Saturday.