The Soccer thread (Part II)

Sadly that is due to the stadium. Their fans were located somewhat below the broadcast booths. We were located behind the goal (only one side is open). Thus, when they chanted it radiated off the opposite side which was closer to them then the opposite side to us.

So, nope, you can't really hear us too well. Especially since our numbers have dwindled and sort of just fluctuated throughout the years. Our location sucks though. It really makes it hard to hear us.

 

So anyway, Rooney's going to be out 2 months.

And that means, according to my crystal ball, that England are in trouble. Crouch is also suspended for the Israel game, and Terry may not be fit in time.

If all those are true, here's what I would do if I were Steve McClaran

--------------------Robinson-----------------

Brown------Ferdinand-----Carragher-----A.Cole

------J. Cole--------Carrick---------Downing---

------------Lampard--------Gerrard------------

---------------------Owen---------------------

 

Going with the old Christmas tree, eh?

I don't think Israel has much of a shot at winning. But with Rooney out, England is almost as dearth at forward as the US.

 

I think this way you get Lampard and Gerrard in a situation where they can play together, and Downing and Joe Cole give some good width. Carrick played great against Reading, and can pull the strings in the middle.

 

Did Carragher decide to come out of his proclaimed international retirement?

 

McClaran's working on him. He was on the bench for the last game before he said that, so I think he can be brought back aboard.

 

He's an average Scouser. Carragher will play, I think.

 

I found it funny that a member of the Canadian media asked Bruce Arena after the game if he thought Jozy Altidore instigated the crowd to throw a beer bottle at his head when he ran towards them while giving a shush sign after scoring his second goal to make it 3-0, Arena handled it well by saying:

"Fans pay for tickets and they are allowed to express their frustration verbally, that's for sure. I don't know if you call that taunting, what Jozy did. I don't think it as anything that drastic that it invites people throwing objects. I think that is inexcusable at any sporting event."

a good pic of what Jozy did here:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=soc-mls/indexpic.htm

 

I saw what Jozy did live. Didn't see anything wrong with it, it's been done hundreds of times before. Donovan did the same in the SuperLiga game against Dallas, I think after the sixth goal, complete with a throat-slash.

Nothing wrong with Jozy. Something wrong with the fans throwing something.

 

Are you presuming Beckham to be out?
Or not worthy of inclusion?

 

I am presuming Beckham to not match fit by the time Germany, Israel and Russia come around. If he's available, I slot him into Downing's position.

 

I like Hack's formation there. (But I'm admittedly a fanboy for Lampard and Gerrard.)

I think Beckham won't be ready in time, or might be a late sub like he's doing for LAG.