Premier League

[MC KAos]

And if the US does qualify I think they play Belgium in the next game and get dispatched fairly easily

Maybe Germany will pull an England and we can win the group

 

[jterrell]

Maybe Germany will pull an England and we can win the group

Germany is Germany, pretty hard for them to ever England....

But I could see them playing at 75% against their former star and resting guys if they are clear before game 3.

IMHO:
Germany beats Port and Ghana.
Ghana loses to us and Germany.
We tie Port, beat Ghana...
Port ties US, loses to Germany

Then Port beats Ghana and we tie a half-hearted Germany to advance.

7 points Germany
5 points US
4 points Port
0 points Ghana

 

[RastaRocket]

Germany is Germany, pretty hard for them to ever England....

But I could see them playing at 75% against their former star and resting guys if they are clear before game 3.

IMHO:
Germany beats Port and Ghana.
Ghana loses to us and Germany.
We tie Port, beat Ghana...
Port ties US, loses to Germany

Then Port beats Ghana and we tie a half-hearted Germany to advance.

7 points Germany
5 points US
4 points Port
0 points Ghana

Wishful thinking, but it's possible. US has scraped out some games they shouldn't before.

 

[RastaRocket]

Well, as long as Barcelona takes down Atletico I will be happy with this season.

 

[daschoo]

Think Argentina will win it. My best/most intriguing/daftest bet though is each way on Edin Dzeko to be top scorer. Getting odds of 100/1 with quarter odds for the top 4, was top 5 a few weeks ago. I can see Bosnia surprising folk and getting to the quarter finals or possibly even the semis which would give him plenty of playing time. Coupled with being in a group with Iran and Nigeria I reckon the odds are far too generous. Far from a sure thing but that's my main interest bet for the tournament, nearly won a fortune last time out by backing a Germany v Uruaguay final, Germany to win it and Forlan as top goalscorer.
Looking forward to enjoying a month of football and supporting any teams with Celtic connections (hopefully Forster stays on the bench for England)

 

[MC KAos]

Maybe its my Latin bias, but I just don't see a euro team winning a World Cup in South America. I think (and realistically hope) it will be Argentina vs Brazil, that would be an epic final. I LOVE Uruguay, I cheer for them more than any other country outside of the US, but their defense is too leaky i just don't see them beating the super elite teams in this tourney (Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Spain are the super elite teams IMO, they could beat anyone else)

 

[MC KAos]

Anywho, went to Walgreens to get my panini World Cup sticker album, but they were out! Luckily kroger still had some! Came with 10 stickers, I got some pretty nice players! Buffon, casillas, david luis, mascherano and Michael Bradley! I ordered a pack of 50 from amazon yesterday! Man this takes me back to my youth! I hadn't done these since the 98 World Cup

 

[windward]

It's Derby County vs QPR for the last EPL promotion spot on May 24th at Wembley.

 

[joseephuss]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...triumph-in-europe-despite-premier-league-snub

Juan Agudelo Can Still Triumph in Europe Despite Premier League Snub

Moving from the MLS to the big leagues of Europe is never an easy task for a footballer, but it is made all the more difficult when you are refused a work permit to ply your trade.

This is what has happened to Juan Agudelo, not once, but twice, and his dream of appearing in the Premier League appears to be over, at least for now.

The 21-year-old signed for Stoke City from New England Revolution in January, with the Potters knowing that the work permit situation was a problem. Agudelo's move was originally cancelled due to the failure of the work permit application. However, Stoke went through with the move anyway, loaning the striker out to Dutch side FC Utrecht in an attempt to retrieve the situation.

It has not been a move that has worked out well for Mark Hughes' side, with the UK Home Office turning down the second application on Friday. This has left the Welshman bemoaning the system that has seen his January signing fail to turn out in red and white.

 

[joseephuss]

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/barcelona-great-carlos-puyol-retires-1.2644188

Barcelona great Carlos Puyol retires

 

[BigDGarciaFan]

congrats to Arsenal: Champions of the FA Cup after defeating Hull City 3-2 in extra time

 

[JBS]

congrats to atletico. what an unbelievable season. just my opinion, but they were the best side in la liga this year. completely deserving of the title.

heres to hoping they dont win any other titles. we have our hands FULL on Saturday in the CL Final, that much I am certain of.

 

[joseephuss]

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27519596

Celtic: Neil Lennon exits but will help find successor

Neil Lennon has confirmed he has left Celtic after four years as manager and will help the club find his successor.

It is understood the former club captain had been considering his position for some time despite securing a third straight Scottish title.

The 42-year-old Northern Irishman told Celtic's website: "I have supported Celtic all my life and the club will always be part of me.

"However, I feel the time is now right to move on to a new challenge."

 

[joseephuss]

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/310011.html

Lampard and Cole released by Chelsea

Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Samuel Eto'o looks set to leave Chelsea this summer following the expiry of their contracts.

The club have yet to comment, but the trio are included on the list of released players submitted to the Premier League.

Although they could yet be retained, the list indicates that offers to extend their deals have not been made.

 

[jterrell]

Chelsea:
Out- Luiz(40+m to PSG), Lampard, Cole, Eto'o free release. all guys who lost starting jobs.

Looks certain they will swap Torres for Costa plus 30m.
Looks like they'll recall and keep Lukaku... not sure on Courtois but even he expects to play at Chelsea this season.

Replacing Luiz is interesting... player has to fit in midfield with Matic.

Striker trio of Costa, Lukaku, Ba works for me.


/salute Cole/Lampard great job lads and all the best in the future.

 

[UKCowboysFan]

Chelsea:
Out- Luiz(40+m to PSG), Lampard, Cole, Eto'o free release. all guys who lost starting jobs.

Looks certain they will swap Torres for Costa plus 30m.
Looks like they'll recall and keep Lukaku... not sure on Courtois but even he expects to play at Chelsea this season.

Replacing Luiz is interesting... player has to fit in midfield with Matic.

Striker trio of Costa, Lukaku, Ba works for me.


/salute Cole/Lampard great job lads and all the best in the future.

From what I have read Atletico don't really want Torres back, so not sure that will happen (although Chelsea will surely still try & get Costa).

Getting rid of Luiz makes them stronger, a liability as a defender and they will have better options in midfield.

Courtois has been in the press over here saying he doesn't expect to be at Chelsea, as he can't see either him or Cech settling for being a backup.

Lukaku is the most interesting one of them, several reports suggested Chelsea were trying to offload him last season (which seems bonkers) so wouldn't be surprised to see him out on loan again. Maybe he will be loaned to Atletico as part of a deal to bring in Costa

 

[joseephuss]

Chelsea:
Out- Luiz(40+m to PSG), Lampard, Cole, Eto'o free release. all guys who lost starting jobs.

Looks certain they will swap Torres for Costa plus 30m.
Looks like they'll recall and keep Lukaku... not sure on Courtois but even he expects to play at Chelsea this season.

Replacing Luiz is interesting... player has to fit in midfield with Matic.

Striker trio of Costa, Lukaku, Ba works for me.


/salute Cole/Lampard great job lads and all the best in the future.

Worst case is they stick with Ramires who already plays in that midfield role along side Matic. Rumors are they will target Paul Pogba, Koke, and Paulinho.

I'm a huge Cech fan, but now is the time to start the new era. Bring back Courtois and shake Cech's hand and wish him well. You can't keep them both around. Like QBs, if you have two then you have none. It also doesn't make sense to loan out Courtois for yet another season. Sell Cech and move forward.

The Luiz sale puts Chelsea in a great spot. It gives them great options in terms of FFP. I don't know how PSG was able to spend so much considering they were already facing penalties for thwarting FFP rules. Shows how silly those rules can be.

 

[MC KAos]

Man that goal hurt! I hope atleti win this for their own sake

 

[joseephuss]

That makes #10. It has been an enjoyable game. I was pulling for the upset, but they just got worn down.

 

[JBS]

What an unbelievable victory .Im just recovering now. Real dominated nearly the entire match, they deserved to win, but that was far too close for my liking. Atletico are an incredible side, I have so much respect for Simeone and his squad. Their defense is as good as it gets.

I damn near jumped out of my clothes when ramos scored. What an up and down season for that guy, but my goodness did he come through at the biggest moment.

Definitely one for the ages. So pumped