Ultimate Football (Soccer) Thread (2013-2014)

[Western cuba]

walked into a bosnian cevapi restaurant to get some cevapi for the game...but i wore a USA shirt to see what reaction id get...i was refused service.

I truly think that's hilarious! It makes me miss the ethnic neighborhoods I used to have in Cleveland. I have none of it in the suburb I live in North Carolina.

And who do you think has made a bigger impact for the USA so far? Jozy or Jurgen? That goal by Jozy was brilliant and so was his pass to Johnson for the first goal. However though if Jurgen hadn't changed to a 4-4-2 in the second half that first goal would had never happened along with the mood of momentum that followed afterwards.

[DesAnges]

All predictions are done and the fantasy league team is sorted.

Bring on the new season.

[Osarius]

All predictions are done and the fantasy league team is sorted.

You predicted the whole season now?

[Serrland]

walked into a bosnian cevapi restaurant to get some cevapi for the game...but i wore a USA shirt to see what reaction id get...i was refused service.

I truly think that's hilarious! It makes me miss the ethnic neighborhoods I used to have in Cleveland. I have none of it in the suburb I live in North Carolina.

And who do you think has made a bigger impact for the USA so far? Jozy or Jurgen? That goal by Jozy was brilliant and so was his pass to Johnson for the first goal. However though if Jurgen hadn't changed to a 4-4-2 in the second half that first goal would had never happened along with the mood of momentum that followed afterwards.

It wasn't just the 4-4-2 switch. I'm guessing he sure chewed out Jermaine Jones at half time. In the first half, he kept the ball for too long, sometimes four or five seconds, without really doing anything with it. In the second half, he laid it off quickly when he came into possession. That made a huge difference. So too did Michael Bradley playing a more direct passing game in the second half - too often in the first half he was looking for lateral passes rather than playing it forward. Those two are really the catalysts for any good US performance, and they showed it again yesterday.

[DesAnges]

All predictions are done and the fantasy league team is sorted.

You predicted the whole season now?

I have supreme confidence.

Or something. Haven't actually doneithe whole season.

[Serrland]

Anyone up for an opening weekend minigame? Simply put a yes/no answer to each question - one point per correct response.

1. Will the first goal of the season be scored by a home team?
2. Will the first goal of the season be from a header?
3. Will the first yellow card of the season be shown to a home team?
4. Will there be a red card this weekend?
5. Will there be an own goal this weekend?
6. Will any of the newly promoted teams (Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Hull) win this weekend?
7. Will there be a hat trick this weekend?
8. Will any match have six or more total cards?
9. Will Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, or Christian Benteke score this weekend?
10. Will any of the new managers (Mourinho, Moyes, Pellegrini, Martinez, Hughes) win by a three goal margin on their debut?
11. Will there be two or more penalty kicks awarded?
12. Will Arsene Wenger wear that goofy coat even though it's August?

Tie-breaker: What will be the Home v. Away goal difference?

[Evil Lord Sauron]

1. Will the first goal of the season be scored by a home team? Yes
2. Will the first goal of the season be from a header? No
3. Will the first yellow card of the season be shown to a home team? No
4. Will there be a red card this weekend? Yes
5. Will there be an own goal this weekend? Yes
6. Will any of the newly promoted teams (Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Hull) win this weekend? Cardiff
7. Will there be a hat trick this weekend? No
8. Will any match have six or more total cards? No
9. Will Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, or Christian Benteke score this weekend? No
10. Will any of the new managers (Mourinho, Moyes, Pellegrini, Martinez, Hughes) win by a three goal margin on their debut? Yes
11. Will there be two or more penalty kicks awarded? Yes
12. Will Arsene Wenger wear that goofy coat even though it's August? Hell YES

Tie-breaker: What will be the Home v. Away goal difference? 8

[Western cuba]

Oh I can't wait any longer for Saturday, Manchester U vs. Swansea is going to be a great match on NBC. Bony and Michu should make to be an excellent combo this season.

[Evil Lord Sauron]

Oh I can't wait any longer for Saturday, Manchester U vs. Swansea is going to be a great match on NBC. Bony and Michu should make to be an excellent combo this season.

Agreed. Swansea have a really strong exciting team. And Taylor is back as well.

[I V Stalin]

NextGen series has been suspended for the coming season due to lack of funding. Hopefully it gets sorted for next year.

And Arsenal are going to miss out on another transfer target. Luis Gustavo this time, because Wenger is unwilling to spend another few million on him. Starting to get a bit annoyed now..

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

1. Will the first goal of the season be scored by a home team? No
2. Will the first goal of the season be from a header? No
3. Will the first yellow card of the season be shown to a home team? No
4. Will there be a red card this weekend? Yes
5. Will there be an own goal this weekend? No
6. Will any of the newly promoted teams (Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Hull) win this weekend? Yes (Cardiff)
7. Will there be a hat trick this weekend? No
8. Will any match have six or more total cards? No
9. Will Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, or Christian Benteke score this weekend? Yes
10. Will any of the new managers (Mourinho, Moyes, Pellegrini, Martinez, Hughes) win by a three goal margin on their debut? No
11. Will there be two or more penalty kicks awarded? Yes
12. Will Arsene Wenger wear that goofy coat even though it's August? No - Suit

[Serrland]

NextGen series has been suspended for the coming season due to lack of funding. Hopefully it gets sorted for next year.

And Arsenal are going to miss out on another transfer target. Luis Gustavo this time, because Wenger is unwilling to spend another few million on him. Starting to get a bit annoyed now..

I wonder what Keswick is thinking? IIRC he and the board supposedly gave Arsène liberty to spend a whole lot of money. And he's spent, what, nothing? Unless there is a signing I'm not remembering. Saw something in a Guardian transfer rumor column about Arsenal supposedly being interested in both Michu and Dzeko, but I can't see Dzeko being sold to a top 4 rival and Michu, well, not sure Laudrup would pull the trigger unless it's a massive, massive bid.

[Western cuba]

NextGen series has been suspended for the coming season due to lack of funding. Hopefully it gets sorted for next year.

And Arsenal are going to miss out on another transfer target. Luis Gustavo this time, because Wenger is unwilling to spend another few million on him. Starting to get a bit annoyed now..

I don't mind the fact that Luis Gustavo isn't going to the gunners, but the fact he was beat to the punch by Wolfsburg is sort of pathetic.

Maybe Arsenal is going for one last desperate large bid? The chances of getting Suarez are practically over, so I guess we'll have to stay tuned. However if Wenger doesnt' do anything in the transfer window and this year he fails to win any trophyware, this it will be the end of him at Arsenal.

[Elmo Logic]

Anyone up for an opening weekend minigame? Simply put a yes/no answer to each question - one point per correct response.

1. Will the first goal of the season be scored by a home team? Yes - it'll be scored by Gerrard
2. Will the first goal of the season be from a header? No
3. Will the first yellow card of the season be shown to a home team? Playing against Stoke? No way.
4. Will there be a red card this weekend? Yes
5. Will there be an own goal this weekend? errrm, OK then yes
6. Will any of the newly promoted teams (Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Hull) win this weekend? No
7. Will there be a hat trick this weekend? No
8. Will any match have six or more total cards? Yes
9. Will Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, or Christian Benteke score this weekend? Yes
10. Will any of the new managers (Mourinho, Moyes, Pellegrini, Martinez, Hughes) win by a three goal margin on their debut? No
11. Will there be two or more penalty kicks awarded? In the same match? No. Otherwise yes.
12. Will Arsene Wenger wear that goofy coat even though it's August? No, but he will do that 'taking a dump' mime.

Tie-breaker: What will be the Home v. Away goal difference? Fuck, I don't know, Let's say 35-22

[DesAnges]

Anyone up for an opening weekend minigame? Simply put a yes/no answer to each question - one point per correct response.

1. Will the first goal of the season be scored by a home team? Yes
2. Will the first goal of the season be from a header? Doubt it, we're a team of midgets
3. Will the first yellow card of the season be shown to a home team? Nope
4. Will there be a red card this weekend? Nope
5. Will there be an own goal this weekend? Sure why not
6. Will any of the newly promoted teams (Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Hull) win this weekend? Nope
7. Will there be a hat trick this weekend? Yes
8. Will any match have six or more total cards? Yes
9. Will Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, or Christian Benteke score this weekend? Yes
10. Will any of the new managers (Mourinho, Moyes, Pellegrini, Martinez, Hughes) win by a three goal margin on their debut? Yes
11. Will there be two or more penalty kicks awarded? Nope
12. Will Arsene Wenger wear that goofy coat even though it's August? Please dear God yes

Tie-breaker: What will be the Home v. Away goal difference? 4

[Pretty Awesome Persons]

Is it safe to say that we'll see Arsenal make Benayoun/Arteta/Andre Santos-like signings now?

How disappointing....

[I V Stalin]

NextGen series has been suspended for the coming season due to lack of funding. Hopefully it gets sorted for next year.

And Arsenal are going to miss out on another transfer target. Luis Gustavo this time, because Wenger is unwilling to spend another few million on him. Starting to get a bit annoyed now..

I don't mind the fact that Luis Gustavo isn't going to the gunners, but the fact he was beat to the punch by Wolfsburg is sort of pathetic.

Yeah, I'm sure had he had the choice of Arsenal or Wolfsburg it would have been difficult to turn down (possibly) Champions League football and, maybe (ha!) a title challenge. Wolfsburg were nearer relegation than the CL last season. I know Wenger doesn't like to overspend, but if you're prepared to pay £14-15m, why not £17m?

Maybe Arsenal is going for one last desperate large bid? The chances of getting Suarez are practically over, so I guess we'll have to stay tuned. However if Wenger doesnt' do anything in the transfer window and this year he fails to win any trophyware, this it will be the end of him at Arsenal.

It won't be the end, unless he wants to leave. I've got practically infinite patience with him*. No idea who's left; I mean, plenty of players have been linked to Arsenal, but Wenger very rarely comments on transfer speculation unless Arsenal have actually made a bid.

*at least until we finish below Spurs.

[I V Stalin]

Anyone up for an opening weekend minigame? Simply put a yes/no answer to each question - one point per correct response.

1. Will the first goal of the season be scored by a home team? Yeah, I don't see Stoke scoring.
2. Will the first goal of the season be from a header? No.
3. Will the first yellow card of the season be shown to a home team? When the other team is Stoke? Ha! No.
4. Will there be a red card this weekend? Yes.
5. Will there be an own goal this weekend? Yes.
6. Will any of the newly promoted teams (Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Hull) win this weekend? No, Cardiff could draw, Palace might conceivably draw, but Hull have no chance
7. Will there be a hat trick this weekend? No.
8. Will any match have six or more total cards? No.
9. Will Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, or Christian Benteke score this weekend? Yes, van Persie
10. Will any of the new managers (Mourinho, Moyes, Pellegrini, Martinez, Hughes) win by a three goal margin on their debut? I predicted a 5-1 win for Chelsea on predictthepremiership, so I guess I'm going to have to say yes.
11. Will there be two or more penalty kicks awarded? Yes.
12. Will Arsene Wenger wear that goofy coat even though it's August? Heh, no.

Tie-breaker: What will be the Home v. Away goal difference? 20-11

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

I don't mind the fact that Luis Gustavo isn't going to the gunners, but the fact he was beat to the punch by Wolfsburg is sort of pathetic.

Yeah, I'm sure had he had the choice of Arsenal or Wolfsburg it would have been difficult to turn down (possibly) Champions League football and, maybe (ha!) a title challenge. Wolfsburg were nearer relegation than the CL last season. I know Wenger doesn't like to overspend, but if you're prepared to pay £14-15m, why not £17m?

Maybe Arsenal is going for one last desperate large bid? The chances of getting Suarez are practically over, so I guess we'll have to stay tuned. However if Wenger doesnt' do anything in the transfer window and this year he fails to win any trophyware, this it will be the end of him at Arsenal.

It won't be the end, unless he wants to leave. I've got practically infinite patience with him*. No idea who's left; I mean, plenty of players have been linked to Arsenal, but Wenger very rarely comments on transfer speculation unless Arsenal have actually made a bid.

*at least until we finish below Spurs.

El Hadji Diouf is available

[Cosmopoles]

Fantasy team picked for my NSG title defence! Not revealing it though because I'm that sort of arsehole.

1. Will the first goal of the season be scored by a home team? Yes
2. Will the first goal of the season be from a header? No
3. Will the first yellow card of the season be shown to a home team? No
4. Will there be a red card this weekend? No
5. Will there be an own goal this weekend? No
6. Will any of the newly promoted teams (Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Hull) win this weekend? No
7. Will there be a hat trick this weekend? No
8. Will any match have six or more total cards? No
9. Will Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, or Christian Benteke score this weekend? Yes
10. Will any of the new managers (Mourinho, Moyes, Pellegrini, Martinez, Hughes) win by a three goal margin on their debut? No
11. Will there be two or more penalty kicks awarded? No
12. Will Arsene Wenger wear that goofy coat even though it's August? No - Red tracksuit top

[Britcan]

1. Will the first goal of the season be scored by a home team? Yes
2. Will the first goal of the season be from a header? No
3. Will the first yellow card of the season be shown to a home team? No
4. Will there be a red card this weekend? No
5. Will there be an own goal this weekend? No
6. Will any of the newly promoted teams (Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Hull) win this weekend? No
7. Will there be a hat trick this weekend? No
8. Will any match have six or more total cards? No
9. Will Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, or Christian Benteke score this weekend? Yes
10. Will any of the new managers (Mourinho, Moyes, Pellegrini, Martinez, Hughes) win by a three goal margin on their debut? No
11. Will there be two or more penalty kicks awarded? Yes
12. Will Arsene Wenger wear that goofy coat even though it's August? No

[Serrland]

All ready for the new season. Got my fantasy team squared away, my picks in for this coming week, and my fridge stocked with cheap lager for early morning drinking. Shitty that kickoff is 6:45 in the morning, but so goes it!

1. Will the first goal of the season be scored by a home team? Yes
2. Will the first goal of the season be from a header? No
3. Will the first yellow card of the season be shown to a home team? No
4. Will there be a red card this weekend? Yes (Charlie Adam or Lee Cattermole?)
5. Will there be an own goal this weekend? Yes
6. Will any of the newly promoted teams (Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Hull) win this weekend? No
7. Will there be a hat trick this weekend? No
8. Will any match have six or more total cards? Yes (West Ham v Cardiff I reckon)
9. Will Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, or Christian Benteke score this weekend? Yes
10. Will any of the new managers (Mourinho, Moyes, Pellegrini, Martinez, Hughes) win by a three goal margin on their debut? Yes (Pellegrini, sorry Newcastle)
11. Will there be two or more penalty kicks awarded? No
12. Will Arsene Wenger wear that goofy coat even though it's August? No. But hopefully these short shorts. Love those pasty thighs...mmmmm...

[Ardboe Eire]

Yeah, I'm sure had he had the choice of Arsenal or Wolfsburg it would have been difficult to turn down (possibly) Champions League football and, maybe (ha!) a title challenge. Wolfsburg were nearer relegation than the CL last season. I know Wenger doesn't like to overspend, but if you're prepared to pay £14-15m, why not £17m?


It won't be the end, unless he wants to leave. I've got practically infinite patience with him*. No idea who's left; I mean, plenty of players have been linked to Arsenal, but Wenger very rarely comments on transfer speculation unless Arsenal have actually made a bid.

*at least until we finish below Spurs.

El Hadji Diouf is available

We are fine Rubi

Is it safe to say that we'll see Arsenal make Benayoun/Arteta/Andre Santos-like signings now?

How disappointing....

Arteta has been invaluable since he's arrived.Last season he played the role of the holding mid in front of defence even though he wasn't used to it but he was great in that role.
Benayoun on the other hand was a loan.
Santos,please do t speak of that prick.
Mertesacker was also a last day bid.But he's been great since he arrived and contributed to our ten match end of season unbeaten run .His partnership with Koscielny finally provides stability for our defence.

I don't mind the fact that Luis Gustavo isn't going to the gunners, but the fact he was beat to the punch by Wolfsburg is sort of pathetic.

Yeah, I'm sure had he had the choice of Arsenal or Wolfsburg it would have been difficult to turn down (possibly) Champions League football and, maybe (ha!) a title challenge. Wolfsburg were nearer relegation than the CL last season. I know Wenger doesn't like to overspend, but if you're prepared to pay £14-15m, why not £17m?

Maybe Arsenal is going for one last desperate large bid? The chances of getting Suarez are practically over, so I guess we'll have to stay tuned. However if Wenger doesnt' do anything in the transfer window and this year he fails to win any trophyware, this it will be the end of him at Arsenal.

It won't be the end, unless he wants to leave. I've got practically infinite patience with him*. No idea who's left; I mean, plenty of players have been linked to Arsenal, but Wenger very rarely comments on transfer speculation unless Arsenal have actually made a bid.

*at least until we finish below Spurs.

Spuds won't do that.Its Spuds or as I like to call them 'clusterfuck' FC.

[Osarius]

NextGen series has been suspended for the coming season due to lack of funding. Hopefully it gets sorted for next year.

Hmm... I wonder what could possibly be stopping people investing in a respected tournament, growing in reputation..?

Pretty f'n dumb that the de facto European U19 club champions can't defend their title if you ask me. But whatever.

I don't mind the fact that Luis Gustavo isn't going to the gunners, but the fact he was beat to the punch by Wolfsburg is sort of pathetic.

Not wanting to insinuate funny business, but I'm sure I heard something about how there's someone involved who was on the board at both Wolfsburg and Bayern or something like that.

[DesAnges]

Why Qatar should not have been anywhere near the 2022 WC