Soccer Thread

[Rosebud]

**** Barca and Real, I'm actually rooting for Bayern, easier with how many nationalelf guys they have, plus I think Bayern have as good a chance as Real to stop Barca and we get to see Barca play Real in la Liga, this would be the only chance for them to matchup with Bayern who I think would prove a really tough test since they could actually challenge Barca in the middle of the pitch and have the players up front to abuse any Barca mistakes the way few teams in the world can. Especially if their coach had the gall to start Mueller up top for Gomez and have a Kroos, Schweini and Luis Gustavo troika in the middle.

[CDCB14]

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Everyone knows to be prepared for Robben's cut inside and yet it still works. He's an excellent scoring threat and that has been a big part of the space the other guys enjoy using to bounce the ball off of Gomez.



That's crazy. Real may well advance, but Bayern's one of the most dangerous teams in the world, with Schweini back and the talent they've added in the back they can keep the ball against anyone. If Neuer gets into a zone Bayern could dominate Real, I don't expect it and personally expect something more along the lines of 3-1 in the first and 3-2 in the second leg, but Bayern is talented enough that to suggest that any team in the world can beat them "without trouble" is absurd.

I like Bayern, and Neuer is my favorite goalie in the world. Once Casillas tails off I'd imagine Neuer will be the unquestioned #1 keeper in the world for a while. But do you really think a goalie is going to make that much of a difference? If Ronaldo, Benzema, Kaka, Higuian, Callejon, Ozil, Di Maria etc. are on point, I don't care if you have two Neuer's in net.

I admit that Bayern are a good match-up for Real because they are probably the best team in the world to match up with Real in terms of size and physicality, but when that all shakes out Real's skill and speed are on another level.

Real's form is flawless right now. They had two ties in the league because they were bound for a slip up, but they are on fire. I really expect the aggregate to be a 3+ goal advantage for Real. I guess we will have to wait until it's played out on the pitch.

[Rosebud]

Originally Posted by CDCB14

I like Bayern, and Neuer is my favorite goalie in the world. Once Casillas tails off I'd imagine Neuer will be the unquestioned #1 keeper in the world for a while. But do you really think a goalie is going to make that much of a difference? If Ronaldo, Benzema, Kaka, Higuian, Callejon, Ozil, Di Maria etc. are on point, I don't care if you have two Neuer's in net.

I admit that Bayern are a good match-up for Real because they are probably the best team in the world to match up with Real in terms of size and physicality, but when that all shakes out Real's skill and speed are on another level.

Real's form is flawless right now. They had two ties in the league because they were bound for a slip up, but they are on fire. I really expect the aggregate to be a 3+ goal advantage for Real. I guess we will have to wait until it's played out on the pitch.

And Bayern don't have pace throughout their side? If Bayern keep the ball the way they should then I trust their attackers to pierce the Madrid defense more than vice versa. If Schweini, Ribery, Mueller, Robben, Kroos, Gustavo, Gomez, Gustavo, Alaba, Lahm, etc. are on point then there's no way Madrid keeps bayern from pounding the ball into their net. Both teams have great names, I think Bayern are stronger in the middle of the pitch and just as good up front so when you look at them all together Bayern would be deserved favorites.

As for their defense it's not like Neuer would need to do what he did for Schalke and go apeshit to keep Bayern ahead. With Boateng, Badstuber and Lahm the defense moves the ball to avoid giving Real any easy counters and they move well to recover.

Plus Bayern are also playing great since the fell way behind Dortmund in the league, it's why they've stormed back to possibly being a week away from trailing by only a point, why they managed to rally against Gladbach in the cup and why they were so dominant against Marseille.

[CDCB14]

Originally Posted by Rosebud

And Bayern don't have pace throughout their side? If Bayern keep the ball the way they should then I trust their attackers to pierce the Madrid defense more than vice versa. If Schweini, Ribery, Mueller, Robben, Kroos, Gustavo, Gomez, Gustavo, Alaba, Lahm, etc. are on point then there's no way Madrid keeps bayern from pounding the ball into their net. Both teams have great names, I think Bayern are stronger in the middle of the pitch and just as good up front so when you look at them all together Bayern would be deserved favorites.

As for their defense it's not like Neuer would need to do what he did for Schalke and go apeshit to keep Bayern ahead. With Boateng, Badstuber and Lahm the defense moves the ball to avoid giving Real any easy counters and they move well to recover.

Plus Bayern are also playing great since the fell way behind Dortmund in the league, it's why they've stormed back to possibly being a week away from trailing by only a point, why they managed to rally against Gladbach in the cup and why they were so dominant against Marseille.

I don't think they will get embarrassed, but I can easily see both games being around 3-1 Real, which would make it a 6-2 aggregate. It would probably look a lot worse than how the actual games went.

By the way, Germany is one of my favorite national teams, so no hatred here. Ozil is probably in my top 3 favorite players in the world. I hope they do work this summer, **** Spain and their pretty boys. I hope somebody breaks Sergio Busquets' leg into 8 pieces. God I hate him.

[Rob S]

This is a weird argument. It should be a great tie with a bunch of free flowing, beautiful football and Real Madrid is rightfully the favorite because their players are just better/on form. That's just what it is....no need to argue.

[CDCB14]

Originally Posted by Rob S

This is a weird argument. It should be a great tie with a bunch of free flowing, beautiful football and Real Madrid is rightfully the favorite because their players are just better/on form. That's just what it is....no need to argue.

Agreed, I have no attachment although my best friend loves Real. It is obvious Rosebud is a Bayern fan and I like them too, but in the current form of Real I see it hard for Bayern to go through over two legs.

[Rosebud]

I'm not actually a Bayern fan. I'm rooting against Madrid moreso than for Bayern, I really dislike both Real and Barca and Bayern has Schweini, Mueller, Lahm, Neuer and Boateng in their squad. Regardless of that, they've been playing so well of late that I don't think there's a team in the world that'll keep them to one goal a game. Real have many great players, but I still feel Bayern matchup favorably having the better players in the middle of the pitch, equivalent talent up front and would be the side I bet on if I had to bet.

[JRTPlaya21]

I've yet to see anybody really "abuse" Barcelona's mistakes in the past three years. Basically when they want to score they are gonna do it. And what is this equivalent talent upfront that you speak about? Ronaldo, Benz & Higuain have scored over 100 goals this season. There is no trident in world football currently on that level. I guess we will find out how this plays out in a couple weeks though. I love our odds. Bayern can't come out of that first leg with anything less then a tie if they want a great chance of advancing.

[Rosebud]

Originally Posted by JRTPlaya21

I've yet to see anybody really "abuse" Barcelona's mistakes in the past three years. Basically when they want to score they are gonna do it. And what is this equivalent talent upfront that you speak about? Ronaldo, Benz & Higuain have scored over 100 goals this season. There is no trident in world football currently on that level. I guess we will find out how this plays out in a couple weeks though. I love our odds. Bayern can't come out of that first leg with anything less then a tie if they want a great chance of advancing.

I'd put Ribery, Gomez, Mueller, Robben and Kroos up there with Ronaldo, Benz, Higuain, Oezil, Benzema and Di Maria. Ribery's been playing absolutely phenomenal football, Gomez is channeling his inner Gerd Mueller en route to another golden boat of europe, Robben is still one of the most dangerous individual scorers in the world and Mueller's an absolutely great player. Both teams are insanely good up front and IMO Bayern have the stronger midfielders behind their attackers with Schweini and Gustavo/Alaba.

Barca are amazing, but with Schweini peppering the ball forward to those attackers I think Bayern are the best suited team to counterattack barca and make good on the opportunities they present teams. Not that I'd favor Bayern v Barca, but it would be a fun match to watch that Bayern could certainly win.

[CDCB14]

Originally Posted by Rosebud

I'd put Ribery, Gomez, Mueller, Robben and Kroos up there with Ronaldo, Benz, Higuain, Oezil, Benzema and Di Maria. Ribery's been playing absolutely phenomenal football, Gomez is channeling his inner Gerd Mueller en route to another golden boat of europe, Robben is still one of the most dangerous individual scorers in the world and Mueller's an absolutely great player. Both teams are insanely good up front and IMO Bayern have the stronger midfielders behind their attackers with Schweini and Gustavo/Alaba.

Barca are amazing, but with Schweini peppering the ball forward to those attackers I think Bayern are the best suited team to counterattack barca and make good on the opportunities they present teams. Not that I'd favor Bayern v Barca, but it would be a fun match to watch that Bayern could certainly win.

I'm sorry but know. The only person who belongs in that group with them is Robben. I like Gomez and Ribery but no. Gomez going for another golden boot of europe? Messi and Ronaldo have double his goals... When did he win the first one lol? If you mean just the bundesliga then sure.

This is a pointless argument because neither side is going to budge here. It should be a good tie but Real are of superior class. We shall see.

[JRTPlaya21]

Di Maria just came back from an injury so no certainty he starts. Xabi Alonso will and Kaka is starting to like he did at Milan. And I don't see how anybody is taking that boot from Messi this year if he eclipses 60 goals in all competitions. Unless it's just based off league tally.

[CDCB14]

Originally Posted by JRTPlaya21

Di Maria just came back from an injury so no certainty he starts. Xabi Alonso will and Kaka is starting to like he did at Milan. And I don't see how anybody is taking that boot from Messi this year if he eclipses 60 goals in all competitions. Unless it's just based off league tally.

It doesn't matter if it's just based of league tally. Gomez has 23 goals right now.. Messi and Ronaldo are hovering around 40 already.

I love Gomez and I think his Nazi combover/I'll kill you if you touch me look is very cool, but he is not in their class.

[JRTPlaya21]

Of course he ain't in their class lol. Van Persie is closer

[Rosebud]

Originally Posted by CDCB14

I'm sorry but know. The only person who belongs in that group with them is Robben. I like Gomez and Ribery but no. Gomez going for another golden boot of europe? Messi and Ronaldo have double his goals... When did he win the first one lol? If you mean just the bundesliga then sure.

This is a pointless argument because neither side is going to budge here. It should be a good tie but Real are of superior class. We shall see.

Ribery has been outplaying Robben, Robben's the better shooter, but Ribery is much more of the engine that keeps the offense dangerous, has done better setting up Gomez and is much better passer. Both of those guys are on the same level as Ronaldo and Kaka, while Mueller is on par with oezil. I'll agree that talent wise Gomez is no Higuain or Benzema, but he fits his attacking mids as well as the Madrid Strikers fit their attacking mids. He gives Ribery, Mueller and Schweini and easy target to finish their beautiful passes which helps give Robben room to do his thing from the right flank. Admittedly Real have the most talented attacker in this game as Ronaldo is better than Ribery, Oezil, Mueller, Robben, Kaka, Benzema, Higuain or Gomez, but put together it's still a wash. The talent level's too close.

My bad on that Gomez thing, meant to say that that was why he was going to win his second straight bundesliga scoring title, but wasn't paying attention to what I was typing.

Originally Posted by JRTPlaya21

Di Maria just came back from an injury so no certainty he starts. Xabi Alonso will and Kaka is starting to like he did at Milan. And I don't see how anybody is taking that boot from Messi this year if he eclipses 60 goals in all competitions. Unless it's just based off league tally.

I mentioned Di Maria just cause he was the first bench attacking mid that came to mind since I had already typed out Kroos' name. Correct me if I'm wrong but Real will likely start
Benzema/Higuain
Ronaldo-Kaka-Oezil
Xabi Alonso-Khedira
Right?

[CDCB14]

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Ribery has been outplaying Robben, Robben's the better shooter, but Ribery is much more of the engine that keeps the offense dangerous, has done better setting up Gomez and is much better passer. Both of those guys are on the same level as Ronaldo and Kaka, while Mueller is on par with oezil. I'll agree that talent wise Gomez is no Higuain or Benzema, but he fits his attacking mids as well as the Madrid Strikers fit their attacking mids. He gives Ribery, Mueller and Schweini and easy target to finish their beautiful passes which helps give Robben room to do his thing from the right flank. Admittedly Real have the most talented attacker in this game as Ronaldo is better than Ribery, Oezil, Mueller, Robben, Kaka, Benzema, Higuain or Gomez, but put together it's still a wash. The talent level's too close.

My bad on that Gomez thing, meant to say that that was why he was going to win his second straight bundesliga scoring title, but wasn't paying attention to what I was typing.



I mentioned Di Maria just cause he was the first bench attacking mid that came to mind since I had already typed out Kroos' name. Correct me if I'm wrong but Real will likely start
Benzema/Higuain
Ronaldo-Kaka-Oezil
Xabi Alonso-Khedira
Right?

Sounds pretty accurate, but Callejon could be a sleeper to start. Kid has been ballin. He is going to be one of the world's best in a few years.

[Rosebud]

Originally Posted by CDCB14

Sounds pretty accurate, but Callejon could be a sleeper to start. Kid has been ballin. He is going to be one of the world's best in a few years.

K, I really think that Schweini-Gustavo are going to have much more influence over this game than Alonso-Khedira. That to me is the big tie breaker since the front 4s are so close, especially if Lahm is heavily involved and gives Bayern even more strength in the middle of the field so that their front 4 receivers better service than Real's. Both teams are amazing at converting dangerous possession into goals and I expect both to score a lot, my prediction has an aggregate of 5-4, but I just think bayern are better with the ball behind those attackers.

[Gay Ork Wang]

I hate hate hate hate hate the bayern. But I also hate hate hate hate Real.

Though, Neuer is by far the best goalkeeper in 1vs1 situations. by far. i have never seen anyone be so ******* good at closing angles.

It is not going to be 3-1 in both games. I expect bayern to at least tie or even win one of those. They have been in a flow recently and you guys are (and it pains me to say that) underrating their attacking power.

While Gomez is no Messi or Ronaldo, he does have more CL goals than Ronaldo and 3 less than messi with 140 minutes less played.

[SuperMcGee]

3/4 Europa semifinalists from Spain, unsurprisingly. Only Iberian teams have been in the semis the past two years, though it's been 8 different teams. Could be in for a pair of Spanish finals in Europe.

[Rosebud]

Originally Posted by *** Ork Wang

I hate hate hate hate hate the bayern. But I also hate hate hate hate Real.

Though, Neuer is by far the best goalkeeper in 1vs1 situations. by far. i have never seen anyone be so ******* good at closing angles.

It is not going to be 3-1 in both games. I expect bayern to at least tie or even win one of those. They have been in a flow recently and you guys are (and it pains me to say that) underrating their attacking power.

While Gomez is no Messi or Ronaldo, he does have more CL goals than Ronaldo and 3 less than messi with 140 minutes less played.

I'm pretty much in agreement with you. Being a Union Berlin fan I never really have a favorite Bundesliga team, but Bayern have been playing great since they "conceded" the league title to Dortmund. And now they have Schweini back. They're stupid good with the ball at their feet, and in my eyes on Real and Barca are as good as them in that capacity. That's why I think it's going to be 3-1, 2-3 in this Real/Bayern matchup but I have no idea who gets the two goal win and who gets the one goal win.

[Raiderz4Life]

Is it ludacris being a real fan but hating ronaldo?

[SuperPacker]

Rob, if we win this game...4th place is a real possibility!

[Rob S]

I'm not optimistic at all for fourth really.....certainly a possibility if we take all 6 pts this weekend though. Excited for today's game....I like Pardew's team selection and if nothing else it should be a nice game to watch.

Only concern is us being passed to death, especially with Guthrie out.....I love Jonas, but he isn't a CM.

[MetSox17]

Originally Posted by raiderz4life

Is it ludacris being a real fan but hating ronaldo?

Ludacris is a rapper, raiderz. The word you're looking for is ludicrous lol. BUT, no, it's not ludicrous. Ronaldo makes it very easy on people to hate him.

[SuperPacker]

Originally Posted by Rob S

I'm not optimistic at all for fourth really.....certainly a possibility if we take all 6 pts this weekend though. Excited for today's game....I like Pardew's team selection and if nothing else it should be a nice game to watch.

Only concern is us being passed to death, especially with Guthrie out.....I love Jonas, but he isn't a CM.

So we won...

We got passed to death, they controlled the game completely, but they never looked like scoring.

Papiss Cisse is just amazing! 9 goals in 8 is just scary and his second goal was world class.

Im not expecting 4th place or thinking we will, but its a real possibility. This is gonna sound terrible, but if Sunderland beat Tottenham, Man City beat Arsenal and we beat Bolton, we would go 3rd... Anyway, id be happy with 6th place and a Europa League spot.

[thefalconer]

Originally Posted by SuperPacker

if Sunderland beat Tottenham, Man City beat Arsenal and we beat Bolton, we would go 3rd... \

i don't think it's too unlikely. sunderland at home is no easy fixture for the spurs. man city and newcastle both have the edge. i admit i haven't seen cisse play yet but wow he is quite something. 9 in 8 is really something. rvp who next year.