Other football - 2017/18 edition.

[Hades]

I'm gutted Chile won't be at the World Cup.

[Harry Squatter]

I'm gutted Burkina Faso aren't at the World Cup

[Bjornebye]

I'm gutted Burkina Faso aren't at the World Cup

 

 

In Russia? They wont be gutted. 

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Arry is guted that West Ham aren't at the World Cup.

[3 Stacks]

Agree with Hades. Their style of play has always been shite and the current generation doesn't have the creative genius a la Pirlo/Del Piero/Totti/Baggio to undeservingly squeak them through. 

[Hades]

The Italians were rightfully hated and played their world football status as villains to perfection. It's only this capitalist, neoliberalist nightmare of the last 15 years that has worshipped success at any cost that has changed that impression.

[Trumo]

The Italians only have themselves to blame for failing to reach the World Cup for the first time in 60 years, but still, it doesn't sound right having a World Cup without the Italians in it. They are second only to the Germans when it comes to European countries at the World Cup, and that probably puts them in 3rd overall. In my lifetime, they've always been there.

 

Since winning the thing in 2006, their World Cup record is a shambles though. They failed to make it past the group stage in both 2010 and 2014, and have now failed to qualify for 2018. For all the world class players they've produced, they've always been a side that only does just enough to win - never more so than during qualifying matches. The best sides in the modern game need to offer more than that, and that's where the Italians' history counts against them. Can they be more expansive and still remain solid?

 

When Ventura gets booted out, there is talk of Ancelotti, Mancini, Allegri and Conte again all being in the frame. They need a guy who is versed in rebuilding a squad, and Conte's probably the only one of that shortlist who comes close to filling that brief. The trouble is, he's done the job before and quickly got fed up with not being able to work with the players on a daily basis. I don't think he'd be up for it again if he ever leaves Chelsea.

[Lee909]

 

Your talking shite

The liverpool teams of the 70/80s were just as capable of scoring a early goal and absolutely killing the 70% of the game as any Italian side.

 

If you cannot appreciate the art of a top quality defensive player you should try basketball. Im sure youll love the end to end scoring. Anyone that cannot watch Sacchi Milan back 5 move as a unit and kill teams shouldn't preyend to be a football fan. Maybe the old division 2 hoof ball and 5-4 scorelines might be a better watch

[Trumo]

I'm gutted Burkina Faso aren't at the World Cup

 

They are mourning in the streets of Ouagadougou.

[Bjornebye]

Your talking shite

The liverpool teams of the 70/80s were just as capable of scoring a early goal and absolutely killing the 70% of the game as any Italian side.

 

If you cannot appreciate the art of a top quality defensive player you should try basketball. Im sure youll love the end to end scoring. Anyone that cannot watch Sacchi Milan back 5 move as a unit and kill teams shouldn't preyend to be a football fan. Maybe the old division 2 hoof ball and 5-4 scorelines might be a better watch

 

 

Forfar 4 East Fife 5 

[Jairzinho]

Sacchi's Milan played good football as well though, to be fair.

[Lee909]

They did

But pushing this notion that all Italian teams have been boring a cynical is bollocks. Foitball is about winning when the chips are down and they have done that for long spells.

[deiseach]

I had/have no particular amore for the Italians and their catenaccio and their uomo d'ascia, but it was great once upon a time how national teams had characteristics. It's all a bit euro-pudding these days, which is a pity.

[3 Stacks]

They did

But pushing this notion that all Italian teams have been boring a cynical is bollocks. Foitball is about winning when the chips are down and they have done that for long spells.

 

Is Mourinho one of your favourite managers?

[Lee909]

Shouldn't be be suggesting we sign some short arsed,can't be arsed French midget.

 

I can't stand Mourinho as a person

But he is a effective manager.

[3 Stacks]

Shouldn't be be suggesting we sign some short arsed,can't be arsed French midget.

 

I can't stand Mourinho as a person

But he is a effective manager.

 

Was that supposed to be some kind of hurtful comeback?

 

Good burn there, will think about that one in melancholy for a long time.

[Trumo]

Is Mourinho one of your favourite managers?

 

His teams play like that even when the chips are up.

[Lee909]

Was that supposed to be some kind of hurtful comeback?

 

Good burn there, will think about that one in melancholy for a long time.

Hurtful no

Just stating the obvious of your boring Ben Arfa posts.

[3 Stacks]

Hurtful no

Just stating the obvious of your boring Ben Arfa posts.

 

I like to discuss quality footballers and football, hence why Ben Arfa often comes up. Nothing boring about those two things, unlike the soul-sucking drudgery that is watching Italy, or any side just as cynical. 

[3 Stacks]

Harry Maguire getting a start vs. Brazil. I've seen it all now. 

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Harry Maguire getting a start vs. Brazil. I've seen it all now. 

 

He started against Germany and behind Loftus-Cheek was England's best player, I thought you knew everything? 

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Gomez up against Neymar tonight, stern test for the lad. Coutinho starts, hopefully gets pulled after 45. 

[Chip Butty]

Harry Maguire getting a start vs. Brazil. I've seen it all now. 

 

Show me the ball!

[Guest Pistonbroke]

1-0 to the ROI, Duffy. Great start. 

[Strontium]

People are watching England?