Soccer

by **GrandForksGopher** » Tue 4/24/12 9:32 am

I'm going to miss the Chelsea match today because I have class at that time :anger:

by **Viking** » Tue 4/24/12 1:43 pm

Sky Sports announcer just did the Herb Brooks speech from Miracle. That might be a little too much.

Let's go Blues!

by **Gopher Fan 26** » Tue 4/24/12 2:43 pm

Well the first half certainly didn't lack for excitement! Torn on the red card- obviously stupid play by Terry, but Sanchez is also one of the worst floppers I have ever seen.

Should be a very interesting second half!

by **Viking** » Tue 4/24/12 2:50 pm

Gopher Fan 26 wrote:Well the first half certainly didn't lack for excitement! Torn on the red card- obviously stupid play by Terry, but Sanchez is also one of the worst floppers I have ever seen.

Should be a very interesting second half!

I don't really have much problem with the red card. Sanchez made the most of it, but it was incredibly stupid by Terry. The problem I have is that the ref is being swayed too much by the crowd.

by **Viking** » Tue 4/24/12 3:39 pm

Wow!!! Chelsea through to the final!

by **Gopher Fan 26** » Tue 4/24/12 3:44 pm

Unbelievable. Messi missing the PK was the critical moment. You have to give so much credit to Chelsea for battling all the way through. Barca looked like the Gophers on the powerplay throughout the entire second half- passing around the outside without creating a lot of chances.

Chelsea can't feel great about their chances in the final though, as Terry (I believe), Ramires, and at least one other player will be out for the start.

by **Viking** » Tue 4/24/12 3:49 pm

Gopher Fan 26 wrote:Unbelievable. Messi missing the PK was the critical moment. You have to give so much credit to Chelsea for battling all the way through. Barca looked like the Gophers on the powerplay throughout the entire second half- passing around the outside without creating a lot of chances.

Chelsea can't feel great about their chances in the final though, as Terry (I believe), Ramires, and at least one other player will be out for the start.

Ivanovich and Meireles are out too. And Cahill may be out with the injury.

by **gopherguy13** » Tue 4/24/12 7:37 pm

Wow. Did not expect to see Chelsea in the final!

I am glad they made it through, though! :good2:

by **gopherguy13** » Wed 4/25/12 1:10 pm

I think Bayern will advance today. One game away from playing in the CL Final at home.

Get it done!

by **Viking** » Wed 4/25/12 2:10 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:I think Bayern will advance today. One game away from playing in the CL Final at home.

Get it done!

Already down 2-0.

by **gopherguy13** » Wed 4/25/12 2:13 pm

Viking wrote:
gopherguy13 wrote:I think Bayern will advance today. One game away from playing in the CL Final at home.

Get it done!

Already down 2-0.

Robben converts on the PK! :mrgreen:

Thought Casillas had it saved. Nearly sent it wide.

by **gopherguy13** » Wed 4/25/12 2:21 pm

This has been a fantastic game so far.

Much more entertaining than watching Barca pass the ball around.

by **Snowcool08** » Wed 4/25/12 4:04 pm

Two dumb questions. Why didn't Kaka start the game for Real? IIRC he's one of the best players in the world and I would think they'd want him in the whole game. Also, why don't yellow cards wipe out after a certain amount of games? You could have gotten a yellow in the first Champions league match back in September and get one in the final Semi-final game and you miss the championship. That just doesn't seem right.

by **Viking** » Wed 4/25/12 4:10 pm

Snowcool08 wrote:Two dumb questions. Why didn't Kaka start the game for Real? IIRC he's one of the best players in the world and I would think they'd want him in the whole game. Also, why don't yellow cards wipe out after a certain amount of games? You could have gotten a yellow in the first Champions league match back in September and get one in the final Semi-final game and you miss the championship. That just doesn't seem right.

As for Kaka, I have no idea. Mourinho has his way of doing things.

Yellow cards are cumulative, but suspensions are only at certain levels (i.e. after 3rd, 6th, 9th cards). That is why RM players were purposely getting yellow cards last season (or maybe the season before) in order to get their suspension out of way in the final group game. They started the knockout round with a clean slate.

by **gopherguy13** » Wed 4/25/12 4:21 pm

Snowcool08 wrote:Two dumb questions. Why didn't Kaka start the game for Real? IIRC he's one of the best players in the world and I would think they'd want him in the whole game. Also, why don't yellow cards wipe out after a certain amount of games? You could have gotten a yellow in the first Champions league match back in September and get one in the final Semi-final game and you miss the championship. That just doesn't seem right.

I think Kaka's best years are behind him. I think he's like 32. Still a very good player, just not at that "one of the best players in the world" status anymore.

I don't watch Real a lot, but i'm pretty sure their formation usually works like this: Xabi Alonso and Khedira are CDM's, Benzema and Ozil are used more as strikers, and Ronaldo/Di Maria play the CAM/LW/RW positions.

The only one you could put him in over in that lineup is Di Maria, and I think Kaka vs. Di Maria is a toss up.

by **gopherguy13** » Wed 4/25/12 4:25 pm

Schweinsteiger converts for the game winning PK!

Bayern through to the final :dup:

by **Snowcool08** » Wed 4/25/12 4:26 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:
Snowcool08 wrote:Two dumb questions. Why didn't Kaka start the game for Real? IIRC he's one of the best players in the world and I would think they'd want him in the whole game. Also, why don't yellow cards wipe out after a certain amount of games? You could have gotten a yellow in the first Champions league match back in September and get one in the final Semi-final game and you miss the championship. That just doesn't seem right.

I think Kaka's best years are behind him. I think he's like 32. Still a very good player, just not at that "one of the best players in the world" status anymore.

I don't watch Real a lot, but i'm pretty sure their formation usually works like this: Xabi Alonso and Khedira are CDM's, Benzema and Ozil are used more as strikers, and Ronaldo/Di Maria play the CAM/LW/RW positions.

The only one you could put him in over in that lineup is Di Maria, and I think Kaka vs. Di Maria is a toss up.

Kaka's 30. In soccer years that has to be ancient because it seems players like Messi and Rooney have been around forever and they're only 24-25.

by **Snowcool08** » Wed 4/25/12 4:27 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:Schweinsteiger converts for the game winning PK!

Bayern through to the final

I think the PK Sergio Ramos took just landed in my front yard.

by **gopherguy13** » Wed 4/25/12 4:31 pm

Correction on Real's formation:

Benzema is the striker, Ronaldo and Di Maria play the wings, and Ozil is the CAM.

So it's Ozil taking Kaka's starts away.

by **h8red** » Wed 4/25/12 4:36 pm

davescharf wrote:Call me in the minority, but I think Chelsea gets it done on aggregate at Camp Nou. The Blues have been playing really well of late and they've seemed to figure out how to handle Messi over the past few years.

As for the other semi, I just think Real Madrid is too talented for Bayern.

The Blues are playing well & keep in mind they have 2 Minnesotans on their roster- Langenbrunner & Backes!

by **davescharf** » Wed 4/25/12 5:08 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:Correction on Real's formation:

Benzema is the striker, Ronaldo and Di Maria play the wings, and Ozil is the CAM.

So it's Ozil taking Kaka's starts away.

And that's by far the right call. Kaka isn't nearly as good a player as he was 3-4 years ago. Ozil is an absolute stud and will be for a long time.

by **Reg Dunlop** » Wed 4/25/12 7:02 pm

h8red wrote:
Reg Dunlop wrote:GO MUNICH!!!

Go Munich...GO HOME! DOWN WITH MUNICH! It's a revenge game since they beat'em 2-1 a week ago.

Kinda like ND and the Gophs? Munich is going down!

Should be a great final!

"Deustchland uber alles"

by **GrandForksGopher** » Wed 4/25/12 7:20 pm

Snowcool08 wrote:
gopherguy13 wrote:Schweinsteiger converts for the game winning PK!

Bayern through to the final

I think the PK Sergio Ramos took just landed in my front yard.

by **GrandForksGopher** » Mon 4/30/12 12:35 pm

Getting close to the start of United vs City! :dance:

by **gopherguy13** » Mon 4/30/12 1:51 pm

Balotelli is a tool. So is Tevez.

That said, I would probably rather see City win.

by **GrandForksGopher** » Mon 4/30/12 1:59 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:Balotelli is a tool. So is Tevez.

That said, I would probably rather see City win.

I'm a United fan so they're going to win. /tArrogance

by **Snowcool08** » Mon 4/30/12 2:23 pm

I just don't want ManU to try and make this a 0-0 draw. That would just be plain boring.

by **gopherguy13** » Mon 4/30/12 2:39 pm

Snowcool08 wrote:I just don't want ManU to try and make this a 0-0 draw. That would just be plain boring.

City has had a couple really nice opportunities, just can't get a solid shot off.

I don't think United even has one SOG.

by **gopherguy13** » Mon 4/30/12 2:41 pm

ManU defenders are playing rock solid right now. No room for Aguero.

by **gopherguy13** » Mon 4/30/12 2:48 pm

Kompany puts City on the board, from a corner.

1-0 just before haltime.

by **GrandForksGopher** » Mon 4/30/12 2:51 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:Kompany puts City on the board, from a corner.

1-0 just before haltime.

Terrible defending on that. Kompany was all alone. Great corner followed by a great header though.

by **Snowcool08** » Mon 4/30/12 3:41 pm

Mancini and Ferguson are doing their best Potulny and Muckalt impersonation on the sidelines.

Edit: Yes I had to look up the Michigan Tech assistant coach's name.

by **davescharf** » Mon 4/30/12 3:56 pm

Now that it's over we get to look forward to City wetting themselves next week and losing the title. Either that or they'll fail to get far in the Champions League next year.

by **gopherguy13** » Thu 5/03/12 5:56 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcqCFXFp ... re=related (Don't know why I can't embed.)

:shock:

What a goal.

by **davescharf** » Thu 5/03/12 5:59 pm

That is insane. I haven't seen a ball with that kind of spin in a long time.

by **Armadillo** » Thu 5/03/12 7:55 pm

You have to take the "&feature=related" off the end of the URL.

by **gopherguy13** » Thu 5/03/12 8:57 pm

Armadillo wrote:

You have to take the "&feature=related" off the end of the URL.

Thanks

by **davescharf** » Thu 5/03/12 10:54 pm

This isn't quite as good because it was a free kick, but I've never seen anyone do to a ball what Roberto Carlos could.

by **Slap Shot** » Sat 5/05/12 4:45 pm

Good on Norwich!!

by **davescharf** » Sat 5/05/12 4:46 pm

Slap Shot wrote:Good on Norwich!!

Boo

by **Viking** » Sat 5/05/12 9:28 pm

davescharf wrote:
Slap Shot wrote:Good on Norwich!!

Boo

Wenger is going to be pissed when Arsenal finish fourth and get left out of Champions League when Chelsea beats Bayern in 2 weeks!

by **Armadillo** » Sat 5/05/12 9:35 pm

Viking wrote:
davescharf wrote:
Slap Shot wrote:Good on Norwich!!

Boo

Wenger is going to be pissed when Arsenal finish fourth and get left out of Champions League when Chelsea beats Bayern in 2 weeks!

And just wait until Blatzwich beats Pumpernickel to take home the Fahrvegnugen Cup! I mean...wow!

<--being a TOTAL smartass, I know.

by **Viking** » Sat 5/05/12 10:00 pm

Armadillo wrote:
Viking wrote:
davescharf wrote:
Slap Shot wrote:Good on Norwich!!

Boo

Wenger is going to be pissed when Arsenal finish fourth and get left out of Champions League when Chelsea beats Bayern in 2 weeks!

And just wait until Blatzwich beats Pumpernickel to take home the Fahrvegnugen Cup! I mean...wow!

<--being a TOTAL smartass, I know.

The Germans got nothing to do with this! :biggrin2:

by **GrandForksGopher** » Sun 5/06/12 12:44 am

Messi only had 4 goals today? He's not even good. /sarcasm

by **gopherguy13** » Sun 5/06/12 1:43 am

GrandForksGopher wrote:Messi only had 4 goals today? He's not even good. /sarcasm

lulz

by **Snowcool08** » Sun 5/06/12 2:44 am

GrandForksGopher wrote:Messi only had 4 goals today? He's not even good. /sarcasm

Messi is fantastic, but he gets so many goals on penalties. He's the designated PK taker on his team and in the last 3 games that I have seen he has taken 5 penalties. It's a bit ridiculous that he keeps racking up the goals and a fair amount come from penalties.

by **gopherguy13** » Sun 5/06/12 11:55 am

Snowcool08 wrote:
GrandForksGopher wrote:Messi only had 4 goals today? He's not even good. /sarcasm

Messi is fantastic, but he gets so many goals on penalties. He's the designated PK taker on his team and in the last 3 games that I have seen he has taken 5 penalties. It's a bit ridiculous that he keeps racking up the goals and a fair amount come from penalties.

I couldn't find the stats for CL/Tournament games, but in La Liga play Messi has 10 goals on penalties this year, and Ronaldo has 12. I don't think the fact that he takes penalties is a detriment to the stats he is putting up.

Top 3 scorers in La Liga (minus goals from PKs):
Messi - 40
Ronaldo - 32
Falcao - 18

by **davescharf** » Sun 5/06/12 2:46 pm

Viking wrote:
davescharf wrote:
Slap Shot wrote:Good on Norwich!!

Boo

Wenger is going to be pissed when Arsenal finish fourth and get left out of Champions League when Chelsea beats Bayern in 2 weeks!

He should be. If they didn't play like a 3rd or 4th division team early in the season they wouldn't be in this position. The fact they have a shot at 3rd right now is actually impressive given that.

by **bonesaw** » Sun 5/13/12 7:29 pm

Holy

, what an ending to the EPL season!

by **gopherguy13** » Sun 5/13/12 11:16 pm

bonesaw wrote:Holy , what an ending to the EPL season!

I checked on my phone and saw QPR leading 2-1 in the 90th minute, only to find out a couple hours later that City came back to win!! :shock:

by **h8red** » Mon 5/14/12 2:50 pm

Snowcool08 wrote:
GrandForksGopher wrote:Messi only had 4 goals today? He's not even good. /sarcasm

Messi is fantastic, but he gets so many goals on penalties. He's the designated PK taker on his team and in the last 3 games that I have seen he has taken 5 penalties. It's a bit ridiculous that he keeps racking up the goals and a fair amount come from penalties.

Someone told me he is related to the Messi that won the cup for the Rangers & played with Gretzky in Edmonton?

by **Viking** » Mon 5/14/12 2:52 pm

h8red wrote:
Snowcool08 wrote:
GrandForksGopher wrote:Messi only had 4 goals today? He's not even good. /sarcasm

Messi is fantastic, but he gets so many goals on penalties. He's the designated PK taker on his team and in the last 3 games that I have seen he has taken 5 penalties. It's a bit ridiculous that he keeps racking up the goals and a fair amount come from penalties.

Someone told me he is related to the Messi that won the cup for the Rangers & played with Gretzky in Edmonton?

REDACTED

by **h8red** » Mon 5/14/12 2:55 pm

Viking wrote:
h8red wrote:
Snowcool08 wrote:
GrandForksGopher wrote:Messi only had 4 goals today? He's not even good. /sarcasm

Messi is fantastic, but he gets so many goals on penalties. He's the designated PK taker on his team and in the last 3 games that I have seen he has taken 5 penalties. It's a bit ridiculous that he keeps racking up the goals and a fair amount come from penalties.

Someone told me he is related to the Messi that won the cup for the Rangers & played with Gretzky in Edmonton?

Please tell me you're joking

Dammit, you weren't supposed to give it away. I was waiting to see if someone actually bought it!

by **Viking** » Mon 5/14/12 3:09 pm

h8red wrote:
Viking wrote:
h8red wrote:
Snowcool08 wrote:
GrandForksGopher wrote:Messi only had 4 goals today? He's not even good. /sarcasm

Messi is fantastic, but he gets so many goals on penalties. He's the designated PK taker on his team and in the last 3 games that I have seen he has taken 5 penalties. It's a bit ridiculous that he keeps racking up the goals and a fair amount come from penalties.

Someone told me he is related to the Messi that won the cup for the Rangers & played with Gretzky in Edmonton?

Please tell me you're joking

Dammit, you weren't supposed to give it away. I was waiting to see if someone actually bought it!

My post has been REDACTED

by **gopherguy13** » Tue 5/15/12 2:51 pm

I have to work during the final on Saturday, looks like I will be tivoing :ddown:

by **Viking** » Tue 5/15/12 3:03 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:I have to work during the final on Saturday, looks like I will be tivoing

FAIL!!

The Championship Playoff final is on at 9AM too. Makes for a long day.

by **Keith** » Wed 5/16/12 10:51 am

Viking wrote:
gopherguy13 wrote:I have to work during the final on Saturday, looks like I will be tivoing

FAIL!!

The Championship Playoff final is on at 9AM too. Makes for a long day.

Any idea where the final might be televised in a pro-German locale on Saturday? Looking for a fun place to go with my brother and a friend to root on Bayern.

by **Viking** » Wed 5/16/12 11:37 am

Keith wrote:
Viking wrote:
gopherguy13 wrote:I have to work during the final on Saturday, looks like I will be tivoing

FAIL!!

The Championship Playoff final is on at 9AM too. Makes for a long day.

Any idea where the final might be televised in a pro-German locale on Saturday? Looking for a fun place to go with my brother and a friend to root on Bayern.

I can't think of any place off hand that will be pro-German. I will be watching both at Old Chicago in Apple Valley. I'm sure there will be plenty of Bayern and Chelsea fans there and hopefully a lot of neutrals who just want to see a good match. The last couple of years there has been a good turnout.

Your best bets would probably be The Local or Keiran's. Just a guess, but I think Brits will be heavily skewed towards Chelsea.

by **gopherguy13** » Sat 5/19/12 12:53 pm

OK. I think I have taken all the necessary precautions.

I have the Tivo set to record the game + an hour and a half extension if it goes long. ESPN mobile alerts turned off. Not going to go on FB at all until I watch the game. So if all goes well, I will make it through the whole day without finding out who won. :lol:

by **h8red** » Sat 5/19/12 1:19 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:OK. I think I have taken all the necessary precautions.

I have the Tivo set to record the game + an hour and a half extension if it goes long. ESPN mobile alerts turned off. Not going to go on FB at all until I watch the game. So if all goes well, I will make it through the whole day without finding out who won.

Where is it that you work? Not that I would go there & give you score updates & a final score or anything like that. Just curious.

by **gopherguy13** » Sat 5/19/12 9:56 pm

Mission accomplished! Made it the whole day without finding out who won!

Just finished watching it. Disappointed that Bayern didn't win, but it was an exciting game! Drogba's header was brilliant.

Bayern wasn't the same after they took Müller out for Van Buyten.

by **Snowcool08** » Sun 5/20/12 1:39 am

gopherguy13 wrote:OK. I think I have taken all the necessary precautions.

I have the Tivo set to record the game + an hour and a half extension if it goes long. ESPN mobile alerts turned off. Not going to go on FB at all until I watch the game. So if all goes well, I will make it through the whole day without finding out who won.

I took relatively similar precautions as you, but was only on an hour delay. I had the DVR set to only record an extra 30 mins. It was nearly enough. It cut out just as Drogba was took his first step towards taking his PK. I had to go online immediately to find out if he put it in or not.

by **GrandForksGopher** » Sun 5/20/12 1:47 pm

Drogba's header to tie it was picture perfect

by **GrandForksGopher** » Mon 5/21/12 3:17 pm

My girlfriend literally bumped into Cristiano Ronaldo today at a buffet in San Antonio and was sitting at the table next to him...and didn't even get me an autograph.

by **Viking** » Mon 5/21/12 3:29 pm

GrandForksGopher wrote:My girlfriend literally bumped into Cristiano Ronaldo today at a buffet in San Antonio and was sitting at the table next to him...and didn't even get me an autograph.

How long was he rolling around on the floor?? :lol:

by **GrandForksGopher** » Mon 5/21/12 3:33 pm

Viking wrote:
GrandForksGopher wrote:My girlfriend literally bumped into Cristiano Ronaldo today at a buffet in San Antonio and was sitting at the table next to him...and didn't even get me an autograph.

How long was he rolling around on the floor??

I'll have to ask her that

by **gopherguy13** » Mon 5/21/12 7:48 pm

Viking wrote:
GrandForksGopher wrote:My girlfriend literally bumped into Cristiano Ronaldo today at a buffet in San Antonio and was sitting at the table next to him...and didn't even get me an autograph.

How long was he rolling around on the floor??

Classic

What the hell is Cristiano Ronaldo doing in San Antonio?

by **davescharf** » Mon 5/21/12 9:33 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:
Viking wrote:
GrandForksGopher wrote:My girlfriend literally bumped into Cristiano Ronaldo today at a buffet in San Antonio and was sitting at the table next to him...and didn't even get me an autograph.

How long was he rolling around on the floor??

Classic

What the hell is Cristiano Ronaldo doing in San Antonio?

That was my exact thought too...

by **GrandForksGopher** » Mon 5/21/12 9:58 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:
Viking wrote:
GrandForksGopher wrote:My girlfriend literally bumped into Cristiano Ronaldo today at a buffet in San Antonio and was sitting at the table next to him...and didn't even get me an autograph.

How long was he rolling around on the floor??

Classic

What the hell is Cristiano Ronaldo doing in San Antonio?

Not sure, she said he was with a friend. Her brothers friend owns the restaurant and my girlfriend had no idea who he was (Not surprising) until her brothers friend told her and she saw a couple people get autographs.

by **gopherguy13** » Tue 5/29/12 10:20 pm

USA thrashed Scotland 5-1 a few days ago. I love the new kit :dup:

Next up is Brazil tomorrow at 7. I'll be interested to see how they play. Not sure what kind of lineup Brazil will throw out there.

by **gobig6** » Wed 5/30/12 5:26 am

gopherguy13 wrote:Next up is Brazil tomorrow at 7. I'll be interested to see how they play. Not sure what kind of lineup Brazil will throw out there.

Brazil's C team would probably still be a top 20 team in the world. So no matter who they throw out there is going to be a great test.

by **gopherguy13** » Fri 6/08/12 1:16 pm

Euro 2012 is underway :dup:

Missed most of the first match running errands, but settling in now to watch Russia v. Czech Republic!

I think Germany will win the tournament, but I will be cheering for Oranje :good2:

by **Viking** » Fri 6/08/12 1:29 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:Euro 2012 is underway

Missed most of the first match running errands, but settling in now to watch Russia v. Czech Republic!

I think Germany will win the tournament, but I will be cheering for Oranje

You didn't miss much except for suspect refereeing. Greek player sent off for 2 yellow cards before halftime. Neither was even a foul. Polish goalie coming off the bench to save a penalty.

by **davescharf** » Fri 6/08/12 1:30 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:Euro 2012 is underway

Missed most of the first match running errands, but settling in now to watch Russia v. Czech Republic!

I think Germany will win the tournament, but I will be cheering for Oranje

I've got the Germans winning it as well. Although if Van Persie and Robben are in form the Dutch will be incredibly tough to beat.

I don't even know if I can pick a dark horse this year. I do think the 'group of death' will lend some surprises...possibly even Ireland getting out of that group. It should be a fun tournament to watch.

by **Viking** » Fri 6/08/12 1:57 pm

davescharf wrote:
gopherguy13 wrote:Euro 2012 is underway

Missed most of the first match running errands, but settling in now to watch Russia v. Czech Republic!

I think Germany will win the tournament, but I will be cheering for Oranje

I've got the Germans winning it as well. Although if Van Persie and Robben are in form the Dutch will be incredibly tough to beat.

I don't even know if I can pick a dark horse this year. I do think the 'group of death' will lend some surprises...possibly even Ireland getting out of that group. It should be a fun tournament to watch.

Hard to argue against Spain, but I think it will be Germany too. Assuming they do get out of their group! That is just brutal.

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