Any REAL football fans here? (Page 71)

Ugh! I felt kicked in the berries for Atletico, Just the immensity of the moment, them never having won it, and it's snatched away with mere minutes left. You just knew it was over before they even played the OT.

I'm very disappointed about the LD decision. You would think that he deserves the spot based on his contribution to the program.

Yeah, those two are beyond horrible.

I do like Hudson.  And he does actually do a decent job of talking about what is going on and why.  

Darke is still my favorite.  

And this is why Messi is better than CR7.  

http://blog.foxsoccer.com/post/87152937022/cristiano-ronaldo-didnt-celebrate-sergio-ramos-epic 

CR7 may be a better player this year but Messi is a better person.

I couldn't have put it better myself.  I can't stand him.  Never have.  Never will.  I admire his skill but not his character.  

I hope we completely shut him down and obliterate them in our opening round.

Now that the WC is over, let's pick up where we left off.

Everyone ready for the season to start soon?

Any predictions?

Any trade thoughts (now that "The Cannibal" has been sent to Barca)?

Haven't really kept up but lots of good players coming into the top 4....the first few real warm ups should tell the tale...

It would seem the Top 5 have improved - not sure on Spurs yet....so the usual suspects will reign again

The transfers have been coming quick and I haven't kept up on many.  While you say the Top 5 have improved, I'm not certain if the same can be said for Liverpool.  Only time will tell if the sheer creative genius will be missed in The Cannibal.  I just don't see Sterling replacing that creativity.  That being said, it is possible that the replacements (Lallana and Lambert) might help?  

Just saw Evra went to Juventas.  Interesting move.

Drobga is being linked back to Chelsea where Diego Costa and Fabregas has already moved.

Everton is looking at the Columbian Bacca.

Alex Sanchez to Arsenal.

Sagna went from Arsenal to Man City.

Those are the ones I could find with a VERY quick search.  And they worry me.

So Fat Frank signs for NYC--any thoughts? It seems like he's approaching the end of his career, but should be interesting.

I hadn't heard about Kaka, that's news.

I agree that the league can't survive on retirees, but these are a couple of marquee names that will generate more interest I believe.

Nice thing is that it isn't just those from other leagues that are coming here, Demarcus Beasley was picked up by Houston.  That will be a nice boost for them, I hope, based on his USMNT performance.

And now Yedlin from Seattle is being linked with Roma.  Which would be nice.  Don't know if he can cut it or not, but I hope we can continue to send guys over to compete at the highest levels.

Also, Julian Green supposedly got a spot on the first team at Bayern.  

it was pretty obvious that Yedlin was going to get picked up by someone...he has some great qualities and it will be good for his progress to go to Roma.

I was at the Manure Roma game here in Denver, it was funny to hear the crowd boo Ashley Cole on every touch....bet he didnt expect that.

I wasnt impressed with the new look ManUre - they were flattered by playing the Second string Roma team with their First team...but they didnt dominate by any means!

And Van Gaal ripped them afterwards too.  How about that 50-60 yarder strike by Roma to pull one back?  HA!  Loved it.

I was at the 'Pool v Olympiacos match yesterday.  I was pleased with only the first 10-15 minutes of play.  They put some crazy pressure on the Greeks with the three-pronged attack of Sterling, Sturridge and now Markovic.  He is not bad.  And there were some opportunities for Lambert to show promise in the second half, but overall it was a lack luster friendly.  Although it did get a little chippy and there were quite a few yellow's shown.  

Impact of Financial Fair Play (FFP).  I think bcozian was the one that talked about the potential impact it would have.  Here is the fruits of that policy it appears.

http://www.espnfc.us/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/1964442/southampton-exodus-simply-and-sadly-shows-submission-to-footballs-hierarchy 

Cool! I have to admit that I haven't seen their show, but it looks great. America loves their sports talk shows, so hopefully this does well on NBC. I'll be watching.

I've been listening to their podcast ever since bcozian recommended it a few years ago.  They are so flipping funny.  I hope they can still do the pods, cause I love them.  Very insightful but in a VERY irreverent way.

And so it begins this weekend.  Everybody ready?

I know, it's hard to believe it's time already! Definitely looking forward to the EPL and the Sounders are having a really good season as well.

Yeah, they embarrassed the hell out of Chicago in the Open cup earlier this week.  I think it might actually be a record defeat for us.

In the spirit of good sportsmanship, I chose not to mention that

Thanks.  

Week 1 in the books - i wasnt that impressed with the Big 4 teams this weekend, City/Pool and Arsenal all were fortunate to get a win and didnt look substantially better with their new players. Its always interesting in the first few weeks where the middle or lower pack teams are fresh, rested and rejuvenated enough to put in a cohesive performance against so called superior teams. i attribute that to the fact that the Top teams have generally had players at a major World or European tournament and a pre-season tour somewhere in the world so players are still mentally and physically fatigued and the they have not had the time to integrate the one or two new signings from the summer....

This usually dissipates as the season draws on and the lower teams face injuries and fatigue that then shows them drop in form.That said - i was happy to see Southampton play so well....it was amusing to watch Rodgers reaction to the Sturridge winner.....he showed the pressure that is now on him vs the relaxed demeanor of someone with lower expectations - easier to be the hunter than the hunted.

The other interesting point was the fact that new players emerge who were either cast off by larger clubs or brought in from lower leagues domestic or abroad....Newcastle player Cabelllas impressed as did Tasic for Southampton...i still maintain the belief that there are many bargains out there if the top teams just cast their net a lot further and have faith.

And finally......the wife was not ecstatic to see the EPL return....sshhh....La Liga and Serie A are still to come!