World Soccer Thread II

[Imran Siddiqui]

Milan beat Inter 2-0
Chelsea beat Bayern 4-2

Looks like the loss of Mourinho didn't hurt too much . Though that last goal by Ballack may be important, but shameful that he got it on a dive

[Maquiladora]

Perfect example of the differences in style between Italian and English teams, Milan slow it down and defend from the first minute to the last and take any chances, Chelsea try to kill the tie in the first leg. I expect theyll both go through with those results, would be a real shame if Chelsea dont reach the final at least now.

[MikeH]

From what I've seen so far Chelsea and Milan are the two best teams. None of these ties are over though.

I think that Milan are slightly less naive and more ruthless though.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Well you'd expect a team like Milan, which has been there so many times in the recent past, to be less naive and more ruthless in their footballing .

[Maquiladora]

Well you say that but you only have to look at Juventus to see how easily that can crumble once theyre under pressure, same when they crumbled against Man U in '99. They want to play slow tactical football and grind other teams down and dont play well as the underdog, English teams thrive as the underdog. I would much rather play Juventus or Milan and defend a lead than Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Theres nothing naive about wanting to kill off a tie in the home leg or attacking while you have the advantage, just look at Brazil, plus English teams never defend a lead well, we should play to our strengths and let them worry about it.

Lampard shouldve been world footballer of the year BTW.

[lightblue]

I think Bayern is going to be hard pressed to stop Chelsea from getting at least one away goal as well.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Very true... but in the other game, I think Inter is going to be hard pressed to score against Milan. They are looking like a defensive juggernaut right now.

[Maquiladora]

Yeah Milan will bore-out the second leg and go through.

PSV have the advantage, although I expected Lyon to walk it, not sure whos the better team now there but ill say Lyon get an away goal or two in the second leg and go through.

[Imran Siddiqui]

I think PSV wins over Lyon. They just look better at the moment.

[Maquiladora]

I wouldnt know, Lyon have looked more impressive in the CL though.

BTW I watched an MLS league game last night, whats up with the crowd using air horns ALL the time? I think it was DC Utd and Kansas, not sure where at but it looked like a European or even British stadium, except with the sun shining.

[Imran Siddiqui]

It's probably the Mexican fans. They enjoy those horns.

Speaking of the MLS, its far, far better than I remember it at the beginning of the league. That was just horrid back then.

[Maquiladora]

Blame it all on the Mexicans

Horrid in what way? Ive been watching it on and off for the past 2 or 3 years maybe, I remember a while back they didnt even bother trying to remove the american football lines before a match, it looked like one of those multi-sports halls but you dont see that as much now for whatever reason. And not all the nets are those stupid portable ones anymore.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Damn straight I'll blame it on the Mexicans. It's their damned fault after all . Watch a Mexican League game.

Horrid in terms of playing. It was like watching a youth team sometimes. Their tactical ability was crap. This was back like 8, 9, 10 years ago. The reason you don't see as many American football lines is because a lot of the teams have moved to soccer only stadiums.

[Maquiladora]

Dedicated stadiums is a pretty big step, they must have some money to burn. Are they used for the women league games too or something? I know thats bigger there than the mens game, at least the national team is.

[Imran Siddiqui]

The women's league folded last year (IIRC). It was sad, because they deserve their own league.

I know thats bigger there than the mens game, at least the national team is.

Hugh misconception actually, especially after the 2002 WC. The Mens game is much bigger.