IntenseDebate - geoffedwards

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Wolves Mean Business · 0 replies · +1 points

The last time I saw a team trying to kick their opponents out of the game was NUFC against Everton in Feb 2009.

Victor Anichebe is still recovering now, bless him.

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - The Premier League 201... · 0 replies · +1 points

Surprisingly, Matt, I am a little more optimistic than you about Everton's chances. I'm going to have a wager on them nicking 4th!

Despite all that's wrong with the EPL at the moment. It's good to at least see a bit of proper competition at the top end, rather than just the usual 4 dominating.

Also, I like your diplomatic use of the word 'scrapper' to describe Barton and Nolan.

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - The Other Shoe · 0 replies · +1 points

Ha! A slight difference in class there. A double champions league winner or a serial 10th place finisher. Uh oh indeed for Fulham fans!

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - The Other Shoe · 2 replies · +1 points

I read recently that Ottmar Hitzfeld could be a candidate for the job. That would be a great appointment for Fulham if that came off.

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - The Shouting/ A Look ... · 0 replies · +1 points

Eliot, I concur on both points. Any article that gets a 'Life of Brian' video in there deserves respect.

Which Eastern European team can you see doing well in 2012?

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Match Day Special/Worl... · 3 replies · +1 points

I agree Matt. Although I've really enjoyed this WC, I have to say that last night's was the 1st game I was genuinely riveted to (I missed the Uruguay-Ghana game, was at the HP Weinmarkt!). Germany were a bit disappointing but I think credit for that has to go to Spain for their pressing, as Martin mentioned in his article. I thought Spain were excellent. The Germans I was with were naturally disappointed but they can take heart from the fact that in the last 2 tournaments it's taken probably the best team in the world to stop them!

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Why Do England Always ... · 1 reply · +1 points

Science? What has science ever done for mankind?

Found another interesting article today. Juergen Klinsmann reveals how he changed the style of german football:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cu...

that would never work in England!

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Why Do England Always ... · 3 replies · +1 points

I read this today in the Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jul/04/fa...

Another reason why England lose: Conflicting interests between the clubs and the FA ruining England's chances in youth competitions. This was the reason for England's recent poor performance in the World U20 Championship. England finished a miserable bottom of the group, despite the fact the same age group had a couple of months earlier got to the final of the U19 Euros (lost to Ukraine). The World Cup was in September, which meant all the better players weren't released by their clubs.

Interesting points about differing pllaying conditions in different countries. Gianluca Vialli had a theory on this: British players don't develop as well technically because of climate. According to him, in Britain it's difficult for kids to develop their skills because there are high levels of wind, which makes ball control more difficult.

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Who Says Crime Doesn't... · 1 reply · +1 points

Martin, I like your proposal. If it were up to me I would give the goal and the player gets a yellow card, thus avoiding a double punishment.

I found Ben's point about a deliberate foul interesting also. I remember a match back in 1998 between Newcastle and Man Utd. Utd were chasing the title at the time and I think were 1-0 up in the dying stages of the game. Then, Newcastle's Rob Lee breaks clear on the counter and gets to about 20-25 yards out. Up comes Ole Solskjaer and deliberately scythes him down with absolutely no intention of getting the ball. He started walking off before the ref showed the red card and was congratulated by fans and team mates as some kind of hero.

Newcastle only got a free-kick out of it. Utd got all the men back and formed a wall etc. Hardly a fair reward. What would be your take on dealing with that?

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Matchday Special - Ger... · 0 replies · +1 points

@Matt I was expecting more of a contest too. I tipped a 3-3 and then onto pens. I stayed in and watched it sat next to 2 giant industrial size fans to keep me cool, but plan to head out Weds. Can't wait! You're right Spain will be worried and if they play the way they have been in this WC then they should be worried!

@Martin, indeed. Would've been good to see Mueller against Capdevila aswell on the other side. Looks like it will be Trochowski coming in for him. He won't offer the same threat

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