leffe186

Did you see the game? How did you guys actually play?

And it's absolutely not like training yourself to hold onto a burning stove, more like training yourself to touch it.

Song bottled it. It is difficult because it is a natural body reaction. When hard objects fly at us with rapid rates of speed, we tend to flinch. It is like training yourself to hold onto a burning stove. Nearly impossible. Only if they come at us unexpectedly. You can steel yourself for free-kicks, plus you have enough time to move towards them.

Terrible wall, to be fair.

What a fucking goal that is.

They've started really well though. Good game this.

Absolutely. The thing that will make football work here is fan culture. Because of the large distances involved and large number of games in many sports, you don't see too many away fans at games. Singing throughout a game doesn't happen in any of the other major sports either. Going to the Crew is great because - in the "singing" section at least - it's more like a game back home. The single thing I used to enjoy most about supporting my team was going away (and winning, of course). A great day out with mates, guaranteed fantastic atmosphere in our end and non-stop singing. The U.S. just doesn't have that same experience, yet.

Fair point. However, I know that when I am watching or playing football, the goal is to win. If there is contact in a dangerous area and the player stays on his feet, it is likely that he is depriving his side of a set piece opportunity. It is simply the smart decision in the situation. This is why players do it. If referees gave out red cards, called fouls when players didn't fall, or were better at deciphering dives, then players would stay on their feet. In the current situation, anyone who doesn't fall is actually hurting their team. We know it's smart, and we know why players do it - but it's still cheating. Aussie Rules tops are called guernseys btw.

I still chuckle when I see Liverpool in Europe and remember it's not the Champions League. Am going to have to get used to it.

Nah, that's handball. Protecting his face and the ball is f***ing travelling IMO. Then let it hit your face. Be a man.

Fuck me. At least we've brought entertainment to the CL.

Will hopefully balance the Alan Smith commentary.

Probably all that growth hormone still sloshing around inside him.

Eh? Which review show was this, sounds mental. It's called the "Premier League Review Show" over here and is narrated by Marcus Buckland and put out by TWI. They use the commentators from the matches though and it was the same two that most people were complaining about over here. One of them literally says that Coleman's tackle on Nolan was a goal saving tackle. They also edited it together to show a bunch of Everton highlights and not really any Newcastle highlights other than the goal and the cross that Nolan put in that was deflected and Howard had to save. Maybe it's good I couldn't watch it this week. I had it dvr'd, but some WPS game cut into so I only saw the first two matches. Me too. Right pain in the arse as I thought it was repeated but can't find it anywhere.

Hoddle never tucked his in, so I didn't - and never have (unless my coach told me to)...

Don't know, putting in two defenders and a keeper strikes me as a little back-handed tbh! Played with Hughton for years might be something to do with it.

Btw Nixon - the Columbus Crew usually have a signing in a tent outside after the game. I'm guessing most of MLS do the same. Would be worth asking their customer service as Crew's are really helpful.

Just don't get someone sent off. They've played four games in the Prem this year and had Cole (after 45), Evatt (after 31) and Cahill (after 64) sent off against them. Not saying they're not good mind, but if we played against ten men most of the time we'd look bloody good too.

At least Everton and City drew at home. We don't look at all convincing.

I'm guessing you don't want it to be TOO similar.

Jesus, what an unbelievable miss by Piquionne. Should have been offside, but still.

...and then he promptly takes out Essien. Nasty.

Fantastic goal by Parker, bit late mind you.

...and then some absolutely brilliant play by Drogba. He'd be my favourite player if he wasn't such a moaning diving twat.

All West Ham now.