Village Idiot

Man, a lot of times I regret us not signing Suárez when we had the chance in 2009, but he is such a cunt that he makes the loss more bearable

Regarding Alexis, I really like the guy and I think had he been fit we would have fared better these past two months. He provides exactly what we lack when we become "bad-Barça": movement and directness.

The team is really off physically, all the bad games we have had (like against Getafe) we have been very static and with the lack of offensive movement that has always been so important for us. Not playing one of Cesc or Iniesta (who was still carrying a knock) was a bad move, I think their movement off the ball is pretty key to afford Xavi space. He was dwelling on the ball so so much this weekend, with nobody to pass it to. Madrid are in top form, but I don't think they will be able to keep up all year like this. It seems to me they are a couple notches over everybody else athletically at this point of the season. Of course, we have to still be there when they have a dip.

I saw the news in the Spanish TV, and I was completely shocked. He always was one of my favorite British footballers, since he was always there since I started following the PL, and for some reason he always seemed to me a great guy, and with lots of energy and courage, which makes these news the more surprising. My thoughts are with his family.

Also, I did try very hard to feel something for New York Red Bulls while I lived there, but it was like trying to find a taste for ornamental plastic food.

Oh, and this can have potentially serious consequences for Spanish football: due to our budget cuts, the Catalan public network will drop La Liga from their lineup, and it is expected that most regional public networks will do the same in the next months. Our regional networks are one of the most important buyers for La Liga rights from the main holder. With Real Madrid and Barça contracts due to expire at the end of the 2013 season, this can drive down the prices.

Ajax - because of Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels and all that they gave us. Always will be my third club. NUFC - because of this place and Sir Bob Inter - because of Helenio Herrera and Luís Suárez CF Badalona - my second club. They play in Spanish Segunda B and I was in their youth setup as a kid. Currently following Roma, too, because of Luís Enrique managing them

As I said in another thread, we have only become an immigration-receiving country since the mid-90s, so it has taken a while to see blacks, arabs and other ethnicities start to crop up in our clubs' youth setups. But I look forward to it.

Watched both of Argentina games this break, they actually started playing good stuff when Agüero, Messi and Higuaín were together in the second half against Colombia. Suddenly there was movement and interplay between the front three, instead of "give it to Messi and forget about the rest" tactics. Demichelis and Burdisso's blooper against Bolivia was tragic. How Coloccini can't get in that defence I just can't understand.

We were on the verge of signing him in the summer of 2008, but were priced out by Valencia (he was still a prospect back then). Can't say we missed him taking into account what has happened since, but... he's such a magnificent player.

Valencia's president claimed today that Mourinho stopped the signing of Silva for Real Madrid last season. (Thank God, he's one of my favorite Spanish players)

Scotland always do reasonably well at youth levels, don't they? EDIT: Just checked, they don't.

Nolan is better than Cabaye - The stats show this very,very,very clearly Carroll is better than Ba - I don't need to go any further on this subject,it's very clear. Barton is 1000000% times better than Marveaux - Again I don't need to go further on this subject. As it stands,Newcastle are far,far,far weaker than last season. Stupid mackem prick. Fair enough with Carroll and Barton at the time but Nolan I just love that line of argument in midfielders: more goals = better player.

Bosnia and Portugal started. Either Dzeko or Cronaldo will be off the EC. Gogogo Bosnia!

I will say something though. Seeing Iniesta's goal even in shitty painting form still gives me the goosebumps.

http://estaticos.marca.com/imagenes/2011/11/10/futbol/seleccion/1320941200_extras_mosaico_noticia_3_g_0.jpg Marcelino against the USSR in the 1964 Euro final. Possibly the worst of the lot, I guess the painter couldn't find a good photo to trace from.

The Spanish FA has commissioned a few paintings to represent Spain's most important goals in all our history. The results are slightly cringe worthy http://estaticos.marca.com/imagenes/2011/11/10/futbol/seleccion/1320941200_extras_mosaico_noticia_5_g_0.jpg Torres against Germany (look at his ankle!) http://estaticos.marca.com/imagenes/2011/11/10/futbol/seleccion/1320941200_extras_mosaico_noticia_1_g_0.jpg 75-year old Iniesta scores against Holland. (those two are actually the best of the lot!)

Not gonna happen any time soon though. Produced nothing since Paulino Alcantara! Legend

Pity, I'd love to see a SE Asian team in a WC at some point.

2-0 Ouch.

Never heard of him, winning the ACN with Cameroon is decent resume I guess.

You're team is way too direct Pip, which is madness against a side so much more athletic than yours. Where did your manager come from?

Yeah, he manages the Saudis. Such a waste. He probably gets silly money, mind.

Great save by the Thai keeper there. The Saudis seem to be getting near the box with ease, though.

Mmm... the Thai team makes our squad look like bodybuilders indeed.