Favourite football / Soccer team

[alwaysacitygirl]

Oh man, I'm rooting for Spain to win! & Torres

 

[Louie]

I was enraged when the U.S. was eliminated and cried when Australia lost (Australia born/ America raised) but then I realized, at the very least, I'll get to see more of the hottest team! (Italy... of course!)

 

[nauois]

I used to like Real Madrid but think they have too many galaticos. Its the World Cup now and i'm supporting France! Allez Les Bleus!!

 

[*tine*]

Oh man, I'm rooting for Spain to win! & Torres

i was rooting for them too(torres is so cute!) but it really didnt go their way! i feel sorry for raul, some birthday
but im really hoping that portugal will win

 

[Aleksejeva]

Argentina

And I have to say I´m so anxious because of today´s game : Germany - Argentina !Oh my, oh my...What a tough nut to crack!

 

[saann]

Argentina Nooooooooooooo
The Best Team In This Tournament Is Out- I Can't Believe It

My Heart Is Breaking

 

[Bluestar07]

^ Mine broke. I cried myself eyes out with Ayala missed and then cried all night long and woke up crying. My eyes are puffed up and I look so crappy right now. I swear I have to wear sunnies even in the house 'cos my eyes and head hurt so much. But not as much as my heart ...

 

[saann]

I feel your pain

that was just wrong and unfair.. In my eyes they have won the whole thing.. that game never happened! even my mother cried and she doesn't even watch football.. My friend who is a brazilian supporter by heart and used to hate Argentina was sad.. =(

 

[ShuggaStiletto]

yay Portugal. What an upset France!!!!!!!

 

[MissAnia]

Brazil... but they are not in game now ... Then.. PORTUGAL !!!!

 

[Bluestar07]

WC is almost over ... ...

Time for transfer rumours and gossip

SAVIOLA ... cut-price
Arsene £2m Savvy swoop

By ERIC BEAUCHAMP
ARSENAL expect to sign Argie ace Javier Saviola for a cut-price £2million. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is in talks with the World Cup striker, 25, who is being offloaded by Barcelona.
The Spanish champions have been looking to sell Saviola, nicknamed The Rabbit, for two years.
Now Barcelona will let Saviola join the Gunners on the cheap with Arsenal footing the bill for the remaining year of the star’s Nou Camp contract.
Saviola’s agent Alfredo Kampera said: “We have had contact with Arsenal and Javier is tempted by a move to England.”
Saviola, who scored for Argentina in the World Cup against Ivory Coast, joined Barcelona for £16m from River Plate in 2001 and grabbed 61 goals in three seasons before being shipped out by boss Frank Rijkaard.
He was loaned to Monaco in 2004 and then Seville last year, where he netted nine goals and won the UEFA Cup.
The star has offers to stay in Spain or go to Greece but is keen to sample life in the Premiership.
Kampera added: “There is a proposal from Panathinaikos, as there are from other teams. One of them is Arsenal, while there is also interest from Bolton.
“Our priority is for Javier to remain in Spain or go to England.”



thesun.co.uk

 

[amphrosyne]

^ well Arsenal, Bolton, Panathinaikos...theres only one choice then .. keke I'm off to hunt for transfer articles.

 

[Bluestar07]

Ballack: My bad luck

TEAR WE GO ... Ballack salutes German fans
From NEIL CUSTIS in Dortmund
CHELSEA new-boy Michael Ballack believes bad luck is following him all the way to Stamford Bridge. Germany’s captain almost broke down when he spoke after his country’s 2-0 extra-time defeat by Italy in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Four years ago Ballack missed playing in the World Cup final against Brazil after a second yellow card in the semi against South Korea meant he was banned.
The midfielder, who joined the Blues on a free last month, won three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich.
But after Italy’s last-gasp victory, he fears the footballing gods have turned against him.
Ballack said: “It is just not meant to be for me.
“After what happened to me four years ago and now this, it leaves me feeling very bitter.
“For us to get eliminated like this, one minute from time, is just so hard to take.”
Ballack, 29, is still reeling from the double knockout blow Italy delivered in the dying seconds in Dortmund.



for full article: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2006310100,00.html

 

[astatine]

I'm curious...why would Barcelona want to offload Saviola? He's a pretty good player, yes?

And I thought Torres was going to join Manchester United...rumours were going around that a GBP$25 million deal was done...

 

[saann]

Barcelona already have number of attackers.. maybe they feel like they don't need Saviola as much as the others

 

[*tine*]

I'm curious...why would Barcelona want to offload Saviola? He's a pretty good player, yes?

And I thought Torres was going to join Manchester United...rumours were going around that a GBP$25 million deal was done...

Torres is going to man u???? i hope not i dont even like man u

 

[amphrosyne]

Articles time.... Seems like our season eh?

At just 22 years old, Mascherano is already an integral part of the formidable Argentina team that look set to star in this years World Cup with a 6-0 victory over Serbia & Montenegro. Whilst the likes of Messi, Riquelme and Tevez provide the flair for the South Americans, Mascherano is the engine room and Arsenal coach Arsène Wenger believes the freedom Mascherano gives his talented team-mates to attack could translate to similar success for Arsenal.

The combative midfielder joined Corinthians in 2005 from River Plate despite considerable interest from several European giants including Internazionale, Real Madrid and more recently Chelsea.


However it appears Arsenal has beaten them all, despite a technical relationship that Chelsea share with Corinthians as the player dubbed ‘the next Makelele’ made it abundantly clear to officials at the Brazilian club he’d prefer a move to Arsenal. In addition Brazil international Gilberto Silva could be lined up for a move the other way making it look increasingly likely that Arsenal hold all the cards in the race for the players signature.


Defensive midfield has been a problem position for Arsenal this season with their Captain Patrick Vieira sold to Juventus last year and Gilberto Silva has come in for criticism when faced with more physical opposition in the Premiership. After being linked with moves for Tottenham target Didier Zokora and Yaya Toure - Ivorian team-mate to Zokora and brother of Kolo Toure – it appears Wenger has now made his decision.


Having monitored the player since his early career at River Plate, Wenger was driven to bid in light of Argentina’s new found World Cup favourites tag believing the player’s price could sky rocket further should he lift the World Cup. The precise value of the bid is at present unknown but the fee is likely to be in excess of double the $15 million USD that Corinthians paid just a year ago. The fee may be reduced if Gilberto Silva is included in the deal although it’s possible Silva may favour a move to Spain.

http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2054360#post2054360

Ronaldo intends to leave Man Utd

Manchester United's Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo says he wants to leave Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old has been criticised in England for his role in the sending off of team-mate Wayne Rooney when Portugal beat England in the World Cup.
"I think I should get out of Manchester as the circumstances are not right to keep playing there," said Ronaldo.
"Nobody stood up for me, although I did not do anybody any harm. In two or three days I'll decide where to go."

Ronaldo, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, added: "I always said I wanted to play in Spain."
Ronaldo has three years left on his United contract and boss Sir Alex Ferguson said last week he expected the player to report for pre-season training.
He said: "There isn't a problem with the boy and I don't expect any problems.
"When people have been involved in a bid to become president at Madrid they have used clubs like ours."
New Real manager Fabio Capello said it was good news that Ronaldo was considering a move to The Bernabeu. "He is a Manchester United player," said Capello. "But everyone wants to come to play here and I think he really wants to and this is good news for me. "We will have to wait and see but at the moment I cannot say anything."

bbc.co.uk

Gianluigi Buffon's agent has claimed Arsenal have been in touch regarding a possible bid for the Juventus keeper.
The Italy international is currently on World Cup duty in Germany, but he faces an uncertain club future.
Juventus are under investigation amid match-fixing allegations and any punishment could see the Italian champions relegated.
Such an eventuality would almost certainly lead to Buffon's exit and Arsenal have been credited with an interest.
Buffon's representative Silvano Martina admits The Gunners are a tempting option, but feels a deal is fraught with complications.
"The negotiation exists, but it isn't easy," Martina told the Italian media.
"London is a pleasing option, but Gigi would like to stay in Italy.
"Despite this, Arsenal remains a welcome solution."
Though Arsenal may hold an interest in the 28-year-old, it is thought Juventus would demand €28 million (£19 million) for Buffon's sale.
The shot-stopper would also require a hefty salary and the financial implications of the deal could put Buffon out of Arsenal's reach.
Milan are also keen on the former Parma star, but, like Juventus, are under investigation and may end up with the same fate as their Serie A rivals.

skysports

We have it so lets splash the cash. Saviola's 2 m is negligible but the sums for Buffon or Masche are enormous. However its not everyday the worlds best goalkeeper (and 28 years old!!) is on the market. Plus Lehmann is turning 37... Wenger has been tracking Mascherano since his River Plate days so he's bound ot be good. We cant get young players from South America though due to permit problems (e.g. Carlos Vela playing in Celta Vigo). Both would improve the squad and team immensly.

 

[Bluestar07]

^

 

[Bluestar07]

bits and pieces from channel4.com

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Chelsea confident over Canna[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]
[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Chelsea are confident of signing Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro after the World Cup Final, according to English reports. The Juventus favourite’s agents are rumoured to have held talks with Chelsea during the tournament. The 32-year-old Azzurri captain isn't expected to stay with Juve if they're demoted to Serie C over the Calciopoli scandal.

[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Gattuso laughs off Utd link[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Rino Gattuso has played down reports linking him with Manchester United and insists all he is thinking about is the World Cup. “The Press can write whatever they want,” said the Milan midfielder. “At this point, I cannot think of another club wanting me or anything else but Sunday's Final. I am confident I’ll play with Milan in Serie A next season. If they are demoted, I’ll sit at the table to discuss things with the club.” [/FONT]

 

[amphrosyne]

ok...since no one cares about club football I'll keep monopolizing this place and turn it into an Arsenal stalwart..

TRANSFER TALK

Cesc content at Gunners

By Alex Dunn - Created on 9 Jul 2006

Cesc Fabregas has rubbished reports that have suggested he is closing on a big money switch to Real Madrid. The gifted 19-year-old schemer has been the subject

Cesc Fabregas has rubbished reports that have suggested he is closing on a big money switch to Real Madrid.
The gifted 19-year-old schemer has been the subject of intense speculation following the appointment of Ramon Calderon as Real's new president.
Calderon has claimed he is close to securing Fabregas for next term but the player, who has recently returned to North London after World Cup exertions with Spain, has stated he will return for pre-season training on July 24.
Fabregas showed last season he has all the potential to develop in to one of Europe's best midfielders over the next few seasons and his performances in Germany will certainly not harm what is a growing reputation.
''I am not thinking of anything other than playing for Arsenal next season,'' he told El Mundo Deportivo.
''I am an Arsenal player 100 percent. No-one has told me anything to the contrary.''
While confirming his commitment to Arsenal's cause for the foreseeable future, Fabregas does concede that at one point in his career he would like to return to his homeland. ''Sooner or later I would like to play in the Spanish league as I left when I was 16 and haven't had the chance but at the moment I am really good in England,'' he concluded.

The gifted 19-year-old schemer has been the subject of intense speculation following the appointment of Ramon Calderon as Real's new president.
Calderon has claimed he is close to securing Fabregas for next term but the player, who has recently returned to North London after World Cup exertions with Spain, has stated he will return for pre-season training on July 24.
Fabregas showed last season he has all the potential to develop in to one of Europe's best midfielders over the next few seasons and his performances in Germany will certainly not harm what is a growing reputation.
''I am not thinking of anything other than playing for Arsenal next season,'' he told El Mundo Deportivo.
''I am an Arsenal player 100 percent. No-one has told me anything to the contrary.''
While confirming his commitment to Arsenal's cause for the foreseeable future, Fabregas does concede that at one point in his career he would like to return to his homeland. ''Sooner or later I would like to play in the Spanish league as I left when I was 16 and haven't had the chance but at the moment I am really good in England,'' he concluded.

skysports

Ribery drops Gunners hint

By Alex Dunn | Sunday 9th July
.

France World Cup star Franck Ribery has dropped the biggest hint yet that he could be ready to move to England, with Arsenal seemingly the club in the driving seat if they do so desire.




The Marseille wide man has made his mark on proceedings in Germany when after a series of indifferent group stage performances, along with the rest of his Les Bleus team-mates, he exploded to life in the knock-out phases.
Exhilarating performances against Spain and Brazil followed and on Sunday he will appear for his country in the World Cup final, with an observant Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger to be in attendance.
Ribery has previously intimated that he is ready to quit Marseille but it has always been Lyon stated as his preferred destination. However, it seems he has perhaps now had a change of heart.
'I'd love to play for a big club in England - and nothing would be more ideal than to be with a French coach,'' he told the Sunday Mirror.
''But this is not the time to speak about my future.
''I have the World Cup and that is bigger than anything in my life right now.''
Despite his tender years, Ribery is still just 23, the talented schemer has already played for five clubs and the player admits he hopes to keep on moving and emulate his idol Zinedine Zidane, in playing for some of the world's top sides.
''I would love to have a career like Zizou,'' he added.
''It has taken him to the biggest clubs in the world. I have only just started my career. ''Football is the biggest thing in my life. I have only just come on the big scene, that's why I am loving every minute of it.''


skysports

9 July 2006
THURAM TARGET AS SOL SAYS 'I'M OFF!'
ARSENAL SENSATION AS WENGER SWOOPS Wenger hails Campbell years but steps up bid for World Cup star
By Alan Nixon

SOL CAMPBELL last night announced he was quit ting Arsenal as Arsene Wenger began moves to snatch French World Cup hero Lilian Thuram from Juventus.
Campbell, who caused a storm five years ago when he joined the Gunners from arch-rivals Tottenham, may move abroad, although there is bound to be interest from Premiership suitors.
In a statement last night, Campbell, 31, said: "It is with a sense of pride, achievement and the desire for a fresh challenge that I depart. Playing abroad is something that would really interest me, but I am keeping my options open."
Wenger hailed Campbell for his outstanding record since moving to Highbury. He said: "Sol has been a giant for us. His desire and presence have been instrumental in our success over the past five years, but we respect his decision to move on.
"His commitment, stature and strength of character have served us remarkably well.​

"Winning two Premiership titles, three FA Cups and scoring in the Champions League Final will be highlights he will treasure."​

But last season had few other highlights for Campbell, who famously walked out on the club after a torrid first half against West Ham in a Premiership clash at Highbury.

It is believed Campbell, who still had a year left on his contract, has waived his salary, with Arsenal in return allowing him to move for free.​

Campbell's decision to leave will accelerate Wenger's moves to land Thuram, 34, who will play for France in the World Cup Final against Italy tonight. Thuram (below), who is ready to quit a Juve club facing relegation after a corruption probe, has a close relationship with Wenger.​

Arsenal will be without Philippe Senderos for the next four months because of a shoulder injury that is more serious than first believed. So with Campbell quitting, the Gunners are in need of reinforcements.​

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is shocked that Arsenal are releasing Campbell. "I can't believe Arsenal are letting a player of Campbell's calibre go," he said.​

"Of course I would love to sign him. He's still a top-quality defender."​

The stumbling block will be wages, with Campbell on a reported £100,000 a week.​

people.co.uk​

If Arsene buys Ribery the midfield will get congested..I dont see how he can keep them all happy as he actually cares for their careers. However with Campbell, Bobby, and Bergy out maybe we can do it. And if we progress in all competitions we could very well end up playing 80+ games so rotation is necessary.