The Ultimate Soccer Thread 2011-2012. VOL 2 (EPL,LFP, SERIE A, BUND, ETC.)

[boys noize]

I hate the international break.

 

[cool hand Luka]

A little late, only watched the 1st half, but congrats to Charlie and Luka 

Unless they have a massive blow up
they're going to the Euro's

 

[ham city]

Xtapolapacetl you're a fool.

name one attribute I "made up" a different name for. PS in case you forget dribbling is not the same thing as ball control. You're delusional bro.

 

[persiafly]

Since there isn't a whole lot going on match wise right now, thought it might be interesting if everyone shared a favorite or forgotten or fantastic soccer clip. 

Mine: Oliver Neuville almost scoring a fully ******ed goal against Brazil in the 2002 final. He hit it with the outside of his foot and the swerve is just 

 Two Brazil players are standing at the same vertical point on the field and the ball wraps around the right of the first and the left of the second. This would have instantly become one of the greatest goals in soccer history. Basically if Roberto Carlos's famous free kick had happened in the WC final rather than a meaningless game. 

 

[abovelegit1]

One of my all-time favorite clips. The player + the moves + the finish + the situation (tie 2-2 vs. Liverpool) + the commentary =

 

[demps]

2005 copa libertadores quarterfinal.


3rd and 4th goal are just beautiful..

 

[jordanhead718212]

 

[noskey]

Gotta put on for my hometown team 

And one of my favorite Henry goals

 

[AZwildcats]

 

[eiddyfouw]

 

[xtapolapacetl]

Originally Posted by abovelegit1

LOL okay, so now that it has become obvious that Messi is the best player, people are resorting to saying Ronaldo is more complete than Messi? I feel bad, but you can't even have that because it just isn't true. You can break it down all you want in an attempt to make your case, but in general, an attacking player must be capable in three areas: passing , finishing, and the all encompassing - ball control. Two of those areas are quite clearly to Messi's advantage (not sure if serious in saying a winger is better at passing than a central player), and while Ronaldo has a more powerful shot, it isn't more accurate. This is evidenced by him needing 100+ more shots than Messi to get the same amount of goals last season. Also, football fans in general seem to believe Ronaldo is far and away the best dead ball specialist in the game. He made just 5/52 last year, and took 34 attempts more than the next player in La Liga.



Regarding defense, neither player is encumbered by much responsibility, but Messi's work rate and constant ball pressure win out over Ronaldo's half hearted track backs to the mid point line, only to stand and wait for the opportunity to leak out on the counter.



And let's not confuse 'flair' for 'creativity.' True footballing creativity is about inventing passing angles, retaining possession when it seems impossible to do so, creating space/runs for others, etc. Messi doesn't need to use 10 stepovers to beat his defender, which is probably why you seem to perceive Ronaldo as more creative.



But really, the footballing IQ is what separates the Messis, Zidanes, Baggios et al from the mere mortals. For all his greatness, Ronaldo's decision-making leaves much to be desired. Can't believe you honestly think Ronaldo is the backbone of this Madrid outfit; Xabi Alonso would like to have a word with you. 





Oh and ftr, Juninho is (still) the best FK taker on Earth.

I'm not confusing flair and creativity. You're the one confusing the fact that Ronaldo puts some spice on his dribbles with the assumption that he is unable to get past defenders in a more conventional way. People who dislike Ronaldo mention how the stuff he does is excessive and unnecessary, but in a lot of instances it turns out to be the best solution. Like the pass he did with his back. On first glance it seemed flashy, but it was brilliantly simple and creative, and actually the best thing he could've done in that situation where he passed the ball to a teammate with a perfect ball that was easy to tame. The fact that you mention a ridiculous number like him NEEDING a whole TEN stepovers to get past a defender shows how biased you are against Ronaldo, or in favor or Messi... Or a combination of both, which is my guess. And Ronaldo's passes that leave the ground are better than Messi's. Messi is superior in shorter, low passes that don't leave the ground. Simple as that. I don't believe that Ronaldo is the best free kick taker in the world, but it is one of the areas where the difference between him and Messi is vast, and one of the areas that adds to him being a more complete player than Messi. Also, he might've scored 5 last year but I know he scored from a free kick in two of the last four games I've watched him in over the last hanful of weeks - against Denmark and Lyon.

You're kidding yourself if you think that Xabi Alonso is actually the backbone of this Real Madrid squad. He is the unsung hero who is a very important player and is definitely overlooked by conventional viewers of Real Madrid games, and Barcelona has plenty of those players as well.

And Ronaldo isn't even on Baggio's level either all of a sudden? Come on man.

 

[quik1987]

 

[xtapolapacetl]

And as far as the goals go, this one stands out the most for me, probably:

 

[keepie uppie]

JordanHead718212 wrote:

that celebration though was

 

[Retroballer]

 

[naija nitemare]

Like what I'm seeing from our attack so far with Buddle out there with Jozy

 

[thatpersianguy]

Originally Posted by AZwildcats

 

[nawlinsjunkie]

All I know is, Ronaldo BETTER come through for Portugal today. If we lose to Bosnia 

I'm gonna get his name printed on my jersey and then burn it

 

[hugebird]

I see your Everton volley and raise you a left-footed volley vs the other Merseyside club. (With a Tiger Woods cameo and The Special One being himself. Ahh, how I miss him)

 

[cool hand Luka]

he showed up

 

[hugebird]

Crissy. I expect a response from Bosnia, though.

 

[nychiphophippo]

Anyone have a stream of the game. I have cablevision and no espn 3

 

[cool hand Luka]

what a beauty, good night bosnia

 

[cool hand Luka]

what a beauty, good night bosnia

 

[hugebird]

Hahaha, or Nani will do that.