I am going to start working on a Euro 2008 preview and so their will be no formal Speakers' Corner. In the meantime here are some outstanding questions from the weekend preview blog.
Zuco2 - Could you please say a big "Thanks" to Machado and Peacock for mentioning the protests against the Bosnian football federation in Sarajevo, yesterday on the FSR. Being Bosnian, this news really affects me and I hope UEFA takes action against the people who sacked Bosnian coach : Meho Kodro.
Do you have any opinion on this story?
Bobby – The FSR crew read the blog from time to time so they will pick up your thanks. However, I would not hold my breath waiting for UEFA to intervene at take action against the Bosnian FA. That will not happen. The best that might happen is UEFA offering to help mediate but that would be as deep as they would get into it.
LosAngelesChelseaFan - I really enjoyed all the league playoffs. What a contrast between the teams and how great for the minnows to be at Wembley. Doncaster was a revelation and played some classy football in their win against Leeds. 5 years ago Leeds were 114 places ahead of them. Amazing. The Stockport County semi final on other hand was the most antiquated long ball garbage that would be beaten by any 10 or 9 kids from a Sao Paolo back street. 'ull really won against the run of play for me.
Bobby, others, did you watch? What did you make of it and the promoted teams?
Speaking of other channels... I was changing channels and hit the usually unwatchable Galaxy on HDNet (DirecTV) just as Xavier's usual garbage defending allowed the first goal. If you haven't seen it yet, Beckham scored the final goal from 60 yards into an empty net and generally played pretty well. The 16x9 format more than the quality HD makes such a difference to watching the play unfold. If only we had it for the European leagues.
Bobby – I watched both Saturday and Sunday play-off games. I thought it was great that after 30 minutes on Sunday the teams realized that they were also permitted to kick the spherical object that had found a way on to the field….not just the players who were wearing a different coloured shirt. Hull will struggle to survive unless a miracle happens. Doncaster has a better chance but will still need a few breaks. They might be the sort of team that get off to a flyer and then fall back.
As for the LAG –Wizards game I did watch it on Saturday night and thought the first half rarely rose above the level of putrid. The second half however was very entertaining. The LAG lifted the pace of their game (Donovan and Beckham worked very hard) and overall it was worthwhile sticking it out. The result was in doubt until the last minute. Watching the HD Net games on a Saturday night is something I look forward to.
Craigy_f –DC Utd and Moreno taking penalties.
Bobby - DC United. A very different style from last season and even ta difference from the start of this season. It looks to me that allowing Gomez to go has meant the close passing-constantly playing in little triangles all over the park style has gone and they are playing a more pressing game. If I had my life dependant on a penalty taker in MLS I would choose Jaime Moreno without a doubt.
gregZ - Just something that’s been bothering me a little Bobby. How do you rate the commentating styles of John Helm and Martin Tyler? I could have sworn Helm was the number 1 guy or something. He got to oversee the opening and closing games at WC 2006. Apparently Tyler is rated best though.
Bobby – I enjoy listening to both Tyler and Helm. I believe that Tyler has a deal with Sky but also freelances while I believe that John Helm (internationally anyway) is entirely freelance.
John Helm does a lot of host broadcaster work at the major tournaments. By that I mean he is the English play by play voice that the host broadcaster will provide to international rights holders who do not have their own play by play voice or want to have a voice from the stadium rather than someone sitting in the studio back home.
Tyler’s pacing of comments and knowledge is fantastic while I appreciate John Helm’s style that is often understated. Another voice I enjoy is Steve Barnyard who pops up covering various leagues and World Cups.
Wiscoleeds – Gutted about Leeds...the Donny end was very empty. But we will be back next season...no admin, no -15 points, a decent manager, a true pre-season to prepare, 28,000 supporters a week, look for Leeds to have the best record in the football league next year. Good luck to Doncaster and Hull...what a great strike from Windass.
Bobby - Another year may not be a bad thing. It will give Gary McAllister a full season to work with the team and I would not bet against successive promotions.
I will be back later this week with the first part of the Euro 2008 preview.
Oooh, Ringo. You are miserable, aren't you. Well, at least the Dynamo have bobbed back up to respectability. Big DeRo fan here.
Leeds. hahahaha. A long and suffering exile isn't good enough for them. Racist fans have hissed Spurs every game since WWII. Who do they think they are? Chelsea?
Bobby, while I simply adore, darling, your in-depth coverage of all things Spurs, I really do think it's time to let people know there's more than one team in London.
As if the money tree at Shepherd's Bush wasn't already in full bloom, it would seem the QPR owners have gone and gotten ANOTHER frivolous bigiollionaire to add to their coffers.
How about giving us a little insight into QPR? It's been a charming little team for many years and Loftus Road has been one of the great places to see music and entertainment stars take a pint in a local pub and then take in a game like they were little people.
Go on, give it the lash. Everyone's doing Euro, these days. Zig when they zag.
Add Portugal to the teams falling flat on their face. If they get their act together Germany will oust them in the Semis and worse case scenario underrated Turkey, Czech and Swiss teams outplay them and they never even get out of the group stage.
I agree on Spain collapsing also. When they win their group they play the 2nd team from the group of death which could easily be Italy or France and then its curtains as the real pressure rises.
Germany vs Italy/France final Zzzzzzzzzzz. Portugal vs Spain would be amazing but I highly doubt it.
Martin Tyler is probably my favorite commentator to listen to and(I can't believe I'm saying this)when he's partnered with Andy Gray, they usually do a terrific job.
John Helm, Steve Banyard and Alan Hansen are good ones as well.
I'm also very glad that there are now two commentators on games instead of the just one that they used to do. Its good to listen to the guys with knowledge go back and forth.
As for Euro's, don't be surprised with a repeat run by the Greeks.
For the life of me I cant understand y people in the media and england r shocked that Grant was sacked. Mourinho got there in his first year and won silverware not a runners up medal, so y do people suddenly expect abramovich to lower his standards and accept second spot. If anything Abramovich raised the standards this season and grant was found wanting. Granted (no pun intended) The israeli did inherit a squad but he inherited a world class squad that could not really be that much improved managers all over the world would kill for the squad he had at his disposal furthermore he added to it by bringing in a top striker but yet still he finished the season empty handed. Mourinho is right, second place in the prem and runners up in the champs lge is losing and the seson was a failure(unless your newcastle).
Hey bobby, Im a huge Spain fan so of course i hope and really do think they can win the euros this year.
1. What do you think of Aragones leaving raul out of the squad?
2. Will Aragones actually start cesc this tournament?
3. Do you think Spain can do it?
Since were slow on news in between the end of the seasons and the Euro I was wondering on peoples thoughts on getting the Scottish teams involved with the English ones. The old one is the crazy idea of Rangers and Celtic getting into the Prem which would be interesting but obviously impossible. So then the idea came to me after thinking about the Cardiff situation. Why not get the Scottish teams into one of the cups. After thinking about it more the League cup even makes more sense considering when the final is and the pile up of games would be and it already is considered a lower cup then the FA and could use some publicity.
Am I crazy? Doesn't seem like much of a stretch to me and a win win situation for most people involved. The TV contract would instantly go up as potential Big Four vs Old Firm would be highly lucrative. That translates into larger prize money to motivate teams. Some might be concerned about a schedule pile up but its a tournament which have always been somewhat optional, don't really wanna be in it send out the reserves. Also the pile up in Scotland this year was a combination of unusual factors. Would love to see the drama of a Celtic vs Man U type game pop up.
Blatter won't let it happen. If it happened, he would expel both country from FIFA. rules are complicated these days... haven't u heard of the EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE?
Not at all surprising for those who watched any of Bayern this season.
Rumors are flying of a 50m quid bid for Torres from Chelsea. If its true, hard to see Liverpool turning down that money.
Also I think that means Drogba is definitely gone. Bad sign for Chelsea seeing as he is the most complete striker in the Premiership but good sign for the rest!
Don't know too much about Degen or Dossena. Hopefully they are step ups at full back for us.
I love Xabi but I think Barry will be a step up in the center of midfield because he can actually run and he can also play on the left.
TH- Why? No one seems to complain about Cardiff City and Swansea being a part of the FA, and competing in English competitions instead of Welsh ones...
Why not just make all of Great Britain governed by one FA, instead of 4? Granted that would mean there'd only be 1 national team... But then again they could play in the Olympics... So it's all good.
not sure how a Euro super league which already really exists in the form of the CL would grow because of allowing Scottish teams into a English cup.
and no I don't want to see a UK team thats just silly the idea was just to ####e up the League Cup which is pretty ignorable besides its Uefa spot by giving the Scottish teams and English ones a new monetary motivation. Would be a pretty good unique TV draw. You have to remember the reason its so important to qualify for the CL is from the TV money which is huge from people wanting to see Italy vs Spain vs France vs Germany vs England. Scotland in the league Cup obviously isn't as huge of a draw but I'm betting within the UK and the size of the global support of Rangers and Celtic it would really make the LC interesting to clubs and fans besides Chelsea and mid level clubs who are already out of table contention for a spot in Europe like Spurs ;p
While I'm at it they should probably siphon more money from the CL to the Uefa cup. Nothing major just abit to bridge the gap which is a grand canyon of difference in money right now.
They will leave at the group stage if they play like they did in qualifying.
In the last game all they had to do was beat Finland at home to win the group and secure a spot and instead they drew 0-0 which meant no qualification if Finland stole a goal at the death.
If Portugal comes out flat and Ronaldo tired its going to be a quick tournament and not that surprising.
Ringo,
I started to get all nostalgic when you mentioned the Buzzcocks and Joy Division err New Order. So, which Premier Club city has had more musical acts go big? (Londoners cannot claim Reggae acts that include native Jamaicans, ie Jimmy Cliff, but could claim UB40) Liverpool supporters might have the trump card...
Seriously, why can't this guy just understand that he's an old, pompous, senile #### and his idea is retarded, and no one but him wants it to happen???
Hi, I've searched the UEFA 2008 EURO site, i could not find any Wallpapers, Screensavers or ringtones. stuff we used to find in euro 2004. pretty lousy promotion if u ask me!
COMMENTATORS
Efan Ekoku isn't bad
The guys who do Football Italia are first rate
The ex scottish player whose name I can't remember.
Matthew Le Tissier
Joe Royle is (unintentionally) funny
If you can get the right combination of knowledgeable ex-player/manager and enthusiatsic and knowledgeable amateur then you are onto a winner, it's tough to do though.
DC UNITED / BOBBY
Part of the problem is the new additions. I see your point about Gomez.
Gallardo and Quaranta have yet to find their roles which means a lack of attacking options, thus they seem to fall back into the pressing game OR fall to pieces.
Saturday, Quatanta had a screamer and Gallardo didn't try to do too much (he kept it simple)
Their keeper isn't great either.
As in all MLS games the DEF is easily foiled.
Now forget EURO 08 and let us know what you will be doing to cover the MLS (and anything else) now that European Leagues have wound down for a while.
GABEMAR
Thanks.
:)
JAY
Er NO THANKS!
RINGO
I kind of concur about the "no fun" ALthough the Austrian and Swiss Riot Police will get an unusually quiet summer.
ENGLISH FANS RIOTING
Who will take their place this summer?
Ugh, alright you poms enough with your whinging "no fun" posture on Euro '08.
Wake up lads. Tis a blessing at least we won't be subjected to the predictable, endless hyperbole of the English media.
Croatia, Dobro!
For you International football fans, ESPN Classic is showing the Euro finals (one a day) everyday from '72 on in a "cutdown" version. What do you expect it's ESPN, they have fishing tourneys and bad mullet parades to air.
Jay:
Worst case for Real, FIFA could suspend them from the transfer market for a period of time. I don't see what Real have done wrong here; they did the same will Kaka' the last couple of years. They are making sure the player knows they would love to sign him, and then let the player make the first move.
Man Utd's biggest source of frustration is that Ronaldo refuses to rule out a move to Real, and almost seems interested in the move.
Interesting that no-one else has picked up the Mancini story yet ...
Roberto Mancini's agent has indicated his client is no longer the coach of Inter Milan.
The 43-year-old's agent, Giorgio De Giorgis, says Mancini left the club following a 25-minute meeting with president Massimo Moratti. The club has yet to make an announcement.
De Giorgis also claimed former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been lined up as Mancini's replacement. Roberto is very disappointed also because he has not yet finished his job - he wanted to try and win even more league titles, and maybe even the Champions League.
"Now Mourinho will arrive and he has only got to repeat what has happened in the last few years. Certainly he is shocked and has taken it badly. I have spoken with him and he sounded quite down, but tomorrow will be even worse."
To be honest, I'm more concerned about what's going on in the transfer market. Chelsea need to sort a lot of positions. If you was a world-class player would you join a manager-less team? Gee you might end up with Mark Hughes, an on the rebound Mancini or an other unknown if the top managers don't want touch it. Jose ain't coming back except as manager of the away team. (That really would be fun to see the Chelsea supporters cheer for him!).
I have an idea ... if the Chelsea manager is not more than a Roman puppet anyway, why not save a bunch of Money and appoint the "I'm on Setanta TV" Mourinho puppet as manager. He could appoint the newly available "it" as his assistant... Neither the players nor the English tabloids would even notice the difference.
We wont hear anything from Jose cause hes in Italy? He could be on Mars coaching womens softball and we would hear from him.
Mancini is a snooZzzzzzzzzzer for me hopefully Chelsea go after someone more exciting on and off the pitch. I think Rijkaard would be a great character for England.
Domenech has announced his 23 players for Euro 2008.
He has left out Mexes, Flamini, and Trezeguet, among others. Maybe he is throwing the tournament after all.
All I can say is, thank you Ray.
5 bucks Wenger called in a favor for Flamini to be dropped!
Like seriously Diarra over Flamster?
edit: a rumored 20m Euros for Hleb? Yes please and thank you very much. Time to move on and thats a nice piece of business to move on. I'm not a greedy man either I'll take that even though with Barca, Real and Inter interested in the player the price could still rise maybe.
Yeah I was just bringing up the fact that if he's not in England than the coverage will be somewhat limited to what is reported with what he is doing. Of course we will hear him!
TH- 2 goals against Ecuador doesn't "silence the doubters"... Granted it does leave the pick looking for more promising than when it was initially made...
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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