Will he follow the path of Ronaldinho?
Having won everything AND banged every type of woman in any way
imaginable by 26 up to the point that he'll just stop giving a f@(K?
Perhaps not as long as there are people saying Messi is the best
player in the World. I sense that C. Ronaldo will settle for no less
than being greatest of all time...?
That's exactly what I was thinking about. The line of women waiting to
do this guy must go a few kms around Madrid already. Hopefully his
strong family ties will keep him grounded otherwise it will be a mess
(Tiger Woods is going to look gay compare to this guy)..
>
> Perhaps not as long as there are people saying Messi is the best
> player in the World. I sense that C. Ronaldo will settle for no less
> than being greatest of all time...?
He is not the type of player that can be the greatest of all time
because his position on the pitch.. But he surely will be one of the
greatest. He lacks the perfect technique of Zidane ot the
organizational skills of Maradona but he probably has the biggest
punch of any football player in history. He is the Ferenc Puskas of
the XXIst century.
lol. So? RM have won nothing yet.
Ronaldo is just about himself, he's not a team player.
When he stops scoring there will be problems.
> The problem for Ronaldo is
> that he really is as good as he thinks he is. He was gone for 2 months
> and he hasn't missed a step. It's going to be tough to keep him under
> control and integrated in the group.
Exactly, he won't integrate with the group, and sooner or later he will fail
because his ego is too big.
Oh he'll settle for less all right ....
Ronaldo is a better player than Messi. By a country mile.
There's a long way to go before he wins everything. I don't think it
is very likely will win the World Cup or Continental championship.
> Perhaps not as long as there are people saying Messi is the best
> player in the World. I sense that C. Ronaldo will settle for no less
> than being greatest of all time...?
What he'd settle for and what is possible for him might be of heavens
to earth to difference.
What I found laughable is how many RSSers were saying at the beginning
of the season that Kaka will be the key to Real, more than Ronaldo. As
great a player as Kaka is, here we have Ronaldo, a man who has been
singlehandedly terrorizing defenses in England and Europe for the last
3 years, one of *the* most complete offensive players in the history
of the game, has the stats, the personal honors, and the trophies, but
there are still people who want to find reasons to deny him greatness.
Same thing with Messi.
Sometimes people just want to go against the grain to feel smarter, I
guess.
> > Perhaps not as long as there are people saying Messi is the best
> > player in the World. I sense that C. Ronaldo will settle for no less
> > than being greatest of all time...?
>
> Ronaldo is a better player than Messi. By a country mile.
I agree Ronaldo's better than Messi.
> Will he follow the path of Ronaldinho?
>
> Having won everything AND banged every type of woman in any way
> imaginable by 26 up to the point that he'll just stop giving a f@(K?
>
> Perhaps not as long as there are people saying Messi is the best
> player in the World. I sense that C. Ronaldo will settle for no less
> than being greatest of all time...?
He's nothing like Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho has always been a slacker. He
had so much talent it didn't matter but the years of partying took their
toll and that's why he's lost a step physically. Ronaldo on the other
hand has an insatiable appetite for success and the workrate and work
ethic to match. So far neither Kaka' or Ronaldinho have lead their teams
to a second European Cup. Any forward from the modern game who achieves
that feat becomes an all time great.
--
http://soccer-europe.com
Rss feed : http://soccer-europe.com/RSS/News.xml
Works hard, yes, and unlimited talent. Unless he improves on his
on-field petulance (and diving) though I don't know that he will reach
his full potential.
He'll have a reputation for not having reached his potential until he
starts scoring goals for his national team. He scored ZERO goals in
this last WC qualifying cycle (though he did only play in four
matches), one goal in the last Euros, and one goal in the last World
Cup. Nobody should hold it against him if Portugal never win a World
Cup or European championship while he's with them, as his supporting
cast may never be quite good enough. But I think fans should expect
him to pick things up on the most conspicuous stage.
That being said, he is 24 and he is the best player in the world right
now.
Wasn't Maradona a late bloomer on the international stage?
First WC ('82) at 22, won it at 26. Wasn't on the 78 team, won world
youth cup in 1979.
Among current players, Ronaldo is one of the few who I think people
could envision carrying a team for a seven game tournament (if any one
player can). His team wouldn't be necessarily that much worse than the
crew Maradona had in '86, though I think the competition he faces will
be tougher. There really wasn't any outstanding team in 86. Argentina
was one of the favorites (because of Maradona naturally).
Ok, so not stellar. Or not that much better than Ronaldo at this
point. That is not to say that Ronaldo is destined to tear it up
internationally, but rather that it's way too early to judge. After
all, all he needs is one good WC or EC and that will be put to rest.
Similar to that silly premature "he cant play well in the big games"
before he won the UCL.
>
> Among current players, Ronaldo is one of the few who I think people
> could envision carrying a team for a seven game tournament (if any one
> player can).
The only other current player I've seen carry a team single-handedly
is Gerrard. But like Ronaldo, he hasn't shown it on the international
stage yet.
> His team wouldn't be necessarily that much worse than the
> crew Maradona had in '86, though I think the competition he faces will
> be tougher. There really wasn't any outstanding team in 86.
France and Brazil would beg to differ.
I'll give you France, but my memory of Brazil was that they weren't all
that special (for them).
Ronaldo carry a team? lol
He's a lightweight, and has never proved to be a leader.
Portugal is the perfect example. He just cares about his ego.
> Ronaldo carry a team? lol
>
> He's a lightweight,
Haha, no.
>and has never proved to be a leader.
Not many are at 20, 22.
> Haha, no.
A leader is someone who plays for the team at any age, not for himself.
Does he have to be a "leader" (whatever that means) to be a great
player? He may not be a Fernando Hierro or Tony Adams-type leader, but
from what I can tell his teammates seem to respect his work ethic and
competitiveness. I've never heard of him being a disruptive force. Nor
have I heard of any ManU players taking shots at him since he's left.
They seem to speak reverentially of him in interviews.
> Does he have to be a "leader" (whatever that means) to be a great
> player?
Maybe not, but at least a team player, which he is not.
We'll see what happens when he has bad games and doesn't score, or when he
loses.
> He may not be a Fernando Hierro or Tony Adams-type leader, but
> from what I can tell his teammates seem to respect his work ethic and
> competitiveness.
Maybe, but that's not all, you also need to play for the team, not yourself.
This will become evident when he doesn't score, or when RM loses.
He hasn't socred a single gol for Portugal in the qualifiers, so really he
hasn't been of much value.
> I've never heard of him being a disruptive force. Nor
> have I heard of any ManU players taking shots at him since he's left.
> They seem to speak reverentially of him in interviews.
I'm not sure what Rooney thinks of him, and his other ex ManU team mates.
Berbatov thinks Rooney is better:
"Ronaldo was a fantastic player for us and I'm sure he will be very good for
Real Madrid. But, for me, our biggest talent is and always was - even last
season - Wayne Rooney."
> Works hard, yes, and unlimited talent. Unless he improves on his
> on-field petulance (and diving) though I don't know that he will reach
> his full potential.
Displaying annoyance at being substituted hardly makes him one of the
games most petulant players and he's not even close to being as big a
diver as Gerrard or Drogba. He has already reached his full potential.
He doesn't have the trophy cabinet to match, yet.
> He'll have a reputation for not having reached his potential until he
> starts scoring goals for his national team. He scored ZERO goals in
> this last WC qualifying cycle (though he did only play in four
> matches), one goal in the last Euros, and one goal in the last World
> Cup. Nobody should hold it against him if Portugal never win a World
> Cup or European championship while he's with them, as his supporting
> cast may never be quite good enough. But I think fans should expect
> him to pick things up on the most conspicuous stage.
>
> That being said, he is 24 and he is the best player in the world right
> now.
My guess is his performances for Portugal will be overlooked on account
of them being a mediocre side, after all it didn't stop him from winning
the Ballon D'or in a European Championship year.
> Does he have to be a "leader" (whatever that means) to be a great
> player? He may not be a Fernando Hierro or Tony Adams-type leader, but
> from what I can tell his teammates seem to respect his work ethic and
> competitiveness. I've never heard of him being a disruptive force. Nor
> have I heard of any ManU players taking shots at him since he's left.
> They seem to speak reverentially of him in interviews.
The standout player in a European Cup winning team, the player that
scored decisive goals to get them to the final IS a leader, a leader is
a person who inspires people, there cannot be any doubt that Ronaldo
does just that.
Wasn't Messi the standout player this year?
ManU are doing quite well without him too.
Yes but he still didn't play all that well in the big matches in the
CL. In the final he popped with an early goal then Essien had him in
his pocket for the rest of the game and he even missed his penalty
kick.
Against Barcelona in the semis he was similarly out of sorts. The
previous year he did nothing when the crunch game against Milan came
up.
Then you have all his failures in the WC and EC finals competitions.
This criticism is still valid, IMO. He is yet to produce an MVP
performance in the biggest games he's been involved in.
Nope.
Even though he was good enough, the coach though he was too young.
> won world youth cup in 1979.
On his own.
> Among current players, Ronaldo is one of the few who I think people could
> envision carrying a team for a seven game tournament (if any one player
> can).
Like he did in the qualifiers? I don't think so.
>
> > Wasn't Maradona a late bloomer on the international stage?
>
> Nope.
It depends upon who you compare him with. Compared to most players,
even very good ones like Henry? Not a late bloomer internationally.
Compared with Pele and Ronaldo (the Brazilian one)? I would say so.
http://rsssf.com/intlp-countrywise.html
Well he didn't have a WC winners medal at 17, no. But just as easily
could have. Ronaldo managed one at about the same age as DAM.
I meant a proper one...
If you expect a player to excel in every minute of every game then you
will be waiting until eternity. In UCL 07/08 he was the top scorer in
the competition, scored in every round expect the SF, and scored the
opening goal in the QF and the Final. Then in UCL 08/09 he scored in
every round expect the Final. Also keep in mind, that in hindsight
only the Final and SFs look like big games, but at the actual time
every knockout game is your biggest game so far, and he played very
well in most of those games.
>
> Then you have all his failures in the WC and EC finals competitions.
Yes, we have already established that.
>
> This criticism is still valid, IMO. He is yet to produce an MVP
> performance in the biggest games he's been involved in.
His criticism is amplified for someone who has massive biases against
him. The fact is, I dont like the guy particularly either, but only an
idiot would deny him greatness at the current time.
I'm not saying he has yet, I'm just saying he is the rare player who
COULD.
And no, I'm not ready to compare him with Maradona yet, either.
To this observer, it seems the energy he's directing into whining,
playacting, etc. could be better utilized.
I think he's a great player, but to break into the pantheon of
all-timers he needs to focus more. I actually think he can get better.
Hardly. I expect him to produce at least *one* best-on-ground
performance when he faces Milan, or Barcelona, or Chelsea, or England,
or Germany, in the biggest games going around. So far his record is 0
out of 10+.
(I am sorry, but if you want to compare him to the Maradona and
Zidane, the greats, he has to perform in those games. btw this
criticism can also be extended to Messi who similarly hasn't lived up
to his billing in the very biggest games)
In UCL 07/08 he was the top scorer in
> the competition, scored in every round expect the SF, and scored the
> opening goal in the QF and the Final.
I am aware that he became a penalty under Ferguson
Then in UCL 08/09 he scored in
> every round expect the Final.
ditto
Also keep in mind, that in hindsight
> only the Final and SFs look like big games, but at the actual time
> every knockout game is your biggest game so far, and he played very
> well in most of those games.
read above
> > Then you have all his failures in the WC and EC finals competitions.
>
> Yes, we have already established that.
I'm glad.
> > This criticism is still valid, IMO. He is yet to produce an MVP
> > performance in the biggest games he's been involved in.
>
> His criticism is amplified for someone who has massive biases against
> him. The fact is, I dont like the guy particularly either, but only an
> idiot would deny him greatness at the current time.
Ho hum efforts in big games are antithesis to my idea of greatness.
Until he starts producing in them he's another Henry in books.
He had a fantastic team around him, which helps him massively.
And ManU is still doing great without him.
What are his performances in a mediocre team like Portugal?
Like Lionel Messi ?
> Until he starts producing in them he's another Henry in books.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Neither have accomplished anything yet ( for Real ).
the one thing that has been indisputably accomplished is exit in the
copa del rey against alcorcón.
Yes, that's what I said. First read properly then create sock-
puppets...
Whats a sock puppet? I have no control over the fact that IE
switched my cookies while I was posting. Btw, it is not a puppet,
it is my wife. I wish it was a puppet.
As for the fact of the matter, you have no qualms attacking
Ronaldo because he hasnt performed in "big games" ( not my
statement ) and then point out Chelsea etc. I am sure you
understand what I am getting at ( lamely adding Messi later
on when you know the conversation is not about him is just
a clever trick ).
hmmm so you DON'T want me to extend the same criticism to Messi even
when it's valid? Now I am confused.
Ronaldo and Messi are neither at the moment "greats", but Ronaldo
has the attributes of greatness. He can pull a team on his own,
something Messi has indubitably proved he cannot. He can handle
the rough stuff, while Messi needs to be protected. There is a cult
built around Messi, which influences referees to give him extra
protection, and besides that, he does not get into games where
he is physically handled, he just shies away. There are not the
attributes of a great player.
Oh, on what basis do you make this assertion? Is it because Ronaldo
scored two goals in the latest CL match whereas Messi scored only one?
Get of here! Ronaldo has thus far has not proved he's capable of
carrying Portugal to anything. At the last two international
tournaments that particular burden was carried on the shoulders of a
little midget named Deco instead.
He can handle
> the rough stuff,
by flipping head over heals and doing five barrel rolls, do you mean?
while Messi needs to be protected.
Funny protection it is for one of the most fouled players of recent
years.
There is a cult
> built around Messi, which influences referees to give him extra
> protection, and besides that, he does not get into games where
> he is physically handled, he just shies away. There are not the
> attributes of a great player.
More balderdash!
> Ronaldo and Messi are neither at the moment "greats", but Ronaldo
> has the attributes of greatness. He can pull a team on his own,
> something Messi has indubitably proved he cannot. He can handle
> the rough stuff, while Messi needs to be protected. There is a cult
> built around Messi, which influences referees to give him extra
> protection, and besides that, he does not get into games where
> he is physically handled, he just shies away. There are not the
> attributes of a great player.
Your anti Barcelona bias destroys your credibility. Messi has
undoubtedly proved he can pull teams on his own, his performances in
last year's Champions League prove that and before you counter with your
idiotic argument about Messi's poor performances in an Argentina shirt,
him and the rest of his team-mates when they pull on that jersey,
Ronaldo's performances for Portugal have been equally poor. The bottom
line is you do NOT have an argument. Messi was THE standout player in a
Barca side that won everything last season, he was THE standout player
in last year's Champions League, like Ronaldo and Kaka' before him. That
makes him a great player.
He didn't need to, his team was still winning everything. Probably
because all the attention he was attracting in those games was freeing
up his teammates.
>
> (I am sorry, but if you want to compare him to the Maradona and
> Zidane, the greats, he has to perform in those games. btw this
> criticism can also be extended to Messi who similarly hasn't lived up
> to his billing in the very biggest games)
I didn't compare him to Maradona, I was making another point.
>
> In UCL 07/08 he was the top scorer in
>
> > the competition, scored in every round expect the SF, and scored the
> > opening goal in the QF and the Final.
>
> I am aware that he became a penalty under Ferguson
Can you translate that statement into English please?
>
> Ho hum efforts in big games are antithesis to my idea of greatness.
> Until he starts producing in them he's another Henry in books
Henry will go down in history as a great player. Your personal
definition of greatness is irrelevant to what the football world sees
as greatness. Henry will be remembered in that category and Ronaldo is
well on his way.
No they were not. They won one CL after he flopped and missed a PK in
the semis to then have his blushes saved by a speculative long range
shot by Scholes and a slippery piece of turf under Terry's foot. And
the less said about his Semi final performance against Milan in 07 the
better.
> > (I am sorry, but if you want to compare him to the Maradona and
> > Zidane, the greats, he has to perform in those games. btw this
> > criticism can also be extended to Messi who similarly hasn't lived up
> > to his billing in the very biggest games)
>
> I didn't compare him to Maradona, I was making another point.
>
>
>
> > In UCL 07/08 he was the top scorer in
>
> > > the competition, scored in every round expect the SF, and scored the
> > > opening goal in the QF and the Final.
>
> > I am aware that he became a penalty under Ferguson
>
> Can you translate that statement into English please?
>
I am aware the he became a penalty area poacher under Ferguson.
> > Ho hum efforts in big games are antithesis to my idea of greatness.
> > Until he starts producing in them he's another Henry in books
>
> Henry will go down in history as a great player. Your personal
> definition of greatness is irrelevant to what the football world sees
> as greatness. Henry will be remembered in that category and Ronaldo is
> well on his way.
Henry will do nothing of the sort. In twenty years time hardly anyone
will remember him or mention his name. 5 huge finals that resulted in
ignominious substitutions and zero goals. Beating up on Crystal
Palace, Charlton Athletic and the Faroe Islands while flopping against
the big guns is no-one's idea of greatness but the clueless.
You will be hard pressed to find any cup champion that didn't enjoy a
single decisive stroke of luck on their way. You are cherry-picking to
the extreme.
>
> > > I am aware that he became a penalty under Ferguson
>
> > Can you translate that statement into English please?
>
> I am aware the he became a penalty area poacher under Ferguson.
You have just proven that you dont understand a thing about his game.
I think this statement safely concludes my desire to try to pursue any
further reasonable discussion here.
I wouldn't call the only goal in a one-nil victory over Brazil
"flopping against the big guns." His recent goals against Serbia
(including one in Belgrade) in both qualifiers were crucial.
Nonetheless, I do agree that his international performances have been
disappointing overall.
But he will be remembered as an all-time great. He was parcel of the
French team that from 1998 to 2006 was one of the most respected and
feared national sides in recent history. One can point to failures in
2002 and 2004, but then just as quickly remind themselves that during
that run France won a World Cup and a European Championship. They also
came in second in another World Cup with a murderous second round
string of foes comprised of Spain, Brazil, Portugal, and Italy.
His goal record in the EPL at a time the league had become one of the
best if not the best in the world was astounding. He's been on
championship teams in Ligue 1, the EPL, and La Liga, and now has his
CL crown. He scored goals in half his matches with arguably the best
team in Europe even after his career has crested.
To be sure, he has his deficiencies. But he will certainly be looked
upon as a great for many years to come.
Ha. Maybe true for Kaka, but Ronaldo leads the UCL in scoring and has
the highest goals to game ratio in La Liga. He has set both stages on
fire.
> But he will be remembered as an all-time great.
Henry?!?!? No chance. He's an all time Arsenal great but no more. His
failure in finals, the fact that he never finished top scorer in the
Champions League, the fact that he was not the standout player for one
of the European giants will all count against him.
Yes, like my anti-Pujol, anti-Xavi, anti-Ronaldinho, anti-Iniesta
( a player I am on record as saying last season is the best in the
world ),
anti-Valdes ( another player I have praised many times ) biases.
I call a spade a spade. Barcelona's ECL win last season is as
tarnished as any trophy can be, because Chelsea were referee'd
out of the competition. Your astounding bias against Chelsea
and other EPL teams ( something quite new and amusing to me, btw,
since I recall how anti-Liga you were 5 seasons ago ), destroys
your credibility. Maybe it comes in a cycle or you.
> Messi has
> undoubtedly proved he can pull teams on his own,
He has proved nothing of the sort. To understand this, one only
needs to look at his record of performances when the chips are
down. In fact, you dont need to worry. I have decided I will
do this myself, with numbers. Watch this space.
> his performances in
> last year's Champions League prove that and before you counter with your
> idiotic argument about Messi's poor performances in an Argentina shirt,
> him and the rest of his team-mates when they pull on that jersey,
> Ronaldo's performances for Portugal have been equally poor.
> The bottom
> line is you do NOT have an argument. Messi was THE standout player in a
> Barca side that won everything last season, he was THE standout player
> in last year's Champions League, like Ronaldo and Kaka' before him. That
> makes him a great player.
>
> --http://soccer-europe.com
> Rss feed :http://soccer-europe.com/RSS/News.xml
What does picking up stupid reds against the likes of Almeria getting
a ban for a big match like away to Valencia do?
> and he's not even close to being as big a
> diver as Gerrard or Drogba.
No arguments there, although you've got to admit he is always on the
list when people mention chronic divers.
> > Your anti Barcelona bias destroys your credibility.
>
> Yes, like my anti-Pujol, anti-Xavi, anti-Ronaldinho, anti-Iniesta
> ( a player I am on record as saying last season is the best in the
> world ),
> anti-Valdes ( another player I have praised many times ) biases.
>
> I call a spade a spade. Barcelona's ECL win last season is as
> tarnished as any trophy can be, because Chelsea were referee'd
> out of the competition. Your astounding bias against Chelsea
> and other EPL teams ( something quite new and amusing to me,
Huh? Benny loves Chelsea and has since Abramovich bought the team
(IIRC he was/is glad United aren't top dogs in England any more).
> Yes, like my anti-Pujol, anti-Xavi, anti-Ronaldinho, anti-Iniesta
> ( a player I am on record as saying last season is the best in the
> world ),
> anti-Valdes ( another player I have praised many times ) biases.
>
> I call a spade a spade. Barcelona's ECL win last season is as
> tarnished as any trophy can be, because Chelsea were referee'd
> out of the competition. Your astounding bias against Chelsea
> and other EPL teams ( something quite new and amusing to me, btw,
> since I recall how anti-Liga you were 5 seasons ago ), destroys
> your credibility. Maybe it comes in a cycle or you.
I have a bias AGAINST Chelsea? Funny.
> He has proved nothing of the sort. To understand this, one only
> needs to look at his record of performances when the chips are
> down. In fact, you dont need to worry. I have decided I will
> do this myself, with numbers. Watch this space.
Sure, if you take out the whole of last season you may have a case.
--
> What does picking up stupid reds against the likes of Almeria getting
> a ban for a big match like away to Valencia do?
Make him an idiot.
>> and he's not even close to being as big a
>> diver as Gerrard or Drogba.
>
> No arguments there, although you've got to admit he is always on the
> list when people mention chronic divers.
This is true but the mentality among many fans the media is English
players don't dive which is why the likes of Gerrard, Owen and Rooney
get a pass and why Ronaldo is accused of diving even when he's on the
receiving end e.g. the foul that put him out for weeks in Real Madrid's
first game against Marseille.
I have a bias against Barca? Funny.
>
> > He has proved nothing of the sort. To understand this, one only
> > needs to look at his record of performances when the chips are
> > down. In fact, you dont need to worry. I have decided I will
> > do this myself, with numbers. Watch this space.
>
> Sure, if you take out the whole of last season you may have a case.
So now you plump for 1-season-wonders?
>
> --http://soccer-europe.com
> Rss feed :http://soccer-europe.com/RSS/News.xml
And of course, the only reason you talk up Chelsea is Ancelotti.
> And of course, the only reason you talk up Chelsea is Ancelotti.
I think you'll find I've been talking up Chelsea since Mourinho took
over in 2004.
--
He liked Chelsea under Mourinho (Mourinho's negativitiy didnt bother
him as much as Benitez's negativity, for some reason), and now he
loves them under Ancelotti. But he always despised Man Utd and
Liverpool, rarely has positive things to say about Arsenal, and is
generally disdainful towards most things EPL and English.
> He liked Chelsea under Mourinho (Mourinho's negativitiy didnt bother
> him as much as Benitez's negativity, for some reason), and now he
> loves them under Ancelotti. But he always despised Man Utd and
> Liverpool, rarely has positive things to say about Arsenal, and is
> generally disdainful towards most things EPL and English.
I criticised Mourinho for playing longball at the tail end of his stint
at Chelsea. I don't think he can be accused of playing catenaccio,
unlike Benitez. The rest of your comments are accurate. Man United are
the Juventus of English football. The favours they get from referees
sickens me to the pit of my stomach and Taggart is a bully whose
intimidation goes unchecked. Arsenal get far too much press and hype for
their football, which wins nothing year on year, and equally Wenger gets
unjustified praise. In recent years Liverpool happened to have been
coached by defensive cretins i.e. Houllier and Benitez but I'll always
favour Liverpool to win the league ahead of Man United.
--
They were unlucky to lose the EC to Barcelona. maybe Henry sabotaged
them. I will put nothing beyond that guy. Over the course of the
decade
they have played football which Serie A outfits like Milan can
only dream of. Take your rubbish somewhere else.
> which wins nothing year on year, and equally Wenger gets
> unjustified praise. In recent years Liverpool happened to have been
> coached by defensive cretins i.e. Houllier and Benitez but I'll always
> favour Liverpool to win the league ahead of Man United.
>
> --http://soccer-europe.com
> Rss feed :http://soccer-europe.com/RSS/News.xml
> they have played football which Serie A outfits like Milan can
> only dream of.
bwaahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Chelsea, play football??
Now you've really lost it, mate.
Learn to read.
> They were unlucky to lose the EC to Barcelona. maybe Henry sabotaged
> them. I will put nothing beyond that guy. Over the course of the
> decade they have played football which Serie A outfits like Milan can
> only dream of. Take your rubbish somewhere else.
Unlucky my arse. They have played great football but not when it
mattered most. It's all very well thrashing the likes of Birmingham and
Wolves it's another matter doing it at a higher level and they reached
the Champions League final play catenaccio. Something Milan haven't
resorted to.
--
What about not celebrating a teammate's goal because it came after a
PK miss?
Even more so when it was the goal that put them back on the lead.
> What about not celebrating a teammate's goal because it came after a
> PK miss?
That would be the reason, he missed a penalty.
Maybe Milan ought to "resort" to catenaccio seeing they have been so
woeful in recent year.
Everytime I've seen someone missing a penalty then having a team mate
score at least had the decency to go and celebrate with him.
But that's Ronaldo for you.
Milan played football which is unwatchable for much of this decade,
including when they won the EC. That is beyond doubt. Arsenal
is better off for not winning a trophy won by rubbish like that.
>
> --http://soccer-europe.com
> Rss feed :http://soccer-europe.com/RSS/News.xml
> Milan played football which is unwatchable for much of this decade,
> including when they won the EC.
Sure they did. That would be why Milan have been among the leading
scorers on several occasions domestically and in Europe but let's not
let facts get in the way of stupidity such as this :
> That is beyond doubt. Arsenal
> is better off for not winning a trophy won by rubbish like that.
Your beloved Arsenal who adopted Catenaccio to reach the final in 2006.
--
Chelsea scored the most goals in the league when they won in 2005/06
and Liverpool scored the most last year. Would you say they were the
most attractive teams in the EPL in those two years?
Also, cant be bothered to check UCL stats right now, but the teams
that reach the final in any year would've played the most games, and
hence had the highest chance of topping the goals scored stat that
season. Hardly proves that they were the most attractive team in the
competition.
>
> > That is beyond doubt. Arsenal
> > is better off for not winning a trophy won by rubbish like that.
>
> Your beloved Arsenal who adopted Catenaccio to reach the final in 2006.
They also won the EPL playing glorious football more than once.
Seriously, knocking Arsenal for quality of football is beyond
preposterous. Only other top teams in Europe who can be put in that
category are RM, Barca, and MU. Milan doesn't even come close in that
regard.
Unwatchable? Even when they beat Man Utd to a pulp in the best display
of attacking football of the decade?
> Chelsea scored the most goals in the league when they won in 2005/06
> and Liverpool scored the most last year. Would you say they were the
> most attractive teams in the EPL in those two years?
'Most attractive' could be argued against but they certainly played
attacking football. Chelsea were great to watch with Duff and Robben
bombing down the wings and Liverpool after Benitez changed his approach.
> Also, cant be bothered to check UCL stats right now, but the teams
> that reach the final in any year would've played the most games, and
> hence had the highest chance of topping the goals scored stat that
> season. Hardly proves that they were the most attractive team in the
> competition.
They (usually) scored more goals than the opposition to get there but
again I don't like the use of the word 'attractive', Arsenal are
attractive in the way a cock tease can be attractive but they don't put out.
Yes like last season, leading scorers in Italy. So what? Apart
from Kaká and now Ronaldinho, their football is dire. Has been
for most of the decade. Their crown jewel of the decade is a
spoiler called Gattuso.
>
> > That is beyond doubt. Arsenal
> > is better off for not winning a trophy won by rubbish like that.
>
> Your beloved Arsenal who adopted Catenaccio to reach the final in 2006.
I dont want to bandy terms which have no meaning. Some people say
Brasil play catenaccio under Dunga. I would much rather watch
Arsenal's "catenaccio" than Barcelona's million passes or Pirlo's
hopeful forward balls to no one.
>
> --http://soccer-europe.com
> Rss feed :http://soccer-europe.com/RSS/News.xml
A single game does not prove anything.
The catenaccio he refers to is based on a single second leg
performance against Villareal in 2006 where they went in protecting a
1-0 lead from a first leg in which they threw the kitchen sink against
the Yellow Subs in a manner that was the antithesis of catenaccio.
It's a bit disingenuous to suggest, then, that Arsenal reached the
final by "adopting catenaccio".
That being said, even though Arsenal moves the ball forward more
rapidly than the tiki-taka teams without compromising their much
ballyhooed "attractiveness", they do play a style that will not help
them overcome the ManUs, Chelseas, and even Liverpools unless they
find more taller, stronger players. They get outmuscled and outsized
in the box, and even though they win their share and them some of
corners, they can't do anything on those set pieces.
No, but about 10 does. They've beaten most of the major teams in each
era playing great football, from Real Madrid to Man Utd. In Europe,
only one team has surpassed Milan in quality of football and success
rate this decade, one and only one, Barcelona.
> He liked Chelsea under Mourinho (Mourinho's negativitiy didnt bother
> him as much as Benitez's negativity, for some reason), and now he
> loves them under Ancelotti. But he always despised Man Utd and
> Liverpool,
I feel the sense he actually wants to like Liverpool, but has been
frustarted by Houllier, and now Benitez, and feels that the club is
often not as ambitious as they ought to be. Last seasons capitulation
especially angered him.
Arsenal the reading on him I have is that he feels that they're naive
c*ckteases.
Overall I'd say he'd think the English league is tactically primitive
and not diverse enough.
> They (usually) scored more goals than the opposition to get there but
> again I don't like the use of the word 'attractive', Arsenal are
> attractive in the way a cock tease can be attractive but they don't put out.
Many men would prefer to fool around with an attractive cock-tease
rather than bang an ugly village bicycle.
> Yes like last season, leading scorers in Italy. So what? Apart
> from Kaka' and now Ronaldinho, their football is dire.
Apart from Seedorf, Ronaldinho, Pato, Inzaghi and sometimes Pirlo. There
aren't many teams in Europe that play with two playmakers and a deep
laying playmaker and a two centre forwards.
> Has been
> for most of the decade. Their crown jewel of the decade is a
> spoiler called Gattuso.
Their crown jewels have been the Ballon D'or winners, i.e. Shevchenko
and Kaka', that have lead them to European glory.
> I dont want to bandy terms which have no meaning. Some people say
> Brasil play catenaccio under Dunga. I would much rather watch
> Arsenal's "catenaccio" than Barcelona's million passes or Pirlo's
> hopeful forward balls to no one.
I'd rather see champions than flat track bullies who can't cope when
playing against men.
--
> A single game does not prove anything.
Man United, Bayern, Barca, Deportivo, Real Madrid, Inter, Lyon, PSV etc,
etc.
--
> I feel the sense he actually wants to like Liverpool, but has been
Want to like is pushing it. I'll back whichever team has the best chance
of winning the lead ahead of the scummers. Doesn't matter if that's
Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City or anyone else, even Newcastle.
> frustarted by Houllier, and now Benitez, and feels that the club is
> often not as ambitious as they ought to be. Last seasons capitulation
> especially angered him.
No, it has nothing to do with ambition. It's the lack of stones
management have shown, the blind faith the fans have shown, in defence
of failing coaches.
> Arsenal the reading on him I have is that he feels that they're naive
> c*ckteases.
The hype, the young kids crap is unjustified.
> Overall I'd say he'd think the English league is tactically primitive
> and not diverse enough.
Partly but more than anything else the standard of officiating is
diabolical, the refs do their best to maintain the status quo and the
only way a team outside the traditional top four can break into that
exclusive club is by spending insane amounts of money. That's not the
case in other leagues.
Amazing against lousy opponents.
On Tue, 8 Dec 2009 17:26:34 -0800 (PST), Clarkoo <gab...@yahoo.es>
wrote:
>
>All of the sudden 98 million euros cash paid in one single payment are
>beginning to look like chump change. This is the 4th match already
>that Ronaldo scores two goals for Real. The problem for Ronaldo is
>that he really is as good as he thinks he is. He was gone for 2 months
>and he hasn't missed a step. It's going to be tough to keep him under
>control and integrated in the group.
If he was any good he would've scored.
Can you imagine messi going scoreless in WC qualifying?
He is a flat-track bully who thrives playing for a top team against
mediocre opponents.
Play him in a average team like the portugal NT and you can really see
how good he is.
See what impact zico had on kashima antlers when hew joined them.
A great player is a great player no matter where he is playing.
His class will ultimately shows.
On Wed, 9 Dec 2009 10:05:00 -0800 (PST), "Mark V."
<markva...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>On Dec 9, 12:33�pm, JK <jkn...@oacpc.com> wrote:
>.
>>
>> Works hard, yes, and unlimited talent. �Unless he improves on his
>> on-field petulance (and diving) though I don't know that he will reach
>> his full potential.
>
>He'll have a reputation for not having reached his potential until he
>starts scoring goals for his national team. He scored ZERO goals in
>this last WC qualifying cycle (though he did only play in four
>matches), one goal in the last Euros, and one goal in the last World
>Cup. Nobody should hold it against him if Portugal never win a World
>Cup or European championship while he's with them, as his supporting
>cast may never be quite good enough. But I think fans should expect
>him to pick things up on the most conspicuous stage.
>
>That being said, he is 24 and he is the best player in the world right
>now.
He is a super-heavy weight playing against most teams.
He becomes a lightweight when things are not going his way against top
teams.
Dont expect him to help turns things around in critical situations
like this years EC final.
He'll just disappear.
On Wed, 9 Dec 2009 14:23:43 -0800 (PST), Google Beta User
<wany...@gmail.com> wrote:
>On Dec 9, 5:06�pm, "Diabolik" <Diabo...@noemail.com> wrote:
>
>> Ronaldo carry a team? lol
>>
>> He's a lightweight,
>
>Haha, no.
>
>>and has never proved to be a leader.
>
>Not many are at 20, 22.
Anyway had john terry not slipped, he'll be remembered as a crybaby
and a diver.
I've watched most his his games for real madrid. He is still the same.
A diver and a flat-track bully.
The worst thing about him is when his team is down and out in seeming
hopeless situation, he will not even put in some effort to salvage the
situation. He'll just disappear.
On Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:26:52 +0000, Benny <Be...@soccer-europe.com>
wrote:
> > Subject : Ronaldo is exceeding the expectations for Real
> > From : markva...@yahoo.com
>
> > Does he have to be a "leader" (whatever that means) to be a great
> > player? He may not be a Fernando Hierro or Tony Adams-type leader, but
> > from what I can tell his teammates seem to respect his work ethic and
> > competitiveness. I've never heard of him being a disruptive force. Nor
> > have I heard of any ManU players taking shots at him since he's left.
> > They seem to speak reverentially of him in interviews.
>
>The standout player in a European Cup winning team, the player that
>scored decisive goals to get them to the final IS a leader, a leader is
>a person who inspires people, there cannot be any doubt that Ronaldo
>does just that.