I saw that game, and it was an outrage. I don't care about the mathematical formulas they used to justify it -- it wouldn't have happened if it wasn't the Manks.
Luckily, they are showing weaknesses this year too, as have all the top four. MankU were lucky to escape with a 2-2 result vs. Sunderland at Old Trafford. Way lucky!
Sad news today for the U.S. Men's National Team. Charlie Davies, an exciting 23 year-old forward who has been a key player during WC qualifying, had his leg shattered in a 3am car crash. His injuries may end his career. His parents are enroute and Davies is in surgery. The U.S. has qualified for South Africa and play vs. Costa Rica today with heavy hearts. See below.
Davies was expected to undergo more than five hours of surgery. U.S. Soccer Federation spokesman Neil Buethe said Davies' injuries were not life-threatening but "possibly" career-threatening, but he added: "We don't know specifically what the surgery is for."
"Obviously, as a team we were saddened to learn this news," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie and his family, as well as the other person in the car and the families of the others involved. ... We are relying on each other in a moment that has for sure hit us all hard."
The scum have been gifted an own goal and LFC are one behind already.
Bad bad bad…
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8308907.stm
Manchester United's goal was almost as ridiculous as Sunderland's - with Patrice Evra's cross being flicked on by Michael Owen before Bolton defenderZat Knight's attempt to clear sees him clumsily hit the ball into his own net.
Amazing scenes at the Stadium of Light, where Darren Bent meets Andy Reid's cross with a shot that cannons off a stray balloon, past Pepe Reina, and into the net. The Liverpool players protest to referee Mike Jones, but the goal stands and Sunderland lead.
It was a big beach ball, not a balloon as some reported, and the beach ball went one way while the ball deflected a different way into the goal. I think the "goal" should have been disallowed!
Beach Ball 1-0 Liverpool ![]()
I also do not get why Rafa changed the system so drastically for this game. With Gerrard and Torres out and numerous players just back from the international break, to try to play a 3-5-2 for the first time simply meant more confusion when there were enough obstacles already, imo. Liverpool never looked fluid and comfortable on the ball for any sustained stretches.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez refused to blame Sunderland's freak goal for his side's defeat on Wearside.
Striker Darren Bent's shot went in off a beach ball punched on to the pitch by a Reds fan as Liverpool lost 1-0.
Benitez said: "We had bad luck with the goal, but the team were not doing well so that is something we have to fix.
(The vid on YouTube has been removed because of licensing/copyright)
Arguably the ref should have blown the whistle for a "foreign body" on the pitch and awarded a drop ball. But what the ref says goes.
But LFC were all over the place, and Rafa did not respond well to the absence of StevieG and 'Nando Torres.
He better get it sorted for Tues v Lyon.
Crisis? What crisis? Normal service has been resumed.
LFC 2 - 0 Mancs
Goals from Torres (65 min) and the young Ngog (90+5)
Vidic lived down to expectation and was red-carded for third successive time against Liverpool. The good news is the mancs haven't caught on to what a liability he is.
BBC - Liverpool deservedly defeated rivals Manchester United
The Guardian - "Torres scored a good goal, but didn't Rio look a little slow and lightweight?"
And of course as MancU were playing, the fergie rule was applied "play on til you score" but this time it back-fired!!!
Let's all celebrate!
Iechyd da! John
16:19 25/10/2009 BST
Yes, it was an unusual kick-off time, 2pm GMT, which was midnight in Brisbane where Huw is. (Needless to say, he sent a txt to his Dad at 2am Aussie time!)
Lucas did the biz, and showed he's a class act - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/thegame_podcasts/artic le6890894.ece
Nice vid clip of the goals (if you can wait til the ads have played)
Meanwhile fergy needs to look at his team, and not blame referees, crowds, colour of their shirts, the BBC, Sky Sports, etc. if they want to get their act together.
It's the Arsenal v LFC on Wednesday, down in t'smoke.
Iechyd da! John
20:44 26/10/2009 GMT
Yes, the gap left by Xabi Alonso is huge, but there's no need for the others to hit the self destruct button.
I know I'm biased but neither was red card in my view
And the "beachball" ref was back after being temporarily removed from the Premier League list for his incorrect decisions. And made a horlicks of it again.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8333572.stm
Liverpool are off to France to play Lyon on Wed. Let's hope they get their act together.
Iechyd da! John
23:55 01/11/2009 GMT
Everybody bailed out to Facebook, John. Sign up and send me a friend request, and I'll suggest a bunch of other "friends" who you already know through here.
The Reds had about 80% of the completed passes Monday but couldn't get the win. I just hope they stay positive and keep fighting! YNWA.
It's all bit quiet on the LFC Champs League front too.
It's the Europa Cup Draw on Friday, so a little bit of cheer there.
http://www.uefa.com/uefa/keytopics/kind=64/newsid=836938.html
It could be an Everton v Liverpool final in Hamburg on Wed 12 May 2010 (20.45 CET). Book early!
Wow! The stress levels here were sky high, but Liverpool's pressure in last quarter of the match paid off. Villa made a mistake and Torres pounced, striking like a cobra!
It's Reading in the FA Cup at the weekend, and then Tottenham at home.
It looks like building the new stadium should start soon. http://www.thisisanfield.com/2009/12/30/new-anfield-work-to-begin-in-n ew-year/
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