Na na na na na na na na...

The new hot topic of English hype is a certain Samir Nasri.

What everyone wants to know... Is he better than Bale?

Yes. And fuck off.

Undoubtedly that Welshman has announced himself as a major player recently, I loved him in American Psycho and I can't wait to see him with Mark E. Mark in The Fighter.

But seriously though, Gareth "Johnny Chimpo" Bale has announced himself to the football community this season decades after getting his break in Hollywood for his starring role in The Planet of the Apes.


( I would definitely be labeled a racist right now if Gareth Bale was black...)

The point is, there have been a couple footballers to announce themselves on the world stage this year Bale being one and Super Sam being another. The hype around Bale was/is a bit ridiculous,(get the fuck out comparing him to Messi) but he has shown the kind of class that has made the football world take heed.

Nasri wasn't quite a household name prior to this season but his goals against Manchester United in his debut season in the Premier League and his goal that is a candidate for goal of the year against Porto last season showed everyone the potential he had.

Sammy's notoriety this summer came from his shock omission from the French World Cup squad and understandably he was devastated. I, along with all other Arsenal fans, looked at the positives of the situation with the extra rest for one of our best young players along with the motivation to prove all the doubters wrong as extra incentive for him to take it to the next level this season.

Last summer he had been a standout performer in the beginning of preseason but suffered an unfortunate leg break in training from a wayward Diaby strike. This injury stunted the first half of his campaign but began to show the promise and form that most Arsenal fans had hoped for.

In a summer of doubt for Arsenal supporters one reassuring fact was that Nasri could step in and fill the void were Cesc to leave for Barcelona. This season he has been doing that already with Fabregas' dodgy hamstrings limiting his playing time and effectiveness.

The diminutive Frenchman has added as Wenger says "an efficiency" to his game and has come up with the goods in many an important moment. Some forget that in the home loss to West Brom he single-handedly brought us back into the game and just this past week his moments on individual brilliance saved the blushes of an unconvincing team performance.

Big players bring it in big games and we already know he has an eye for the spotlight, with a brace against Manchester United in his first season and goals against Tottenham and Man City among the many this campaign.

He is beginning to make the impact a certain special Bobby did in the Premier League years ago and could be the difference maker this season as to whether Arsenal finally claim some silverware, not to mention the same individual honor Pires earned in that double winning season of 01/02.

French fans must be happy to see the future for their country's football to be back on the up and up. But I would be incensed to see this type of form and think about how this clown couldn't even include Samir in his squad.




Like every talented French wonderkid playmaker Samir was labeled the next Zidane while playing for Marseille, which is always an unfair comparison(just like every Brazilian/Argentinian is the next Pele/Maradonna). Phillippe Auclair believes Nasri is ahead of Zidane at his age and stage of playing career but that means nothing yet.

If Samir can keep grounded and continue to work hard he should join the ranks of the football elite and continue to light up world football for years to come.

For those of us who support the Red and White his progression could be the catalyst we need to take the next step and realize the undoubted potential of the team.

His season so far.

[DISCLAIMER: We here at the 'Pint categorically denounce the song choice for this video.]

So unless you're watching this highlight while doing bikram yoga -- Mute.

Predictably Unpredictable/Sly Bastard

Chelsea are the best team in the premier league.

They lose three matches out of four.

Manchester United are undefeated.

They throw away late leads.

Arsenal can go top.

They give up a 2 goal lead to lose to Spurs.

Man City are shit.

Man City are brilliant.

Man City are shit.

The top 4 are separated by only 4 points. Each of them have been terribly inconsistent and have failed to impress with regularity. All of these Jekyll and Hyde clubs have shown the potential to be something great, and the first to find that consistency may be the one hoisting that trophy come May.

Realistically, I believe it is too much to ask of Man City to do it this year but for the other contenders the Premier League title is up for grabs. I could tell you who I think it would be but everything will change again several times over the next few months and to be honest I have no fucking clue who will come out victorious. We could talk about the faults and strengths of each squad but I don't have the patience to do so.

I will say this. If I am going to get up at 4:30 AM PST to get to a pub and watch a match here in Los Angeles, please do not ruin my weekend with an abject performance and shit result. It doesn't matter what you do afterward, the weekend is tainted and if there are things to be done I can not drink away the sorrow it brings. This weekend brings upon another Saturday lunchtime kick off for my Arsenal and on the back of consecutive losses I want to have a good holiday weekend.

DON'T FUCK UP!


Onto more amusing matters it seems good old JOE SAY had his players take bookings in order to wipe their slates clean for the knockout rounds. I know some of you may say this is cheating and it's wrong and their bans should be extended but those are the fucking rules.

First and foremost Jose could have had them get the cards by kicking players, imagine the outrage. What they have done is take advantage of flaws in the system, and I can't blame them. I would never encourage such a thing but if anyone has the audacity to blatantly abuse the system it's Mourinho. It is quite possible that he did this to make a point as to how the system can be abused.

Be angry at the system, not the man wise enough to turn it to his favor. Anyone who is mad at Suarez for what he did in the World Cup is not a footballer. I watched that match in a mixed crowd and only the other footballer with me understood when I said that it was brilliant. He did the only thing possible to give his team a chance to win. The handball brought about a direct chance on goal and banished Suarez from games to come. Completely within the rules and payed the price for his actions. Label it unfair if you had like but Gyan sinks that pen like he should have everything would have fallen as it was supposed to.

The problems lie within the rules and I didn't have a problem with either tactic. I am no fan of the Special One but one has to respect his tactical nous and ability to get it done. You wont be hearing any complaints coming from Madrid, that's for sure.

To another weekend of crack of dawn... err pre-dawn kickoffs and drama, hopefully a better one this time around.

SOTW: A little redicularity

Love this group. Love this video. or else!

Absolutely ROOned

God damn it Shrek, you had to go and sign a new contract. Had a whole write up about how City will now officially be the biggest team in Manchester.

It's only a matter of time.

City will finish above United this season. Whether that's second or third I am not quite sure yet.

But seriously, you ruined all the fun I was going to have at United's expense. Lest we not forget that Ronaldo signed a new contract the year before he bailed for Madrid.

Maybe you will still jump ship and fuck off to Euro... who the fuck am I kidding you wont go anywhere that would require learning a foreign language, you barely speak English(I'm being generous, I know).

So that rules out Spain, Germany, and Italy. Where you going to go, the MLS? Join Rangers in the SPL? Don't think so bub. Your options were Chelsea, but you wouldn't do well in the capitol, or City and even your dumb ass realized what a bad and dangerous decision that would be.

The creative bug hit me earlier and I decided to find a way to express through poetry what a great person you are. Here are a couple of limericks to brighten your spirits, not that your new wage packet of 160,000 pounds per week wont do the trick.


Shrek you filthy scum,

Hiring nasty hoes for a hefty sum.

The word is your skills are legendary,

Hey dead fish don't find these comments incendiary,

You're just a granny-shagging bum.






Rooney you dirty Scouse,

Stay outta my Granny's blouse.

Flirt with City,

You won't get any pity,

They'll burn down your fucking house!


You are welcome, and know that those come from the heart.

It seems as though it is a prerequisite to becoming an England star one needs to have a complete lack of morals and be a downright cunt.*See Cashley, JT, etc.

Hopefully we can shuttle these ones out before they corrupt the younger generations.

Song of the Week

Alright, so Rooney is back at ManU. Woohoo! (not)

Don't call it a comeback.

But that got me thinking, what's the best comeback song of all time? My criterion: 1) it has to be part of a legitimate comeback. No Brett Farve-types need apply. (btw, tangent... did you know that Jenn S T E R G E R backwards is R E G R E T S? Spooky huh?) 2) The Comeback has to have been successful. Sorry Ma$e. 3) The song has to be reasonably good.

Without further (Freddy) Adu:

ok... so that was a joke(kinda). Were you really expecting a real answer? From moi??????????????????

Some other candidates:

if you were wondering about the Ma$e reference...

Song of the Week

The EPL is back.... PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Temryss?

What's with the Mom look? C'mon... BOOOOOOOOOO

btw, the over/under of penis pictures sent to Temryss by Terry Bradshaw is 1.5. Send betting queries to terrysdong@morningpint.blogspot.com

Now we're talking:

As long as I'm involved with the 'Pint, this will always ALWAYS ALWAYS be a place for free-flowing Sexy Pocahontas obsession.

Damn you Seductress.

Song of the Week

Something to get you through the international break:

gotta have patience...

USA -Poland anybody? Anybody at all? ...didn't think so.

On the board

I'm loving that top right one...

The top of the league:

1) Chelsea

2) Man City

3) Man United

4) Arsenal

It's official. The new big four begins.

. . . . . .. . . . . .

More Star Wars graffiti here (also a great site in General): http://weburbanist.com/2010/08/26/how-graffiti-can-be-even-cooler-just-add-star-wars/

and for all the brit-o-philes out there:

THe CAAAAAAAASH Money Monsours

CAPTION: "I'm so rich that I LITERALLY couldn't wipe this shit-eating grin off my face even if my life depended on it."

First off, let me say this: I LIKE CITEH. I'm all about the NWO taking over the EPL and the Manchester Darby becoming the biggest game in English footy. That said, I was, despite myself, shocked to here today that Manchester City spent more on player wages (210 million bucks in US dollars) than they made on the ENTIRETY of their income!!! (191 million) At this point, we're talking in Monopoly Money terms...

[a quick aside to US publications like Soccernet and Foxsoccer. Is it too much to ask for you to convert figures into US dollars? I know sometimes it doesn't seem like it but... your readers aren't British! The expats go straight to BBC sports or the Sun or the Tea and crumpits or whatever effing else. Sorry expats. Thinking about rich people gets me angry]

I just have one question: Is this actually good for sootball/foccer? Is an over-inflated transfer market draped over a economic bubble that still hasn't quite popped yet (just ask ManUer, Liverstool, and Vicky Christina Barcelona) a good situation? Do we really want the THIS GUY...

...and his fellow rouge billionaires and Iron Shiekhs running all of the world's best clubs? Personally, my answer is this: The Show WILL go on. Doomsday scenarios aside, people will continue watching the sport, players will continue playing the sport... and no crazy owner, rediculous TV deal, or mass financial collapse is going to change that. So there's no reason to panic....

AGHHHH THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Read the ESPN article here: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=828829&sec=england&cc=5901

Song of the Week

THE BLACK KEYS - "TIGHTEN UP"

This song is stuck in my head so bad I figured maybe if I pass it along it will go away like that video in "The Ring" or one of those annoying email chain curse things.

(Note to self: Never again base an action on one of those 'annoying email chain curse things')

How Not to Start a Weekend

On our early morning ventures to the pub one thing has become painstakingly clear, the result will influence the entire weekend.

A 7 AM kick off Saturday morning usually requires a subdued Friday night in order to be functional.

This week a few of us made it to the Galaxy Red Bulls match in Carson so it would be a feast of football, or so we thought. It would be a quick turn around to be at the pub in Hollywood Saturday morning.

The match being over at 9 leaves you with the entire day to bask in glory or wallow in one's own misery.

Heaven forbid you support other teams in any sport, I tend to find that the results will follow suit in the same fashion and the football will set the tone for the entire weekend's proceedings.

I am coming off a weekend to forget in a sporting sense and couldn't get it behind me fast enough.

I left the pub Saturday morning trying to figure out how in the hell I was going to block the result out of my mind as to not ruin the rest of the day(week). I spoke on the phone with my fellow Pinter, and his first question was Uh oh, did you drink more or less?

I was in such a state of shock and disbelief I couldn't even muster the courage to go that route and dip into an early morning buzz. I will say that if one is quite toasty by nine the day will be quite interesting or absolutely worthless. And I wasn't ready to commit to that.

I could feel the disdain for other fans and my own anger at the result and performance of the players and knew I had to step away for the day. Immerse myself in something, anything else for the day. I tried to watch some baseball and college football to get my mind off things without self medicating and had some success.

Starting with the Galaxy's disappointing performance Friday night at the HDC to a home loss to a newly promoted team at home, the tone of the weekend was set and all my teams followed suit.

Crazy how the weekend hinges on those two hours, luckily I support a decent team who doesn't leave me feeling that way too often.

To a better week ahead...

The year he becomes a MexiCAN

I believe that I was one of many who hoped that Carlos Vela would make his breakthrough last season.

Blighted by injury and lack of form, Carlos rarely looked the player that had shown so much promise the year before. Off the pace, looking to slight and going down too easily he had his critics, and for good reason.

Following the disappointing season I was hoping he could have an impact at the World Cup that would restore some much needed confidence in the player. Another injury, and his impact was minimal.

I was worried he might see his career stall somewhat like his compatriot Gio Dos Santos who's club football has been limited and unimpressive of late, but what would one expect leaving Barcelona for Tottenham of all places. If he is lucky he may get a run out in the Carling Cup against the might Arsenal... #TOTTENHAMISCAREERSUICIDE.

Oh wait this isn't Twitter, but that shit should be trending all over the world for any poor soul who considers joining the Tiny Tots.

I digress.

With the sale of Eduardo and the new squad number I was cautiously optimistic for the Mexican after watching some impressive pre-season action. Granted, being half Mexican and a die hard Arsenal supporter I would love to see my brethren thrive in the Premier league. But I can say that free of bias, his current form bodes well for his future.

In just three substitute appearances Carlos has three goals to his name, with his total minutes on the pitch easily under 90 played to date.

Watching a match the other week with my fellow Gooners in Hollywood I mentioned how important I thought that he get his first goal of the season to give him the confidence he needs. Job done at Bolton and now a brace against Braga. Detractors may say that none of his goals have been vital and have come in routs but that's when he has been in and if he keeps banging them in the minutes will come.

It is great to see so many Mexicans getting opportunities in Europe and it is great for our region to have players like Chicharito and Carlos playing with the best in the world. We can only hope that someone like Bradley can do the same and more Americans can follow suit.

Although I am happy with the progress the American players are making I don't see any at the moment that have the potential to be world beaters like the aforementioned MexiCANS.

Carlos will take all the minutes Eduardo would have had and at our current injury rate he may get a few starts, even in the Premier League if all goes well. His finishing is clinical, although he is quite one-sided as many left footers are, and there is a reason why we Gooners have had such high hopes having seen his potential.

He should embrace that super-sub role formerly held by Theo and make the most of it, the time has come for him to shine and he needs to grab the opportunity because it wont last long.

We will be witness to a true MexiCAN this season and a new Arsenal legend.


A taste of what to look forward to.

Interlull Drags On

I agree wrinkly baby this blows. Why now?

I am so bored I steal babies and dress them up in Arsenal colors. That's not enough to keep them(or me) entertained.


Our second inter-lull in a month. What am I going to do to kill time?



What the fuck.

Who wants to see international matches a week after the start of Serie A and La Liga?

Could you imagine them playing these FIBA basketball games mid-season? Pulling all your favorite superstars away from their teams to play some qualifying for a tournament two years away?

Not a chance.

These ass-clowns at UEFA and FIFA, this means you Platini and Blatter, have lost the plot.

Here we are two months removed from the biggest sporting spectacle in the world and players just getting back to fitness and form and a week is wasted prior to the beginning of the Premier League season for friendlies and now with European seasons finally kicking off, running off all these footballers to play for their country when some have not even recovered from their summer exploits.

We have just under two years til the Euros, shouldn't there be at least a six month break from international football after a World Cup. Should be a fucking law.

Now I have to sit here and worry about the squad not getting injured like always on international duty. It seems as though all players have made it through unscathed today. *fingers crossed* But to my chagrin I learn that there are more qualifiers to come Tuesday, what utter bollocks.

On the bright side I suppose I will get to sleep in, because I wont need to wake up at 430 AM this weekend to catch the Arsenal match. But really, I'd trade that for some proper football in a heartbeat.

Only one more week...

Transfer Bollocks

I want to start by saying that although this is not exclusively an Arsenal blog, it is exclusively an anti-Tottenham blog.

The repeated rejection from every potential transfer target has been amazing. Sure, it was the fact that you didn't have Champion's League football keeping you from signing all those stars... Huntelaar, Parker, Babel, Adebayor.


Not so successful with all that wheelin and dealin eh, 'arry?



But seriously, the only thing that could make it any better would be if they don't get Van der Vaart, and come up empty handed.

Party like it's... (Tottenham 4, Young Boys 0)

Man City just clinched 4th in the league tonight. Congrats Tottenham!

Possible headlines for Wednesday night's game in London:

"Tots show maturity over Young Boys"
"Beauty before age: Tots defeat Young Boys."
"Bully-who?: Tots beat Young Boys"
(or something else like that but probably not quite as tremendously, ridiculously awful)

A thought: Shouldn't the media give Defoe all kinds of shite about his hand ball according to recent ridiculous precedents? It was a clear intentional handball at an important time of an important game and the result was a goal. Remind you of anyone? Personally, I don't blame Defoe, or Henry, or Luis Suarez, or Maradona... That's what players do: You except the consequences. If the handball is called, you're off, carded, whatever.... If it's not, lucky you. That's all there is to it.

You don't ask for a replay of the game.

Come on Young Boys! ...errr to a Christmas come early.

How wonderful would it be for today to be a Champions League St. Totteringham's Day? The Tiny Tots getting spanked by Young Boys. Humiliating. Glorious.

The look on Harry's face after going down three goals was fucking priceless.

More of this please.



Great choice Gallas. Go play for the dodgy C U Next Tuesdays down the road and they can't even make the group stages. That would make my year. The first derby couldn't come soon enough.

Seriously though those mangy bastards should be able to win at home and progress but the the Boys from Switzerland score first expect old Twitchy McGee to go into fits. I pray for some cameras fixed on him during those moments.

Had to bring this video back, courtesy of the arseblogger, all too relevant.

We all knew it, didn't we?

William Gallas is a miserable cunt.

Good riddance. I am glad that you are showing the few people who might have still believed in you your true colors. And that color is green.

Couldn't find a job because you want too much money and you aren't worth the trouble. Back you come to London to sign for good old 'Arry. The man who has signed 12 ex-Arsenal players in has managerial career. The I hear he is interested in Alex Hleb. They really do want to be Arsenal don't they?

Gallas was and maybe even still is a good defender, but a true asshole. Playing for his third London club. Mercenary. No loyalty.

Were he actually someone I rated I would be mad about this, but the truth of the matter is that I'm glad he didn't sign his contract with us and now he's on the books with the Spuds and they can pay him his large wage packet that he will gladly collect while he sits out injured for at least 3 months of the season.

Maybe he can bring the right kind of team spirit to the locker room we all know he can. With any luck he might help the Spuds out of Europe and maybe score some own goals.




I got something for you buddy. Can't wait for the first North London Derby, it will be a fun outing.

Welcome to England, Mario!

Could any other debut more accurately characterize the value/risk associated with a player than Mario Belotelli's debut for Manchester City? Think about it:

1) He's talented.
He enters the game at the 57' minute. Scores a goal in the 72' minute.
2) He volatile.
2 minutes later (literally), he gets into a fight with another player in the 74' minute. Fortunate to get just a yellow.
3) He's good for one 'WTF?' each game.
Gets injured on a nothing play with two minutes left in the game where he starts to walk it off then suddenly collapses onto the ground. WTF?

What a story this kid is. All that talent. So many issues swirling over his head (Racism in Italy, playing for the National Team, a controversial past as a foster child who's still dealing with drama from his birth parents, his eccentricities.) Is there a more interesting player in Football right now? Or any other sport for that matter?

Highlights from the game:

Love me some Temryssssssss

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/video?vid=bb4beeca-2f69-4728-a027-34a232d37327" target="_new" title="">The Fast Lane: Yoga with Buddle</a>

So what?

Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

So who cares if Young Boys nearly put the beatdown on Tottenham? They're not going to win at the Lane. Fogedaboutit. And who cares if Anelka is suspended for 18 matches for France. Screw it. Make it a million. What has the black Mr. Clean done for France anyway? And who cares about the Milner, Balotelli, or Ozil transfers? What has any of those guys done at the club level?

Get some real news, soccer news. Seacrest out.

. . . . . . . . . . . .

btw you know you suck when you lose to a team with a name like "Young Boys." Also, there must be a better translation or something. I mean, c'mon, they're just begging for it. What's worse, 'beating Young Boys' or 'being beaten by Young Boys' ... An eternal conundrum.

(I could make dirtier jokes but I'm taking the high road tonight...)

. . . . . . . . . . . .

I'm feeling a bit tense, so I'm off to the Gay Softball World Series (Seacrest?) and then the Dinah Shore (Seacrest??) to blow off some steam... (what a huge weekend for the Gay... who knew? It's like the Super Bowl and the Bachelorette finale being on the same night. Amazing.)

Opening Weekend Thoughts... Payback's a Bitch

See what happens when you are a dick and pander to a team that isn't even yours?



That's karma for you.

Then we have the one who wanted to stay in London and wanted CL football yet turned it down for a bigger paycheck, our boy Joke Hole getting what he deserves.



I must say those two look like they are moving in to punish him, like an African version of those twins from the Matrix movies...

So as I sit here working on material for this post I flip to FSC, only to see the last ten minutes of Soccer Talk Live. This show being the replacement for Triple F, and what a shoddy piece of work this is. I will say it was wise to retain the services of Temryss Lane, and the addition of a new email girl as the only reasons to stay tuned in. I have only seen five minutes and I can't stand this jackhole co-host whoever the fuck he is. This show feels like a step backwards, like we are watching Wayne's World in the basement of my mom's house.

I suppose I may need to watch one of these shows in full, but I don't know that I will be able to sit through an hour of it. I will say that I wont mind having our favorite "expert" Wynalda off the air as he seems to prefer hearing the sound of his own voice over saying something meaningful. I digress.

That aside, the real news is that the silly season is over and we have real football to watch again. We, the Morning Pint crew, headed out to Hollywood this Sunday for the first outing of the season at Capitol City Sports Grill for the Arsenal, Liverpool match.

The first observation was how great football is in HD. They have finally figured it out and the quality was excellent. FSC have gotten something right and I hear even FS+ is being broadcast in HD. We joined the LA Gooners for a great kick off to the season and the venue did not disappoint. We will be catching many a match at the new spot and all those in the area should come join.




I was disappointed by the result, but I felt it was fair based on the day's performance. Arsenal have just about all the tools needed, but depth in the all too familiar areas of defense and goalkeeper. I had been planning on previewing the season several times but truly my expectations are dependent on late transfer action.

United looked good today, and as much as I hate to say it I think they will win the league. Best part of the match though was seeing Joey Barton's filthy stache. Nothing like a sweet dirt squirrel to make England's classiest footballer look even more noble.



Chelsea looked the same boring Chelsea even in their demolition of West Brom, but I think the return of Essien and the addition of Ramires could be enough to allow them to retain the title, yet I don't see it happening.

My beloved Arsenal will probably labor to third again unless we see what we hope and bring in a keeper and experienced CB. I have been saying for the past couple years that this would be the season the squad would come good. With signings I believe it can be done this year. If not, more of the same for us Gooners.

The title will be hotly contended for and I believe it to be a three horse race, with the battle for fourth to be even more hotly contested. City should make the breakthrough but Liverpool will give a good fight to take the spot back based on their performance on the weekend. Spurs will drop out, lucky if they get a Europa League place. Here's to the Young Boys embarrassing the shit outta them spuds as unlikely as it is. Good to have proper football back.

MR. CLEO: Premier League Predictions '10-11

Ladies!!!

I'm back. Me and the Mrs. are on the fritz for a while. I mean, honestly, who could stay with a woman who predicted that Lebron would go to Washington. Just redic. Simply redic.

I don't need her anyway.... Did she predict the winner and runner-up of the World Cup? Nope. I did (you can check the posts...). Simply put, I AM THE MAN! So far on the Pint I'm 1 for 2. And that ain't bad. Just call me Napoleon Lajoie. :)m [i like putting a chin on it. It matches my face] .

Alright, enough BS. I'm sure you all have betting to do, so, without further ado...

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Premier League Predictions:

Champion: Manchester United

This is Sir Alex's last major title. Enjoy it while it lasts. Watch out for Dracula who is poised to have a breakout year (and be sure to wear silver).

Next 3: Arsenal (2nd), Chelsea (3rd), Manchester City (4rth)

The kids will have a good year... then Fabo is gone and with it all hopes of a title any time soon. The real story this year will be the beginning the age of Citeh who, despite a slow start, will finish strong. Fear the Light Blues. Chelsea is a year older and not much better and I think their season will come down to the January window. Fear the "Sneaky F*&#ing Russian" (Snatch=Most Underatted Movie... Ever)

Next 3: Tottenham (5th), Liverpool (6th), Everton (7th)

The Liverpudlians are coming... but not before the Tots. I really wish there could be 5 EPL teams in the CL, don't you? This team doesn't deserve to not be there, just like I believe I shouldn't not use double negatives. They're going to be the most exciting team in the league this year. Just you watch.

Mid-Table: Bolton (8th), Newcastle (9th), Wigan (10th), Sunderland (11th), Blackburn (12th), Aston Villa (13th), Wolverhampton (14th), Fulham (15th), Birmingham (16th), West Ham (17th)

Just like watching these teams, talking about them is equally boring. How about those Magpies, huh? Good to have 'em back. I think I'm going to watch "Goal" after this. C'mon Santiago!!! (btw since when is Sonny McLeans a Newcastle pub? Just redic. Absolutely, positively redic.)

Relagated: Stoke City (18th), West Brom (19th), Blackpool (20th)

Sorry Rory, but you're going to have to take your throw-ins elsewhere... (Please let it be where Crouchy and his Nachos end up... Please!!!)

(IF YOU HAVE EVER WATCHED A VIDEO WE'VE PUT UP IN THE PAST... OR HAVEN'T... PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND WATCH THAT ONE. CLASSIC. EPIC-LY CLASSIC.)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Satisfied? I didn't think so.

Time to watch some games... (TMI: I have a semi right now... In fact... I'm full on. Where's the Spice channel when you need it? Come back Mrs. Cleo. Please, come back... I'm so sorry...)

THE GAMES ARE COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a double rainbow! It's on our front lawn!

Henry Scoring Against the Tiny Tots, as Usual

It never gets old.

We here at the Pint would also like to remind everyone that this year will be the 50th anniversary of the last time the spuds won the league. Quite the drought, eh?

Nike Curse and Predictions

Notice that none of the players featured here have had a good World Cup. Ronaldinho and Theo weren't even selected to their squads and the others have had shit tournaments.

Drogba broke his arm and was ineffective. Rooney was shit, as was Ronaldo. Biggest names, most ineffective performances. Pique, Fabregas, and Iniesta were in the commercial as well... Fabregas hasn't played a part of any significance.

Even fucking Federer lost at Wimbeldon after the commercial.

Not a good sign. But Paul the octopus picked Spain...

He's 7 for 7.

I pick Spain. Our Captain America is supporting the Oranje. Let the best team win.

Bring it on.



P.S. Howard Webb better not fuck this up.

The Case for Uruguay

Uruguay, Netherlands, Germany, Spain... the FINAL FOUR. And yet, everyone seems to think it's a final three. But don't you dare forget about the U. There's a few reasons not to underestimate this team:

1) They're playing the Netherlands. The Neds have been inconsistent and have yet to play 2 good halfs in ANY of their games. In addition, this is the first game they've played in the tourney where they are truly under pressure (they were the underdogs against Brasil, but not this time...). Bottom line, if you were Uruguay and you were able to pick which of these other 3 teams you were able to play, you'd pick the Orange every time.

2) Diego Forlan. This guy has been the player of the tourney hands down. (I know some of you are thinking, 'David Villa. Hello?') But you watch the games, no one has been more dangerous with his opportunities than Forlan. Nobody. And I have a new nickname for this guy: Mr. Jabulani. He seems to be the only player who's figured the thing out.

3) Fear the wounded animal. Everyone sees this game as a cinch for the Neds (especially with Suarez out for Uruguay) but I honestly don't see it. Suarez isn't why they've been so great defensively. Suarez isn't why Forlan has been the most dangerous long range scoring threat in the cup... Fear the wounded animal. And then, for the final, Suarez is back and... well...

La mano 'salvadora'/Super Saturday

GREATEST. HANDBALL. EVER.

Uruguay are in the semifinals of the World Cup for the first time in forty years. They can thank their co-best player Luis Suarez for the best professional foul I have ever seen.

Who knows if it was anything more than just instinct that made him use his hands or if he conscientiously did it knowing it was his country's only chance for survival.
I believe he knew that no matter what he could not let the ball cross the line. Time was up and there would be no chance for an equalizer. It was a no-brainer. You could see when Suarez walked off the pitch he was gutted to go, but at least he knew he gave his team their only chance of survival at the cost of his tournament life.

They are calling this act La Mano Salvadora "the saving hand" in Uruguay and really all those who call Suarez a dirty cheat need to learn the rules. He knew the consequences and paid the price. All Gyan had to do was bury another penalty and they would be the first African team to ever reach the Semifinals.

What a gamble, and how it paid off. Just enough to give them a chance, and Ghana choked. With more than enough chances they were unable to put it away and based on the run of play you can't say they deserved to win.


On another note "Loco" Abreu is know for this type of penalties and had they done their homework Ghana would have known his affinity for such cheekiness.

You wouldn't find the Germans lacking such a vital piece of information so readily available on youtube. Just saying...

Suarez's hand ball resulted in the greatest moment for Uruguayan football in recent history. The end of that match was brilliant, all the drama one could wish for. I didn't care who won in the end because the spectacle was so captivating. Fucking brilliant.

Onto tomorrow. The biggest showdown of the tournament so for. Who to root for?

The Germans?





Or maybe the Argentinians?





Sure makes it hard to decide, but I think this guy will make the difference.




Oh yea, Spain should handle business as well. But really we should all be looking forward to Maradonna's antics on the sideline and a full blooded, intense match. Can't think of a better way to start the 4th of July weekend.

Another one bites the dust...

Welcome to our world 'Sports Guy'... or perhaps I should say, 'World Sports Guy'

(ahahahahahahahaaaaa) [ <---maniacal laugh ]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/100701

Represent

Listen.



more info (including an interview with Rivers Cuomo) at US Soccer:

http://www.ussoccer.com/Multimedia/Media-Center.aspx#/id=bdfe7bc4-e137-4629-8bfc-23e1ba26b677

. . .

And, after you've listened to the song, think about this... One of these four countries WILL be playing in the World Cup Semi-finals (!): Ghana, USA, Uruguay, South Korea.

Now ask yourself the question: Why not US?

Bet he's a Rittle Ronery Right Now

Wow. That must be embarrassing. Not really working out as you planned huh? I can think of seven reasons why you should crawl back into your lair and turn off the tv.

Good thing you don't allow your people to watch tv or read newspapers because I am sure it is going to be brutal. And here is the thing Kimmy, your team is not a feel good story and people don't feel sorry for them because you are a douche and everyone hates you. Sorry to be the one to break the news, but I thought it might be pertinent information.

Well, at least your fans have put in a good showing and been in full voice... errr, wait they were compared by some pundits to accountants attending a seminar for their spirited display at the Brazil match. Why would they be so somber and apathetic? Maybe its because they are fucking Chinese!




You sneaky bastard, paying for your azn brethren to go in your stead since you wont allow anyone out of the country. So the claims are that you hired Chinese performers and actors and sent 1000 of them to South Africa.

These claims are being disputed with some others saying they are select military men and ex-pats that comprise the followers. I believe the truth is somewhere in between.

Ronaldo broke his duck with a comical goal and everyone and their mother put one past the hapless North Koreans. Their tournament life is now over and likely will have some frustrations taken out on them by the big mean Ivorians that will want to get at least a win in the first African-hosted World Cup.

It's been a tough week for Senor Jong-Il, and I don't think it is going to get any better. Be ready to see more of this to come...





Chile has just defeated the ten man Swiss 1-0 and fair play to them, they attacked and overcame the Swiss' negative tactics to take all the points. Behrami got red carded and I am happy to say it could have happened to a more deserving prick. He is a dirty player, good but dirty, and it was a soft red but karma's a bitch.

Spain now have a job to do and i believe they will be up to the task. Fabregas should get a start today because of a niggling injury to Iniesta, and Torres should be on from the start so I expect a beatdown of Honduras. I have a Honduran coworker who is a big talker and I hope to let La Furia Roja silence him today. If I catch him early enough I am going to try to get him to put his money where his mouth is, but I am not sure he is that foolish. Time to head in. Hopefully a good match ahead.

SPORTGASM 2010/ La Furia Roja...?

Interesting results today.

First shocker of the cup, an impressive display by Uruguay... and I think Chile won (wasn't quite awake yet). But seriously though, what the fuck? Spain, really?

Give the Swiss credit for staying so organized, they parked thus bus and got lucky. Spain really needed to at least salvage a draw from the match and I was supremely confident they would at least get that. By the time the 95th minute came around I was dumbfounded. Torres looked a little rusty but still showed the danger he brings and Navas looked skillful on the right but lacked that cutting edge. Where was Fabregas? Why the fuck did Del Bosque play 2 holding midfielders against a team as defensive as the Swiss? Biscuits and Xabi both? Not a chance. Play a 4-5-1 sure but put Iniesta inside with Xavi and and let them roam free with 2 wide players. When you need to make that substitution later you revert to a 4-4-2 with Torres and get after it. They did it late on but it was a little late then when they had to chase the game.
This result pissed me off. Spain being the only team I support in this tournament that I feel has a chance. I don't think Mexico or the USA realistically can win this tournament so La Furia Roja are my only chance for glory.

On another note, are Barca officials influencing the team selection for Spain? Looks like they are trying to lower the price tag for Fabregas by not allowing his to showcase his talents in South Africa. Fucking bastards. I support Barca, but I am an Arsenal fan first and the shit they have pulled this summer illegally tapping up Cesc has been bullshit, especially coming from a club that tries to portray itself as such a class act. I love the way they play football, the city and stadium are amazing, and I know that Jesus will return to his home some day. But this isn't that day, and he isn't for sale. realistically Fabregas is one of the best, if not the best, young midfielder in the game and how he isn't called upon to come in and change the game today is mind boggling. Did Del Bosque not see his cameo off the bench at Villa this year. Good idea bring on a 19 year old(Pedro) and Navas(who?) instead. Maybe they deserved to lose. Figure it out old man.

On a more positive note we are at the Eve of a new holiday that we at The Pint affectionately call SPORTGASM. It is a rare occurrence but tomorrow gives us the avid sports fan an unfuckingbelievable amount of quality sports to watch. Approximately 16 hours of viewing pleasure that can occupy all waking hours. 7 hours of World Cup in the morning, 6 hours of the US Open, and another 3 for game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Hell Fucking Yes. Bring it on.

Oh, and tomorrow brings us probably the most exciting day of the tournament so far, with some teams tournament lives at stake. The loser of the France-Mexico game is dead in the water, just about. Time for El Tri to show they are MexiCANs and get the job done vs Le Frogs. Get it done boys. And reason to set the alarm clocks early with Argentina squaring up against South Korea at 4:30 PST with first place in the group at stake. Time for Argentina to face a real test and Messi to come alive, I expect fireworks, not to mention some tidbits of gold from the resident cokehead who today lambasted Pele as a fossil and Platini as a douchy frog(I agree with this one). Fuck yea, time for this tournament to come alive.

Funny Videos

John Oliver (of the Daily Show of course...) has been covering the World Cup. He's put up some great stuff... take a look:

Pre-tourney buildup:

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-june-10-2010/world-cup-2010--into-africa---two-teams--one-cup

Behind the scenes (from the US Soccer website): (the John Oliver section is part 2)

USA's tie with England:

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-june-14-2010/world-cup-2010--into-africa---us-ties-england

They also made alternate videos if the USA had beat England (and vice versa..). Check them out in the "Related Videos" section.

Some thoughts on USA-England...

I just re-watched the game since the first time I was.. shall we say... piss drunk.

(NOTE TO READERS: I do NOT recommend doing shots of captain morgan at 9am on an empty stomach. ever. (I also don't recommend the 'let's sneak twenty beers into the bar in a backpack then decide that it's a bad idea because the waitress will notice when your beer keeps going from empty to full so i guess we have to chug them when she's not looking on top of buying the occasional pint' move... it's just a bad idea.))

The first thing I noticed was that pretty much everything I remembered clearly from the game happened in the first 11 minutes. No joke. I kept having moments like, "we're only 8 minutes in... really? I thought that happened in the second half." It's sad. Just sad... Next game I'm thinking a few Red Bulls might go well with those 20 beers in the backpack. Just a thought.

A far as the remaining 79 minutes... I believe the US has a lot to be worried about.

Defensively, we looked poor. Watch that second half again. It was full of English chances that failed to score more because of English wastefulness than good defending. We stopped Rooney but gave the wings way to much space (which had to be something we KNEW we could NOT do going in to the game...). We were extremely fortunate that the English looked poor in terms of the final ball.

(A quick English aside: this thing already reeks of disaster. It's at DEFCON 1 already. We're one 'Rooney writhing on the pitch' or a freaky Algerian goal from a total meltdown. Stay tuned)

Offensively, we were wasteful. Altidore blew the two best American chances of the game (which is totally understandable for a 20-year old who maybe shouldn't be considered the great American hope just yet but not when he's your [sarcastic finger quotes] best striker). Most concerning, we didn't look nearly as dangerous on the break as we did with the Davies/Donavan combo of last year's Confederations Cup run. Hopefully we can look forward to more possession in the last two group games but I still think this is a big concern if we go further than that...

The heart of the issue is this. We ARE going to give up goals. Period. However, we do look as if we may be able to score a few as well. But, if we're, say... down 1-0 against Slovenia with 30 minutes remaining and they've now decided to park the bus clown car-style with ten men behind the ball (hypothetically... wink wink)... will we?

time will tell... gulp. (where's that bottle of captain when you need it?)

Still not sure they are MexiCANs, Time to make history

So it has begun. Inspiring first day of football? No. Great none the less. Mexico sure showed glimpses of its talent and potential today but still lack that conviction. Gio Dos Santos looked the most dangerous out there but they all need to step up. There isn't too much experience in this side but they may be able to really come of age in this tournament.
But now, we get to the Real Deal Holyfield. Argentina on display tomorrow, and I predict our first 4-0 of the tournament. Then comes the big one we have all been waiting for. The Brits are going down(I hope). The guys over at The Yanks are Coming have given us some great rules for a drinking game.
If you are in the LA area there are tons of viewing parties, and we the Morning Pint crew will be in full voice at the Hermosa Pier tomorrow morning. The LA Galaxy are throwing a viewing party with a 13' LED on the pier across from Hennessey's and most of the local spots should be going off. Waterman's will probably be the spot for the England USA match, any changes will be updated via Twitter. Come out and join the fun by the beach and be ready to bask in the glory of the biggest victory in American soccer history.

Oh, and prediction 2-1 USA.
Donovan 28 Rooney 42
Dempsey 88