It seemed like Ramos went out of his way to intentionally avoid contact with Neymar. The red was definitely the back breaker for Madrid. I thought that when they swapped Benzema for Varane, they were going to lay back and defend for the draw. Then they got hit with the second PK. Just Brutal.sdiaz1 said:
Barcelona 2013-2014: When very good is still not good enough
- Thread starter bosox4283
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Btw, I don't watch much of the Bundesliga or La Liga when either of these two teams aren't playing, but if Bayern is that much better than them...holy fuck.
What a match. And, yes, another example of why current practices of handing out the penalty+red combo are awful for the sport. If he can con the ref into that kind of decision, which has a meaningful influence on the entire title race, why shouldn't Neymar dive there or, at its most charitable, make no attempt whatsoever to stay on his feet?
We talk a lot about players who are known divers or exaggerators (Luis Suarez, for example) not getting the benefit of the doubt on calls. On the flip side, you can put Sergio Ramos. He had 18 red cards in his career going into yesterday's match; people see what they expect to see.
DLew On Roids said:
That's what I thought when it happened. An excellent athlete for a defender, but his tackling is historically bad. Why Real Madrid treats him like Raul makes me scratch my head.
That match was fantastic. But while there were a number of great performances (Iniesta and Di Maria especially), how anyone could have watched that match not concluded that Messi was easily the best player on the pitch is beyond me. The two passes to set up Iniesta's goal and Neymar's penalty were just brilliant, Xavi-level passes, especially the second one. He controlled the game tactically by playing a perfect false 9, essentially running the game from midfield while setting up great chances for inverted wingers cutting into the spaces he opened up by drawing the CBs out of position. Madrid had no idea how to defend him -- on the first goal, Iniesta gets so much space because the entire Madrid backline is terrified of Messi running at them when he picks up the ball 40 yards out, so they forgot about Iniesta.
Oh yeah, AND he scored three goals. Messi is like 2000 Tiger Woods right now, his game is just at a completely different level from anyone else. It's a joy to watch. We may never see anyone like him again.
Oh yeah, AND he scored three goals. Messi is like 2000 Tiger Woods right now, his game is just at a completely different level from anyone else. It's a joy to watch. We may never see anyone like him again.
coremiller said:
Agreed with this. Its been a tough season (relatively-speaking) for Messi and that was a total, "Hey, lets not forget who the best player on the planet really is" kind of performance.
Messi now has 13 goals in his last eight La Liga games. He was really hobbled with the leg injury and recovery earlier this season but seems to be back in a big way.
Morgan's Magic Snowplow said:
Since returning from injury, he's been better and better week by week. He looks like the 2009-2012 version now, physically and mentally in his play. Football needs Messi like this. It'd be like golf without prime Tiger or tennis without prime Federer; it just doesn't feel right.
Golf and tennis just don't feel right, period. Boring sports for boring people. (Hi Zomp!)
He is their trickster god.
Vinho Tinto said:
He is their trickster god.
SoxFanInCali said:
Didn't you like it just a little when he said that Benzema had come out "as sharp as a bag of wet mice"?
Speaking of Benzema, he's sort of the guy that everyone is forgetting to talk about given all the penalty drama in the second half, but if it's possible to say that a guy who scored a brace might have cost his team the game, it did. His second goal was brilliant, but he could have had four in the first half.
I'm on the other side. Hudson is an embarrassment. Everything is "magical," including the mundane. His gasps and groans have no place on a broadcast. I had to watch this on mute.
I'm hoping Neymar can find it within himself to stop finding the floor at any opportunity. I used to be down on Ronaldo for this, but he's markedly improved over the years. I understand it's becoming a nearly accepted part of the modern game (for reasons I'll never agree with), but it's one aspect I can't stomach.
I'm hoping Neymar can find it within himself to stop finding the floor at any opportunity. I used to be down on Ronaldo for this, but he's markedly improved over the years. I understand it's becoming a nearly accepted part of the modern game (for reasons I'll never agree with), but it's one aspect I can't stomach.
The issue isn't the penalty for the infraction (PK+red), it's that there is insufficient coverage of the field by refs. What's needed are more refs observing the game and a habit of conferring among refs to get the call right. Egregious dives and equally egregious non-calls are often the result of a ref who is calling the game from 20+ yards away. Fix that before changing the penalties.Morgan's Magic Snowplow said:
SocrManiac said:
Hudson has gotten substantially MORE over the top the past 2-3 years. He used to keep it in check and then his wacky goal calls were welcome and hilarious. Lately, however, I agree with you and others who share the sentiment that it's gotten old and annoying. It should be added however that Phil Schoen also kinda sucks and doesn't help at all. In fact, my favorite aspect of this tandem is when Phil postulates something and regardless of whether he's right or wrong, Ray just condescendingly dismisses him. I think Ray actually agreed with something Phil said on Sunday and I was floored. In sum, they both don't add anything to the game.
As for Neymar, I think I've said it before, but it really takes even the best players a season or 2 to integrate themselves into Barca's style. Now, with Martino, you could argue that it should be easier because he's not as closely associated with Barca style as Pep, but with Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, and the rest of La Masia filling out the roster (Pedro, Sergio, etc.) it's still difficult. I don't think he goes down too easy often, he's very slight. It looks way more ridiculous when CRonaldo dives because he's basically a Clydesdale running around the pitch.
67YAZ said:
I agree with this wholeheartedly. There should be 6 on-field refs (2 refs actually on the field of play, each covering half the field, 2 linesmen for offside, and 2 goal-line refs) and all of these refs should be on a radio system along with an eye-in-the-sky 7th ref. Soccer doesn't need review except for 2 circumstances - goals (i.e. did the ball cross the line) and penalties (like CRonaldo's last game - i.e. did the foul occur inside or outside the box). These reviews should be limited to 30 seconds because soccer, more than any other sport, cannot allow the flow of the game to be disrupted. One last part to this off-topic rant, if a player needs attention on the field, he should have to come off for a set period of time (say 2-3 minutes, unless he's subbed for) in order to cut down on histrionics.
SocrManiac said:
Tim Vickery (BBC, World Football, et al) has talked about how referees in Brazil tend to give fouls when attackers go down. It becomes a learned response to contact to hit the deck, similar to a defender raising his arm to appeal for offside. Neymar may be a diver, but he likely also has to re-learn how to play with referees who don't look for a player on the ground before calling a foul.
Zososoxfan said:
Honestly? And then? I mean, the fastest one on the pitch is still the ball. And when you have a long pass over 30-40 yards, it is not possible to be much closer than 20 yards.
And calls will always be missed, even if the ref will be 5 yards close to the ball/event that happened. We are having goal-line refs and they are getting wrong calls. In the Bundesliga, someone even ruled it a goal, when the ball went into the goal through the sidenet through a hole (Hoffenheim-Leverkusen, Kießling scored it, Felix Brych missed it and will go to WC14)...
(And how many refs do you want to have? There aren´t that many refs. You would need all the refs from 1st and 2nd leagues in the 1st league alone. Then the 2nd leagues in each country would not have any refs, other than you would take the lower-league refs and you make each leagues refs worse than before...which would result in a worse result than before, because you would get more mistakes in higher leagues and in lowest leagues, you have refs that you wouldn´t have at all in today´s system..)
Valdes got injured in the game today, and reports on twitter say it is definitely a torn ACL, while every article I have seen says it is possibly a torn ACL. (http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/3/26/5550312/barcelona-vs-celta-vigo-2014-la-liga-final-score-result).
If it is a torn ACL, that is a tough way for Valdes to finish his Barca career. It's a blow for Barca's hopes of winning La Liga and Champions League too. Pinto is a decent goalie, but I am a little uneasy relying on him against the best teams in the world.
Also, does anybody know what the deal is with ter Stegen? I saw on some less reliable sources (like goal.com and bleacher report) that the deal for him is done. I haven't been find any reputable reports to back that up.
If it is a torn ACL, that is a tough way for Valdes to finish his Barca career. It's a blow for Barca's hopes of winning La Liga and Champions League too. Pinto is a decent goalie, but I am a little uneasy relying on him against the best teams in the world.
Also, does anybody know what the deal is with ter Stegen? I saw on some less reliable sources (like goal.com and bleacher report) that the deal for him is done. I haven't been find any reputable reports to back that up.
With Real losing again today, this match could now end up being for the title.SoxFanInCali said:
Real go away to Sociedad next too, another tough match. They could be out of it by the time Sunday rolls around.
Barca have Espanyol next and Atletico have Bilbao away, both also tough matches. It'll be clearer after the weekend, IMO. One of the three will drop points.
Barca have Espanyol next and Atletico have Bilbao away, both also tough matches. It'll be clearer after the weekend, IMO. One of the three will drop points.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2014/03/07/4667307/barcelona-agree-12-million-ter-stegen-deal
"Barcelona have reached an agreement with Borussia Monchengladbach over the transfer of Marc-Andre ter Stegen for a fee in the region of €9-12 million plus two friendly games, Goal can confirm."
"Barcelona have reached an agreement with Borussia Monchengladbach over the transfer of Marc-Andre ter Stegen for a fee in the region of €9-12 million plus two friendly games, Goal can confirm."
You have to feel for Valdes. Terrible time for this type of injury.
Del Bosque is too wise to take Diego Lopez on the national squad and invite the Casillas/Lopez debates. My guess is that Del Bosque will take De Gea as the third keeper with them to Brazil.
Del Bosque is too wise to take Diego Lopez on the national squad and invite the Casillas/Lopez debates. My guess is that Del Bosque will take De Gea as the third keeper with them to Brazil.
Apisith said:
You miss my point. When reporting news, as opposed to discussing a rumor, it is helpful to add a link or a source showing that said "news" has, in fact, happened.
That bosox4283 posted an actual link on the news of ter Stegen signing is what was required here. Not vague assurances or a willingness to "put money on it".
Sketchy win yesterday, sneaking out from espanol with 3 points on the back of a pk. This match demonstrated how important San Andres is to the team. I often think that barcelonas passing needs some creative magic to tie it all together which iniesta and messi bring in spades. The announcers picked up on how well Sergio was playing and I agree. Lastly, when Pedro and Alexis both play and neymar sits is when this team is at its attacking best lately.
With real and atleti picking up points, things stay even this round. It's crazy how much the upcoming 3 games against atleti will impact the results of this season.
With real and atleti picking up points, things stay even this round. It's crazy how much the upcoming 3 games against atleti will impact the results of this season.
Zososoxfan said:
You are being kind by saying "sketchy". It was a phantom win -- the referee made the wrong call, which led to the penalty kick. Granted, it was a a very tough call to make, but the ball hit Neymar in the arm and then deflected off the arm of the Espanyol player.
I'm not crying about it nor upset, but it was not an encouraging performance for Barcelona. At this point in the season, all that matters is winning, so Barca fans can be good about gaining three points. I may not feel good, though, about the lack of a goal.
I would give them a small mulligan. This was the blood Darby and Aguirre had Espanyol hopped up. To come away with 3 points is just fine, at this time of year even an ugly win is welcome given how precarious the title contenders are placed.bosox4283 said:
Late to the Classico discussion but even against Espanyol Messi seems to be reminding everyone who God's favorite is. When he drops back deeper as he does more often in Classicos, it is breathtaking. Against Espanyol he was just his usual low center of gravity bulldozer, created many great chances for his mates.
I find it completely unacceptable that this game is being broadcast on Fox Sports +. I don't think I get this channel, even though I subscribe to the sports (Extreme I think) package on Verizon that includes Fox Soccer, BeIn Sports, etc. but I don't believe that this includes +. Regardless, I'm at work today and I can't even sneak out to the bar because I live in a highly anglo city where the bars probably don't think it's worth getting this obscure channel. Anyway, does anyone know when the replays tonight are and on what channels?
Also, Diego Costa looks to be injured after picking up a knock in training yesterday - any diminishing of his skills is a huge break for the blaugrana.
Also, Diego Costa looks to be injured after picking up a knock in training yesterday - any diminishing of his skills is a huge break for the blaugrana.
The game is on fox sports 2. Verizon fios carries it but it s sd not hd. Ch 198. No replay for barcelona as far as i can see.
PedroSpecialK said:
What. The. Fuck. is this?? FIFA is a joke, but can anyone parse out for me what is going on here?
As for the UCL game, I watched highlights and wow, I'm even more pissed this game wasn't broadcast on a semi-normal channel and that there was no replay yesterday. Atelti's goal was INSANITY and Iniesta's pass on Neymar's goal is the stuff of legend. Costa goes out and looks to miss the return leg, but Pique also picked up a knock early. From what I've read, Bartra filled in capably which is a terrific sign. Lastly, I'm still trying to figure out Messi's dribble on the Iniesta almost-goal in the first half. Just ridiculous. Thanks again Fox Sports! ffs
Of course Diego hit it perfectly. But a better keeper probably saves it. It was the near post/near corner, and Pinto almost got it, he even touched it, so for me, better keepers save those shots, as perfect as it was. I mean, from that angle (5-7m behind the corner of the box) it is almost impossible to score a goal against a great keeper if you´re dribbling to the goal-line and drifting slightly to the right like Diego did.
I know Chelsea was hit with something similar in 2010 but successfully appealed. Also, I believe if Barca do appeal they can sign players during the 90 day investigation so I'm not sure it will cripple them. I could be wrong though.
I don't think any keeper would have saved that shot. I don't think a keeper would be in the right position to save it...they'd never expect him to shoot from there.
I don't think any keeper would have saved that shot. I don't think a keeper would be in the right position to save it...they'd never expect him to shoot from there.
Schnerres said:
Zomp said:
A bad day just got much worse. Pique is going to be out about a month with a hairline fracture to his hip, fml. Also, I agree with Zomp here. No one saves that shot. It was hit perfectly from an insane angle that no keeper would've predicted the player to shoot from.
Zomp said:
What I'm reading is that the Chelsea case won't be much of a precedent - their ban only involved one infraction (signing Kakuta) and they worked out a deal with the other club (Lens) to drop charges. The charges against Barca are much wider, involving 10 players.
However, I'm also reading that the appeals process won't be resolved until July or August and that Barca will be able to sign players in the interim. So I'd expect them to just stock up like crazy on players in the first part of this window. It might actually be a good time to sell players to Barcelona for other clubs.
PedroSpecialK said:
This really came out of nowhere for me. I had not heard anything about a possible transfer ban leading up to this.
I guess the big question is if there is a ban that is enforced, what happens with the GK situation? This article on espn (http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1772155/marc-andre-ter-stegen-set-borussia-moenchengladbach-exit-barcelona-ban?cc=5901) confirms that there was a deal in place for ter Stegen. The most important quote comes from his agent near the end of the article: “I am not a solicitor, but the question is if signed contracts are still valid or if they come under the transfer ban." If ter Stegen cannot come to Barcelona, they pretty much have to convince Valdes to sign a 1-year deal since it wouldn't be a transfer. They will have to pitch it to him as a chance to show off he is recovered from the ACL injury before moving on.
I am not as concerned about the Halilovic deal since he is 17 and would probably go to Barca B if his transfer happened this year. He can stay at Dinamo for a year with no impact on Barca next season.
Well if the above is true at least it sounds like they have their goalie already. Sucks that sitting on their asses about signing a big CB the last 3 windows will now really bite them.PedroSpecialK said:
Over at zonalmarking.net, the author described why Cesc shouldn't be selected for big matches. I've been saying this for awhile, but Barca's at their best when he's not on the pitch:
I'll be very interested to see the starting lineup tomorrow.
I'll be very interested to see the starting lineup tomorrow.
Welp, that was about as derpy as it gets. What a shit show from Barca. Atleti should have had 3 goals within the first 15 minutes, hitting just about every inch of the woodwork. Barca insisted on trying to pass out of the back instead of clearing and regrouping. On offense, Xavi didn't show any creativity, Iniesta and Messi looked completely out of sorts, Cesc floated around harmlessly, and Neymar continued to get muscled off the ball consistently. Dani Alves had a great cross to Messi that narrowly missed. Neymar had one nice run and crossed to Messi, who missed badly. Neymar got a terrific pass in the 2nd half (forget from who) but tried to dribble around the keeper instead of hitting it first time. Alves had another excellent cross that just missed Xavi. Aaaaaaand that was literally ALL of the Barca chances I can remember. Alexis replaced Cesc and Pedro replaced Neymar, but it didn't make any difference. Props to Atleti for coming screaming out of the gates and pressuring Barca in their own half. Once Barca settled down, Atleti played 11 behind the ball, very deep, and looked to break on the counter. In the 2nd half, they should have had another 2 goals, but had some pitiful fast break play and finishing. Nevertheless, they were by far the better team and deserved to win. Barca's passing was completely choked off and there was not enough magic in Iniesta and Messi to bail them out. Time to focus on La Liga and get Atleti back in the final fixture, not to mention beat Real again for the Copa del Rey.
Zososoxfan said:
Agreed Atletico was by far the better team today. What a weird year it has been. Probably the most unconvincing Barca team of the past 6-7 years and yet they might end up with a double. Now rooting for Atletico to go all the way in CL.
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