Another Drive4show 'Anything goes' thread

by McLaren Fri 13 Jun 2014, 10:08 pm

First topic message reminder :

Not had that much fun watching football for a while.

Robben taken the p*1ss out the spanish keeper and central defenders was literally hilarious.

by MustPuttBetter Sat 12 Jul 2014, 11:36 am

Ljungberg, Petit, Vieira, Pires is better than that Ben!

by beninho Sat 12 Jul 2014, 12:06 pm

Well It would have been a better midfield if petit had played in it. He went to spain with overmars and pires was the replacement.

by Diggers Sat 12 Jul 2014, 1:14 pm

Bonkers test match, a ton for Jimmy, he can't can he?

by kwinigolfer Sat 12 Jul 2014, 2:47 pm

Joe Root:
"Hopefully the bowlers can back that up and we can take some early wickets."
That's you Jimmy Anderson!

If the BBC statement that this is the highest score by an English #11 since John Snow vs W.Indies in 1966:
I went to the Saturday of that match.
Sell-out, queues a mile long, couldn't get anywhere near the turnstiles.
Plan B: Upton Park where it was first game of the season vs Chelsea and Moore, Hurst and Peters were playing their first home game since the World Cup win. Managed to squeeze in, despite being buffetted by police horses. Mayhem!

by MustPuttBetter Sat 12 Jul 2014, 3:50 pm

beninho wrote:Well It would have been a better midfield if petit had played in it. He went to spain with overmars and pires was the replacement.

Ok fair play
My point was really that the Ljungberg - Pires midfield was better than the Overmars - Parlour one.

You can have Gilberto Silva in if you like

by beninho Sat 12 Jul 2014, 5:49 pm

One of the worst test matches ever. Awful pitch.

by Diggers Sat 12 Jul 2014, 5:53 pm

Doesn't help we have nobody who can even pretend to be a front line spinner in the team. Shame Monty appears to have gone completely loopy.

by kwinigolfer Sat 12 Jul 2014, 6:05 pm

"Monty gone completely loopy".
Cricketers as well as golfers.

by pedro Sat 12 Jul 2014, 9:23 pm

Even a Blind can score against the Brazilian defense.

I have 100 quid on 0-5 at half time.

by beninho Sat 12 Jul 2014, 10:13 pm

Im starting to think big phil overachieved with getting brazil to the semis. Ramires really isnt very good. And im glad that ve hardly heard clarke carlisle this world cup. Worse then townsend. And robben is a very unlikeable chap.

by I'm never wrong Sat 12 Jul 2014, 10:51 pm

With the obvious things he does, why hasn't a manager sat down with Robben and said "Just beat the man. Stay on your feet. No theatrics" He has the speed and enough talent.

by kwinigolfer Sat 12 Jul 2014, 11:07 pm

I wonder if I'm the only old fart on here who thinks of Steve Race (who I thought I'd expunged from my memory bank) every time he sees Robben's ugly mug?
Can't stand Robben, surprised that no-one has really taken him out, violently. Brilliant talent but a total pr1ck.

by pedro Sat 12 Jul 2014, 11:15 pm

I wonder if FIFA have the guts to give Robben the best player award. He's clearly been the best IMO, almost regardless of what happens tomorrow.

But they'll probably pick someone from the final, Muller I guess.

by Diggers Sun 13 Jul 2014, 7:51 am

Sure Robben dives..so what. He (and any forward) gets cynically hacked down about 30 times a game. And yet you'd think diving was the only sin in football, nobody mentions all the tactical fouls which are way more prevalent.
If I got hacked down as often as Robben Id be diving as well.

by beninho Sun 13 Jul 2014, 9:10 am

Footballers dive. I can live with that. Its unfortunately part of the game now. But its the having a go at the referee if he doesn't buy a dive or foesnt give a foul for the slightest bit of contact. And on that issue, since when has a rule been put in place that just because there is contact its a foul. Its a contact sport, contact does not mean foul. Its such lazy punditry and commentary. Oscar touched blind, they banged knees so oscar threw himself over looking for the pen it wasnt a foul. Just because someones leg is stretched and the other player runs into it. Its the most annoying thing in the game. And I also think I will hate the louis van gaal love in next year. Already classing him as a tactical genius. Got lucky against mexico and tgen didnt scorefor 4 hours in the knock out games.

by Diggers Sun 13 Jul 2014, 9:18 am

Two way street for me Ben, plenty of contacts are fouls and defenders will always claim that the player dived even when they were scythed down, I don't see any difference between that and a forward appealing for a foul when he dived.
It's not that I like dives, more that I'm bored with them being the focus of cheating when for instance way more incidents happen at any corner with shirt pulling and holding.

by Diggers Sun 13 Jul 2014, 3:54 pm

Ian Thorpe admits he's gay..no way Ian, really, you couldn't tell, the fact you are camper than a row of tents was no clue whatsoever mate.

by pedro Sun 13 Jul 2014, 4:10 pm

Tbh I thought he had come out years ago.

I wonder when peoples sexuality becomes as interesting in standard dance, figure skating and sync swimming as it seems to do in other sports.

by Diggers Sun 13 Jul 2014, 4:39 pm

He actually said he was straight in his autobiography apparently, a bit like Elton getting married I guess.
Apparently he's got a few depression issues, hopefully this might help him though Ive never understood why anyone's sexuality should be of interest to anyone else. Mine barely even interests Mrs Digs!

by I'm never wrong Sun 13 Jul 2014, 7:04 pm

Diggers wrote:It's not that I like dives, more that I'm bored with them being the focus of cheating when for instance way more incidents happen at any corner with shirt pulling and holding.

I agree Diggers. I admit I'm trying to achieve the impossible, but I would like some of these players just to ride the tackle or jump out of the way and carry on. Falling down at every contact spoils it for me.
Shirt pulling is also getting out hand. My answer - two players pulling at each others shirts - foul against the player without the ball. In the box - penalty. Why aren't the extra assistants picking these up in European games is beyond me.

by pedro Sun 13 Jul 2014, 7:14 pm

5 or 6 refs in every game now it seems, don't know what they do though...

by Diggers Sun 13 Jul 2014, 7:22 pm

I feel for the refs, should be a simple rule to stop the aggression the players show to refs, its mad they have to back off with 6 players in their faces. Skippers only should be allowed to talk to the ref, problem solved. Of course FIFA loves the drama too much. Support the refs more, look how much a simple thing like the spray can has helped control a scenario.
I think refs are better now than ever, certainly way fitter to follow the play, issue is so many cameras and replays...even in the stadiums to the crowds...they are on trial for every tiny decision. Its mission impossible.

by super_realist Sun 13 Jul 2014, 7:41 pm

Why are Shearer, Lineker and Hansen dressed for a job interview and why is Plug Ferdinand dressed for a naval dinner?

Suiting up seems needless.

by Diggers Sun 13 Jul 2014, 7:58 pm

Hmm, Khedira out. Interesting after how well he played in the semi, truly gutting for him.

by Diggers Sun 13 Jul 2014, 8:03 pm

Classic example of cynical fouling 2 mins into the game by Rojo. As bad as any dive in my book.

by beninho Sun 13 Jul 2014, 10:27 pm

Its been a good game. Shame the germans had to score. I really dont get the fuss over aguero on bastien. Clearly not intentional. Great goal to be fair.

by beninho Sun 13 Jul 2014, 10:35 pm

Germans aren't a dislikeable team. But then you see thomas mueller. .

by beninho Sun 13 Jul 2014, 10:43 pm

Maybe the english fa will look at the way german football is run. No one can own over 50% of a club. Tickets are cheap. And clubs have many german players brought through the youth teams. I would rather a massive english team full of the best english players even if they win the keague almost every season. But the fa have no say in how the premier league is run.

by pedro Sun 13 Jul 2014, 11:40 pm

Today's game could have gone either way. But well deserved winners if you look at the whole tournament.

Personally I'm glad to see offensive minded and positive teams like Spain and Germany pull it off in the end.

Messi getting The Golden Ball was a bit of a joke though. For me Robben should have had it.

by kwinigolfer Mon 14 Jul 2014, 12:33 am

I'd've given it to Schweinsteiger - the fitter he and Khedira got, the better Germany played.
Brilliant goal, worthy of winning the WC.

by Diggers Mon 14 Jul 2014, 9:55 am

Think Kwini is right, by the end of it Schweinsteiger was probably the most important player, though I thought Mascherano was actually better last night, the number of key interceptions he made last night and the way he organised the side was amazing. Both brilliant though.

by pedro Mon 14 Jul 2014, 9:59 am

Actually tend to agree cf Scweinsteiger. Just not often you see that type of player getting the awards (rightly or wrongly).

by **navyblueshorts** Mon 14 Jul 2014, 12:15 pm

Mascherano has been immense, particularly during S/F and last night. Felt a bit for him but better team throughout won in the end. Superb winner as well.

by pedro Mon 14 Jul 2014, 1:14 pm

Can't help thinking Messi must be Blatter's love child getting the golden ball. I hate this a$$ kissing of certain players / teams. Even Messi's father admitted he was exhausted. It's like in school where even last place or the fat child gets a prize.

Edit: The Golden Ball is sponsored by Adidas - just like Messi. Did anyone say corruption or PR stunt? Even Maradona speaks out against Messi getting it.

by kwinigolfer Mon 14 Jul 2014, 1:38 pm

They'll be giving the World Cup to Qatar next . . . . . .

How long before that bonehead decision gets overturned?

by pedro Mon 14 Jul 2014, 2:28 pm

Tomorrows forecast for Qatar: 45 degrees, heat index 55 degrees... I'm sure they'll need a "cooling break" or two during the game.

by **navyblueshorts** Mon 14 Jul 2014, 2:37 pm

pedro wrote:Can't help thinking Messi must be Blatter's love child getting the golden ball. I hate this a$$ kissing of certain players / teams. Even Messi's father admitted he was exhausted. It's like in school where even last place or the fat child gets a prize.

Edit: The Golden Ball is sponsored by Adidas - just like Messi. Did anyone say corruption or PR stunt? Even Maradona speaks out against Messi getting it.

So whom, oh wise one, would you give it to? Messi was pretty good overall but just because he didn't score 40 odd goals, people are slagging his contribution off. Despite being double-marked more often than not, he still managed a pretty decent contribution if you ask me.

by **navyblueshorts** Mon 14 Jul 2014, 2:39 pm

Oh, and he doesn't dive around all over the place when challenged either, almost uniquely so.

by Diggers Mon 14 Jul 2014, 3:13 pm

I had a few issues with Messi last night. It could be because he was injured or exhausted but he really made no attempts to chase back or tackle, even when he wasn't the most advanced Argentinian, if he lost it he wasn't trying to win it back. Sure that's not his main job but last night they needed every man helping out, he just didn't look interested and often when they did break he was nowhere near the play, just drifting around aimlessly in the middle of the opposition half.
He was skipper last night but he made no attempt to gee his players up all match, didn't even join in the huddle before extra time. He should have given the armband to Mascherano as he was doing the job anyway.
Now all that said I still think it was hardly a travesty he got the Golden Ball, but last night I thought his body language and general overall effort wasn't acceptable for the best player and captain of a side.

by super_realist Mon 14 Jul 2014, 3:20 pm

Does anyone care? It's a pretty worthless accolade.

by GunsGerms Mon 14 Jul 2014, 3:30 pm

navyblueshorts wrote:
pedro wrote:Can't help thinking Messi must be Blatter's love child getting the golden ball. I hate this a$$ kissing of certain players / teams. Even Messi's father admitted he was exhausted. It's like in school where even last place or the fat child gets a prize.

Edit: The Golden Ball is sponsored by Adidas - just like Messi. Did anyone say corruption or PR stunt? Even Maradona speaks out against Messi getting it.
So whom, oh wise one, would you give it to? Messi was pretty good overall but just because he didn't score 40 odd goals, people are slagging his contribution off. Despite being double-marked more often than not, he still managed a pretty decent contribution if you ask me.

There is too much pressure on Messi. The Argentinian media are always at him that he plays better for Barca than Argentina. He is constantly scrutanised in Argentina and opposition teams also tend to focus their defense on him. It seems the Argentinian public have concluded he doesnt have the same guile as Maradona for example that would transform him into a WC winner.

He still had a good tournament though. Possibly Macherano was Argentina's best player and Muller the player of the tournament. If Colombia had got a little further Rodriguez may have got it.

by **navyblueshorts** Mon 14 Jul 2014, 3:55 pm

Diggers wrote:I had a few issues with Messi last night. It could be because he was injured or exhausted but he really made no attempts to chase back or tackle, even when he wasn't the most advanced Argentinian, if he lost it he wasn't trying to win it back. Sure that's not his main job but last night they needed every man helping out, he just didn't look interested and often when they did break he was nowhere near the play, just drifting around aimlessly in the middle of the opposition half.
He was skipper last night but he made no attempt to gee his players up all match, didn't even join in the huddle before extra time. He should have given the armband to Mascherano as he was doing the job anyway.
Now all that said I still think it was hardly a travesty he got the Golden Ball, but last night I thought his body language and general overall effort wasn't acceptable for the best player and captain of a side.

I think he was absolutely shagged out. Did you see him after the 90 mins was up? Hands on knees, basically gasping. Same in some earlier matches too. He's a gifted player but Argentina rely on him too much and he definitely needs a holiday.

GunsGerms wrote:...Possibly Macherano was Argentina's best player and Muller the player of the tournament...

Before last night I thought Müller had got on top of his pathetic faking but then he had to ruin it last night. Skilful but needs to cut out the childish acting. I wouldn't have countenanced him or Robben being given that award if they're going to be such blatant actors.

by McLaren Mon 14 Jul 2014, 3:59 pm

What about some of the German defenders, especially Boateng?

by GunsGerms Mon 14 Jul 2014, 3:59 pm

Muller even took a dive as part of a free kick routine in one of their earlier knock out games, possibly v Algeria? That was one of the funnier moments of the WC.

Still despite the diving he was influencial in most germany games, he has an impressive array of skills (close to a full set) and scored 6 goals all at the age of 24. Incredible.

by Diggers Mon 14 Jul 2014, 4:06 pm

Of all the cheating that went on last night the diving was a tiny part of it, miniscule. Cynical fouls and shirt pulling was way more prevalent. Every defender in that world cup is a bigger cheat than Muller or Robben. Much as I like them as players Schweinsteiger and Mascherano were both incredibly cynical with some tactical fouls.
Re Argentina being reliant on Messi, funnily enough surely the last two games proved they weren't. There main strength was organisation and good defence and Mascherano, at least in the knock out matches. If they had a fit Di Maria last night they could well have won anyway as he can run sides ragged especially late in matches.

by pedro Mon 14 Jul 2014, 6:50 pm

navyblueshorts wrote:
pedro wrote:Can't help thinking Messi must be Blatter's love child getting the golden ball. I hate this a$$ kissing of certain players / teams. Even Messi's father admitted he was exhausted. It's like in school where even last place or the fat child gets a prize.

Edit: The Golden Ball is sponsored by Adidas - just like Messi. Did anyone say corruption or PR stunt? Even Maradona speaks out against Messi getting it.
So whom, oh wise one, would you give it to? Messi was pretty good overall but just because he didn't score 40 odd goals, people are slagging his contribution off. Despite being double-marked more often than not, he still managed a pretty decent contribution if you ask me.

Oh navyblue, olde emperor, thou hast no shorts on, says the child.

We're talking about the best player in the tournament, not a PR stunt, biased charity or feel good award for the millions of 8-year old kids who have his jersey or desperately want their parents to buy it. Or at least, that how it should've been.

Robben, Muller, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Benzema, Mascherano, Neymar were all better players, just to name a few.

I'm not saying Messi is a poor player or that he wasn't important for Argentina, he was just far from the best player in the tournament. Additionally Argentina had a soft group and a relatively easy draw, but that didn't seem to help on his performance. In fact they were very lucky to get as far as they did.

by beninho Mon 14 Jul 2014, 9:33 pm

I think its been a very good workd cup. But no real standout players. Schweini has looked good but didnt start a quarter of his teams games. Robben looked good at times but did less then messi in the knock out stages. Messi has not been great but he has been influential in a team that made tge final. Mascherano has looked good at times. Mullee scored a hat trick but lost his place to old man klose. Germany defence has been good but struggled against Ghana. Messi was not helped by the Argentina formation he was to deep, and he never tracks back which is usually fine but when he has 2 strikers in front if him it means it gets noticed more. I still have him as the greatest playet ive ever seen. Then iniesta and Zidane.

by kwinigolfer Mon 14 Jul 2014, 10:29 pm

Good summary ben, also think the reffing has been consistently better than previously, one or two total boners excepted.
Think Messi missed Di Maria to open up the field for him, get some width and spread defences - also Higuain and Aguero were pretty poor most of the time.

by **navyblueshorts** Tue 15 Jul 2014, 9:11 am

pedro wrote:Oh navyblue, olde emperor, thou hast no shorts on, says the child.

Like it...

pedro wrote:We're talking about the best player in the tournament, not a PR stunt, biased charity or feel good award for the millions of 8-year old kids who have his jersey or desperately want their parents to buy it. Or at least, that how it should've been.

Robben, Muller, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Benzema, Mascherano, Neymar were all better players, just to name a few.

I'm not saying Messi is a poor player or that he wasn't important for Argentina, he was just far from the best player in the tournament. Additionally Argentina had a soft group and a relatively easy draw, but that didn't seem to help on his performance. In fact they were very lucky to get as far as they did.

Mascherano I'll give you. Lahm was average until the S/F, as was Schweinsteiger. Benzema? Seriously? Robben is an out and out cheat. Müller? Maybe. All opinion so it doesn't really matter does it?
I see that pillock Blatter is commenting on it now. What a mealy mouthed piece of sheiss. If I were Messi I'd tell him what to do with his useless piece of gaudy metal and chuck it back.

Incidentally, before the ignorant rant that "it's all an Adidas conspiracy!", they really ought to check whom the other candidates have sponsorship from. Robben and Müller both do. I wouldn't mind betting that a lot of other top players do as well. Obvious! It's an Adidas conspiracy eh? picard

by GunsGerms Tue 15 Jul 2014, 12:22 pm

What about James Rodriguez? He was in the top three for me.

Messi wasnt "far from the best player". He was up there but not in the top three IMO.

What about Navas for Costa Rica? Only two goals conceded in WC and one after extra time. He looked very good.

Lahm was average because he was played out of position. He is a wing back not a center midfielder.

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