(07-05-2018, 06:30 PM)shaun.lawson Wrote:

A couple of things.

1. Messi was already an important player in 2005/6. Him doing his hamstring v Chelsea (who focused on stopping him more than anyone else) hardly helped Barca. In fact, he was so important that when Pekerman idiotically didn't bring him on against Germany, the whole of Argentina went nuts, and it cost him his job. As a key Barca player, he deserved his CL medal.

Strangely (or maybe not) I was chatting with an Argentinian buddy of mine at football last night about Argentina's forays at this WC and the Argentinian mindset (near impossible expectations) when it comes to their NT and tournaments. His main rant was that they've been screwed by a procession of shit coaches and their decisions (not to mention a corrupt FA and corrupt country in general; he said that the president of the country was the president of Boca once, apparently ), and the greatest mistake of all was that Pekerman one in 2006. Anyway, just a wee anecdotal back-up there.

(07-05-2018, 06:49 PM)pondlife Wrote: Strangely (or maybe not) I was chatting with an Argentinian buddy of mine at football last night about Argentina's forays at this WC and the Argentinian mindset (near impossible expectations) when it comes to their NT and tournaments. His main rant was that they've been screwed by a procession of shit coaches and their decisions (not to mention a corrupt FA and corrupt country in general; he said that the president of the country was the president of Boca once, apparently ), and the greatest mistake of all was that Pekerman one in 2006. Anyway, just a wee anecdotal back-up there.

Yes, Macri is former Boca President. I think that's pretty cool myself.

Argentina 2006 might have been the greatest side not to win the World Cup since Brazil 1982. But on the other hand, Argentinians have a constant desire to play 'La Nuestra' at the World Cup: Their Way. But throughout history, what has 'their way' achieved?

- No finals (or even top four finishes) between 1930 and 1978

- One triumph - against a backdrop of a military junta bribing the Peruvian government, and disgracefully biased officiating in the first round v France, and again in the final: when Holland still almost won it at the death. Had the tournament not been played in Argentina, they wouldn't have even got out of the first round

- And, er, that's it... because they were playing anything but 'their way' when Maradona worked his magic.

Coach after coach after coach cannot find a way to get Argentina playing with a clear identity. And when they just fall back on playing beautifully, they're a richer man's England: out against the first decent side they meet. It's no coincidence that at their one good World Cup since 1990, four years ago, they were essentially defensive in their approach. Which naturally, pissed off well over half the Argentinian public, most of whom refuse to give that side or Sabella any credit.

Another thing I found interesting was that he seemed to think that no players were coming from BA these days; that the city hasn't really been producing any players like they used to, because of the lack of playing space, and that they just don't play in the streets much either (which is pretty universal I'd have thought now, altho saying that I saw more street games in Naples as I walked around at all times than I have anywhere in any city). Players coming from outside the city/greater area.

(07-05-2018, 07:08 PM)pondlife Wrote: Another thing I found interesting was that he seemed to think that no players were coming from BA these days; that the city hasn't really been producing any players like they used to, because of the lack of playing space, and that they just don't play in the streets much either (which is pretty universal I'd have thought now, altho saying that I saw more street games in Naples as I walked around at all times than I have anywhere in any city).  Players coming from outside the city/greater area.

I reckon that's gonna screw Uruguay within a generation too. Notice how the dribble has pretty much disappeared from international football? It's because kids have stopped playing in the streets the world over. Now it's all about coaching, passing, formations, and playing robotically, not instinctively. That's bound to benefit countries with the resources to plough into youth level and develop very professional setups, and set this continent back ever further.

But then again: the River Plate area actually produces too many players who are all about passion and fight, not technique. And Argentina is an absolutely enormous country. I often think people don't realise just how big it is: it's virtually a country with four seasons happening at the same time. It's not just about BA there at all.

(07-05-2018, 07:15 PM)shaun.lawson Wrote: I reckon that's gonna screw Uruguay within a generation too. Notice how the dribble has pretty much disappeared from international football? It's because kids have stopped playing in the streets the world over. Now it's all about coaching, passing, formations, and playing robotically, not instinctively. That's bound to benefit countries with the resources to plough into youth level and develop very professional setups, and set this continent back ever further.

But then again: the River Plate area actually produces too many players who are all about passion and fight, not technique. And Argentina is an absolutely enormous country. I often think people don't realise just how big it is: it's virtually a country with four seasons happening at the same time. It's not just about BA there at all.

Tbf, I'm sure the playing in the street demise has been on-going for a good wee while now.  I have to say I stood and watched a game for quite a while and the intensity and skill on display from kids around 10-14 was quite impressive; a lot of individuality on display.

https://twitter.com/sportbible/status/10...9386328064

Netflix will be creaming their pants - I believe they're getting ready for Season 2 of the Juve documentary. (which is pretty good)

According to his Juvenths medical, he's got 7% body fat and 50% of his body is muscle mass.

And not a PED in sight either

(07-23-2018, 10:56 PM)The Great Khali Wrote: According to his Juvenths medical, he's got 7% body fat and 50% of his body is muscle mass.

Same as me - how remarkable is that?

(07-24-2018, 06:38 AM)Johnny Wrote: And not a PED in sight either

Thought this was quite interesting. https://academicathletics.wordpress.com/...cing-drug/

To 'convicted multi-million dollar tax evader' (two-year suspended jail sentence plus a fine of over $20m), we can now add... 'apparent rapist'.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/cris...30627.html



Delightful.

Well he's a well known figure so he would probably feel a bit left out if some bird didn't accuse him of rape

(09-28-2018, 10:51 PM)shaun.lawson Wrote: To 'convicted multi-million dollar tax evader' (two-year suspended jail sentence plus a fine of over $20m), we can now add... 'apparent rapist'.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/cris...30627.html



Delightful.

This a new accusation or the same one reported at various points over the last year or two?

Just trying too hard to quell the gay rumours.

(09-28-2018, 10:56 PM)Shteve Wrote: Well he's a well known figure so he would probably feel a bit left out if some bird didn't accuse him of rape

The document suggests he's effectively admitted to it. Why would he pay her 375K otherwise?

To keep it quiet they ever done anything for any number of reasons, hardly strapped for cash.

(09-28-2018, 11:03 PM)shaun.lawson Wrote: The document suggests he's effectively admitted to it. Why would he pay her 375K otherwise?

A week's wages to stop his name being dragged through the mud.

Being accused of a crime does not make you guilty of it, Shaun. Even if you pay someone to not 'talk' about if.

She was probably all for it at the time then seen a way to make a bit of easy cash, the money will have dried up and she's coming out the woodwork again, that's another more cynical take on things.