And...the NY/NJ Sellouts are out of MLS Cup

Insanely Brilliant Goal scored in Northern Ireland



Get in.

Sven on Tour

Will Sven go anywhere? I think the answer must be yes.

At his peak when he got the England job, I think it would be hard to imagine quite the past 2 years of this formerly highly sought after manager.

Svens previous track record spoke for itself, highly successful in Sweden, Portugal and Italy, he is almost a pastiche of himself now. Leicester City, for all their good points are not a big club. Yes they have won minor trophies in the last 20 years and they were a semi permanent fixture in the top flight. But that was the 90's. Leicester spent time in league One not long ago, and they have Steve Howard for a striker. This is not the stuff of big clubs. So now they have Sven.

This is a man who was at Notts County last season. In one of the weirdest deals of all time. In fact had it not been for his spell at County this move to Leicester, the third biggest team in the East Midlands, may have raised eyebrows. Now its more just humourous comments in blogs and tweets. He is yesterdays man desperate to prove he can do well.

Now an extra facet to consider in this move is Milan Mandaric. hardly a man known for sticking by his managers, as Paolo Sousa can now testify. Mandaric is always quick to get rid of someone he deems not good enough. Now bare in mind Sven in his last few jobs generally hasn't lasted long. Mexico wasn't his finest hour, and Ivory Coast disappointed in South Africa this summer. A Leicester team that is struggling is hardly going to change this track record. He can't get anyone in till January on a permanent basis, if there is money there from the new Thai owners. And there is the final connection, Thailand consortium owns the club, they get in Eriksson, as did Thasksin Shinawatra in his spell at Manchester City. This is a link I have now heard a few sources speculate on. And maybe now Svens arrival confirms this.

It is almost certain that come the end of the year if Sven made it then that I think they will part company sooner rather than later. Sven doesn't have longevity in a job now, Leicester sack managers like its some kind of weird fashion. This is not a marraige made in heaven

History Repeats itself: The State of US Soccer in 2010 before the Fall Friendlies

We're baaaaaaaccccckkkkk.

Fall (or autumn if you prefer you silly Brits) is finally here and with it comes nicer weather for me because 100F weather in Detroit isn't really my cup of tea but more importantly it brings a slew of US soccer friendlies.

USA fans are on the edge of their seats as the team who despite horrible tactical decisions that almost lost them every game at the World Cup in 2010 and saw them go out prematurely to Ghana is ready to get back into action against two teams who frankly, at home they should beat.

Every US fan is ready to see their new manage....

With the new look tea...

With interesting oppone...

Ok, with the same old shit except Jermaine Jones might actually play this time.

American soccer, mainly Sunil Gulati, or as I lovingly call him Gooflati has yet again lost the plot.

There is a famous phrase that's used that I think Gooflati doesn't really get.

The phrase of course is "history repeats itself".

Now, this phrase as you well know is used in a negative way, not a positive way. When this phrase is used, it's to say you should look at the historical record, see how things went wrong and try to avoid them in the future.

Unfortunately for us Gooflati I believe feels that he has to adhere to this old adage because clearly qualifying for the World Cup and then fucking up constantly is what a country who is primed for success should be doing.

Gooflati lecturing on how to ruin teams

There is a cognitive disconnect here. This is a man who has made bad decision after bad decision and yet gets unanimously voted in again as head of soccer in the US? It seems its the one job in the country where you can have a bad performance and still get re-hired.

He started out with ruining a successful Metrostars (for you new soccer fans, that's the team that NY/NJ had before they sold out to Redbull, alienated their fan base, spit in the face of New Jersey etc etc and became the NY Sellouts).

New York you'll be surprised to know was actually drawing in large crowds and was being run fairly well until this muppet came in and made them the running joke in the league.

Then after that disaster he took over the US national team, which is what runs US soccer in this country. Interest lives and dies with the national team.

The reason for ESPN picking up soccer on a more regular basis was not the MLS, it was the success of the national team who finally got its act together when they had to host the World Cup in 1994.

The goal then became qualifying for the World Cup, which at that time made sense since the groundwork of producing a consistent national team was at the forefront.

Fast forward years later when the US has had some decent World Cup runs (2002, 2010), has most of its premier players playing in Europe, and has a league to develop its younger talents and you think the goal would change.

However, Gooflati was quoted as saying "Our goal is to qualify for the WC" (this was in the lead up to 2010).

So....the goal is the exact same as it was in 1990? In 20 years the goal is the same despite the US qualifying for the WC easily every time since they took the modern sport seriously, won the CONCACAF major tournament the Gold Cup 4 times (as many as Mexico in the same time period) and was the runner up 3 times.

When US soccer took the competition seriously it took 4th in the Copa America, the premier Conmebol competition (Yeah, Brazil, Argentina their feckin conference), which Gooflati completely disrespected that entire federation by sending a horrible team in 2007 after turning down bids from them from 1996-2006. Our squad was then summarily embarrassed, and our country being embarrassed apparently means nothing to Gooflati as he was the one who made sure the a USA C team went up against the best teams in South America.

Frankly stated, but the US and Mexico should qualify for the World Cup every single go around. It sounds arrogant, but if you look at the numbers in a book like Soccernomics something that on paper is easily found out using statistics.

CONCACAF is improving, there are tough games and most of the other teams in the region are improving every year, but with their resources, neither team should fail to qualify for a tournament unless severe investment is made in the Caribbean and Central America, something that I don't see happening.

Yet, this is the goal?

How shortsighted is that?

I think my goal is to breathe today. That's essentially the bar Gooflati is putting up. An easy hurdle so he and the US soccer good ole boy network can give themselves a pat on the back for.

Wake the fuck up. This isn't Guadeloupe, this isn't Jamaica, this is the "sleeping giant" waiting to be awakened.

Instead of moving forward, Gooflati feeds US soccer its share of sleeping pills with his bad decisions, his refusal for change in order to improve, and the fact he will only take on managers who are essentially "Yes Men".

A Celtic commentator and member of the Lisbon Lions Jim Craig once said that really the shelf life for a manager should be a maximum of four years, unless they are one of those once in a lifetime sort of guys like Jock Stein, Sir Alex Ferguson, Shankly and the like.

Is Bob Bradley that? Is Bruce Arena that?

No.

There is no doubt Arena did a rather superb job with the team in 2002, a German handball away from perhaps going to the Semifinals, where the US hasn't been since the World Cup started in 1930.

He brought in 40 new players into the US squad pool, which no one had done up to that time.

One could see how he got an extension to his deal, he did everything Gooflati and US soccer wanted. He put the MLS over the National team at times for friendlies. He did the throwaway friendlies playing crap MLS players so teams could say they had an "international" player even though they had no chance of being in the actual squad.

Arena then found himself like so many managers do finding himself tied to his favorites, unwilling to let go and cap new players like he did in the lead up to 2002 and what happened?

The US with some bad play, bad calls and horrific tactics went out in 2006. Ironically to Ghana who put the US to the sword in 2010.

Now, for probably the first time the country seemed deeply interested in a WC not on its shores, as ESPN had record ratings for the 2006 World Cup (even better ones for 2010) and after the tournament it was clear that Arena was done, and the man next in line was Jurgen Klinsmann, a man who using his knowledge he gained from American training techniques completely revamped Germany and almost took them to the final.

Here was a guy who was technically a "foreign" manager, but who with his links with the Galaxy and the fact he lives in the US has knowledge on American soccer. He was as many would say the perfect fit.

However, despite brief press pressure, Gooflati refused to sign Klinsmann because he wanted control to completely revamp (read: for the better) US soccer so it could compete at a higher level.

Gooflati, whose power was now on the line turned him down so he could keep his good ole boy system intact.

Now, in most countries, this wouldn't have happened because the press and fan pressure would have been too much to see the head of a federation turn down this opportunity.

So instead he hired a Bruce Arena clone in Bob Bradley, who in every way is Bruce Arena minus the fact he isn't a self centered asshole.

Now, in 2006 I wanted Bob to be the #2 (perhaps lead the team in 2010 depending on what Klinsmann did).

Instead he got the top job, because it was the best post he could get and he agreed to do whatever Gooflati said.

He did EXACTLY what Arena did (see he is a clone here....) when he was first called into action by calling up if I remember right 50 new players into the US system, but then found his favorites who he continually plays, does the MLS friendlies to hype up their players, which is not the job of a national team manager.

His crowning achievement was the 2009 Confederations Cup where the US lost to Brazil 3-2 in the final. Many point to Bradley's tactics as being why the team lost, despite being up 2-0 at half time.

It was a sign of things to come.

In 2010, the US got out of the group on top, despite Bradley's best efforts to make sure the tactics were horrible enough to lose each game, and then his inexperience showed against Ghana, a team that the US could have gotten past had his moves not been simply put, retarded.

Gooflati again sticking to his adage "history repeats itself" has brief talks with Klinsmann, on which they again don't agree on anything in writing and he then re-hires Bradley without looking for any other managers. He looked at two candidates, just like 2006 all over again.

Needless to say 2014 looks bleak. Bradley. Gooflati. Same old same old. Maybe buying this T-shirt will help me feel better about myself and my country's team....


...because right now there is nothing to look forward to.

Here is the squad for the two games next week:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton).

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Steve Cherundolo (Hanover), Clarence Goodson (Start), Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham).

Midfielders: Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro), Michael Bradley (Moenchengladbach), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jermaine Jones (Schalke), Brek Shea (FC Dallas).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Eddie Johnson (Fulham).

As you can see, at least it isn't a shite MLS filled squad, but most of the country's best players.

I love how Parkhurst was the best MLS defender for some time, and only gave away something like 5 fouls in a few seasons (which is unheard of in any league), and hardly got a call up, moved and then never got a call up.

Honestly, had he gone with the Republic of Ireland, he might have already been in their set up.

JJ needs to get in, that's really what I'm looking forward to. Shame I couldn't be at this one as I always go to the games in Chicago, but it's my official boycott match as I hate the direction this team is going.

Match info:

10/9 - USA vs. Poland - 8pm EST on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision
10/12 - USA vs. Colombia - 8pm EST on ESPN 2 and Galavision

Don't Tread on This.

Article by Celticrugby.

Funniest Penalty Ever?

This penalty is brilliant. The keeper saves it and walks away with a job done,, but where's the ball going?

What if Yugoslavia Never Broke Up?

To those of you who follow the forum you may have seen a debate whereby we have been looking at whether Yugoslavia might have been a greater force in world football had the nation not fragmented in the early part of the 90’s.
1998 saw Croatia reach the last 4. Arguably a wonderful achievement for a nation of 4 and half million people. Croatia now it ha s matured somewhat on the football stage and are known for the ability more than their at the time funny appearance in chequered shirts.
If you add in Serbia, or more to the point Yugoslavia at that time, which was largely, Yugoslavia and Montenegro, to that equation who had a decent enough team to qualify for the World Cup and make it to the second round before being finished off by the Dutch

If you look at the Croat squad for that world cup
1 GK Dražen Ladić
2 FW Petar Krpan
3 MF Anthony Šerić
4 DF Igor Štimac(
5 DF Goran Jurić
6 DF Slaven Bilić
7 MF Aljoša Asanović
8 MF Robert Prosinečki
9 FW Davor Šuker
10 MF Zvonimir Boban
11 MF Silvio Marić
12 GK Marijan Mrmić
13 MF Mario Stanić
14 DF Zvonimir Soldo
15 DF Igor Tudor
16 FW Ardian Kozniku
17 MF Robert Jarni
18 DF Zoran Mamić
19 FW Goran Vlaović
20 DF Dario Šimić
21 MF Krunoslav Jurčić
22 GK Vladimir Vasilj

In that are some of the top names of the late 90’s. Robert Prosinecki was a prestigious talent. Suker and Boban were in their peak in Serie A.
The squad in its core was excellent, Some of the squad players however were not exactly at top clubs. If you added the Serbian squad to this, or at least replace some of the Croat squad with some of the Yugoslavians..
1 GK Ivica Kralj
2 DF Zoran Mirković
3 DF Goran Đorović
4 DF Slaviša Jokanović
5 DF Miroslav Đukić
6 DF Branko Brnović
7 MF Vladimir Jugović
8 MF Dejan Savićević
9 FW Predrag Mijatović
10 MF Dragan Stojković
11 DF Siniša Mihajlović
12 GK Dragoje Leković
13 DF Slobodan Komljenović
14 DF Niša Saveljić
15 MF Ljubinko Drulović
16 MF Željko Petrović
17 FW Savo Milošević
18 MF Dejan Govedarica
19 MF Miroslav Stević
20 FW Dejan Stanković
21 FW Perica Ognjenović
22 FW Darko Kovačević

There is enough talent in there to be melded together with the Croatians to form a very formidable side. Dragan Stojkovic was a wonderful player, but he and Prosinecki probably couldn’t be in the same side. Savicevic, Mijatovic and Mihajlovic would all be able to grace most of the other world cup squads for certain, then there are younger players who went on to become wonderful players too

All this looks fairly solid as a squad before you even remember Slovenia and Bosnia also had teams that didn’t make the World Cup but still had wonderful players. Zlatko Zahovic would light up the European Championships 2 years ater, and he is also a player who could well have featured here. Another in the mould of Stojkovic, he may not have fitted in well with a number of prestige players as it as it, but it underlines the strength in depth the Yugoslavians could have enjoyed. Add in the Bosnians Hasan Salihamidzic and Elvir Bolic and there could have been even more class in that squad.

And then there is what they could have now.
Croatia may have not made the World Cup and Serbia may have been mediocre there too, but amongst Slovenia and Bosnia they have some of the World's top players.
The Croatians Modric, Kranjcar, Rakitic, Pranjic, Olic and Eduardo. The striking talents of Dzeko from Bosnia, with defensive strength from the Serbians in the guise of the likes of Vidic.

Indeed on the forum debate it was suggested that this team might be up there with the very best

-------Handanovic
Srna Ivanovic Vidic Kolarov

--Kuzmanovic Stankovic
---Krasic Modric Jovetic
---------Dzeko

This is all however complete conjecture. We will never know, but that’s the beauty of footballing debates.

Join the debate on the following link (link may have to be copied and pasted)

http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182443

Pre Seasons are So Dull

OK, so I have had 2 and a half months now of no domestic football. The new season is a mere week away, and I sit here on a Saturday bored rigid.
Yes the World cup was a nice distraction for a month, even if some of the football left a lot to be desired, but now my real passion is back, my team, Nottingham Forest.
So why do I have this feeling of apathy? Forest have done nothing this pre season. We havn't signed anybody, or it sems come close to signing anybody. So in what should be an exciting period, I just feel like its going to be a season of mediocrity. We have only let two players go and neither of them were exactly first teamers. Yet there is a feeling of dread coming up really. That this season isn't the one, it isn't going to be exciting, and that it's merely a case of going through the motions.
And its the same with all the teams. Maybe, its the economy, but it just doesn't seem like an exciting pre season. Maybe I am getting old.
In the past I'd be excitied at all the new football kits being relaeased and seeing which ones were good and which ones were horrific. The 90's were a superb time for this, as there really was a time of releasing horrendous shirts.You'd laugh at some monstrosity of an away shirt someone had been given, and then pleased that some designer somewhere had made a shirt that ok for your own. Now everyone seems to be adopting a more reserved manner. Kit's are largely more classical and hardlybreak from the basic templates. There's always someone though who comes up with something horrible.
Then there are the adverts. Well I haven't seen much advertising heralding the oncoming season. There was a time it was everywhere. It's almost as if this season is going to sneak up and surprise us all. There used to big brash adverts, but now it merely seems like people think if you don't know August means a new season you aren't worth talking to.
And even on the forum, (yes the forum for which this blog serves, http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum) that not much is happening.
Perhaps its we're all jaded after a world cup. It'd only been 2-3 weeks now since all that ended, so it's not like we've had a barren summer where the return is wlecomed in like in an odd numbered year.

Lets just hope this apathy goes away and is replaced with unbridalled joy.

Cheering on the the Underdog in the World Cup

Maybe it’s because I am English, maybe it’s because I am a Forest fan but I always find myself drawn to the underdogs in the World Cup, and this year will be no different.

I honestly think some of the best World Cup stories come from the no-marks who go on to succeed against all odds. There is almost always a fairytale story somewhere in the World Cup.

This weird desire for some country I might never even visit let alone have any particular affinity for other than in this month long period of time gives the World Cup a new guise for me. I think in part created from me being an impressionable 9 year old during World Cup 1990. I remember telling my friends I thought Cameroon would at least draw with the World Champions Argentina. Never mind getting to the Quarter Finals where a slight confused part of me kind of wanted the Indomitable Lions lead by Roger Milla of corner circle hip wiggling fame, to actually put us out.

1994 passed me by. A lot of games being on too late for me to watch though I do remember being woken up about the Dutch impending doom against, and my memory might be wrong, Saudi Arabia? Even so, I did enjoy the dour Bulgarians putting out the Germans

1998 was the first World Cup I made a solemn promise to watch all the games, I missed a boring 0-0 involving Paraguay and someone else because of I had an exam that day. This was the year I had bought a Nigeria shirt, I liked the shirt and they had a good growing reputation after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics win. They put in a good account of themselves, again reaching the knock out stages.

2002. The best year of the under dog. Senegal and their defeat of France. South Korea and the somewhat suspect run to the semi finals. And the fact pre tournament I was talking (although somewhat drunkenly) to a Turkish guy in one of the kebab houses of the student ghetto of Liverpool where I lived at the time that I thought Turkey might do well. I also said Ronaldo would be top goal scorer. I wish I were a betting man at that time.

2006 to me wasn’t a great underdog year. Yeah the Germans had no expectations and did well, but none of them set the world alight really to me. I cheered for the Australians because I have spent a lot of time there. Apart from that no-one took my fancy

This year and the ultimate underdog for me. North Korea. Partly out of fear that if they fail badly at the World Cup that they might well all get assassinated by Kim Jong-Il in a purge of failed footballers. The fact there is doubt it being broadcast there unless they win, coupled with nobody knowing anything about them, and attracts me to their cause. Long gone are the days where the sticker albums were filled with vague comments about players knew nobody knew much about, the globalisation of the game has changed that, but for the North Koreans. I also will have a vague soft spot for the Aussies again and maybe New Zealand.

All in all I hope this is a good underdog year again, these make the events more memorable. Like with other sporting underdogs succeeding, it always attracts the attention. Not like Eddie Edwards, or Eric the Eel, but underdogs actually succeeding

MLS clubs should give a damn about CONCACAF Champions' League

by Max Power

It doesn't pay to win, but that's not why we play.

It's often been said that clubs from Major League Soccer don't put enough effort into external competitions such as the US Open Cup or the CONCACAF Champions' League. But they should care about a fledging competition, because the MLS was once, and to some extend still is, a fledging competition. Therefore, they should give a damn.

We all know why these competitions are played...for money, and to a lesser extent...for pride. But, I think the MLS and the United States Soccer Foundation should look at it from another angle, playing against our regional competition will help our national product tenfold. If we look at the European model, those teams are playing against the best competition available. Instead of playing a defensive Stoke or Wolverhampton, they are playing an explosive Barcelona or tactically smart Inter Milan. In the same light, MLS club would be playing against skillful Mexican clubs and physically tough and emotionally draining Saprissa.

Case in point, the Puerto Rico Islanders play in (at the time of competition) the USL first division. They fared well in their respective league, but they were a revelation when they played the top teams of the region. They eventually lost in the semi final but went on to play in USL final against Vancouver. It was a test of skill, depth and mettle of the club and they past the test with flying colors.

I have full faith in the MLS. Since the birth of the league, and my personal love for the game has grown, the league has been been growing. Even a decade ago, the league was on life support and a couple of the teams had to be folded; but as Forbes Magazine reports, 3 of the 16 clubs operated with a profit. However, this is all changing. As the fan base grows for each team, the clubs are moving into smaller, soccer specific stadia which relieve the team's balance book of expensive rent. They now own property outside of markets that are growing. I believe within 5 years, the number of clubs operating in the black will double, if not triple.

If the MLS teams are able to field competitive squads in CONCACAF Champions' League, they may be able to beat their Mexican counter parts, who have up until now, dominated the competition and went on to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. I'm not saying our boys will be able to beat the FC Barcelona or Boca Junior clubs of UEFA or CONMEBOL Libertadores, but the prize money is available. Even if they finish last, they still stand to earn $500,000.

But, today my argument is not about the financial benefit of participating in these competitions, but the sheer experience of playing against the best competition of our region and perhaps the best competition in the world. The subsequent money will roll in with increased interest in the league. People in England, Germany and Russia will be interested in where all these American players are coming from and how they're able to beat a strong Spanish team in a Confederations Cup or why their next defensive prospect is currently playing for a Real Salt Lake or Chicago Fire. If we can improve our game, the product will produce the results and that will produce the money to go out and do it again next year.

Write the Future

Playoffs: Agony/Ecstasy

They say the best way to go up is via the playoffs. The feeling of euphoria of navigating these most tricky of matches and the success of an on the day success makes it a day like no other.

As a Nottingham Forest fan I think it is something I am starting to doubt we will ever experience.

Three times now we have qualified to the playoffs and three times we have failed in the semi finals. A strange aura of acceptance seemed to emanate from City Ground last night.

Like we all sort of expected to be defeated, despite having a wonderful home record, finishing above Blackpool in the league and arguably having the better team on paper.

This, the wonderful unpredictable nature of Football though. A team who have a wonderful home defensive record (indeed 12 hours without conceding a goal) and we go and concede 4, and I won’t take anything away from Blackpool, they deserve to be going to Wembley.

It’s been a day now; it still doesn’t make the bitter pill easier to swallow. I saw the goals earlier, and it remained difficult to watch. When we lost to Yeovil in the playoffs in much more dramatic and self destructive style, it took me fully 2 years to be able to watch those goals again on Youtube. And even then it was painful.

This time it is easier to take in. Maybe because we didn’t have the two goal lead from an away leg. Maybe because this season we have been far better than any of us expected, whereas in the League One playoffs we had much higher expectations.

Some have said the playoffs are merely unfair. A way from the football league to stretch the season out and mil more money, but consider the three Forest games and each one has been utter excitement, in which the game takes many twists and turns. Seldom is it a mundane one goal in over two legs match.

For instance, right now I am watching Cardiff v Leicester. The first leg may have been just a single goal, but this second leg has been exciting with goals flying in and shots rattling the woodwork or with great saves, making it hang in the balance so finely.

My brother last year managed to attend the playoff final when Sheffield United reached it and lost to Burnley, my brother I should add is a Sheffield United fan. He said that losing in the final is worse than whatever I can feel now. It’s the worst game to lose in football was his contention.

Maybe it is, I’d almost say I would like to know. The one main way we had of comforting ourselves was the fact it’ll save £100+ each for not having to buy a ticket, get the coach/train/car etc down to London and then the other associated costs of beer and all that jazz. It’s scant consolation.

We all knew we’d prefer to have “wasted” that money and lose at Wembley than the semi finals which have become our graveyard.

And this is the beauty of the playoffs.

It can be torture, it can be ecstasy.

Pitch invasion makes man in wheelchair on a mission.

Big Honky Ocho on E:60

Danielle Fornarelli launches the 2010 US World Cup Jersey Sexy Time Style

Safe For Work, but it is a Playboy link...More Photos here.

HOW CAN (S)HE SLAP? Croatian League Style

Scores a goal, runs into the stands, gets punched in the face. God I love this sport.

Charlie Davies is Back.



Rejoice US fans!

Thanks to SBI and The Shin Guardian.

The Interview: Smeg Devil

Tell us a bit about yourself … Well I’m 22 born on 25th April, I was 2 weeks late and 3 and half days in labour (my mum reminds me of this often), female and from that beautiful place Yorkshire. I’m 6foot and a half, I think and single. Lived in Notts whilst I did my degree and I miss that place such a lovely city and lots of friends down there. I work in the finance department for a major provider of Care Homes/Services in the UK – those who know me know the one... I love music, used to go to gigs every week or so when growing up. Slowly getting back into it... DKM, Hole and Rebellion on the cards so far I don’t know what else you wanna know.....

What’s the time? 10.58

How many fingers am I holding up? 4

I like your, youre a nice girl, why dont you post more often? Swings and roundabouts, I didn’t post much because I couldn’t be bothered to – stuff going on at home. But now that’s fixed, I’m about – granted it won’t be all day everyday as I’m not a student anymore, and god forbid I find myself a social life.

What’s your fave man type...loud and brash or quiet and understanding Not sure, I do like the quiet and understanding ones. Someone I can have a conversation with about stupid things but also geeky stuff. I like someone who won’t treat me like I’ve been treat in the past. I don’t think I have one type – I mean I love Johnny Depp and on the other hand my first love Alan Smith will always be there. (Does anyone remember my Alan Smith days??)

Are you a girly girl or more of a tom boy? Now I know sitting on the fence isn’t a cool look, not to mention uncomfortable. I like my girly things – bags and shoes, developing a fashion sense (shock horror) but at the same time, I love football, rugby and F1, as well as gymming it up. I would think that I am a nice balance of the two..

The girls on the forum, discuss. I like Yid, our Kirstie, spoken to her on bookface and seems a lovely lass albeit a bit short but good things in small packages right? She can keep the boys in toe and enjoys a good night out. I believe Miss Ruudlover to be a lovely lass however paths haven’t crossed recently but she is a honorary Yorkie so all isn’t lost. Others lasses on here, I don’t come across often or have much to say about them.

What's your favourite curse word? ****... Although that doesn’t help due to the filters... Sh!t I guess. Mainly for Shizz and Sh!t the bed phase. Don’t know why either. Don’t swear much either.

What made you support man utd? Erm I don’t. Think may have missed the point. It blatently says that I support Leeds. Maybe I’ve missed the point... I miss having my season ticket – Stopped because I went to uni and considering getting one back again... hopefully well need to find a friend – don’t want to be a billy no mates.

Pogo sticks...now they are fun eh Never been on a pogo stick. I know that’s a shock right. I prefer space hoppers.

How does it feel to be a girl on this guys saturated forum? It doesn’t bother me – I mean the way that the guys jump on the back of the girls is wrong at times but kind of expect that when it’s like 500000:1. I think it is nice that we can all play along nicely sometimes and get on.

Is it just football you have a liking for or are there any other sports you have a big interest in? I have a fair few interests... Football it’s Leeds. Rugby – both codes I can happily watch and scream at tv or ground. Since I’m getting on with my life, I have really got back into League – I go to home games regularly and scream at the team – coincidently they’ve lost the matches I’ve been too. I love the atmosphere and the fans. Next home game is Toulouse on Monday if any of you fancy it....

Describe your perfect man. If he existed what would he look like? Someone that wants to talk to me, someone who makes me laugh and smile, gotta like sport and actually going to matches. Then take me out for a good time at a gig. Not a lot to ask really.

David Beckham. On a scale of 1-10, how gutted are you for him that he wont be playing at the World Cup? I am gutted but it isn’t the end of the world. He can still do a lot for the team and the sport at the world cup so I don’t think it is a massive blow for the sport. For himself it is a big blow – feeling like he had something to prove at this world cup. **** happens and that is one of the worse things to happen. He won’t be playing for a very long time and will always have problems with it now.

Did you ever get the swine flu? Nope I didn’t, was quite lucky and a few people at work did get it but me nothing.

In general, do you get along better with boys or girls? Well it depends I get along with both. Quite a few of my close friends are male and I’d trust them with a lot and I have my two best friends who are female and not girly girls. Suppose it depends on who it is – I don’t go out of my way to make friends with an airhead as that imo would be pretty damn pointless, I don’t want to screw her.

Bounce (pogo) by System of a Down...would be a great new national anthem...waddya think I think it is a good choice however not my personal choice for a national anthem... Would have to be something like Elegy by MH or Walk by Pantera – think that would spice things up a bit.

What is your favourite Sublime song? Daterape – If anyone has seen me in rock city/cookie doing this then they’ll understand. It’s the lyrics, the beat and the way it’s just perfect to bop about to. On the other hand I do love What I Got? It is a beautiful song. Quite happily sit and listen to 40oz to freedom now.. Thanks

Pick 5 men in Hollywood that you'd like to sink your teeth into. Assuming you were a vampire. Johnny Depp. Colin Farrell. Gerard Butler. Ryan Reynolds. Jude Law... I dunno, I’m sure it’ll change – well the first 2 won’t I Love them Long Time.

Do you like Cheesy Wotsits? I am in the LIKE camp for Cheesy Wotsits. I haven’t had any in a while though my favourites are kettle chips. Nom nom nom.

If you could have picked any soccer match to watch live, which game would you have picked? (I guess passed, present or future) I would love to have seen England winning the world cup – the kind of atmosphere felt and knowing that you could be proud to be English and have faith in the team. Having said that on a lighter note, I would just love to see Leeds win a match and get automatic – typing this as Leeds about to lose to Swindon. Morons.

Where would you want to go on your honeymoon? And why? Plenty of places to choose from and lots of time to save up... Chile, Aruba, Argentina, Canada, Caribbean, Seychelles.... Somewhere pretty, things to do and see other than that just being with a nice person

Are you worried that Naz will top himself, or are you not bothered either way? Not arsed really. Well he ain’t bad and I admire his work for charity and the dedication and commitment he has is amazing. Just up and down like a yoyo.

Is the idea of 'fangirl-ism' in any way repulsive to you and would you think less of a person if they happened to be one? What the hell is a fan girl? – checked Wiki and Urbandictionary. It is a bit bizarre being that obsessed with someone that you pretty much stalk every move. I know I like people who I know I can’t have but wouldn’t own every bit of merch. Can’t say I’d think any less of them – bit weird maybe but aren’t we all?

Assuming there is a heaven, when you get to the pearly gates, what do you want god to say to you? Bout time you showed up, it’s your round.

Do you think we should have something like 'Pogo stick Tuesday'...where we all have to compulsory bounce around like loons...like for all day? Nope that is ludicrous, I can’t pogo stick. I believe it would compromise Hula Hoop Fridays and Space Hopper Sundays – wouldn’t want to overcomplicate things.

If you had to pick one guy and one girl from the forum to beat with a stick, who would they be? Linha – Gets wound up too easily about being picked on and then goes for sympathy.. it wouldn’t be a beating more of a quick word – play it cool and they will drop the ****. Illmatic – Really needs to get a grip and to get laid.

Why do you think Barcelinha wanted you to be interviewed so badly? Is it because I’m cool? Is Manic Loop different in real life from his s24-7 persona? Not really. Love Pete – he is pretty much my big brother, can talk to him about all sorts of stuff. I should be visiting soon and going out. He is loud and has issues with speech when he has had a few but then again he is fun to be around. I mean he has seen me grow up pretty much – I was 14 when I joined...

How many pogo sticks am I holding up? One in each hand.

Do you believe in star signs? No. I think they are ridiculous. So vague and far from the truth.

How tall are you really...in feet and inches and not that faggy metric gobbledegook? Still 6 foot and a bit.

Was it you who starred in that old movie 'Attack of the 50 Foot Woman'? Nope not me I’m afraid.

I mean hey....I dun wanna go on about it but would I need to jump on a pogo stick to meet you eye to eye? Quite possibly unless you are 6 foot.

Harry Kewell, your feelings on the man. expand please. I absolutely hate him, I cannot remember who but I had this arguement with someone – might have been at work. Him and Viduka are two of the biggest disappointments ever – lazy and performed when they wanted to. They really wind me up.

Who are you and what do you want with SmegDevil? Don’t really know what to say to that. She is here and always has been.. I wonder if I’ve been cloned and leading a double life and don’t realise it.

Are you sick of the pogo type questions yet? Yeah patience is wearing thin now.

No really...I mean really...are you sick of them yet? I’m done with them

Are you a summer or a winter person? I think I’m more of a summer person. I love waking up going to work in the sun and coming home in the sun. Sitting in a beer garden and chilling outside.

Do Pirates make good lounge decorations? Yes I loved that pirate and now he is relegated to the garden. Sad times.

How do you react to the news that speakeasy is now the horn in hand? Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! Knocked through now? They have always been owned by the same people for years. The short guy dark hair. Most of the barstaff work at both. I do love a good horn in hand session.. had plenty of good times in that place..

Bargain hunt or cash in the attic? Neither. Rather watch Homes under the Hammer.

Where is your favourite place that you have ever been? Banff- hands down I loved that place. Freaking love Canada.

What is your ideal pet? I have my idea pet, he is a staffie cross, and is called Winston about 3 years old.

You're really old skool on here, did you ever think you'd be here so long and what made you stay? I’ve been here forever – didn’t think i’d be here this long. I mean I’ve grown up with the site and I’ve seen people come and go. The site going through busy and quiet times so laugh when newbies complain that it is failing.


Who will you be voting for in May? Labour. Will never ever vote Conservative. Lib Dem is a close 2nd and may change in the next few weeks but I fecking hate David Cameron.

Which member is the most annoying person on the site? Dragonlord is fairly annoying. And which member is your favourite? Don’t really have a favourite, I mean I talk to a few that I get on well with.. Like Big D, Ginger Ninja and Lib. Not really thought about having a favourite. Oops.

What’s your favourite theme park? Universal Studios Islands of Adventure – Incredible Hulk and Duelling Dragons, my two favourite rides in the US. Alton Towers – the best one in the UK. Definitely Universal wins hands down, sad thing is I’ve been there more times than I have Alton Towers. It was only 20mins to get to and much easier to get into the car park. Plus the weather and the higher standard of rides. Even the Dr Seuss land is brilliant. Love Love Love Looooooooooooove Universal.

Do you like snow Not anymore, The big freeze spoilt that one... I love snow when it’s done properly I mean governments/grit – not the whole world stops because it was cold.

How long did it take you to complete you’re interview? A long long time. A very long time – I had to break it down over the day so to speak. Thank god that is over its taken forever!! Think this is the most difficult thing I’ve done – essays and dissertation was easy.

Interview Compiled by Lil Yiddo.

The Yanks are coming. 77 Days.



A highlight to get you pumped if you are a US fan...or get you on our bandwagon if you are looking for a WC team to root for.

This is a fantastic highlight (cheers to Patrick Owen of NaDeadRaibead)...minus the Edu goal against Celtic of course. That could have been edited out.

77 days until USA vs. England. Don't Tread on This.

Big Honky Ocho does the Business.



and that's why he's one of my favorite players. Don't Tread on This.

Hat Tricks over the Weekend for your viewing enjoyment

Robbie Keane puts three past Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup Quarterfinal.

1.



2.



3.



Messi vs. Valencia


- From SoccerbyIves.net

Gonzalo Higuain vs Valladolid

Schalke Fans go Apeshit



Talk about street cred.

The Top 10(ish) Soccer Commercials of All Time

By: Celticrugby

Since about 1998 soccer commercials have been popping up for every major tournament, boot releases and just for the hell of it.

This is the comprehensive list of the top soccer related commercials of all time. If you've been a fan of the sport since at least 1998 you'll know most if not all of these commercials, although there might have been one or two you haven't seen that's slipped through the cracks.

It was really too hard to whittle it down to just 10, so I've included some honorable mentions. If you feel your favorite commercial was slighted, or isn't on here, make a comment either here, on the forum or via email at soccer247blog@gmail.com. I'll make sure its added.

Let the countdown begin.

Honorable Mention # 2: The Impossible Is Nothing featuring Messi, Altidore etc.

The main feature of these ads were players overcoming adversity to get where they are today. While they aren't filled with Ole's and amazing goals, they were made to benefit and encourage the younger players of the game.

Jozy's spot.



Messi's Spot.



Honorable Mention # 1: Pepsi's Medieval Commercial



#10 - Euro 2004's Road to Lisbon


Unfortunately for some, the Greek defense wasn't the highlight of this video.

#9 - +10 Dream Team from the 2006 World Cup



#8 - Nike's Good vs. Evil



#7 - Brazil vs. Portugal (World Cup 2006)



#6 Team Nike vs. The Ninja Samurais


You know what is cooler than a ninja? A ninja samurai.

#5 - Irn Bru's Scotland's going to the World Cup Commericals (WC 2006)



I was in Scotland at the time these were running, and I must say, it could be one of the best overall advertising runs of all time.

#4 Gatorade's Take Me Out to the Ballgame



My favorite US spot of all time, and one that probably encapsulates the team and its experiences the best.

#3 Henry's House



That crazy Frenchman is at it again.

#2 Take it to the Next Level



This actually might be "technically" the best, but the #1 commercial of all time is essentially the Godfather of soccer commercials.

#1 Brazil in the Airport



The classic takes it in the end.

Comments, Feedback and bitching is welcome.

The Interview: Del Piero

Tell us a bit about yourself ...

Well, my real name is Omar as some of you may know, i am a 25 years old Egyptian guy, i work as a Solution Expert for an Apple premium reseller (Part Time ATM), i am Engaged to a girl that i love and we're currently working on getting married.

You are having a dinner party and 5 guests from here are coming ... who and why?

Red4eva - Very intelligent and educated person, i am sure we will have some interesting conversations.

Killah - My best friend/nemesis, we disagree about almost everything yet he's one of the few people i consider to be a real friend of mine on here.

Celticrugby - 100% Win.

Patmurphy - Again one of the few real friends i made here, we share this interest in Directing and Cinema and we can talk for hours about a single scene in a movie, sadly like red he's not active anymore.

DvA - I have no idea what nickname he runs by on the forum nowdays, however he's one of my best friends on here and we can talk for hours about Portugal and Egypt and how similar they are, lazy people corruption etc, FTW .

Can you speak Italian?

No, however i can understand what a conversation is about when i hear it as i recognize most words because it's close to French and i can read some of it.

What do you really think about Calean?

He's a fine example of why many people see religious people as absolute retards, self-righteous ignorant and bigoted moron.

I appreciate your usually fair and (somewhat) balanced opinion on things in the middle east when discussed. What is your opinion on the Egyptian blockade of Gaza? And your reaction to the criticism you take from some other Arab sources over this?

We're just trying to stop a dirty political game thats being played by Israel atm, they basically have a long term plan to transform Sinai into one big Palestinian refugees camp like in south Lebanon which i hope we as Egyptian would never allow.

As for shutting down the underground network between Egypt and Gaza i am all for it because it really hurts our economy and security with potential hardcore political terrorists entering Egypt.


How many fingers am i holding up?

I'll tell if you tell me which finger i am holding up .

When do you next see Juventus winning the title?

With this management? never.

Nastiest guy in 24-7 land

Nastiest? gotta be that dude who used to get drunk and post about his erotic adventures and sometimes pornography, you will know who i am talking about if you log on during the dead night hours.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

When i got my first Dog, Rockey.

Do you think Del Piero (the player) would of got far more praise in his career had he moved to another league to a club like say Real Madrid?

Yes of course, i mean look at Raul, the guy suck balls and they made him a god . Seriously i was just joking, but yeah i believe with the propaganda machine they have at Real Madrid he would have became 2x the legend he is today, same goes for the EPL and specially Man Utd ofc.

If you could change one thing about Soccer 24-7, what would it be?

Bring back the bloody radio!

Is a Jaffa cake a biscuit or a cake?

Biscuit?

Do you consider yourself a religious Muslim?

No, i don't consider myself religious at all and i know this could anger some people but i don't believe any religion should be taken to the letter.

Do you like cheesy Wotsits?

I have no idea what the hell is that, gonna google it now.

What are your thoughts on the Iranians and their quest for nukes? Should something be done? If you were in charge of the world response, what is your roadmap for this issue?

I believe that either we take the nukes from everyone or we don't, but under the light of the current situation more people with nuke mean that it's less likely for anyone to use his because they will be afraid of retaliation.

Again we are putting you in charge of the world. What is your roadmap to peace with Israel/Palestine? What is an acceptable/equitable 2-state solution (assuming you desire that) for you?

I don't really care, but i think the only thing that would work will not be suitable for the Israelis since it involves giving half of Jerusalem to the Palestinians or giving the entire city to an International entity like the U.N.

Other than that it will never work because the Arabs and the Palestinians see this as a religious war and Jerusalem is the goal, just like it always was throughout history, same goes for the Israelis which can be seen and proven in their recent actions

[in response to that question] Do you think that your plan/view is realistic and could it happen in our lifetimes? Why or why not?

No i don't as i said because it's a religious war that will never end because sadly religion knows no compromise.

Captain Kirk...coolest white man ever

There is no such thing as a cool white man .

What members that left or were banned would you bring back and why?

Firestarter so we can have more epic threads, he was good for business.

Nicest guy on 24-7 land

Nicest? Celticrugby ofc and i think everyone here will agree.

Working hard or hardly working?

Working hard to find a new job, hardly working in my current one ever since i converted to part time.

Sith or Jedi

Sith ofc, Jedis are fags.

Favourite foreign country you have visited and why?

France, mostly because the only other foreign country i have been to was Cyprus and i was 8 month old or something . However i lived in Paris for 2 years and i must say it's beautiful, i know people talk about lots of things when describing how beautiful a place is and all it's pros and what not but seriously for me it was all about the mood, Paris has this awesome unique autumn feel to it, and btw i went to London for a day and all i remember that it was dark and rainy and it was a family visit so i can't really judge.

Favourite number and why?

18, my birthday, i know so predictable.

Cats or dogs?

I used to say dogs as i always raised dogs in my childhood but then i got Ceasar my current cat he's a cat who acts like a dog if you know what i mean , so in respect to that mofo i will just say both.

As a Juve fan do you want Benitez as your manager next season?

I highly rate him and he is known for achieving great feats with little resources, the kind of thing that we need at the moment.

If you had to die one way or the other, would you rather burn alive or drown?

Drown ofc, even though i used to be in the Egyptian National team for swimming .

Should Sombreros be mandatorily worn on every Tuesday

That would be awsome, **** yea.

Top 5 films of all time?

It's an impossible question to answer for me, i am a movie buff so i have like 100 favorite films and i can't just pick just 5 and ignore the rest, but if you just want to me to pick 5 of my favorite films randomly i will pick:

City Of God, Fight Club, Amores Perros, The Godfather, Amelie.

As an Egyptian how come you follow Italian football?

The Egyptian league suck balls and i never felt emotionally attached to any Egyptian team, in fact i wasn't a football fan at all till i watched Juve once by chance on tv and ever since i was hooked to them.

Pooh or Piglet?

None, both are fags.

What team besides Juve do you like to watch?

I don't watch anything except Juve especially recently, but i usually just watch the big CL games if Juve is not playing that night and ofc the Classico and sometimes Man Utd vs Arsenal, and the old firm when i can. but as in following another team, no i don't.

Totti or Maldini?

Totti is the greatest Italian to ever touch a football, thats a fact.

Climate change...b0ll0cks or truth

Would you ******* believe me if i told you that last week it ******* snowed here in Cairo and it wasn't even cold during that day?

What's your take on the john terry fiasco?

These things annoy me because i believe that people have no right to interfere with celebrities private lives, i don't think he wronged anyone except his wife and it's a private issue and people should just mind their own business but ofc i am dreaming.

Oh and i honestly don't give a **** about what John Terry or any other celebrity does in their private life, he may shag a goat for all i care.

Best and worst moment in your life so far?

I had many bad moments and many good moments but one of my absolute worse was when my grandfather died, as for the best moment it's really easy to pick, it's when i got together with Nahla, i know it's sound cliche but it's true.

Ever been to the Delle Alpi? If so what is your best memory there?

Sadly i haven't got the chance to go there, but hopefully i will get the chance to watch Juve-Inter @ the new Juve arena sometime during 2012 .

The Egyptian NT ... they can do so well at the ANC and yet can't qualify for a bloody World Cup. One, what is the problem? And two, how do you view/what is your opinion on this generation of players and how they should be looked upon? Champions for their ANC glory? Failures for repeated failure to qualify for WC? Somewhere in between ...

The problem is mental thats all, we have a ghost in the closet called qualifying to the WC, Egyptian players really do need therapy to get rid of the amount of pressure they have regarding the WC qualification.

As for the current generation of players i have to say that they are the best in this country's history in my opinion and not just for the results but for the amount of talents that this team have.

Their only problem is psychological, this is why they beat Italy, embarrassed Brazil and got knocked from the U.S, this is typical Egyptian nature, achieve the impossible and fail at the easiest of tasks.

What, if any, are your pet peeves?

Damn you, i had to wiki that to understand the question, anyway what annoys me the most if i understood the question correctly are the so called social people who wear a fake smiling mask just to try and keep a good relation with everyone, they make me sick if you know what i am on about.

Will their ever be true peace in the world

Never, Peace is bad for business mate.

Name an interesting fact about yourself.

I have anger problems and when i get angry i often say things i really regret later.

Let's say the title race is down between Inter and AC, who do you want to win it?

Ac Milan ofc, if the title race was between Aids and Inter Milan i would cheer for Aids from the bottom of my heart, GO AIDS!

2012 is just round the corner...are you scared

Believe it or not i haven't seen the movie so no, i am not scared.

Do you think during the Calico scandal, Juventus's penalty was harsh enough?

It's spelt Calcio and i believe Juve was set up, Moggi was never proven of actually buying games, he used his influence to pick certain refrees will for our games at a time where Milan's president was the prime minister of Italy and was known to practice his influence over the league, Moggi said he did what he did to protect Juve and i believe that story. Also Juve back then was truly the best team in Italy, just look at the WC final and how many Juve players were in it. however this entire topic is closed for me, lets we forget please.

Are we being controlled by the New World Order

We were always controlled by some kind of secret order criminals, politicians and business men, the pigs and dogs ruling the sheep, and whatever that order is it will be considered the new world order if you know what i mean.

Do you also think Diego is a bust?

How can people judge a player when the entire team plays like shite, the manager is crap and the management are a bunch of tards, i still believe Diego is a very talented player who will hopefully prove me right under the right management which i hope for after this season's nightmare ends.

Brunettes....sexiest wimmin on the planet....agree?

Hells yeah!

Do you think Inter and/or AC Milan are cheating?

It's Italy, there is always someone using some kind of influence, i wouldn't say cheating but yea there is ofc some kind of influence outside the pitch.

Which member would you gladly punch in the face?

Sultan.

Favourite sport outside of football?

Swimming.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you want to go and why?

Well if i were to go in order to settle and live then i would choose Australia, it's an awesome place and the weather is nice specially for an Egyptian not to mention that they got plenty of opportunities.

But if you were talking about a vacation then i would ofc go to somewhere in the Caribbean.

Who are your favourite members on here and why?

The ones i picked for dinner and for the same reasons.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I need to be more persistent and serious about certain thing and i need to get rid of my anger issues.

5 Things you'd like to see Juventus do in the next 5 years?

I will just sum it up in one thing, find back the spirit of the real Juve, the spirit that the great Juve of the mid 90's had or even that of 2003, i want the players to have the desire to win, i want them to understand the greatness of the shirt they are wearing.

How did you meet your stunning missus? Any plans for marriage?

In a friend's birthday that i ironically didn't want to be at in the first place, i had a ******* crush then i made a common friend ask her to come in a hang out the 2nd time we exchanged numbers then we started going out alone, and here we are almost 4 years later planning for our marriage

Interview Compiled by Lil Yiddo.