The Soccer Thread

[citizenerased]

The greatest football goalies have never left spectators expectant of a mistake, this is what Valdes does. When Schmeichel made a mistake, wtf? When Buffon made a mistake, wtf? When Casillas makes a mistake, wtf? When Valdes makes a mistake, no surprises. If he wasn't such a clutz you would have a point because they are both highly technical goalkeepers who make similarly awesome reaching, reflexive and one on one saves, but I'll take the one who doesn't make heinous errors. It's like the difference between Petr Cech and Pepe Reina.

I don't know where you get this talk of Casillas being constantly dragged along by a great team because for the years between Hierro's retirement and Cannavaro's short spell on top he was the closest thing they had to a central defender.

Somebody show F16Harm the video of the 2002 Champions League final when a 20 year old Iker came off the bench and pretty much single handily saved the game for Real Madrid so we can end this shitty little debate about that mong Valdes being even in the top 3 keepers in Spain.

[Prodigal Son]

Valdes might be the best keeper in Catalonia, but not in Spain.

[Rudi]

Tempted to wake up and catch this Arsenal/Liverpool game. Got my fantasy lineup set. Picks made, ready for another week of EPL action. Cheers!

[NAHSTE]

...and now your going to start analyzing a bad goal.

Let me tell you something Tony DiCicco ...... people hail Dominik Hasek as one of the best goaltenders in NHL history. As a Sabres fan I will say he made some damn good saves and helped us in his years, but on the flip side, he gave up some of the shittiest goals as well that cost us games. It happens. Sitting and pot shotting on a couple goals you see here and there is what fanboys do. It's clear your a Casillas fanboy. That's OK, he's a very good Keeper, I just don't think he deserves the nut swinging that he gets when there is someone in his own country that could do equally as well in his same position as "the Golden Child."

What the fuck? In a discussion about Spanish soccer players, that's the rebuttal? So let me get this straight ... Because Dominek Hasek is one of the best goalies in NHL history, and you are a Buffalo Sabres fan ... your opinion on Valdes is valid?

Am I following your line of reasoning? Or did you not even have one?

[Bigpapa42]

All I'm gonna say on the Casillas vs Valdes discussion is that while Casillas has captained the Spanish national team, they have won two major tournaments, had an epic run of success, and become the #1 ranked national team... So while one could argue that Valdes could do well or as well for Spain, its kinda tough to say they could be doing better with him in goal...

[Prodigal Son]

All I'm gonna say on the Casillas vs Valdes discussion is that while Casillas has captained the Spanish national team, they have won two major tournaments, had an epic run of success, and become the #1 ranked national team... So while one could argue that Valdes could do well or as well for Spain, its kinda tough to say they could be doing better with him in goal...

Not to mention that if you're argument against Casillas is that, he's only good because of the players around him, you can't use someone like Valdes as a counter point.

[BigHouseUSA]

The only real argument worth having between Spanish goalkeepers is Reina/Iker, but even that is pretty worthless.

[mgoblue2290]

Jordan Henderson has just been confirmed to play the lead role in the remake of The Invisible Man.

[BigHouseUSA]

[Chrispy]

Arsenal

[Prodigal Son]

Arsenlol

[mgoblue2290]

Carroll has been TERRIBLE today.

He spent half the game sitting on his ass and the other half complaining. Also I almost, almost feel bad for Arsenal. What an ugly goal but I will take it.

[Chrispy]

Arsenal looks awful

[mgoblue2290]

I really, really hope we do no sell Meireles to Chelsea. He should be out there over Adam or Henderson but I get that we have to give them chances.

Nice second goal at the end there to finish them off.

[mgoblue2290]

Arsenal looks awful

In their defense, they did alright considering half their team is out. It was 0-0 for 80 minutes or so and it was an even match until Suarez and Meireles came on.