Awesome stuff, Ben!

Hmm OM-D, eh? Being a Micro Four Thirds user myself, how do you find it? Quite curious about that one.

I also liked it very much! Didn't see anyone mention yet but playing Pink Floyd's Eclipse at the ceremony's climax was incredible!

@Storm Cloud - agreed! Well said as usual.

Quote from TFalke55 :

Chelsea must survive the Semi-Finals first before facing Corinthians, who I think can already plan for the CWC Final.

I think Chelsea is safely in the final.
On the other hand, Corinthians might be in trouble if too many players get sold. You know, we're mid-season now as UEFA teams are getting ready to start a new season (a central back was already sold to Roma, there are rumors of others). This transfer window really sucks for us, and I'm afraid this will continue to happen until both seasons are aligned.

Agreed on all other points.

I really hate Maldonado right now...

Quote from CSF :

S3 is more likely than Hulk being top scorer.

Hahah, agreed.

Quote from CSF :

Well that's what everyone said about South Africa. I might be going to that World Cup as a friend of mine's Dad has an apartment in Rio apparently, so I hope it isn't too bad haha.

However, this Brazil side simply isn't good enough to win in 2014. Argentina, if they get their defence sorted, (big ask) and more likely, Uruguay are South America's leading lights ahead of 2014.

What pisses me off is that (hypothetically) initially they would spend 100 million moneys on a stadium. Now it's already at 900 million. By 2014 it will be at 3 billion, of which around 50% will be payed by us through taxes and the other half is money laundering. Not to mention big, super expensive, new stadiums in places that have a regular attendance of 250 guys. It's sad.

That said, as things are today, for South America I'd spend my cash on Argentina. I love Uruguay, but they have an aging team, I can't see they pulling another 2010 WC (hope I'm wrong!).

Last edited by de Souza, Thu, 5 Jul 2012 17:10. Reason : heh

If only it was so easy...

Anyway, for those interested, the 2012 Copa Santander Libertadores (the South American "Champions League" ) has just finished.

For the first time, Sport Club Corinthians has claimed the title! The final was played against Boca Juniors, with the first match in Argentina ending 1-1 and the second match in Brazil being 2-0.

Corinthians won the title without losing a single match and only conceding 4 goals throughout the competition.

So, Chelsea guys, that is probably what you'll face later this year in Japan. Can't wait for it!

A bit late on the reply but there you go...

Quote from CSF :

Well at least they are correct about Brazil. It's going to be amusing watching the expectations crush them in 2014. It might even be worth sticking a bet on them not getting out of their group.

Not getting out of our group is exactly my expectation.

Not only that, we'll fail hard on stadiums, basic transportation, airports etc. I can't believe anyone around here can be optimistic about the World Cup.

Quote from Boris Lozac :

They weren't but cmon Silva with his 1meter 50 scores a header? They just have so much luck..

I just hope we see a good, even match.

Hahahah that was crazy!

I guess we just like different things. But I kinda see where you're coming from.

It's just that it takes an incredible amount of skill, tactics and discipline to play like they do. Also Barça (and Spain for that matter) is just as impressive without the ball - they put so much pressure it's insane.

If that can't be great football, we're screwed.

That said, Germany is being great as well. And Portugal.

I'm not so sure, specially considering the attendance on Barcelona/Spain games, the repercussion they have etc.

Of course, you can find it boring. One of our TV commentators find it boring too.

Last edited by de Souza, Sun, 24 Jun 2012 01:43. Reason : grammar

Well it's a clear measure (and a pretty difficult one to execute) to avoid the opponent having the ball. If you have the ball the other guys can't score.

Just as expected, Spain dominated the whole game and won. France wasn't trying very hard too, it seems (apart from Ribery).

Can someone explain to me why Llorente isn't playing?

Also an Iberian semifinal, sounds fun.

He did pretty good so far.

As for me, Alonso better do something. And Kobayashi+Perez.

Cool. Also Mackie and Spangler, awesome stuff!

Some Mexico's-Day-of-the-Dead-inspired-make-up-just-for-fun-that-I-managed-to-screw-every-single-photo:


Click for the full set.

Quote from Hyperactive :

Hilarious typo also included there

Anyway for those too lazy to search, I found the answer is 1958. Some confirmation would be nice, though.

Wankers or not, they played very well today. Including (specially?) Cristiano Ronaldo.

Poland played pretty badly today.

Yup, poor football but lots of drama.

I reckon tomorrow is gonna be awesome.

Yup, good race! My drivers went ok (Alonso and Kovalainen), but the teams were crap (Williams and Caterham).

We'll see.

Oh and I forgot to bet...

Last edited by de Souza, Sun, 27 May 2012 19:47.

Quote from de Souza :

Looking like a penalties decision for me, but we shall see.

Quote from Kid222 :

Indeed. Shame we don't have 3 of these, we could succeed on Euro.

Not the prettiest of matches, but fairy tale written for Chelsea. And one happy Kid.

Hah!

Yup great spirit showed throughout the competition. Well done Chelsea, you finally made it!

Now what were the Bayern guys saying, again?

Pretty poor shooting skills from the red side!

Looking like a penalties decision for me, but we shall see.

Oh damn, forgot to change my team...

About the FA Cup final...

Even though it was expected (by me), I was kind of shocked by the first half. Too bloody easy.

At least in the second half we fought a bit. But what an awful team Liverpool has, the midfield simply doesn't exist!
Let's hope this season serves as a lesson and they actually learn how to spend the money.
Oh and well done Chelsea, I guess that was good practice for the UCL final.