Episode 8: In which the season begins under Tito, theme music is discussed, and a “surprise” visitor flees in terror.
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AlexandreTheGreat: Welcome to a new year, everyone! |
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FreshPrinceofBellcaire: Hey, boss. I’m excited to get this project underway. |
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AlexandreTheGreat: And with that in mind, I’d like to introduce the new members of our squad. |
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AlbaAndTheChipmunks: Moc moc! |
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Number1DraftPique: That’s my line! |
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Number1DraftPique: /punches OneHoteChile |
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OneHoteChile: /falls down |
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OneHoteChile: /holds face/td> |
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PowerSerg: That’s my line! |
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UneChanson: Bonjour mes amis! |
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ProfessorEquis: Bienvenus! |
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AlexandreTheGreat: I don’t know what language you’re speaking, but it sounds like trophies to me! |
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ProfessorEquis: We’re speaking French. Alex is from Cameroon. I’m trying to make his integration with the squad easier by communicating in his native language. |
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AlexandreTheGreat: It was a joke, I meant it as a—nevermind. How about this one: I got a great deal on an excellent player. Eat your heart out, Laporta! |
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ProfessorEquis: Joan Laporta was president when we spent €10 million on Yaya. |
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ToureDeForce: HELLO. |
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BeLikeIke: I just pooped myself. |
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ToureDeForce: LAUGHING OUT LOUD |
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BeLikeIke: Twice. |
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AlexandreTheGreat: Jesus, I forgot how big you are, Yaya. |
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VíctoryIsMine: What, did he just apparate next to you in your office? LOL. |
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AlexandreTheGreat: Yes. |
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VíctoryIsMine: Okay then. |
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PrinceofBellcaire: Settle down, everyone, we need to be more direct in our approach to these chats. |
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CaptainCatalunyaViscaelBarca: Less chit-chat, more CRUSHING. |
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JavierCakeAndEatItToo: Yay! |
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Number1DraftPique: I bet Isaac has a crush on a girl! |
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BeLikeIke: /blushes |
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BeLikeIke: I do not! |
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CaptainCatalunyaViscaelBarca: No, the other kind of crushing. That you do to people’s souls with your foot. |
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JavierCakeAndEatItToo: Yay! |
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ToureDeForce: YOU KNOW THAT THING WHERE WHEN YOU TICKLE DOGS IN THAT RIGHT SPOT AND THEIR FOOT WAGGLES? |
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BeLikeIke: I do! It’s so cute and then I cuddle with them and— |
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ToureDeForce: THAT HAPPENS TO ME WHEN I THINK ABOUT CRUSHING SOULS. |
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BeLikeIke: /sobs |
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JavierCakeAndEatItToo: Glorious. |
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PrinceofBellcaire: The season is about to start, you know. |
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CaptainCatalunyaViscaelBarca: /scores |
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AlexandreTheGreat: I totally saw that coming! |
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PulgaMyFinger: /scores |
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AlexandreTheGreat: I totally saw– |
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PulgaMyFinger: /scores |
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AlexandreTheGreat: I totally saw– |
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PrinceofBellcaire: Yeah, we all did. Every single human on earth saw that coming. |
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JustWingingIt: Whicka whicka duh-duh boom |
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PrinceofBellcaire: What? What are you doing? |
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JustWingingIt: I thought because no one can tell us apart even in HD, I should come up with some nifty intro music whenever I appear onscreen—we can call them Beats by Pedro! |
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WahinMakinaciones: They forgot about Pedro! |
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BeLikeIke: Why would anyone forget about Pedro? He’s an integral— |
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JustWingingIt: Ya’ll know me, still the same ol’ P! |
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PrinceofBellcaire: No, no intro music. |
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PulgaMyFinger: Not even if it’s Oasis? |
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PulgaMyFinger: oh, also /scores |
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PrinceofBellcaire: Not even if it’s Oasis or Coldplay or whatever it is that I like. |
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BeLikeIke: /sobs |
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CaptainCatalunyaViscaelBarca: Cannibal Corpse! |
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PrinceofBellcaire: No. |
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WahinMakinaciones: Me! |
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PrinceofBellcaire: Tempting. |
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WahinMakinaciones: Really? |
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PrinceofBellcaire: Absolutely not. |
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JavierCakeAndEatItToo: Archangelo Corelli. |
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PrinceofBellcaire: What? |
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ProfessorEquis: Archangelo Corelli was a 17th and 18th century Italian violinist and composer of Baroque music. |
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PrinceofBellcaire: I…actually knew that, but I was wondering why Javier thought that would be good intro music…you know what? I don’t want to know. |
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JavierCakeAndEatItToo: It’s better that way. |
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BeLikeIke: /shivers |
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PulgaMyFinger: /scores |
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PrinceofBellcaire: We have a series of big games coming up that we have to prepare for. Madrid, Valencia, PSG— |
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Number1DraftPique: Uh, mister, we don’t have any games scheduled against PSG… |
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PrinceofBellcaire: The Champions League draw is soon. Our group will contain PSG. |
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Number1DraftPique: Well, I mean, maybe— |
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CaptainCatalunyaViscaelBarca: It is known. |
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BeLikeIke: Creeeepyyyy! |
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BeLikeIke: /shivers |
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PrinceofBellcaire: Oh great, now Isaac thinks there are ghosts in the Champions League pots. |
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BeLikeIke: I can’t stay up that late to watch anyway. Maybe when I’m older! But it would be scary. |
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Number1DraftPique: It happens at 2pm? |
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BeLikeIke: I know! |
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PulgaMyFinger: Can we play some more football now? |
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PrinceofBellcaire: Yes, please. |
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AlexandreTheGreat: I am going to try to sign more amazing players for my amazing squad! Our branding will be unstoppable! |
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BeLikeIke: Yay! Wait, branding? |
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ProfessorEquis: Branding means— |
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PulgaMyFinger: /nutmeg |
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Number1DraftPique: Olé! |
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ProfessorEquis: Oh no he just didn’t. Game. Freaking. On. |
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CaptainCatalunyaViscaelBarca: It is war! |
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JavierCakeAndEatItToo: Yay! |
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AlexandreTheGreat: Shouldn’t Messi wear red like quarterbacks in NFL practices? |
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PrinceofBellcaire: That would be a disaster. Puyi would smash him like a bull into a novice matador, Masche would basically just go insane with bloodlust and probably snap several innocent bystanders in twain, and Busi would think something had happened to him and fall over clutching his face, Isaac would faint, and while Messi would still score somehow, the consequences could be fatal to thousands. |
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AlexandreTheGreat: I see…has this been found out through some sort of theoretical lab test or…? |
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PrinceofBellcaire: Eyjafjallajökull: direct result. |
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AlexandreTheGreat: Wait, how can you– |
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PrinceofBellcaire: There were a series of tests run throughout the week after on where Puyi had rampaged and the results were highly conclusive that geothermal energy plus the permafrost in Siberia combined— |
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AlexandreTheGreat: –pronounce that word? |
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PrinceofBellcaire: Eyjafjallajökull? |
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AlexandreTheGreat: I knew you were the man for this job. |
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PrinceofBellcaire: I am going to go plan strategy now. |
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AlexandreTheGreat: You do that. I will stay here and man the fort. |
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ToureDeForce: HELLO. |
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AlexandreTheGreat: On second thought, I hear that the boardroom needs…dusting… |
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TheRiddlerAndTheJorquera: What’s up everybooodyyyy! I’m all about this retirement thing. I can drop by practice and— |
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ToureDeForce: I LIKE YOUR RED SHIRT. |
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TheRiddlerAndTheJorquera: Oh, thanks a lot. I like it too. I got it on sale at—wait, red shirt? This isn’t red. This is, uh, uh, oh crap. |
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TheRiddlerAndTheJorquera: /runs |
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CaptainCatalunyaViscaelBarca: /stampedes |
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ToureDeForce: LAUGHING OUT LOUD |
Well, Isiah..meh…
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To those who doubt Victor Valdes at his hour of inconvenience –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSADhpQNO_Y
The VV saves against Drogba and TB never get old. 😀
Loved TheYaya!
Can’t wait for tonight. I just hope they don’t score first. Although, I really get the feeling they will.
Damn you, pessimism!
What the F!
Vilanova has been suspended for 2 games!
And Coentrao has been handed a 4 game ban as well.
RFEF hasn’t done enough to give up its stupidity as yet.
Protesting a ref not calling a foul: 2 games ban
Insulting a ref in a parking lot: 0 games ban
Yes.
Imagine how severe the punishment would have been had he done something truly heinous like wear a shirt with a thankful message on it while protesting the non-call.
They should start gouging people’s eyes out. That shit never gets punished..
This year/Last year.
There’s actual rules now.
Yeah seems odd that his ban carries over into the Super Cup, I forget did Pepe get a 4 game ban for his “son of a bitch” rant at the referee in Madrid’s match with Villarreal last season?
Found it, Pepe got a 2 game ban – perhaps referee’s are clamping down a bit this season? (of course I’m sure some rival fans will see that as favouring Barca…)
Ridiculous.
The whole Primera card count over the past weekend was obscene.
Only 3 games out of 10 ended without Red or 2 Yellow/Red expulsions.
In total:
Yellows: 67
Reds: 5 (of which 2 were in the Osa – Barca game)
2 Yellow/Red: 3
after all this we will still have to put up with the refs-helping-barca bullshit.
They don’t call him Captain Caveman for nothing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJAf27WvGKQ&feature=youtu.be&a&t=88s (via @19cule91)
I’m really looking forward to beating those guys today (or at least winning the tie) ladies and gentlemen. It doesn’t matter to me what the competition is — hell, it could even be horse shoes or ping pong — I always wanna get one over them guys.
Three points:
1) Let’s hope VV doesn’t have another Exxon moment. I’ll be at my favourite establishment having either pints of Guinness or red wine. Seems like a red wine day to me today. However, I’ll also bring with me a bottle of Pepto Bismol just in case Victor goes Exxon.
2) We’re all going to die!
3) Visca Barça!!
“Official: Vilanova has been suspended for two Spanish league games after being sent off in the Liga game against Osasuna on Sunday #fcblive”
Disgraceful!
Apparently it’s ok to poke someone in the eye but not to tell the truth?
Well, I honestly welcome the decision of the RFEF.
Coentrao gets a 4-match ban. So maybe they finally start to punish more strictly.
It has always been a joke how RFEF handled major gamesmanship, be it a brutal foul or a verbal abuse.
IF they stick to their new line of punishment, it will only do good.
Add to that the Getafe player who was suspended for protesting one of our goals, saying Sanchez was clearly offside. It seems that RFEF is dealing with the refereeing mediocrity by punishing anyone who dares speak out against it.
Think you mean the Osasuna player?
Strangely enough, the Getafe – Madrid match had the least cards awarded out of the 10 matches last weekend. If Coentrao hadn’t been red-carded on the bench, the match would have only had 4 Yellows. How odd!
A few points:
1. I really want to win today. Not just because it would be Tito’s first trophy in his own right. Not just because beating Real Madrid & celebrating a trophy in their own house would be as sweet as honey. I want the win just to see the look on Mourinho’s face when his team comes up without a victory for the fourth game in a row. He can talk all he likes about it being a minor trophy & of no importance in the fight for the league title, but a loss today would be a serious psychological blow and show that there are major issues in his team. And it would royally piss him off. Marcelo crying would be an added bonus.
2. I don’t understand why JDS is being so stubborn about leaving on loan. Of course he would prefer to stay, but Tito has already told him he won’t get many minutes if he does. Does he really want to sit on the bench for a whole season and get maybe 200-300 minutes in CdR games? At his age he is willing to basically sacrifice a whole year of his playing career because he refuses to see what is best for him? Afellay at least has accepted his situation and is actively looking for a club. It’s sad, but these things happen in football and you have to make the best of what opportunities you have been given.
3. Speaking of Bartra, has anyone noticed that no one is talking about him leaving anymore? It’s Fontas who is going (or maybe not). Bartra established himself very quickly as higher in the pecking order than Fontas, and that is certainly not entirely due to Fontas’ slow recovery from his injury. Tito obviously sees qualities in Bartra that he doesn’t in Fontas, and sees him as a better fit for the team.
4. I really don’t want Puyol to play today if at all possible. I think this is going to be a very physical game, and I’m afraid he could take a knock that will make the injury worse. I know the man is fearless, but one bad elbow, even accidentally, could really injure him seriously.
Yeah I don’t like what JDS is doing. He wants to fight for his place, cool, but someone else is offering you temporary time to impress us..
Bartra is probably seen as the 4th CB now, and should get some time. When’s the first CDR round? 😀
They haven’t set the date yet (of course!), but I think end of October. Preliminary rounds for lower leagues should be starting around now.
Today and tomorrow from what I can see.
JDS is nuts. He can go to Sevilla and do very well there. But I don’t presume to know how difficult it must be to leave a club such as FCB for a place that isn’t as successful/posh/etc, etc,.
–Bartra has pace. Fontas doesn’t. Bartra also seems to have better decision-making skills and is very calm on the ball. And he isn’t even fully cooked yet.
–I’m actually ambivalent about winning today, even given the opponent. I wasn’t that stressed about losing the Copa to them, I’m probably even less stressed about losing the SuperCopa to them.
A bunch of signings going on, Moussa Dembele to Spurs? I know the name, but that’s it does anyone know what type of player he is?
Javi Martinez is off for 40m to Bayern. Jesus. Apparently HE has to deposit the 40m, so he’s going to get taxed on it I believe.
Dembele is the kind of player who is making Modric bang his head against the wall, saying “Shitshitshitshit!” He’s a very active attacker who also defends. Think of a combo Alexis Sanchez/Samuel Eto’o. There was a rumor that he was going to RM, and I am glad that didn’t happen. Dude is the business. Excellent feet, very good first touch, firecracker shot from distance, still developing as a player.
More succinctly, I’d be thrilled if he was coming to us.
That Martinez thing is crazy. I figure Bayern will make it all up to him, but still. The taxman gotta get his, right?
I don’t understand the first sentence…
So he’s a wide midfielder? Odd that they’d sign him then, they have Giovanni still..
My understanding is that he’s a DM in a 4-2-3-1 with Fulham. He has the legs and creativity to roam forward from a holding position yet has the strength and physicality to be a solid defensive MF. He’s quite versatile from that standpoint. To be honest, I haven’t seen much of him but this is what a lot of pundits are saying about him on podcasts. Some pundits are surprised that ManU didnt go after him because that is what they sorely lack. Other pundits are saying that van der Vart is expendable now even though they don’t play the same position and are very different types of players.
Well VDV has been expendable, and has personal terms agreed with HSV, the thing is Spurs want 18m (I think..) and the offer is around 13m? But if that’s the case that puts Dembele as a more forward player, an AMC rather but Kevin seems to make me think he’s an AML/CF while you say DM.
I’m so lost.
Wrt VdV, I just don’t think AVB sees him as part of his plans/project. The Spuds will be making many late transfer window moves this week. Therefore, the acquisition of Dembele isn’t to replace VdV per se.
Also, from squad sheets from both the Guardian and soccerway he was positioned as a CM/DM in a 4-2-3-1 at the Old Toilet (Man Utd).
He’s definitely a highly regarded player from this fine crop of Belgian players. Expect Belgium to make a splash in WC qualifying and beyond.
I don’t know about all that, this Belgian crop has been performing for some time.. Vermaelan, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Kompany have been around for years. Add Raingolan, Fellaini, Hazard, Lukaku, Mboussafa, etc….and they still missed the Euros.
I mean they had the reigning EPL, Ligue 1, and Eredevisie (Probably even Belgian) player’s of the year last year.
Every time I see Modric I think of Prince Herbert from Monte Python and the Holy Grail. I’m weird; I know.
Off topic, anyone here from the DC/Northern VA area? I need to find a bar to watch the game this afternoon…
I can’t tell you about a specific bar but Dupont Circle area has a lot bars and shops among other things. Or you can try Adams Morgan area (though, it’s too far if you coming from Northern VA via metro). Or you can go to the Georgetown area (near Northern VA). Also, there are a few bars along Connecticut Ave (near the White House) that show soccer games (not sure if they have Spanish games though).
Oh, wait. There’s a where to watch tab on this site.
http://www.barcelonafootballblog.com/barcelona-games-where-watch/#WashingtonDC
Thanks! I think I’ll go to Summers, since I’m in Arlington.
I’ve been going to the DC Penya in Elephant & Castle to watch recently. Not much room to sit unless you’re a member and reserve, but if you don’t mind standing, it’s decent! TVs aren’t that big though.
Thanks Ryan for the input.
I second the Elephant and Castle and the DC Penya! I’ve only watched one match there when I was in DC for a conference, but they are a fun crowd! Although Ryan is right–it might be standing room only, and the TVs aren’t really big. That said, I think the company definitely makes it a worthwhile trip!
E&C for sure. Get there early, it’s a clasico and you might be standing the whole time( supporting penya members can reserve tables). 19th and I street, get out Farragut West on the Metro.
Oh, and happy hour starts at 4:00 there…just in time for the game!
More pointedly…does anyone know if I can stream / download the match AFTER it is played, since I will miss it due to work today 🙁
The simpler the solution the more welcome it will be, because the internet is slooow at home and I’ll ask my gf to start downloading as soon as it is finished 🙂
Rojadirecta has a download matches forum (with no spoilers!). I’m sure it will be on there.
awesome i will check there to see what to do…do people usually put the matches on right after they finish or does it take a long time?
This guy usually has excellent English links for Barcelona games, and puts them up within a couple of hours of the game:
http://pakmans-footy-blog.blogspot.ca/
Pakman is the best, add that to an RSS and you’re set. Failing that sign up at
fbtz.com/forum
Great site for classic matches too.
Does anyone else find it a bit weird that Modric goes from Tottenham to EE and Song goes from Arsenal to FCB? Tottenham are Arsenal’s most hated rival while LWBs are our most hated rival. As Captain Kirk (William Shatner) would say, “Is that weird, or what?”
Is that a case of serendipity? Or rather just coincidence?
At least Modric remains in a lily white top 😉
Not weird at all to me..
really, dembele is that good?? ive never seen a single clip of him…
and since you brought him up…samuel eto’o..i have never missed watching a player more, than samuelito eto’o..
sweet–d.c. heads in the house..im originally from columbia, md…
my option was…to go to sleep at around 11pm..then wake up and watch the game live at 5am local time….or…i just stay awake until 5 am…somehow i chose plan b..:/
Mm….you might regret choosing plan b. Go take a nap. There are still a few more hours left.
A major problem with not being able to access the loveblob is that I haven’t heard if Xavi_purr’s a momma yet! Has anyone who has been able to access it heard anything from her?
She was still knocked up during the loveblob on Sunday…
Lineup the same as the first game:
VV
Alves Pique Masch Adriano
Xavi Busquets Ini
Alexis Messi Pedro
Still no Alba? I would have thought they’d keep him on and make him attack, leaving Alves a little back to contain Ronaldo…
Barça lineup: Valdes – Alves Pique Puyol Alba – Cesc Busquets Iniesta – Alexis Messi Tello
Interesting that I got this from Twitter. I guess the sources there can’t be trusted.
Just got mine from Catalunya TV3 – hope they weren’t wrong!
Your lineup is correct M. I got mine from some source called FCB_Indonesia in twitter. Now that I see the chatter there most of the sources point to your lineup.