The "I'm Watching _____" Thread

[Sepak]

Fuck, these last results made us lose our seeded spot.

 

[Hisashi]

AGH!! Messi for the win. Messi literally dragged the whole Argentina squad to the WC. I knew Messi would create magic.

 

[fender]

How on earth did the US manage to botch that up?!!!

Robben went out of international football with a superb goal.

 

[Back Door Skip]

How on earth did the US manage to botch that up?!!!

Robben went out of international football with a superb goal.

Judging from the highlights it just looked like T&T had zero pressure, so they went and took it to them.

One freak goal and a wonder goal later, US were done.

 

[Hisashi]

I honestly feel retarded staying up at 4 am just to watch Barcelona play like shit. No clear chance in the first half at all, while Atletico has already had like 3-4 while still playing defensive. What the hell is wrong with this team. The passing is too slow and if this keeps up Atletico would win this match easily without a sweat. Gomes at RM? Seriously, what is Valverde trying to prove. Denis should be playing or GODeulofeu. We need pace and quick passing against this compact and solid defense of Atletico not fucking Gomes.

 

[chygry]

I honestly feel retarded staying up at 4 am just to watch Barcelona play like shit. No clear chance in the first half at all, while Atletico has already had like 3-4 while still playing defensive. What the hell is wrong with this team. The passing is too slow and if this keeps up Atletico would win this match easily without a sweat. Gomes at RM? Seriously, what is Valverde trying to prove. Denis should be playing or GODeulofeu. We need pace and quick passing against this compact and solid defense of Atletico not fucking Gomes.

Look mate. A draw against Atleti away is a good result. They're a very complect team and probably the best side defensively in Europe right now.

Saul - what a clutch player he is, scored a great goal and after that you dominated possession, but couldn't do much with it. So Messi had to drop into the middle, and Iniesta wasn't so good either. He's in decline. You could really use someone like Coutinho in that position for replacement.

I have no idea why André Gomes was even started in a match of such magnitude. He reminds me of Tom Cleverley from United days.. Only sideway passes in order to keep the ball, he's okay defensively.. But doesn't produce much in the offensive phase of the game. Denis Suarez would be a better choice, or Paulinho.

Deulofeu is such an inconsistent player who is good in some matches and then bad in others. His end product is really lacking in the final third. Or he just decides to take players on by himself and loses it. You probably must be waiting like hell until Dembele returns.

I didn't watch the match so much, I had the stream open, but Atleti were standing firm in defence, and Barcelona were just passing the ball sideways and back again. Their game improved in the second half, though.

Luisito Suarez? The guy is seriously out of form, but looked better in this match.. But still his finishing seems off, but luckily for you he managed to grab an equalizer. Hopefully he regains his form.

All in all, a draw against Atleti is good away from home. They could've even scored more you know. They're a very good side, maybe not competing for La Liga at the moment, but in the CL they are always contenders. We'll see. So don't let your head drop mate. It was a good result all things considered.

I've watched a lot of Atleti matches, and El Cholo's team tactically is to enjoy, for some.

 

[Hisashi]

Look mate. A draw against Atleti away is a good result. They're a very complect team and probably the best side defensively in Europe right now.

Saul - what a clutch player he is, scored a great goal and after that you dominated possession, but couldn't do much with it. So Messi had to drop into the middle, and Iniesta wasn't so good either. He's in decline. You could really use someone like Coutinho in that position for replacement.

I have no idea why André Gomes was even started in a match of such magnitude. He reminds me of Tom Cleverley from United days.. Only sideway passes in order to keep the ball, he's okay defensively.. But doesn't produce much in the offensive phase of the game. Denis Suarez would be a better choice, or Paulinho.

Deulofeu is such an inconsistent player who is good in some matches and then bad in others. His end product is really lacking in the final third. Or he just decides to take players on by himself and loses it. You probably must be waiting like hell until Dembele returns.

I didn't watch the match so much, I had the stream open, but Atleti were standing firm in defence, and Barcelona were just passing the ball sideways and back again. Their game improved in the second half, though.

Luisito Suarez? The guy is seriously out of form, but looked better in this match.. But still his finishing seems off, but luckily for you he managed to grab an equalizer. Hopefully he regains his form.

All in all, a draw against Atleti is good away from home. They could've even scored more you know. They're a very good side, maybe not competing for La Liga at the moment, but in the CL they are always contenders. We'll see. So don't let your head drop mate. It was a good result all things considered.

I've watched a lot of Atleti matches, and El Cholo's team tactically is to enjoy, for some.

I posted this after half-time when we were 1-0 down. You saw the nutmeg on Pique? Griezmann was scary in the first half and Saul's goal made me so salty but props to him for that wonderful finish.

The last ten minutes of the game was when Barca finally played better. Putting Deulofeu in the wings really improved things. He was making good runs and overall I think he made a big impact. Roberto and Paulinho also made great efforts after getting subbed in. Paulinho's presence freed Suarez for that equalizer which was assisted by none other than Roberto. Kudos to Atletico for their solid defense.

What baffles me is Valverde's decision making so far. Started Gomes in a game like this and in the wings? The man has gone mad. But to be honest Gomes played alright aside from his endless back passes that pretty much killed the attack. Valverde's substitutions redeemed him though but subbing out Semedo? I thought he was playing well. But yeah the draw was a good result. We could've won to be honest if only Suarez got that cross from Gomes in and the 92nd minute free kick was nerve wracking. I hope Valverde stops starting scrubs like Vidal and Gomes but we really don't have much choice since the team has no depth at all.

 

[chygry]

I posted this after half-time when we were 1-0 down. You saw the nutmeg on Pique? Griezmann was scary in the first half and Saul's goal made me so salty but props to him for that wonderful finish.

The last ten minutes of the game was when Barca finally played better. Putting Deulofeu in the wings really improved things. He was making good runs and overall I think he made a big impact. Roberto and Paulinho also made great efforts after getting subbed in. Paulinho's presence freed Suarez for that equalizer which was assisted by none other than Roberto. Kudos to Atletico for their solid defense.

What baffles me is Valverde's decision making so far. Started Gomes in a game like this and in the wings? The man has gone mad. But to be honest Gomes played alright aside from his endless back passes that pretty much killed the attack. Valverde's substitutions redeemed him though but subbing out Semedo? I thought he was playing well. But yeah the draw was a good result. We could've won to be honest if only Suarez got that cross from Gomes in and the 92nd minute free kick was nerve wracking. I hope Valverde stops starting scrubs like Vidal and Gomes but we really don't have much choice since the team has no depth at all.

I appreciate the fact that you're a reasonable fan, respecting your rival Atlético's play, considering what side they're up against. A modest Barca fan.

Yeah their team usually gets tired after such pressing and defensive work, so during the last 15 minutes of the match they're the most vulnerable. I wish Augusto Fernandez was back.. Thomas PARTEY(!) gets the job done, but miserably.

Deulofeu can be so-so.. He has too big of an ego, and is too individualistic, and lacks decision making. He likes to take players on and sometimes it pays off (I somehow recall some match for Milan where he nutmegged a defender and assisted a last minute equalizer)... Sometimes he can be very useful when it comes to stuff like that.

André Gomes originally started in midfield, but as the game wore on and you guys dominated possession, and were lacking creativity in midfield, and Iniesta wasn't doing so well.. Messi dropped into the middle to playmake like he does for Argentina, so Gomes was pushed into that place.. It makes sense really in a tactical point of view.

Rakitić wasn't so good either. Like I said previously, you could really use Verratti (in the Xavi role) or Coutinho for Iniesta's replacement.

Luisito Suarez is out of form and Messi cannot do everything on his own. So he often has to playmake and even play for Iniesta if that makes sense lol mate.

Valverde taking Semedo out was a big question mark to me too, since he's dangerous going forward. It baffled me really.

André Gomes should've subbed out for Denis Suarez, keeping Semedo in the match starting from the first half, IMO.

You have enough depth, but with players like Rafinha, Paulinho etc it isn't much.. They're good players, but cannot be compared to the team you had some years ago mate.

I've been thinking that you should break the bank and bring Thiago back, as we did with Pogba. Liverpool doesn't want to sell Coutinho, Thiago is better and would be worth the money. But then again the current board is full of idiots, and that might be stopping him from even wanting the move.

Shell enough cash for Thiago (I know how it would hurt, considering Barca let him go for peanuts), and Bayern might buldge. He'd be an awesome addition to your midfield.

And you're missing Dembele too, don't forget about that.

 

[RobbieD_PL]

My predictions for UEFA playoffs:

- Croatia-N. Ireland
- Italy-Greece
- Denmark-Rep. Ireland
- Switzerland-Sweden

 

[Hisashi]

I appreciate the fact that you're a reasonable fan, respecting your rival Atlético's play, considering what side they're up against. A modest Barca fan.

Yeah their team usually gets tired after such pressing and defensive work, so during the last 15 minutes of the match they're the most vulnerable. I wish Augusto Fernandez was back.. Thomas PARTEY(!) gets the job done, but miserably.

Deulofeu can be so-so.. He has too big of an ego, and is too individualistic, and lacks decision making. He likes to take players on and sometimes it pays off (I somehow recall some match for Milan where he nutmegged a defender and assisted a last minute equalizer)... Sometimes he can be very useful when it comes to stuff like that.

André Gomes originally started in midfield, but as the game wore on and you guys dominated possession, and were lacking creativity in midfield, and Iniesta wasn't doing so well.. Messi dropped into the middle to playmake like he does for Argentina, so Gomes was pushed into that place.. It makes sense really in a tactical point of view.

Rakitić wasn't so good either. Like I said previously, you could really use Verratti (in the Xavi role) or Coutinho for Iniesta's replacement.

Luisito Suarez is out of form and Messi cannot do everything on his own. So he often has to playmake and even play for Iniesta if that makes sense lol mate.

Valverde taking Semedo out was a big question mark to me too, since he's dangerous going forward. It baffled me really.

André Gomes should've subbed out for Denis Suarez, keeping Semedo in the match starting from the first half, IMO.

You have enough depth, but with players like Rafinha, Paulinho etc it isn't much.. They're good players, but cannot be compared to the team you had some years ago mate.

I've been thinking that you should break the bank and bring Thiago back, as we did with Pogba. Liverpool doesn't want to sell Coutinho, Thiago is better and would be worth the money. But then again the current board is full of idiots, and that might be stopping him from even wanting the move.

Shell enough cash for Thiago (I know how it would hurt, considering Barca let him go for peanuts), and Bayern might buldge. He'd be an awesome addition to your midfield.

And you're missing Dembele too, don't forget about that.

Yes the last 15 minute exhaustion. The whole team looked a lot sluggish especially during that last 15 minute. Griezmann even made two errors that gave him a yellow and a freekick to Messi.

I don't really expect too much from Deulofeu. Andre Gomes should have been sold along with Turan. I hope Valverde gives Denis more playing time. Denis has been playing well so far and I see so much potential with him but Valverde really sucks at picking who to play. I'm really confused with him. Semedo doesn't even get consistent game time. Could be because of the transfer clause but come on it's ridiculous to keep playing Vidal or Roberto as right back. I want Roberto to play in the midfield not in the back.

Verratti or Coutinho could've brought so much for the team. Unfortunately, our board is a mess and they can't do shit. Thiago will never happen, Bayern wouldn't sell him since he's too important. I think we should invest on giving Denis more playing time. But if we were to buy someone I hope it's not 150m for Coutinho. It's ridiculous.

 

[chygry]

Yes the last 15 minute exhaustion. The whole team looked a lot sluggish especially during that last 15 minute. Griezmann even made two errors that gave him a yellow and a freekick to Messi.

I don't really expect too much from Deulofeu. Andre Gomes should have been sold along with Turan. I hope Valverde gives Denis more playing time. Denis has been playing well so far and I see so much potential with him but Valverde really sucks at picking who to play. I'm really confused with him. Semedo doesn't even get consistent game time. Could be because of the transfer clause but come on it's ridiculous to keep playing Vidal or Roberto as right back. I want Roberto to play in the midfield not in the back.

Verratti or Coutinho could've brought so much for the team. Unfortunately, our board is a mess and they can't do shit. Thiago will never happen, Bayern wouldn't sell him since he's too important. I think we should invest on giving Denis more playing time. But if we were to buy someone I hope it's not 150m for Coutinho. It's ridiculous.

Yeah, I think Messi hit the post twice. Here's the one from his great free-kick attempt.

Atlético struggle a lot in the last period of the match, because the whole team is used to pressing so much. And players' legs just give up at some point. That was also one of the reasons they lost to Real Madrid in 2014 CL final.. First off they started injured Diego Costa hoping he could make it, but he lasted 9 minutes. So that was one sub wasted, and that's why they looked so tired in extra time. The sheer disappointment from only being seconds away from the CL win with Sergio Ramos equalizing 90 + 3 added to that as well.

Yeah, well Deulofeu seems to be happy with a bit part role on the bench, and his pace and trickery could be useful as an impact sub. In order to bring fresh legs and something else to the table. But most Barca fans don't expect him to be their new Neymar lol. I'm exaggerating a bit here a bit, though.

I'm a huge fan of Denis Suarez and his playing style, he was excellent at Villarreal before going back to Barcelona for peanuts (3,5M euros transfer sum), which was smart on their behalf. Adding that clause when selling or loaning him to the Amarillo Submarino.

I think he'd be a great natural successor to Iniesta to be fair, but I don't get why he doesn't get more playing time. They could play Iniesta in a more withdrawn role, like Xavi. And Denis in his place, this would also give Messi more space and freedom to do his thing, instead of dropping back and playmaking.

I understand your disappointment when it comes to Semedo not playing all the time. He was a fantastic purchase and I was actually hoping that he'd join Man United. Lucky you! What do you mean by transfer clause? There can't be such of having to not play somebody enough.

Coutinho and 150M yeah, well the prices are getting more and more ridiculous with every day nowadays, it seems.

If Bayern go on playing 4231, with Thiago mostly playing as the most advanced midfielder, or as a #10. And they have James who's actually a better passer and a player in the #10 role, but not as an overall midfielder. They'd have the replacement right up there, and he'd be getting playing time too. :P But it was just me merely speculating. It's quite unlikely to happen.

Agreed about Denis Suarez.. I like the player as I mentioned previously, and he really should be given more chances.

 

[Hisashi]

Yeah, I think Messi hit the post twice. Here's the one from his great free-kick attempt.

Atlético struggle a lot in the last period of the match, because the whole team is used to pressing so much. And players' legs just give up at some point. That was also one of the reasons they lost to Real Madrid in 2014 CL final.. First off they started injured Diego Costa hoping he could make it, but he lasted 9 minutes. So that was one sub wasted, and that's why they looked so tired in extra time. The sheer disappointment from only being seconds away from the CL win with Sergio Ramos equalizing 90 + 3 added to that as well.

Yeah, well Deulofeu seems to be happy with a bit part role on the bench, and his pace and trickery could be useful as an impact sub. In order to bring fresh legs and something else to the table. But most Barca fans don't expect him to be their new Neymar lol. I'm exaggerating a bit here a bit, though.

I'm a huge fan of Denis Suarez and his playing style, he was excellent at Villarreal before going back to Barcelona for peanuts (3,5M euros transfer sum), which was smart on their behalf. Adding that clause when selling or loaning him to the Amarillo Submarino.

I think he'd be a great natural successor to Iniesta to be fair, but I don't get why he doesn't get more playing time. They could play Iniesta in a more withdrawn role, like Xavi. And Denis in his place, this would also give Messi more space and freedom to do his thing, instead of dropping back and playmaking.

I understand your disappointment when it comes to Semedo not playing all the time. He was a fantastic purchase and I was actually hoping that he'd join Man United. Lucky you! What do you mean by transfer clause? There can't be such of having to not play somebody enough.

Coutinho and 150M yeah, well the prices are getting more and more ridiculous with every day nowadays, it seems.

If Bayern go on playing 4231, with Thiago mostly playing as the most advanced midfielder, or as a #10. And they have James who's actually a better passer and a player in the #10 role, but not as an overall midfielder. They'd have the replacement right up there, and he'd be getting playing time too. :P But it was just me merely speculating. It's quite unlikely to happen.

Agreed about Denis Suarez.. I like the player as I mentioned previously, and he really should be given more chances.

I'm not entirely sure but as far as I know there's clause wherein Barcelona has to pay Benfica a certain amount after a certain amount of games I think. Denis really needs more game time if we want him to reach his full potential. I admire and love Iniesta but his time is almost up and we need to reserve him for more important games.

You guys watched the Madrid vs Tottenham match? Absolute mental from both keepers especially Lloris. Not gonna lie Sissoko looked amazing hahaha Euro's Sissoko back at it again!

 

[fender]

Dzeko's first goal against Chelsea was beautiful.

 

[chygry]

I'm not entirely sure but as far as I know there's clause wherein Barcelona has to pay Benfica a certain amount after a certain amount of games I think. Denis really needs more game time if we want him to reach his full potential. I admire and love Iniesta but his time is almost up and we need to reserve him for more important games.

You guys watched the Madrid vs Tottenham match? Absolute mental from both keepers especially Lloris. Not gonna lie Sissoko looked amazing hahaha Euro's Sissoko back at it again!

Are oyuu on r/soccer? username? I know you are.

 

[Hisashi]

Are oyuu on r/soccer? username? I know you are.

I am hahaha! I've already made lots of references to r/soccer recently.

The Bilbao match had me on edge. Second half was so bad and we got so pressured. I feel like we got lucky with the win. The amount of posts that Messi has hit this season is too damn high. Unlucky. He should be at 16 goals now if it weren't for the damn post.

 

[chygry]

I am hahaha! I've already made lots of references to r/soccer recently.

The Bilbao match had me on edge. Second half was so bad and we got so pressured. I feel like we got lucky with the win. The amount of posts that Messi has hit this season is too damn high. Unlucky. He should be at 16 goals now if it weren't for the damn post.

Alright.

Well it's pretty much the same story, but why does Valverde keep starting Sergi Roberto as a right-back instead Semedo is something I don't get. Barca clearly lacks creativity and options in midfield, and Sergi Roberto would probably fare much better there rather than Rakitić (who was piss poor against Bilbao) or André Gomes.

Almost like Pogba! He hit the post like 7 or 11 times last season as well.

 

[Hisashi]

Alright.

Well it's pretty much the same story, but why does Valverde keep starting Sergi Roberto as a right-back instead Semedo is something I don't get. Barca clearly lacks creativity and options in midfield, and Sergi Roberto would probably fare much better there rather than Rakitić (who was piss poor against Bilbao) or André Gomes.

Almost like Pogba! He hit the post like 7 or 11 times last season as well.​

​

The midfield really is abysmal. Paulinho and Roberto bring a lot of physicality and good runs but technically they haven't been the best to be honest. They lack the creativity and control that Barca needs. I'm not saying their bad but more like they're not what we need necessarily. Playing them both at the same time like the game with Olympiacos earlier today showed how you can't play both Paulinho and Sergi together because we lose the control and creativity that we need. Whilst when we play Iniesta or Rakitic, they're just too slow and to be honest they have declined real hard. Denis is inconsistent while Gomes is just not up to standard. To be honest if I were to be asked Rakitic and Gomes shouldn't be playing for the team anymore. We should also get rid of Rafinha, and Turan. We badly and desperately need new playmakers. Messi is the only one creating plays but Suarez is still playing like absolute shit. We might be on top of La Liga but that's really all Messi. The team needs revamping. Luckily our defense seems to be well. Umtiti has been a big surprise. Solid at the back with Ter Stegen.

 

[chygry]

The midfield really is abysmal. Paulinho and Roberto bring a lot of physicality and good runs but technically they haven't been the best to be honest. They lack the creativity and control that Barca needs. I'm not saying their bad but more like they're not what we need necessarily. Playing them both at the same time like the game with Olympiacos earlier today showed how you can't play both Paulinho and Sergi together because we lose the control and creativity that we need. Whilst when we play Iniesta or Rakitic, they're just too slow and to be honest they have declined real hard. Denis is inconsistent while Gomes is just not up to standard. To be honest if I were to be asked Rakitic and Gomes shouldn't be playing for the team anymore. We should also get rid of Rafinha, and Turan. We badly and desperately need new playmakers. Messi is the only one creating plays but Suarez is still playing like absolute shit. We might be on top of La Liga but that's really all Messi. The team needs revamping. Luckily our defense seems to be well. Umtiti has been a big surprise. Solid at the back with Ter Stegen.

I agree.

From prime Iniesta Busquets Xavi you've gone to a much more stale midfield with work horses rather than quality playmakers, which doesn't provide much creativity at all, so Messi has to drop back a lot to playmake... But then you've got an underperforming Luisito Suarez. I really don't know what's wrong with this guy lately.. Everything he tries doesn't come off for him.

Times change fast, huh? You could use someone like Verratti (in the previous Xavi role), or Coutinho in the Iniesta role to be fair.

And I'm telling you. Piqué has been below par this season, so you could really use someone like Yerry Mina! The greatest Colombian defender there is. And I'm serious. He's available for peanuts. 8-10M. And he's even better than Davinson Sanchez.

 

[RobbieD_PL]

New Zealand holding Peru 0-0 in Wellington

 

[chygry]

A great result for NZ to be fair.

And it's a shame Paulo Guerrero is a coke fiend.

Their most important player and gets suspended like this.

Apparently it was due to some cold medication... As he played against Colombia with a fever.. They didn't literally find coke in his system, but one substance that occurs in your body after you've done it... It might have had to do something with that.