Haven't bothered to post recently - the anti climax (and that's putting it mildly) that was last season has taken its' toll on me and I expect a few others on here. I wont bore you with the details, but I've had to spend a fair bit of time at home lately and taken to watching some streamed live "foreign" football - and what a revelation it's been. The Japan J league, Aussie A league and the AFC games amongst others during the day are a joy to watch. Fast attacking football with a huge amount of skill by some very tricky players puts our own game to shame. I know some will say that those teams wouldn't hold up over here in a competitive Championship season let alone the Prem, but I'm not so sure about that. The speed at which they turn defence into attack and generally move around the pitch would leave many a side over here for dead - especially us. As I write, I'm watching a J League game between Kashiwa Reysol and Shonan Bellmare - two bottom half table sides. Bloody brilliant to watch, and when you get the top half sides like Urawa, Tokyo or Osaka streamed, the speed and skills can take your breath away. Some of the skill levels and vision is fantastic. The Aussie sides in their A league and even State Premier leagues play some really good stuff, and the AFC cup is another great mix of Asian styles that's a pleasure to watch If you've got a chance this summer, have a look. Perhaps we'll get something like that from Slade next year - but I won't hold my breath...........
I've taken to the MLS recently and i have to say the speed they pass the ball is incredible and they're incredibly precise; everything to feet or at most a foot away from the desired target, the only problem most of the teams out there have is a lack of anyone who can put the ball into the old onion bag
It's pretty well the same lack of sharp finishing that's the only problem with the Asian game. The Japanese/Korean/Chinese superleagues are brilliant at precise passing and speed of play, but they are pretty dire when they get into the box. The number of chances created though makes them exciting games to watch. I watched Jay Bothroyd and Diego Forlan play against each other the other day in the J2 league (Japan's second division). Bothroyd was playing for Iwata and scored a peach of a striker's goal, but Forlan must have been pulled up for offside a dozen times - no change there then.
Brentford v Boro wasn't half bad. Didn't see the other play off match but will try to catch them both over the next few days. Saw the Swindon v Sheff U goal fest, not a good game really with some gash defending. Enjoyed the Champ[ons League semis. Glad it is not an el classico final. City v Blackpool seems a light year ago.
I'm glad it's not too! Had a tenner at 21/10 on Juventus beating Real at home in the first leg and they duly obliged with that 2-1 result. Then I had an offer from B365 to bet on the return before kickoff last night and they'd refund a matching stake placed inplay if it lost. I stuck a tenner before kickoff on a draw at 16/5 and then once the game kicked off put another tenner on a 1-1 final scoreline to back it up at 6/1 knowing I'd get that tenner back if it didn't happen. Kerchink...............92 quid profit - Thank you Juve.................
Just watched Bothroyd get another typical striker's goal to equalise for Iwata in the J2 league streamed live this morning - great football to watch and he stayed on his feet as well. Chiba v Kitakyushu on right now and I'm enjoying it over a cuppa and a Kitkat - Sunday mornings don't get much better (out of bed anyway ).
Watched the backend of Wickham and Saaaaffffffend yesterday. That was enjoyable. It was an interlude between Ospreys vs Munster and Bath vs Leicester and before the boxing (well done to Chunky DeGale). Just about to catch up on the Sarecens vs Northampton game.
I watched all of the league two play off final. 99% of the game was rubbish. I hope this isn't an example of us shopping in the lower divisions for players. Seen better non league players than this lot.
I watch the Swans every week, some great footy played last season, and finishing 8th with a Rookie manager, all's well on the Gower coast.......
twood b good sparkey if we had some samba football with our lot for a while, tiz just a pity the man that can tan doesn't see the wood for the the trees. dragonphil im sure all is good dude,.........why don't you give yourself a pat on the back for the work someone else has put in?......oh I see you already have
Just watching Kashiwa v Urawa in the Jap J league streamed live and some of the passing and movement is just bloody sensational! I know I've gone on about it but if you've got a chance have a look at some of it - it's enough to make you sick with Slade and his tactics if you weren't before.
