Spurs angry with Balotelli

First!

On topic: You be the judge....

[not being sarcastic]Thanks for the timely new rumor, FN![/not being sarcastic]

Some various stuff I posted on the earlier thread.... maybe it can get a conversation going....

1. On the USMNT friendly: I'm not ashamed to admit that I fell asleep during the game.

I awoke just in time to see the Venezuelan Triage Unit being set up on the field and Bob Bradley's adopted child score the only goal.

I love to see when teams get **** ed in the **** after faking a bunch of injuries to waste time. It's truly a joy.

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2. On the ManU/Arsenal match: Pretty bad when the Captain is criticizing the coach for making the sub, while the substitution is being made.

But yeah, terrible choice from Wenger right there. But you can't really disagree with the outcome. ManU was the better team for most of the match.

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3. In Everton News: Meanwhile on Merseyside, the Toffees were very lucky to get a point versus Blackburn, with a 1-1 draw. Yeah, the Blackburn that is currently in the relegation zone.

We managed to score one goal, only because the ref didn't spot an intentional handball by Felliani. It was pretty blatant.

Is it wrong to kinda wish that your team gets relegated, only because you know that it's the only way that stuff is really going to change?

In other Toffee news: According to reports, Everton is pursuing a loan deal with Fiorentina's Cesci.

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4. DC United will face Swedish powerhouse Malmo FF in a preseason friendly.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:52 AM ET  01.23 by LetsPlay2

On topic: You be the judge....

I mean in slow-mo, yeah it kinda looks intentional. He get's Parker twice. But if you play it at full speed, it looks fairly incidental. More stumbling than anything. I say it's inconclusive, and therefore Balotelli should have been left on the pitch. Correct call. If live action had looked as intentional as slow-mo, I would say send him off.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 09:58 AM ET  01.23 by LetsPlay2

4. DC United will face Swedish powerhouse Malmo FF in a preseason friendly.

Loss.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:52 AM ET  01.23 by LetsPlay2

On topic: You be the judge....

Intentional. His right foot should be moving forward instead of backwards. ...plus it's Balotelli.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 09:58 AM ET  01.23 by LetsPlay2

3. In Everton News: Meanwhile on Merseyside, the Toffees were very lucky to get a point versus Blackburn, with a 1-1 draw. Yeah, the Blackburn that is currently in the relegation zone. We managed to score one goal, only because the ref didn't spot an intentional handball by Felliani. It was pretty blatant. Is it wrong to kinda wish that your team gets relegated, only because you know that it's the only way that stuff is really going to change? In other Toffee news: According to reports, Everton is pursuing a loan deal with Fiorentina's Cesci.

They're supposed to decide Buddle's fate in the next day or so.... while I don't see how it's possible he could be worse than Saha at the moment, I have a feeling they may instead focus on defense... with Jagielka being out and Distin probably finishing up his last games with the Toffees.

So pissed about my Liverpool falling to Bolton. Who am I supporting this week?

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:52 AM ET  01.23 by LetsPlay2

On topic: You be the judge....

I'd say unintentional... he kinda got his legs taken out from under him as Parker fell, and the rest looks like your standard stumble to me.

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 10:11 AM ET  01.23 by Bullet Tooth Tony

They're supposed to decide Buddle's fate in the next day or so.... while I don't see how it's possible he could be worse than Saha at the moment, I have a feeling they may instead focus on defense... with Jagielka being out and Distin probably finishing up his last games with the Toffees.

They need a playmaker, someone like a Mikel Arteta, or something....

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 10:14 AM ET  01.23 by Unknown:

They need a playmaker, someone like a Mikel Arteta, or something....

haha... sounds about right.

But Saha still was useless with Arteta.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:52 AM ET  01.23 by LetsPlay2

On topic: You be the judge....

I say not intentional. He was falling backward and tried to find solid footing.

Appears very similar to Pepe's hand stomp in that his foot makes an unnaturally quick motion in what appears to be an unnatural direction. Both intentional. Balotelli was probably inspired by Pepe.

USMNT: Interesting how reluctant that ref was to call anything. I kind of liked it actually. But all the holding on corner kicks has got to go somehow.

QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 10:18 AM ET  01.23 by Goerne

Appears very similar to Pepe's hand stomp in that his foot makes an unnaturally quick motion in what appears to be an unnatural direction. Both intentional. Balotelli was probably inspired by Pepe.

USMNT: Interesting how reluctant that ref was to call anything. I kind of liked it actually. But all the holding on corner kicks has got to go somehow.

Agreed, on both points.

I think Balo was doing it intentionally, but the degree with which he connected with Parker and the speed of the incident (like CU Tiger said) make the play very difficult to call. If one thing is certain, karma will catch up with Balotelli.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:52 AM ET  01.23 by LetsPlay2

On topic: You be the judge....

I think it looks like an accident. His leg went backwards on losing his balance, he instinctively tried to right himself and failed.

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 10:11 AM ET  01.23 by Bullet Tooth Tony

They're supposed to decide Buddle's fate in the next day or so.... while I don't see how it's possible he could be worse than Saha at the moment, I have a feeling they may instead focus on defense... with Jagielka being out and Distin probably finishing up his last games with the Toffees.

Seems like they are diversifying their striker corps.... maybe not making it better, but at least giving more options to Moyes.

But I agree with Unknown, the problem is just as much with the lack of service from a playmaker (Arteta's role). The Toffees are not short on effort. It's like they are running full speed into a brick wall, trying to get to the other side. It's kinda very USMNT of them....

As for defense, I think they are doing okay. They are 7th in goals conceded, and I think I read on twitter that they've allowed the fewest quality chances on goal. Distin, Hibbo, and Jags will be healthy soon enough. They have bigger problems....

Speaking of the defense, I know Phil Neville brings leadership and experience to the squad, but I think it's time to put him out to pasture.... or at least MLS. Dude gets owned for long periods of the match, and his passing decisions are often head scratchers. Maybe I'm just being over-critical.

QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 10:13 AM ET  01.23 by Unknown:

So pissed about my Liverpool falling to Bolton. Who am I supporting this week?

Real Madrid.

One more note on the Toffees (Then I'll leave it alone for a while):

They give the ball away too damn often/easily!!!! It drives me crazy.

QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 10:13 AM ET  01.23 by Unknown:

So pissed about my Liverpool falling to Bolton. Who am I supporting this week?

Oh, yes! Now I remember!!!