Internationals Thread [R]

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Well, I was thinking since we have a ton of threads on our team and a ton of threads on other teams, I was thinking I could start a thread on international competition. So we could follow and discuss performances of our Reds who come from all around Europe and the World. Talk about friendlies, qualifiers, etc. Of course, we can talk about other teams, countries, and competitions.

Scott Carson, Red on loan to Charlton, started for the England B squad. The squad came out 3-1 winners with Stewart Downing scoring a brace and Alan Smith also grabbing a goal. Michael Owen made his English debut after his injury in last year's WC.

[liverbird]

Bellamy scored 2 goals in a 2-2 Welsh draw with the Kiwis.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Mclaren releases (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6694743.stm) English team for Brazil friendly and Estonia Qualifier.

Goalkeepers: Robinson (Tottenham), Carson (Liverpool), Green (West Ham).

Defenders: P Neville (Everton), R Ferdinand (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Carragher (Liverpool), Dawson (Tottenham), King (Tottenham), Shorey (Reading).

Midfielders: Beckham (Real Madrid), Gerrard (Liverpool), Jenas (Tottenham), J Cole (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Bentley (Blackburn), Carrick (Man Utd), Lampard (Chelsea), Downing (Middlesbrough), Dyer (Newcastle).

Forwards: Crouch (Liverpool), Owen (Newcastle), Smith (Man Utd), Defoe (Tottenham).

Obviously the most publicized addition is Beckham, who does deserve to be called up again. Disappointed there was no room on the team for Pennant on this team or the "B" team. Doesn't even get a real look from Mclaren.

[liverbird]

Mclaren releases (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6694743.stm) English team for Brazil friendly and Estonia Qualifier.



Obviously the most publicized addition is Beckham, who does deserve to be called up again. Disappointed there was no room on the team for Pennant on this team or the "B" team. Doesn't even get a real look from Mclaren.

Well he'd have helped himself if his great effort had resulted in a single decent cross on Wednesday night. Plus LA Gal Becks took his spot.

[AussieLFCfan]

Yeah Peannant beat his man alot against Milan but his crosses were shitehouse.

I think he's improving though, deserved a B team spot undoubtably.

[usscouse]

Bellamy scored 2 goals in a 2-2 Welsh draw with the Kiwis.No shit! NZ tied the Taffs.

What's funny, I played in goal for one of the top clubs in Auckland and we wouldn't have got a kick of the ball if we'd have played Wales then.
Well, maybe a couple of kicks!

How Wales have come down....:)

[ForeverRed]

Yeah Peannant beat his man alot against Milan but his crosses were shitehouse.

I think he's improving though, deserved a B team spot undoubtably.

I agree with you.

BTW, never change your avatar again.

[AussieLFCfan]

I agree with you.

BTW, never change your avatar again.

lol! :D

Nice, eh?

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

FIFA rules (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/05/27/bc.eu.spt.soc.fifa.altitude.ap/index.html) that international matches can no longer be played in places higher than 2,500 meters above sea level.

FIFA has banned international games from being played more than 2,500 meters above sea level.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said the decision was taken Sunday after a review by the medical team for world soccer's governing body.

Bolivia has held World Cup qualifiers at an altitude of about 3,600 meters at its capital La Paz. There has been criticism that Bolivia's advantage is not only unfair, but also dangerous for the players' health.

Earlier this year, Brazilian club Flamengo said they won't play again at altitude after several of their players needed oxygen during a game staged at nearly 4,000 meters against Bolivian team Real Potosi.

Peru also has stadiums above 3,000 meters.

This may not be as big of a deal to European teams and fans, but it is a very big deal in the Americas. There are many countries that have stadiums at high altitude.

[el-capitano]

Bellamy scored 2 goals in a 2-2 Welsh draw with the Kiwis.

Wow- its good to see our little New Zealand brothers get a result like that.

Australia has a friendly against Uruguay coming up with at least half of the first team getting rested including 'Arry.

I'm not feeling very positive for this game- we are very understrength and underdone, and they're bringing out Recoba, Forlan etc. Hmm could get messy.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Agger scored in Denmark's 3-3 draw with Sweden. Unfortunately the result was turned to 3-0 by the referee after he was attacked by a Danish supporter. Such a good comeback, spoiled by such a stupid supporter. Incidentally the referee attacked was the center from our final against Milan.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Agger also was almost the first guy to stop the crazed supporter. Good thing that other guy stepped in before him otherwise Agger may have laid him out and then made the cry baby symbol towards him.

[Red Bird]

That was harsh on Denmark but most Danes I've spoken to are pretty philosophical about it and will accept a UEFA sactioned loss-- 3-0 is being mooted. That "fan" must feel a right pillock, now. As must Poulsen.

[LFCFanInCali]

The fan ran out to attack the ref when he sent off a Danish defender and awarded Sweden a penalty. So chances are very good that the Swedes would have won, anyways.

[Red Bird]

I saw bits of the France v Ukraine on Eurosport-- mopstly to see Voronin. Decent player but almost another Dirk Kuyt. He worked hard to create space but the French defenders were equal to the task. Also thought Malouda-- good ball for Anelka. Speaking of which, that Anekla, ...

[liverbird]

International roundup on the official site:

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N156092070603-0847.htm

[Red Bird]

Mascherano scored (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N156328070709-1015.htm)again in Argentina's rout of Peru.

Javier Mascherano bagged himself another Copa America goal during Argentina's 4-0 quarter-final thrashing of Peru on Sunday night.
The 23-year-old added to his first-round goal against Paraguay with a poacher's effort on 74 minutes.. I like the poacher's effort bit. As I said in another thread, I hope he gets into those positions for Liverpool.

By the way, has anybody noticed just how much Argentine's play revolves around Mascherano and, to a lesser extent, Riquelme. Mascherano makes that team tick and I hope Benitez has been watching just how influential he is when he also moves further upfield. Tevez has more or less been an impact player.

[liverbird]

Mascherano scored (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N156328070709-1015.htm)again in Argentina's rout of Peru.

. I like the poacher's effort bit. As I said in another thread, I hope he gets into those positions for Liverpool.

He played most of the game in a holding position in front of the center halves with Requelme in a free position ahead and Veron nominally in a right central role. When Veron went off Gago filled in the holding role and Javier moved into Veron's role -- that is when he scored the goal. Messi, Tevez and Requelme catch the eye but Javier had another master class game in the holding role. Stopped every attack, won balls, was always available to his teammates in defense and midfield and distributed excellently. Proud that he is a red!

[JuveFE]

He played most of the game in a holding position in front of the center halves with Requelme in a free position ahead and Veron nominally in a right central role. When Veron went off Gago filled in the holding role and Javier moved into Veron's role -- that is when he scored the goal. Messi, Tevez and Requelme catch the eye but Javier had another master class game in the holding role. Stopped every attack, won balls, was always available to his teammates in defense and midfield and distributed excellently. Proud that he is a red!


very well said..

He's been argentina's best player this whole tournament. And has been an absolute beast in the middle. Nobody has been able to come down the middle with him there. His tackling has been out of this world and has done everything that has been asked of him.

The fact that he just turned 23 and is arguably one of the best at his position just amazes me.

You guys have an absolute gem on your team.

[ForeverRed]

VIVA MASCHERANO!

But man oh man is that tournament boring! It couldn't be more one sided!