The Ali Dia Football/Soccer Thread

[Nessafox]

This, I have a question for you. Do you know what has happened to La Louvieroise? They used to exist and have a great fanbase as you can see from this vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YreH8XTY0lc

They've disappeared?

La Louvière merged with Couillet (i'm not sure if i spelled it right) and is currently called FC Charleroi, playing in 4th division D. (i assume they play in the old stadium of Couillet) However, the team now currently playing in LaLou's old statium is the former URS Du Centre (now called La Louvière Centre)

WS Brussels is indeed WS Woluwe. And no, i'm not familiar with La Tribune, but i think it's the same concept as Extra Time on Flemish television. (except you don't have the random analyses of Johan Boskamp, did you dutch people know Boskamp once played in a Kabouter Plop movie? )
So part of the meanwhile in Belgium of today is also in Brussels, as the players of RWDM are already on a strike (just before their duel with WS, by the way)
Other things of note: Emile Mpenza has scored a few goals with the B squad from Antwerp, quite a fall from grace is that. The Antwerp managers has already said that signing Mpenza is not a priority.
Also it is rumoured that Boussu Dour will sell their matricule to Seraing, who got bankrupted plenty of times themselves (including a merger with Standard)

[roblo97]

Is anyone on here glad that Sunderland have sacked Paulo Di Canio?

[apple2009]

Is anyone on here glad that Sunderland have sacked Paulo Di Canio?

I'm not a big fan of him, but a little bit of stability would be nice.

[roblo97]

Is anyone on here glad that Sunderland have sacked Paulo Di Canio?

I'm not a big fan of him, but a little bit of stability would be nice.

If any managers acted like that twat, there would be no stability. However, I reckon the next Sunderland boss will be Roberto Di Matteo

[apple2009]

Is anyone on here glad that Sunderland have sacked Paulo Di Canio?

I'm not a big fan of him, but a little bit of stability would be nice.

If any managers acted like that twat, there would be no stability. However, I reckon the next Sunderland boss will be Roberto Di Matteo

Martin O'God shouldn't have been sacked in the first place.

[TheBigJ]

La Louvière merged with Couillet (i'm not sure if i spelled it right) and is currently called FC Charleroi, playing in 4th division D. (i assume they play in the old stadium of Couillet) However, the team now currently playing in LaLou's old statium is the former URS Du Centre (now called La Louvière Centre)

Why the bathplug would they be called FC Charleroi? That means there are three teams with Charleroi in their name (Sporting, ROC, FC) and La Louviere hate Carolos more than Liegeois do.

I presume La Louvieroise supporters have switched support elswhere.

WS Brussels is indeed WS Woluwe. And no, i'm not familiar with La Tribune, but i think it's the same concept as Extra Time on Flemish television. (except you don't have the random analyses of Johan Boskamp, did you dutch people know Boskamp once played in a Kabouter Plop movie? )

Yeah, its extra tijd only with even more annoying journalists and that bathplug prick Benjamin whatshisarse that does World Cup for RTBF. I could thump that guy. Jelle Van Damme almost did on live tv...

Also it is rumoured that Boussu Dour will sell their matricule to Seraing, who got bankrupted plenty of times themselves (including a merger with Standard)

They are being taken over by that crook Lucien D'onofrio, aren't they?

I've never understood the ''point'' of Seraing. Standard essentially is or was Seraing, whereas RFC had their stadium in Liege-proper. Give Herstal a side.

[tommykl]

WS Brussels is indeed WS Woluwe. And no, i'm not familiar with La Tribune, but i think it's the same concept as Extra Time on Flemish television. (except you don't have the random analyses of Johan Boskamp, did you dutch people know Boskamp once played in a Kabouter Plop movie? )

Yeah, its extra tijd only with even more annoying journalists and that bathplug prick Benjamin whatshisarse that does World Cup for RTBF. I could thump that guy. Jelle Van Damme almost did on live tv...

You must be talking about Benjamin Deceuninck. My little brother worships that guy...

Also it is rumoured that Boussu Dour will sell their matricule to Seraing, who got bankrupted plenty of times themselves (including a merger with Standard)

They are being taken over by that crook Lucien D'onofrio, aren't they?

I've never understood the ''point'' of Seraing. Standard essentially is or was Seraing, whereas RFC had their stadium in Liege-proper. Give Herstal a side.

You mean Herstal doesn't have a team? It's not a small place, so that's pretty surprising. When you've got little villages like Elsaute, Fraiture and Nandrin with their own teams, that seems pretty surprising...

Speaking of small places with teams, Sprimont-Comblain, having just been promoted to Division 3B, are now in a cool sixth place in the first season back

[Nessafox]

La Louvière merged with Couillet (i'm not sure if i spelled it right) and is currently called FC Charleroi, playing in 4th division D. (i assume they play in the old stadium of Couillet) However, the team now currently playing in LaLou's old statium is the former URS Du Centre (now called La Louvière Centre)

Why the bathplug would they be called FC Charleroi? That means there are three teams with Charleroi in their name (Sporting, ROC, FC) and La Louviere hate Carolos more than Liegeois do.
I presume La Louvieroise supporters have switched support elswhere.

4 teams in fact, as Heppignies-Lambusart-Fleurus is now also called Charleroi-Fleurus. (it think they are in 3rd national) I think most RAAL fans moved to URS Centre, but as the were former rivals too, their hard core probably did not.

[

Also it is rumoured that Boussu Dour will sell their matricule to Seraing, who got bankrupted plenty of times themselves (including a merger with Standard)

They are being taken over by that crook Lucien D'onofrio, aren't they?
I've never understood the ''point'' of Seraing. Standard essentially is or was Seraing, whereas RFC had their stadium in Liege-proper. Give Herstal a side.

[/quote] I don't know that much details, D'Onofrio has been rumoured to take over nearly every Walloon team, so far, and lot of other teams too. That guy was even seriously considered to take over Juventus one day I only know these guys are involved in FC Metz. I don't know much about Seraing's history (except that they somehow played in the UEFA cup in the nineties), but if a team keeps going bankrupt after dozens of mergers, then i don't think it has much future. One can buy as many matricules as one wants, that will not solve anything. (i think that would be their third attempt to restart that team after their official merger with Standard) Well, at least they're still doing better than Heusden-Zolder, who are currently playing in 3rd provincial league

And what happened to AC Milanello-Herstal? It's the only team i know from Herstal, and teams that are comparable to Kosova Schaerbeek, Armenia Etterbeek, Assyria Mechelen, Maccabi Antwerpen, Juventus Maasmechelen, Calcio Genk, Turkse Rangers etc. are not really something to be proud of.

Also, it is rumoured that Mons is getting the combination Jacky Mathijsen - Mogi Bayat on board, that can only go wrong. (but thankfully for them, they are also considering less rejectful options)

[Barbazza]

Is anyone on here glad that Sunderland have sacked Paulo Di Canio?

Not particularly, no. Regardless of the fact that as a Hammer, he is a legend at our club, ANY manager given lots of money to spend and who has brought in a dozen players should not under any circumstances be given just 5 games to gel them together as a team. Whoever the new manager is will struggle.

Meanwhile, we've consistently proven how terrible we are. We can beat Cardiff, but no-one else. Much as I want fatty out, I don't think that bringing Paolo in at this stage would be a good move. I would love to see him manage us one day though.

[roblo97]

Is anyone on here glad that Sunderland have sacked Paulo Di Canio?

Not particularly, no. Regardless of the fact that as a Hammer, he is a legend at our club, ANY manager given lots of money to spend and who has brought in a dozen players should not under any circumstances be given just 5 games to gel them together as a team. Whoever the new manager is will struggle.

Meanwhile, we've consistently proven how terrible we are. We can beat Cardiff, but no-one else. Much as I want fatty out, I don't think that bringing Paolo in at this stage would be a good move. I would love to see him manage us one day though.

Well, I can understand why he is a legend at West Ham and its because of that goal against Wimbolden

[FullMetalJack]

That's the cup holders knocked out. We didn't even play our full strength squad, although in Swansea's defence, neither did they.

Disappointed with Stoke at home in the next round, I was hoping for an away day.

[Alextrax52]

Cardiff City are going to go above Manchester United after today's Premier League Games

[Londoner]

The current highest trending topic on Twitter at the moment is #MoyesOut.

Don't football fans have any semblance of patience nowadays? Jesus wept...

[Alextrax52]

The current highest trending topic on Twitter at the moment is #MoyesOut.

Don't football fans have any semblance of patience anymore? Jesus wept...

Why did they lose their game tonight?

But anyway People shouldn't be calling for Moyes to be sacked after just 6 games this season because he is still just finding his feet and the fruits will come because we Liverpool fans want to beat United fair and square

[Nessafox]

I mentioned a few times about Emile Mpenza's great comeback. He finally found a club willing to give him a try, he signed a 3 month contract with Eendracht Aalst, who are midfield in second division. Kind of reality check, that is. And even the Aalst fans doubt he will be good enough for their level. When your ambition is 'trying to get this team promoted' you know your career is dead. Especially considering this team is very unlikely to even get close to promotion.

[roblo97]

The current highest trending topic on Twitter at the moment is #MoyesOut.

Don't football fans have any semblance of patience anymore? Jesus wept...

Why did they lose their game tonight?

But anyway People shouldn't be calling for Moyes to be sacked after just 6 games this season because he is still just finding his feet and the fruits will come because we Liverpool fans want to beat United fair and square

Don't worry mate because your team have the SAS up front (Suarez and Sturridge)

[FullMetalJack]

The current highest trending topic on Twitter at the moment is #MoyesOut.

Don't football fans have any semblance of patience anymore? Jesus wept...

Why did they lose their game tonight?

But anyway People shouldn't be calling for Moyes to be sacked after just 6 games this season because he is still just finding his feet and the fruits will come because we Liverpool fans want to beat United fair and square

They drew.

And it's far too early, you have to be patient. I wasn't really a fan of Lee Clark when he became our manager, especially after the early results (losing 5-0 to Barnsley for example), but i've come to accept him, even if we're not as high in the table as we'd hope for.

Things take time, although that won't do in football nowadays, especially with these big money takeovers at clubs, these owners think they can throw money at the club and expect instant success, it failed miserably for QPR, and it didn't bring instant success to Manchester City. Even Sir Alex Ferguson took a while to turn Manchester United into the club they are, it didn't happen overnight. It's a problem with a club of their size nowadays, thanks to their history and success that they've had in recent years, the fans will feel a sense of entitlement, and they will get extremely impatient if a new manager fails to deliver the expected results immediately.

Clubs like Wolves and Blackburn have changed managers frequently over the last 2-3 years, and how did that work out for them?

[watka]

I would say that Wolves and Blackburn did completely opposite things. Wolves sacked McCarthy without actually having anyone to replace him. Terry Connor (MUST be said in an Arnold Schwarzenegger accent) had zero experience and won them 4 points from 39. Blackburn on the other hand should have got rid of Steve Kean. I don't think he was a bad manager, more that he carried such negativity around him that it must have rubbed off on the players and a new manager would have been a very welcome fillip.

[AndreaModa]

The funny thing is with Gary Bowyer in charge now we've had a pretty decent start to the season, just outside the playoffs and on a good run of form. Rhodes is doing the business up front, Leon Best is back in the squad and I think things are starting to look up. If we can sneak into the playoffs by the end of the year I'll be happy with that.

[Alextrax52]

The funny thing is with Gary Bowyer in charge now we've had a pretty decent start to the season, just outside the playoffs and on a good run of form. Rhodes is doing the business up front, Leon Best is back in the squad and I think things are starting to look up. If we can sneak into the playoffs by the end of the year I'll be happy with that.

Wolves look like being on the road to recovery as well as they have been going well recently. I have no doubts about either Wolves or Blackburn coming back to where the once were

[watka]

The funny thing is with Gary Bowyer in charge now we've had a pretty decent start to the season, just outside the playoffs and on a good run of form. Rhodes is doing the business up front, Leon Best is back in the squad and I think things are starting to look up. If we can sneak into the playoffs by the end of the year I'll be happy with that.

Wolves look like being on the road to recovery as well as they have been going well recently. I have no doubts about either Wolves or Blackburn coming back to where the once were

I can't see Blackburn winning the Premiership again in the next 20 years

[FullMetalJack]

The funny thing is with Gary Bowyer in charge now we've had a pretty decent start to the season, just outside the playoffs and on a good run of form. Rhodes is doing the business up front, Leon Best is back in the squad and I think things are starting to look up. If we can sneak into the playoffs by the end of the year I'll be happy with that.

Gary Bowyer looks to be exactly who you need right now, a medium to long term manager, some stability will do your club a world of good.

Do I think you can make the playoffs though? It's possible, if Jordan Rhodes keeps banging the goals in.

[Nessafox]

belgiumwinslol

But it must be said, i've never seen a team being less motivated than Croatia. This also shows that being a great team is not only about talent but also a state of mind.
Secretly, i hope that against Wales, Wilmots will put both Lukaku and Benteke on the field together. They tried it once shortly against the US, and it seemed to work. So if they'd do it again, the welshmen will not know what happens to them! The Belgians have got nothing to lose anymore, so there's room for some experiments i say! And plenty of talent coming, i already rate Thorgan Hazard as a bigger talent than his brother. (take note Chelsea, you're wasting all your young talent!)

[roblo97]

belgiumwinslol

But it must be said, i've never seen a team being less motivated than Croatia. This also shows that being a great team is not only about talent but also a state of mind.
Secretly, i hope that against Wales, Wilmots will put both Lukaku and Benteke on the field together. They tried it once shortly against the US, and it seemed to work. So if they'd do it again, the welshmen will not know what happens to them! The Belgians have got nothing to lose anymore, so there's room for some experiments i say! And plenty of talent coming, i already rate Thorgan Hazard as a bigger talent than his brother. (take note Chelsea, you're wasting all your young talent!)

I reckon Belgium will reach the semi finals at Rio.

[Nessafox]

belgiumwinslol

But it must be said, i've never seen a team being less motivated than Croatia. This also shows that being a great team is not only about talent but also a state of mind.
Secretly, i hope that against Wales, Wilmots will put both Lukaku and Benteke on the field together. They tried it once shortly against the US, and it seemed to work. So if they'd do it again, the welshmen will not know what happens to them! The Belgians have got nothing to lose anymore, so there's room for some experiments i say! And plenty of talent coming, i already rate Thorgan Hazard as a bigger talent than his brother. (take note Chelsea, you're wasting all your young talent!)

I reckon Belgium will reach the semi finals at Rio.

Depends on which teams we'll have to face. I still think the players will have trouble against teams like Germany, Spain, Argentina and Brazil. But all other teams look beatable. Personally i'm hoping to meet Holland, it's always big fun when the low lands play against each other. Now interesting will be the planned friendly game against Colombia, who are by many considered as the other team likely to surprise the most. And also i hope we are going to be Gibraltar's first official qualifying opponent next year
When it comes to underdog teams surprisingly qualifying, it looks like all our hopes rest on Iceland, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso! But i wouldn't rule out Montenegro, Panama and Jordan yet. And oh, Mexico is defenitely Reject of the qualifying campaign...

[roblo97]

belgiumwinslol

But it must be said, i've never seen a team being less motivated than Croatia. This also shows that being a great team is not only about talent but also a state of mind.
Secretly, i hope that against Wales, Wilmots will put both Lukaku and Benteke on the field together. They tried it once shortly against the US, and it seemed to work. So if they'd do it again, the welshmen will not know what happens to them! The Belgians have got nothing to lose anymore, so there's room for some experiments i say! And plenty of talent coming, i already rate Thorgan Hazard as a bigger talent than his brother. (take note Chelsea, you're wasting all your young talent!)

I reckon Belgium will reach the semi finals at Rio.

Depends on which teams we'll have to face. I still think the players will have trouble against teams like Germany, Spain, Argentina and Brazil. But all other teams look beatable. Personally i'm hoping to meet Holland, it's always big fun when the low lands play against each other. Now interesting will be the planned friendly game against Colombia, who are by many considered as the other team likely to surprise the most. And also i hope we are going to be Gibraltar's first official qualifying opponent next year
When it comes to underdog teams surprisingly qualifying, it looks like all our hopes rest on Iceland, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso! But i wouldn't rule out Montenegro, Panama and Jordan yet. And oh, Mexico is defenitely Reject of the qualifying campaign...

I think Montenegro is a bit unlikely now after what we did to them

[Ataxia]

I reckon Belgium will reach the semi finals at Rio.

Depends on which teams we'll have to face. I still think the players will have trouble against teams like Germany, Spain, Argentina and Brazil. But all other teams look beatable. Personally i'm hoping to meet Holland, it's always big fun when the low lands play against each other. Now interesting will be the planned friendly game against Colombia, who are by many considered as the other team likely to surprise the most. And also i hope we are going to be Gibraltar's first official qualifying opponent next year
When it comes to underdog teams surprisingly qualifying, it looks like all our hopes rest on Iceland, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso! But i wouldn't rule out Montenegro, Panama and Jordan yet. And oh, Mexico is defenitely Reject of the qualifying campaign...

I think Montenegro is a bit unlikely now after what we did to them

What YOU did to me?

[Aerospeed]

And now I know why Belgium is 6th (!!!!!) in the rankings!! Not making the quarterfinals would be a disappointment now

[Alextrax52]

I think Montenegro is a bit unlikely now after what we did to them

England are assured of a play off place whatever happens as Montenegro are 4 pts behind with only 1 game to go. Ukraine have San Marino and should win comfortably while England have Poland and must play well to automatically qualify.

[pasta_maldonado]

The thing you have to remember about England is, our squad may look decent on paper, but when it comes to the field things never turn out how they should. We have hardly any world-class players; yes Sturridge is in the form of his life at the moment, but one bout of form does not a top player make. James Milner making the team is a disgrace, I have never see him do anything useful, all he does is run the ball out of play or concede possesion. Wayne Rooney is something different - he IS a world-class player when he tries and is in the right frame of mind; but he seldom is these days. Did nothing at the 2010 World Cup, and wasnt too great at the Euro's either. He had a great game the other night which was pleasing to see, but how long will it be before he reverts back to the tired, cant be bothered Rooney that we saw at the last two major tournaments?

[Bleu]

I think 1st pot is done with October world rankings.
Presumably Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italia, Colombia and Belgium are in pot 1 for the group stage. Uruguay probably 8th if they make it. The rest of the pots are usually done geographically. Can't say really how they are split yet.

[Ferrarist]

Too bad to see Poland lose 0-1 against Ukraine. Now Group H is pretty much set in stone, with England 1st and Ukraine 2nd. Poland and Montenegro qualifying for the World Cup would have been nice. As well as Austria, but David Alaba has to sit out a big tournament once again. Sure, he's won his titles with Bayern, but leading Austria to their first world cup since 1998, would have made him a bigger football icon than Toni Polster or Andi Herzog. Instead, we get Sweden.

[watka]

Was at the England game on Friday night, I think 4-1 flattered us. There were definitely nervy points in the match and England were vulnerable to the counter attack. On the other hand, it was nice to see England kill a game off and I think it's likely that we'll win against Poland, who have nothing to play for.

[TheBigJ]

belgiumwinslol

But it must be said, i've never seen a team being less motivated than Croatia. This also shows that being a great team is not only about talent but also a state of mind.
Secretly, i hope that against Wales, Wilmots will put both Lukaku and Benteke on the field together. They tried it once shortly against the US, and it seemed to work. So if they'd do it again, the welshmen will not know what happens to them! The Belgians have got nothing to lose anymore, so there's room for some experiments i say! And plenty of talent coming, i already rate Thorgan Hazard as a bigger talent than his brother. (take note Chelsea, you're wasting all your young talent!)

Thorgan rips apart teams in the Jupiler league but was substandard in Ligue 2 and is nowhere near the level his bro is at for the moment. He's a much more versatile player though.

If it weren't for Lestienne being a bollock hair short of being a retard, he would be selected ahead of Thorgan and Zakaria Bakkali. Dennis Praet and Batsuhayi have a similar story. 3 incredible young talents who do stupid stuff.

[Nessafox]

But still, with all those epic players, Belgium has one incredibly weak spot, an that's the right back position. Currently Alderweireld is playing that position, but he's actually a center and he doesn't play at Atlético, but what are the alternatives? Ciman, who is good enough for Standard, but just not for international level, Gillet, who is extremely inconsistent, and at the moment not even good enough for Anderlecht and Van Den Borre, the less said about him, the better.... The left wing alternatives for Vertonghen (who is also actually a center) aren't impressive either (Pocognoli and Van Damme), but at least they are acceptable. Sharp contrast to all other positions, where usually 2 or 3 quality alternatives are present, and lot of 'okay' players and young players.
If any injuries were to happen, this could become rather problematic.
And TheBigJ, i meant that Thorgan has a bigger potential than Eden, of course he's not better at the moment, but relative to their age, i think he's better.
Well those young talents who do stupid stuff... remember years ago when the press kept telling that Kompany will never become a good player because of his mentality? Some players got better with age, some don't. (with Van Den Borre being the obvious example of the opposite)

[Alextrax52]

What is it about Germany vs Sweden matches. Sweden coming from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 and last night Sweden had a 2-0 lead before Germany came back to win 5-3. Must be a fixture worth going to in the future

[FullMetalJack]

What is it about Germany vs Sweden matches. Sweden coming from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 and last night Sweden had a 2-0 lead before Germany came back to win 5-3. Must be a fixture worth going to in the future

It's like a typical game on Fifa to be honest.

More importantly, we're in the World Cup. Hopefully the British media and public don't blow this too far out of proportion and act as if we can win the whole tournament, I know we won't, although a decent run would be nice.

[Alextrax52]

What is it about Germany vs Sweden matches. Sweden coming from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 and last night Sweden had a 2-0 lead before Germany came back to win 5-3. Must be a fixture worth going to in the future

It's like a typical game on Fifa to be honest.

More importantly, we're in the World Cup. Hopefully the British media and public don't blow this too far out of proportion and act as if we can win the whole tournament, I know we won't, although a decent run would be nice.

Took the words right out of my mouth mate.

[Barbazza]

More importantly, we're in the World Cup. Hopefully the British media and public don't blow this too far out of proportion and act as if we can win the whole tournament, I know we won't, although a decent run would be nice.

Well, given that ridiculous hype is the reason I gave up completely on getting excited about International football, it would be nice. But equally, I wouldn't hold your breath!

Everything was fine and mostly in proportion until Euro 96, which was a double edged sword because it was a great tournament, but then the nonsense began.

[Alextrax52]

More importantly, we're in the World Cup. Hopefully the British media and public don't blow this too far out of proportion and act as if we can win the whole tournament, I know we won't, although a decent run would be nice.

Well, given that ridiculous hype is the reason I gave up completely on getting excited about International football, it would be nice. But equally, I wouldn't hold your breath!

Everything was fine and mostly in proportion until Euro 96, which was a double edged sword because it was a great tournament, but then the nonsense began.

I can't stand ridiculous hype about our athletes anywhere. The press getting all excited after Lewis won in Hungary is a good example of this as is basically the entire 2007-2008 seasons. I know there's nothing wrong with a little patriotism especially if you are a huge LFC fan like myself but if it starts getting into the lines of booing the other contestants and all then I just can't accept it.