#i thought the equalisation was just an effect that gets put on them in-game but no they're separate

[steakout-05]

i was having a peek at the JJ discord's messages, and one of the users posted about this website that has music from the PSP version of Jetpack Joyride that includes this seemingly unused track, simply titled 'Music_Casino'. it's apparently meant for the slot machine, and it sounds a lot like one of the many early drafts for the JJ main theme. it's a really cool find that i want to share here!

[bongaboi]

West Ham United: 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League Winners

Pietro Terracciano saved from Michail Antonio in the opening minute, and West Ham took courage for a while, hurrying Fiorentina and preventing them from building from the back. Declan Rice fired just wide from the edge of the box, but the Viola pressed and passed more effectively as a stop-start first half went on.

Luka Jović had a shot blocked at source in the box, and got behind the Hammers' defence in the final seconds before the break. The No7 reacted sharply after Christian Kouamé's header looped back to him off the post, but the effort was ruled offside.

The second half sparked into life after West Ham were awarded a penalty, Cristiano Biraghi handling a long throw into the Fiorentina box. Said Benrahma struck it sweetly into the top corner, sending Terracciano the wrong way.

Their lead lasted just five minutes, though, Giacomo Bonaventura controlling Nicolás González's knock-down and then beating Areola with a low angled shot. It might have got even better for Fiorentina three minutes later, Rolando Mandragora flashing a powerful shot just wide from the edge of the box.

However, the momentum drained away, and extra time looked to be looming when Areola saved Sofyan Amrabat's hopeful effort from distance. There was a final cruel twist for the Viola, though, Jarrod Bowen chasing Lucas Paquetá's smart ball through the Fiorentina defence before angling the ball past Terracciano.

Laufenn Player of the Match: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) "Even when they were not on top, he was the outlet for West Ham's counterattacks and then scored the goal to win the match." UEFA Technical Observer Panel

Paolo Menicucci, Fiorentina reporter Football can be cruel. Fiorentina dominated possession for the whole game and were the more dangerous side with the ball and created more chances to score but a sudden counterattack is all it takes to destroy a dream. Fiorentina have reached two finals this season and lost both of them, but Vincenzo Italiano and his players should be proud of the way they have played, even though they failed to win any trophies.

Lynsey Hooper, West Ham reporter The Hammers only held on to their initial lead for a matter of minutes. Despite a rocket of a penalty from Benrahma, the momentum shifted when Fiorentina equalised. The match was anyone's at 1-1, but Bowen was quickest to a through-ball and kept his composure to beat the goalkeeper in the final minute of normal time. The image of David Moyes running down the touchline will live long in the memory, as will this European title victory.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham forward, speaking to BT Sport: "I dreamed of scoring but to score the winner in the last minute, I thought I was going to cry. I'm just happy, I can't put it into words. We haven't had the best season, myself included. I'm over the moon. You make that run ten times and you might get it once. I had a lot of time but I was confident and when I saw it going in, I didn't know what to do. This was the biggest game of my career."

Declan Rice, West Ham captain: "When Jarrod ran through on goal I said to myself: 'This is your time'. And then you see the ball hit the back of the net. I'm still in shock now. Honestly, it's incredible."

David Moyes, West Ham manager, speaking to BT Sport: "This year we've gone unbeaten in Europe, which is incredible. Being in the Europa League next season will be a thrill again. The moments when you win in the last minute of the game and get to celebrate with your family don't happen often. It can go against you but tonight is a brilliant feeling. This competition has been great for us; the players have been remarkable."

Vincenzo Italiano, Fiorentina coach: "We lost two finals when we played really well and it's a shame. Tonight, I honestly didn't imagine it could finish like this. We played well, had chances, equalised straight away after a penalty that could have killed us. We responded, we had a great chance through Mandragora. Then a ball came down the middle, we did not make the right movement in defence and it was all over. The lads were destroyed."

Cristiano Biraghi, Fiorentina captain: "It's so awful to lose like this. We are dead inside, above all because we are the players on the pitch but we were playing for a city, for the fans, the people who came to us after the Coppa Italia final [a 2-1 defeat against Inter] to tell us how much Fiorentina mean to them. The biggest regret is not taking anything home for them."

Joe Cole, BT Sport

"We've seen all the outpouring of emotion: I've never seen so many grown men cry. It's incredible. It's one of the most iconic scenes in this club's history."

Key stats West Ham have won their first major continental trophy since the 1964/65 European Cup Winners’ Cup. The Hammers made it through the whole campaign unbeaten; their final record W14 D1. David Moyes is the first Scottish coach to win a UEFA competition since Sir Alex Ferguson claimed his second Champions League title with Man United in 2008. Fiorentina finished as the top scorers in this season's Europa Conference League with 37 goals; West Ham were second on that list with 29. Fiorentina's Arthur Cabral was the joint-top scorer in the Europa Conference League this season on seven goals; Kouamé and Biraghi provided the most assists with five each.

Line-ups Fiorentina: Terracciano; Dodô, Milenković, Ranieri (Igor 84), Biraghi; Amrabat, Mandragora (Barák 90+3); González, Bonaventura, Kouamé (Saponara 61); Jović (Cabral 46)

West Ham: Areola; Coufal, Zouma (Kehrer 61), Aguerd, Emerson; Souček, Rice, Paquetá; Bowen, Antonio (Ogbonna 90+4), Benrahma (Fornals 76)

© 1998-2023 UEFA. All rights reserved. Last updated: Wednesday, June 7, 2023

[gs-travelsdeluxe]

To walk through the doors of an institution that fills the fantasies of thousands of kids from every corner of the globe.

The idea of Calarts, the ridiculous reverence paid to it, was so old and overblown to me now I thought it would have no weight. but it still felt surreal wandering around. Walking through the doors a flutter did light up my stomach.

I knew time would deliver me here eventually. But too late to have any effect on me, my path. What could’ve been if I was in the ‘right place’. So all I get is a sincere smidge of meloncholy instead.

And of course the kids going there have no idea, we all knew that already. The amplification of their influence is made even more astounding by how banal it all seems up close.

Famous art folk online are rendered human on contact, most lose their sheen immediately. Soft skills play a part in someone’s talent and someone’s online content blows out the exposure on that so hard most people don’t realise it.

It doesn’t make it any less weird every time it happens though. This trip has been peppered with interactions with someone with a follower count, who you perceive don’t follow you back because they’ve seen you, and they don’t find you worthy of their time. That that’s how the hierarchy works right? But really it’s because they just don’t notice. There’s no heirachy. They don’t have to be as on the ball and neurotic as I’ve been with knowing every artist and connection my entire life because everything I searched hard and endlessly for is simply what’s presented on a platter in front of them upon entry.

I was so far seperated from that world, you need to connect the dots online just to even have some skin in the game. So you make it your business to know everyone all over the world.

And it’s frustrating almost every American I meet in the industry simply doesn’t possess this ideal. Over time it grows insulting on a personal level. Because by whatever intention or accident they’ve put themselves on a pedastal as the global animation representative. Then to see them pay no attention to anyone or anything that isn’t two feet infront of them is insane to me.

We’re made to think the internet is the great equaliser, or that the animation industry is global and selects the best talent regardless of location. But they don’t. It’s an American industry that barely looks after its starry eyed kids in the midwest, let alone someone an ocean away.

It feels cruel that people like Bobby Chiu make their living off selling that dream to a global audience that is really only an American fantasy.

Time and time again I keep realising that most of the time they’re not better, there is just more of them and they’re louder.

There’s so much Australian animation and culture that blows the fucking tits off anything they can do but it doesn’t matter to them, so we all perceive it doesn’t matter to anyone. Tall Poppy Syndrome and cultural imperialism take likes ducks to water in the digital age.

I’m started to diverge into another rant entirely so I’ll stop there.

The only other thing I’ll say is, I have this funny trend in my life where the exact moment I give up longing for a thing I’ve dreamed of for years, it usually presents itself shortly after. This was one of those times.

[gadgetsrevv]

Man City 2-2 Tottenham AS IT HAPPENED: Gabriel Jesus goal ruled out as Spurs nick point | Football | Sport

MANCHESTER CITY 2-2 TOTTENHAM | STERLING (20), LAMELA (23), AGUERO (35), MOURA (56)

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Zinchenko; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Aguero.

Tottenham: Lloris; Walker-Peters, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Rose; Ndombele, Winks, Sissoko; Eriksen, Lamela, Kane. 

Raheem Sterling header put hosts in front

Erik Lamela equalises for visitors

Sergio Aguero regained the lead for the dominant hosts

Lucas Moura made an immediate impact with a goal from the bench

Gabriel Jesus has winner ruled out by VAR

The hosts dominated proceedings at the Etihad and deservedly went in front win the 20th minute when Raheem Sterling nodded in at the far post.

Erik Lamela stunned City with a long-range equaliser just three minutes later that goalkeeper Ederson will not want to see again as he was badly out of position.

Sergio Aguero swept them back in front in the 35th minute but City’s failure to capitalise on their dominance was punished when Lucas Moura headed home a corner 19 seconds after coming off the bench.

Pep Guardiola’s side pushed for a winner and Jesus thought he had it when he finished expertly after a corner fell at his feet.However, America Laporte was judged to have handled in the build-up and the effort was ruled out as the points were shared.

Here’s how the action unfolded.

7.45pm To clarify the reason for the ruled-out goal, look below.

Tweet from the Premier League (Image: TWITTER)

7.22pm GOAL Gabriel Jesus – Man City 3 Tottenham 2

Frankly, they deserve this and what an emphatic finish from the Brazilian.

A corner is hit deep and it drops to Jesus who still has lots of work to do.

He skips inside and curls into the far post.

Hang on a minute……VAR review coming up!

7.19pm Looks like Spurs are going to nick a point from this – but I don’t know how.

Christian Eriksen has been replaced by Oliver Skipp after a really poor game.

7.14pm Giovani Lo Celso comes on for his Tottenham debut. Erik Lamela is off.

7.08pm Brilliant cross from Walker but it’s a little too high for Jesus and grazes off his head.

Bernardo Silva has come off to be replaced by Riyad Mahrez.

7.06pm Rodri makes way for David Silva.

7.05pm Lucas has made a difference and gets the better of Zinchenko.

He races towards the byline and tries to cut back for Harry Kane – yes, he is playing – in the middle but it is put behind for a corner.

It comes to nothing and City try to break but it fizzles out.

Gabriel Jesus had a late goal ruled out by VAR (Image: GETTY)

7.39pm I don’t want to keep going on about it but City have every right to feel a bit aggrieved by that result.

But while Guardiola might point the finger at decisions that haven’t gone their way, he should probably take a look at Ederson who was badly at fault for Lamela’s goal.

Spurs were not in the game at all at that point and it needlessly gave them some encouragement.

7.25pm Full-time and the points are shared following a dramatic finish.

Tottenham were poor in truth and can count themselves extremely lucky to have got anything here.

Pep Guardiola’s post-match interview is going to make for interesting viewing after that disallowed goal.

7.23pm NO GOAL. It’s been disallowed as America Laporte is judged to have handled it in the build-up.

Definitely not on purpose but he has changed the trajectory of the ball slightly.

Spurs have really got away with one here.

Harry Kane has been incredibly quiet (Image: GETTY)

6.58pm Gabriel Jesus finds a bit of space in the box but is surrounded by Tottenham shirts.

Bernardo Silva was well placed to his right but he goes for goal and blazes over.

6.55pm Sergio Aguero comes off and is replaced by Gabriel Jesus.

6.51pm Rodri strikes from distance, Lloris is equal to it as he tips it over the bar but his pals are probably still stinging.

Lloris tries to punch the corner away but it drops to Bernardo Silva who hooks it back towards goal.

Off the crossbar and collected by a grateful goalkeeper.

De Bruyne then crosses to the far post and Silva’s header is off Rose and out for a corner.

In from De Bruyne and met by Otamendi but his effort is volleyed away. City the appeal for a penalty. Not a chance.

Lucas Moura equalises for Tottenham (Image: GETTY)

6.45pm GOAL Lucas Moura – Man City 2 Tottenham 2

He’s only just come on for Harry Winks but Lucas has made an instant impact.

Totally against the run of play, he out leaps Kyle Walker from a corner and guides his header past the diving Ederson.

I didn’t see this coming at all.

6.43pm CLOSE! Bernardo Silva gets a clear sight of goal from close range but scuffs his shot at Loris.

He should score but a third goal does not appear to be too far away for Pep Guardiola’s side.

6.40pm City are looking imperious here.

De Bruyne is dictating the game from midfield and gets another shot away that flashes wide.

6.38pm Walker involved once more as he relies De Bruyne who bears down on goal.

He opts not to slide it to Aguero to his right and shoots instead but it is effected for a corner.

Aleksandr Zinchenko gets a shot away from the corner and Loris parries way. Decent chance.

6.35pm Back underway and Walker is straight into the action again.

He really has been good today and whips in a cross that Loris gathers.

Pep Guardiola’s side are in complete control at the Etihad (Image: GETTY)

6.17pm Lovely skill from Bernardo Silva on the right and Danny Rose cleans him out as the ball bounces up.

You can sense Spurs’ frustration out there and it’s easy to see why. They have been second best all game.

The referee brings the first half to a close and City are deservedly in front.

6.12pm CLOSE! Yet another pinpoint De Bruyne cross finds Ilkay Gundogan in the Spurs box.

He shoots first time but flashes just wide.

Very nearly 3-1.

6.04pm GOAL Sergio Aguero – Man City 2 Tottenham 1

Typical City goal and another sublime assist from De Bruyne. The Belgian gets to the byline and pulls it back for Aguero to calmly slot home.

De Bruyne then tries to get in on the act himself. He twists and turns in the box but slices his shot horribly wide.

Kevin De Bruyne was superb in the first half and laid on two goals (Image: GETTY)

Sergio Aguero celebrates after restoring City’s lead (Image: GETTY)

6.00pm The equalising goal has sparked this into life and the tackles are flying on all over the place now.

Tanguy Ndombele and Davinson Sanchez go in strongly on Kevin De Bruyne and the City players are furious.

Michael Oliver is having none of it, though.

Raheem Sterling was also booked earlier for a trademark cynical foul as Spurs tried to break.

Erik Lamela equalises for Tottenham (Image: GETTY)

5.52pm GOAL Erik Lamela – man City 1 Tottenham 1

Lamela stuns the home crowd as he practically passes the ball into the net from 20 yards.

Ederson is well out of position and will have to take the blame.

Game on.

5.50pm GOAL Raheem Sterling – Man City 1 Tottenham 0

De Bruyne whips in a beautiful ball to the back post and Sterling heads back across the goal into the far corner.

He moves on to four Premier League goals for the season already. A proper striker’s finish from Sterling.

Raheem Sterling opens the scoring for Manchester City (Image: GETTY)

5.49pm The home crowd are getting a bit jittery and they are jeering while Danny Rose dithers over a throw-in.

They have not got into this game at all really, although Sissoko breaks and tries to pick out Lamela any the back post but the danger is quickly snuffed out.

5.42pm Rodri is budded over in the box by Erik Lamela as the hosts take a corner.

Michael Oliver has a good view of it and waves away the appeals for a penalty.

5.37pm CHANCE Kyle Walker surges froward from right-back and drives into the box.

He checks back and picks out Raheem Sterling at the back post.

Sterling shoots but his effort is blocked and goes over the bar for a corner that comes to nothing.

De Bruyne is next to have a go but shoots straight at Hugo Lloris.

Man City vs Tottenham live updates (Image: GETTY)

5.32pm Bright start from City as Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva link up nicely down the right.

Kyle Walker then attempts a raking ball out to Raheem Sterling but it doesn’t quite reach him. A tiny bit more power on that and Sterling would have been in on goal.

5.30pm Manchester City get us underway at the Etihad.

5.25pm Just five minutes until kick-off so stay with us for all the goals as they go in.

The City players are already in the tunnel and raring to go as they wait for their Tottenham rivals.

They will be desperate to respond to Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Liverpool and we could be in fora cracker here.

Don’t go anywhere.

5.10pm It is perhaps surprising Pep Guardiola has opted for Sergio Aguero over Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian can count himself a little unlucky after an excellent showing against West Ham last time out.

Augero, in fact, has not scored against Sours in his last seven Premier League appearances against them.

Man City vs Tottenham LIVE: Updates from the Etihad (Image: GETTY)

Sergio Aguero starts for Manchester City (Image: GETTY)

4.40pm Jan Vertonghen returns to the Tottenham bench after being bizarrely snubbed for the win over Aston Villa last weekend, while Giovani Lo Celso joins him.

The big story, though, is that Christian Eriksen is back into Spurs’ starting line-up after his impact coming on against Villa, replacing Lucas Moura in Mauricio Pochettino’s only change.

For City, Sergio Aguero comes into the starting line-up with Bernardo Silva also coming back into the XI. 

Nicolas Otamendi replaces John Stones – who is not in the squad whatsoever – at centre-back and the fourth change sees Ilkay Gundogan replace David Silva.

4.30pm CONFIRMED LINE UPS

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Zinchenko; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Aguero.

Tottenham: Lloris; Walker-Peters, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Rose; Ndombele, Winks, Sissoko; Eriksen, Lamela, Kane. 

4.20pm Thanks for joining Express Sport’s live coverage from the Etihad. We’ll have the confirmed team news in around 10 minutes so stay tuned as we’ll be building up to action before kick-off at 5.30pm.

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[word-katamari]

matpat pls

I know, I know -- we’re all, to some extent, excited about For Honor, and with its release date so close, we’re all lapping up as many videos as we can and buying tickets aboard the hype train.

During my hype-routine, I stumbled across this video. As entertaining as it is, I can’t help but feel that it’s a treasure trove of misinformation, and that its central argument is inherently flawed.

Ordinarily, I’d let this go -- because, after all, it’s a video about Vikings vs Knights vs Samurai -- the premise is fucking batshit, and supposed to be merely a fun thought exercise, and hopefully, hilarious.

However, with the Game Theorist’s claim that they ‘treat old school yard debates with the seriousness of post-graduate dissertations’, one can’t help but feel that they intended to take the topic seriously, and present an informative and intellectual view to their general audience.

This does not seem to be the case.

While I’m sure Matpat and the Theorists had no ill-intentions with their poorly researched video, their points were presented confidently under scholarly pretenses; which, to me, is at best careless, and at worst, disingenuous.

Obviously, it wouldn’t be fair, nor constructive for me to simply leave it at that, so I will now correct and debunk this video.

Let it be known that while I do know a thing or two RE: this subject matter, I do not know everything, and (especially when you consider the sources available) cannot possibly know everything regarding Vikings/Knights/Samurai. Some things have been lost to history.

So, let’s get this started.

1. A FUCKIN’ SUMMARY: your argument is invalid

The Game Theorists, in an effort to come to a conclusion on the question of ‘who would win -- Vikings/Knights/Samurai?’ decided to ‘make the fight fair’ by ruling out any anachronistic armament/technology, and limiting the three factions to equipment/tactics/training that they’d have access to in the 11th century (1000-1100CE).

From this, they concluded that:

The Vikings would be eliminated immediately, due to their ‘poor equipment’

Samurai would defeat Knights due to their focus on the bow, and their ridiculous wealth (allowing them to purchase the best armaments and retainers)

I believe this conclusion to be incorrect because:

The Vikings did not have ‘poor equipment’

Wealth should be equalised in this scenario, much like armament/technology, due to the varied nature of individuals within the three competing groups

Kyuudou (mounted archery) does not confer as much an advantage as implied

Furthermore, as Matpat was unable to state the context of the battle (ie. whether we are talking about 100v100v100, or 1v1v1), it is unclear who the actual combatants are; as 100 fighters are fundamentally a different beast compared to 1.

While I understand that Matpat did explicitly use a 1v1v1 scenario to ‘play the fight out’, he also cited the Samurai’s ability to hire retainers/soldiers/bodyguards to cover his weaknesses as an advantage -- which would be irrelevant in a 1v1v1 scenario.

As such, I will be counter-arguing with a focus on 1v1v1, and only address team combat when appropriate (ie. when debunking Matpat’s claims).

Without further ado, here is why the Vikings would put up a better fight than claimed:

2. VIKINGS: badass for a damn good reason

Right off the bat, the video loses all credibility by positing that ‘vikings’ were ill-equipped, ‘defensive nudists’ with ‘garbage weapons’ and the ‘medieval equivalent of tissue paper’ for armour. They also make the meaningless claim that they would ‘easily crumble against someone who knew what they were doing’.

First, let me remind everyone that the Vikings were raiders, yes -- but they were also settlers, traders, mercenaries, and conquerors. They were an entire culture of people who had, by the 11th century, been from Thracia to the Americas; and not only that -- returned to Scandinavia with both goods and knowledge.

As such, it would be an insult to the Viking legacy to insinuate that they were nothing but nude barbarians.

Contrary to what the video states, the Vikings did have access to quality arms and armor.

For one, Viking armament was generally equivalent to that of their Western European counterparts, considering much of their armament was acquired from other European Kingdoms to begin with. It’s noteworthy that an entire classification of swords are named after the Vikings because a large portion of them were found in Viking graves!

Furthermore, there is a direct mention of armored Vikings in the Saga of Olav Haraldsson (47. OF THE BATTLE AT NESJAR). To quote it directly, it is stated that: “King Olaf had in his ship 100 men armed in coats of ring-mail, and in foreign helmets.” As the Battle of Nesjar happened in 1016CE, it’s quite clear that any determined/wealthy enough Viking would have access to a mail hauberk.

Not only that, but in the Saga of Harald Hadrade (97. SKIRMISH OF ORRE), it is stated that in the Battle of Stamford Bridge (1066 CE), Hadrade’s forces ‘threw off their coats of ringmail’, which resulted in heavy casualties. This is further evidence to 11th century Viking access to mail armour.

Additionally, ever since the 10th century, the Vikings consistently flocked to ‘Miklagard’ (aka. Constantinople, aka. the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire) to join the Varangian Guard (appropriate music); many of which returned home. Do you really think these crack shock troops of the Basileus himself would not return to Scandinavia with a few pieces of Roman gear with them; let alone their training and experience?

Matpat also seems to discount or not acknowledge the effectiveness of the shields employed in that era. Yes. Viking shields were made primarily of wood -- but that didn’t make them ‘shoddy’ or ‘poor quality’. In fact, wooden shields have been the norm across centuries -- and work just fine against most conventional medieval weaponry (like arrows).

All of this completely contradicts the basis of Matpat’s argument -- that the Vikings would be out of the running due to inferior equipment. That claim is blatantly untrue, and it’s clear that the Vikings would be on par with the Knights in terms of equipment -- if not identical.

I would also like to dismiss the claim that the Vikings ‘would easily crumble against someone who knew what they were doing’. This is a nonsensical claim that can be applied to any fighter. A Navy SEAL would easily crumble against someone who knew what they were doing. A child would easily crumble against someone who knew that they were doing. In martial arts and combat, there is always someone better.

To conclude this segment, I will now summarise and counter the duel which Matpat narrates:

The Viking charges in a display of bravery.

Why? What’s the purpose of charging into a fight without properly assessing the situation? They’re Vikings, not idiots.

And then he takes an arrow to the back.

If he were fighting smartly, he wouldn’t. He’d be behind his shield. Or loosing arrows back.

Blade to the side.

This implies that the Viking doesn’t know how to use their shield, or how to fight. Considering Matpat has the Knights use longswords (???), this seems unlikely. I’m a longsword fencer. I have difficulty fencing i.33 guys and gals with their teensy bucklers. A big, Viking round shield would provide an edge over a two-handed weapon, due to the fact that you can effectively close off entire lines of attack, while simultaneously striking.

The Viking’s desperate axe swing ‘rejected’... His rudimentary armaments no match...

A sturdy, wooden shield and a damn dinner knife can serve perfectly fine in a fight, as long as the fighter knows how to use them. I don’t thin, it’d be unreasonable to assume that the Viking in this scenario would know how to use his weapons.

3. WEALTH IS IRRELEVANT: seize the means of consumption!

Wealth is definitely important, when considering conflict -- but that’s like saying breathing is important when considering living.

Money means better equipment and training; but it’s also finite, and dependent on an individual’s factors.

Most Samurai would be able to afford expensive equipment, due to the fact that the Samurai class is a much smaller and more specific class than ‘Knights’ or ‘Viking’.

However, there were likely incredibly rich Vikings and Knights as well; just as how there were less-wealthy Samurai.

As such, I feel it would be more in the spirit of the scenario to consider that all three combatants were equipped with the best armaments they’d have access to in the 11th century.

4. WHY KYUUDOU ISN’T THAT EFFECTIVE: and why ringmail is so damn popular (even in Japan)

Let me start by saying that horse archery is effective -- against unarmored targets.

The moment you throw mail and shields into the mix (of which the Vikings and Knights had aplenty), those arrows suddenly fall off a cliff in regards to effectiveness.

Yes. Mail. Ringmail. Chainmail.

Contrary to popular belief, mail (riveted, not butted) was highly effective at preventing piercing damage. Don’t believe me? Here’s a video of a pilum being thrown full force at a properly made set of mail. Of course, Eldgrim explains that there’s still a lot of kinetic energy being transmitted through the armor, but with the gambesons (padded armor) that many wore beneath their hauberks, this would mitigate some of the impact.

Most videos you find on the internet that show mail being penetrated usually shows butted mail -- which is an absolutely useless form of armor.

The only type of damage that butted mail can effectively prevent is slicing. I don’t mean a chop or a swing of a sword -- I mean a sawing or a drawing motion, and let’s be real here -- a padded jacket can do that, and be much cheaper.

Riveted mail is a different beast entirely. While it’s not impervious to all piercing attacks, it is impervious to most -- and coupled with a gambeson, and a good helmet, the wearer will drastically reduce their vulnerability to a Samurai’s arrows.

Furthermore, in an arena setting, a Viking or a Knight could easily just turtle the fuck up behind their shield, and wait for the mounted Samurai to... Run out of arrows -- or come to them.

Matpat also brings up the mobility of ou-yoroi armor for some reason. I can only assume he brings this up to imply that the mail hauberks used in Western and Northern Europe in the 11th century were heavy and clumsy -- but considering that full sets of ou-yoroi weighed around 30kg, they aren’t particularly the lightest sets either.

Not only that, but their design and shape, compared to mail, makes their wearers less dextrous, and agile. The bulky pauldrons, arm guards... Etc.

Mail, by contrast, is flexible. It’s like wearing a shirt. Sure, it can be heavy if you let it hang from your shoulders, but if you tie a belt round your waist, all that weight gets evenly distributed along your core, and bam, it really is like wearing a shirt.

Therefore, ou-yoroi being designed to allow for the most mobility is a non sequitur. It’s made even more nonsensical when you consider that all armor (save for jousting armor) is made for mobility -- how the fuck else are you gonna fight in it, then?

Also, Matpat mentions that ou-yoroi covers more areas of a person’s body -- when in reality, 11th century ou-yoroi covered just as much as a mail hauberk. Upper body, upper legs.

5. OTHER MISCONCEPTIONS AND CONCLUSION

At around 9:30 of the video, Matpat introduces knights as having used Longswords during the 11th century. This is incorrect. Longswords became popular/in-use primarily during the 14th century. It is an anachronistic technology in this 11th century scenario.

He also tells us to look to the Warden class for some ‘really accurate knight weaponry’ but... idk man, that is probably the longest and bulkiest longsword i’ve ever seen... (distal taper, where?)

There are a few more that I’ll save for a later article -- but for now, I’ve downed way too much coffee to be healthy, and will now move to my conclusion:

If the best equipped and trained Viking, Knight, and Samurai were put into a battlefield -- there is no clear picture on who will win.

Also, do some damn research.

[jrpneblog]

North End take the sting out of the Bees

A goal in either half and a very workmanlike performance gave North End all three points against Brentford at Deepdale. Sean Maguire, after five minutes, and Tom Barkhuizen, twenty minutes from the end, ensured that North End kept their 100% home record making it four wins out of four in the league for Alex Neil`s boys. I doubt if this game will stay long in the memory of the 12,863 inside Deepdale but a professional hardworking display meant that North End now sit fifth in the league table with thirteen points from seven league games. Both teams had plenty of the ball and the opportunity to create chances but shots on target were few and far between, the difference being that North End made their two best chances count. We looked solid on the day particularly at the back where the partnership of Patrick Bauer and Ben Davies appears to be getting better by the game and all in all I dont think even the most partisan Bees supporter could deny that North End were good value for all three points.

North End started with their usual 4-2-3-1 but with Tom Barkhuizen leading the line and Sean Maguire playing wider out on the left. One name missing from the team sheet was that of Ben Pearson who was missing with a virus and it is fair to say North End did miss him somewhat in the centre of the Park. We started the game well and had an early shout for a penalty turned down when Maguire went down in the box. However we hadn`t long to wait for the opening goal when Ryan Ledson put a beautiful ball into the box for Maguire to chest down and poke it past Raya in the Brentford goal to give North End an early lead. Fair play to Thomas Frank and his team because they had come to Deepdale to play football and not park the bus. The visitors looked dangerous on the break and North End had to work hard defensively down the flanks to ensure Brentford were kept at bay. Declan Rudd just had one goal bound effort to save before the break as a well struck shot moved slightly in the air but the North End keeper got both hands to it and ensured that the boys went in at the break one goal up.

In the second period the Bees came out with a little more gusto but North End countered everything that was thrown at them. The game started to get a little stretched early in the second half as Brentford went for the equaliser and North End counter attacked looking for the second goal that would surely win the game. Rudd saved well from a tight angle with what was to be the visitors best chance of the second half. Gallagher, Harrop and, after the second goal, Potts, were introduced for North End and to be fair we looked a little more comfortable with Gally conducting the orchestra in the middle of the Park. With twenty minutes to go North End effectively sealed the deal when Rafferty whipped a ball out to the right to Fisher who calmly squared the ball across for Barkhuizen to tap in from just a few yards out. The visitors heads went down and North End never really looked in any further danger in the last part of the game danger even though the second goal had come after some Brentford pressure at the other end.

A big win then for North End as this second small phase of the season gets under way with another positive result. It is becoming quite clear that having Harrop and Bodin fit this season is helping the boys along even though Bodin is only playing for around the hour mark at the moment. I thought Josh Harrop looked hungry and full of energy when he came on and this lad appears to have an older head on young shoulders. Special mention, too, for Darnell Fisher who must have been close to winning the Sponsors Man of the Match which went to the reliable Bauer at centre back. A clear week for North End before next Saturday trip to St Andrews followed three days later by a visit to Deepdale from the Champions of England and the current holders of the Carabao Cup. However there is work to do in the Midlands before the showpiece game and I am sure Alex Neil will be keeping the boys feet firmly on the ground this coming week as North End look to strengthen their position in the play off at this early stage of the season.

PRESTON 2-0 BRENTFORD

RUDD 7

FISHER 8 DAVIES 7 BAUER 7 RAFFERTY 7

BROWNE 7 LEDSON 7

MAGUIRE 8 JOHNSON 7 BODIN 7

BARKHUIZEN 7

Subs:

GALLAGHER 7

HARROP 7

POTTS 6

MOTM: Darnell Fisher

[tipsoctopus]

'Shouldn't even be in the 18' - These Sunderland fans turn on surprise figure after another draw

Sunderland failed to take advantage of another one of their games in-hand in the League One promotion race as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Blackpool at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night, and some Black Cats fans are turning on captain George Honeyman.

The Mackems skipper started in a central role but often seemed to drift out to the right, and he had little impact in the final third for Jack Ross’ men who had to rely on defender Jack Baldwin to rescue a point against the Seasiders in the 75th minute.

It was the Wearside outfit’s 13th league draw of the campaign and left them four points adrift of second-placed Barnsley with only one fixture in-hand remaining, and it is clear that something needs to change for them in attacking areas if they are to pick up more victories.

Whether dropping Honeyman from the starting XI will ensure that happens remains to be seen, but many Sunderland supporters have made their feelings on their 24-year-old leader perfectly clear.

While one said “every time George Honeyman plays, Sunderland are effectively playing with 10 men”, another said “Honeyman is rubbish and shouldn’t even be in the 18”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

What is the point of Honeyman… what does he actually do? And more importantly why is he even on the pitch? #safc

— Tobias James (@_TobiasJames_) February 12, 2019

Every time George Honeyman plays, Sunderland are effectively playing with 10 men. #SAFC

— Gavin Callaghan (@gavincallaghan) February 12, 2019

I don’t understand how he gets minutes let alone 90

— Lauren Watkin (@LaurenSteph164) February 12, 2019

Maguire must be starting instead of Honeyman. Offers absolutely nothing, Missing cattermole as well 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ #safc

— Aimee 💫 (@aimeegordon_x) February 12, 2019

Anyone know what formation SAFC played tonight. Looked all over the shop to me. Also what does Honeyman offer? Need McGeady as No.10 on the ball creating without defensive responsibilities. Personally would go 3-5-2 Friday. Leadbitter same as McGeouch when we need creativity FTM

— Daleyboy (@1981CasualDJW) February 12, 2019

McGeady was beyond awful. Honeyman poor. Gooch poor. Leadbitter poor and slowed everything down too much. No urgency in our play until it’s panic stations #SAFC

— Scott (@76skelly) February 12, 2019

Yeah but not because of the attacking midfielders, Gooch and Honeyman were pathetic, and after we equalised we never looked like scoring because we have no one connecting the midfield and attack. Just aimlessly hoofing balls forward.

— Jordan Ramsey (@RamseySAFC) February 12, 2019

He can’t play full back again. He’s all over the shop. Honeyman shouldn’t even make 18 never mind start.

— Ian (@ian_safc_1974) February 12, 2019

In midfield it’s Leadbitter that does all the leading I would stick it on him and for Honeyman he shouldn’t even be in the team nevermind captain. #safc

— Jordan Ramsey (@RamseySAFC) February 12, 2019

Honeyman why is he in this? It’s like putting a unused sub in the poll honeyman is rubbish and shouldn’t even be in the 18 squad #SAFC

— Paul Richardson SAFC (@PaulRic02992948) February 13, 2019

Thought George Honeyman was really poor last night. Didn’t offer much creatively and seemed to lack his usual energy.

Just shows what I know as I thought he was going to be crucial for #SAFC after he’d returned from injury.

— James Copley (@JamesCopley73) February 13, 2019

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

from FootballFanCast.com http://bit.ly/2SX1IWF via IFTTT from Blogger http://bit.ly/2Icwari via IFTTT

[freebestbettingtips]

REVEALED! How Atlanta United beat Portland Timbers in MLS Cup Final

New Post has been published on https://bestfreebettingtips.com/revealed-how-atlanta-united-beat-portland-timbers-in-mls-cup-final/

REVEALED! How Atlanta United beat Portland Timbers in MLS Cup Final

Artwork by @chapulana.

At the end of this competition, Atlanta United faced with Portland Timbers. The MLS Cup final had a very special flavour, as Tata Martino”s man marched to there for the first time with quite ease. Secondly, now they have the opportunity to win it for the first time, in addition, in their home stadium.

Now, in this analysis, I will focus on Atlanta gameplan and their point of view. How they managed to win it with a smooth 2-0 victory.

Narratives before the match were quite simple due to Atlanta’s strong chances of winning and the opponent’s role as an underdog. Thus the only big question was before the final, will Portland able to make difficult for Atlanta?

Atlanta’s structure

First, let’s take a look at how Atlanta’s system worked. Tata Martino used several formations throughout the campaign. Nevertheless, he stuck to the 3-5-2 system during the playoffs. Since it is a flexible and adaptable system it can apply to every situation. It capable of dominant play and when it needed they could form a more defensive set-up with ordering the wingbacks into the first line.

In possession, the back three launch the progression, mostly by Larentowicz (or Perez) who had played as a defensive midfielder earlier in this season. Remedi usually remains back to give coverage between the attacking and defensive units, whilst the other two of the midfield trio, Gressel and Nagbe push further up in the field as a flexible #8s. For occupying positions in the halfspaces. Almiron tends to drop between them for creating a better connection. Martinez at the top of this formations since the positioning in the opposite defensive line. In the wingbacks’ role, Garza and Escobar acting. Duties to hugging the touchlines and running up down.

There were not any surprises in the line-ups since both coaches put their best possible XI into the field. Atlanta played in their usual 3-5-2, whilst Portland formed up in a 4-2-3-1 with a double pivot in the midfield. The main question in the tactical side was how will Giovanni Savarese’s man compete with Atlanta’s structure?

In every defensive formation, there are exploitable open spaces. This is what the opposite team try to targeting and take advantage of it. In Portland’s structure, you find these spaces next to the double pivot, outsides of Chara and Guzman. This exactly the same zone where Garza and Escobar positioning. Thus it is an obvious choice for coach Martino to take advantage of the wider structure.

Moreover, most defences protect the centre in the first place since it is closer to the goal and the most important area. Therefore, Portland primary focus was on that zone. Thus Savarese ordered his team to form a narrow 4-4-2 in defence. However, it allowed Atlanta to use their wingbacks as an effective attacking tool.

Atlanta in possession

Atlanta started with their natural game, exercising their control the match from the beginning since they like possession-based football. They seemed calm in spite of the intense pressing of the opponent.

Wingers responsible for pressing Pirez and Larentowicz, while Ebobisse tried to shepherd the ball to one side. And Valeri covered Remedi.

Portland aimed at block the centre thus Atlanta could not access in it. They tried to force to one side and covering the pass route towards Remedi therefore theoretically they could stop Atlanta’s progress.

In the first 10-15 minutes, Portland’s pressing caused some problems for Atlanta which resulted in some backwards passes. In reaction to the press, Atlanta used direct passes towards Gressel and Nagbe in a few situations for a tool to bypass the press. In other occasions, Nagbe dropped around the halfway line in the right halfspace in order to receive passes from Larentowicz since Atlanta favour this side over the left. However, the visitors pressing scheme was able to stop this progress with tight mark and intense press on Nagbe.

Atlanta’s base for progression was in the right side through Larentowicz. Nagbe dropped in order to help the progression.

Although after a while Portland’s intensity starts to drop and they moved deeper, thus Atlanta was able to progress much easier.

Atlanta in offensive phase

After the first few minutes, Atlanta confidence did not break and they started to find ways to create a few chances. By the end of the first 30 minutes, they had some major scoring chances with Almiron and Martinez. It was evident that they will score just time was the question. The biggest chances created through crosses due to Portland could not handle long switches of play or pinned Garza and Escobar. Another weapon for scoring chances created through those counter-pressing situations where Atlanta could win the ball back and quickly turn into an attack.

The basic patterns in Atlanta’s attacking play. Garza and Escobar were the main targets for Pirez and Larentowicz with volleys into depth. Garza and Escobar aimed to immediately play the ball into the box with early crosses.

Portland’s pressing scheme was able to prevent passes from Larentowicz to Escobar but when Portland sit deeper, the home side could use this pass connection. This was important since Atlanta aimed to create an overload in the right halfspace through Escobar, Nagbe and Almiron. There is an instance for this, where Escobar pass to Nagbe then he bypassed his marker and combined with Almiron

As I pointed out, Garza first target was crossing, however, I show a different occasion where he tried to pass through Portland’s defence with combinative play. The pass to Garza attract the respective fullback, therefore, this pulled him out which created a gap between the fullback and the centre-back. This is what Atlanta targeted in this situation.

A sample for an attacking situation where Atlanta United pulled out the respective fullback and targeted the edge of the box. However, Portland intercepted Gressel pass into the channel where Garza tried to run in.

However, the leading goal has occurred in a different way. When Atlanta United lost ball Nagbe, Gressel, Remedi and the wingbacks’ primary focus were on intense counter-pressing in order to win the ball back. Meanwhile, Larentowicz and Pirez immediately started to track the opposite attacking player in Portland’s half, thus they could prevent passes towards them. This caused some important interceptions or tackle. In one of this situations, Pirez made that tackle and the free ball moved back to Portland’s box where Josef Martinez picked up and turned in goal. Since he is impressive in 1v1 situations against the goalkeeper he was able to put the ball into the net with quite an ease after bypassed Attinella with dribbling.

The goal technically decided the clash since after that Atlanta would sit back into a defensive structure and emphasised on counter-attacks. However, Portland thought it differently as they switch to attack and almost equalised with a header. Guzan’s crucial save denied it. The demoralising affection did not appear in the second half due to the fact that Portland did not give up. They tried to attack with even more energy. However, Atlanta destroyed the whole thing with a quick goal. They advanced to the opponent’s half probably the first time in that half and immediately scored. From a set-piece situation where Escobar scored.

Atlanta’s defensive structure

When Atlanta moved back in their defensive formation, they used diagonal midfield press in order to disrupt opponent’s attacking plans. Garza and Escobar defended in fairly high in order to pinned the dropping wingers. Gressel and Nagbe were shifting to the respective wing to press the fullbacks or the opposite centre-midfielders (Chara and Guzman).

The basic movements from Atlanta in defensive phase and also Portland’s attacking movements.

Here is an instance from the first half for Portland’s attack in the right wing where Garza and Gressel pressed Polo and Valentin. Remedi also moved out to cover Chara and Almiron dropped to the centre in order to mark Guzman. This circumstance from Atlanta United made difficult to Portland reach the final third.

Conclusion

What a season has in the MLS? And more importantly, what a season has Atlanta United? In their second season in the Eastern Conference, they could dominate throughout the whole season. Unfortunately, they missed the Supporters’ Shield by the very end due to New York Red Bulls’ great finish. On the other hand, they advanced to the final and won it.

Atlanta achieved this success with an entertaining football. If you watch their game it would become obvious that they resemble for a coherent and hunger group who play very well. In the final, they showed a strong and confident game.

For the future, it will be interesting how Atlanta’s story – fairy tale – will continue?

If you love tactical analysis, then you’ll love the digital magazines from totalfootballanalysis.com – a guaranteed 100+ pages of pure tactical analysis covering topics from the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga and many, many more. Get your copy of November’s issue for just £4.99 here or preorder the first of TWO December issues right here.

[ultrasfcb-blog]

Swansea City 2-2 Leeds United

Swansea City 2-2 Leeds United

Swansea City 2-2 Leeds United

Oli McBurnie’s header had put Swansea 2-1 ahead before Pablo Hernandez rescued a point for Leeds

Leeds United fought back to preserve their unbeaten start to the season with an exhilarating draw at Swansea City.

Oli McBurnie finished a fine team move to give the vibrant hosts a deserved lead but Kemar Roofe tapped in to level before half-time.

McBurnie restored Swansea’s lead with a superb arcing header.

But Leeds substitute Patrick Bamford set up former Swan Pablo Hernandez to sweep in a low equaliser, taking his side to the top of the Championship.

The draw also maintains Swansea’s unbeaten record and lifts them to third in the table.

And while their effervescent performance will have encouraged manager Graham Potter, the result will be tinged with the disappointment that the Swans were unable to turn their dominance into victory.

As it was, ending Leeds’ perfect start to the season was a commendable achievement in itself, given the Yorkshire club’s form before this fixture.

Leeds had won all three of their previous matches with a swagger, scoring nine goals and playing with the high-octane intensity which has defined the career of their world-renowned manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Swansea, however, had ground their way to two victories and a draw, an impressive feat under Potter considering his limited resources after a summer of stunted transfer activity which prompted strong criticism of the club’s owners.

The Swans continued to confound their off-field concerns with a strident display here, forcing Leeds into mistakes and keeping possession with quick, crisp passing.

Both those qualities were evident for the opening goal, sparked by Leroy Fer – starting for the first time since an Achilles injury in February.

The Dutch midfielder dispossessed Kalvin Phillips before initiating a flowing move, which included passes from Barrie McKay and Bersant Celina and ended with a prodded finish from McBurnie.

Swansea City boss Graham Potter on facing Marcelo Bielsa at the Liberty Stadium

Phillips, already booked, was then substituted for Lewis Barker after just 27 minutes as Bielsa readjusted his rattled side.

The bold move was effective, as Leeds settled and equalised against the run of play as Jamie Shackleton’s low cross was converted by Roofe from close range.

The Liberty Stadium was momentarily silenced but, once Swansea started the second half with the same adventure with which they had approached the first, the atmosphere crackled once more.

McBurnie, a tall and rangy nuisance of a striker, led the attack brilliantly.

The Scotland international’s endeavour was rewarded when he stretched backwards to meet Martin Olsson’s excellent cross and loop his header over Bailey Peacock-Farrell and into the far corner.

The 22-year-old was close to a hat-trick against the city of his birth but was thwarted by Peacock-Farrell’s fingertip save – and it was to prove crucial.

When the ball later spun loose on the left wing, Leeds substitute Bamford beat Mike van der Hoorn and raced into the penalty area before crossing for Hernandez, who finished smartly but showed little sign of celebration against his former side.

Swansea still had time for a late chance to win but the electric Bersant Celina saw his shot well saved by Peacock-Farrell.

Swansea City manager Graham Potter said:

“In football you take what you get. For us we focus on the overall performance of the team, what we brought in terms of our character, our attitude and also our quality and courage. We played against a good team and we showed a really good level.

“I’m proud of the players, proud of what they did and proud of the environment we created here. I thought it was a great atmosphere, which contributed to a really good game.

“We had a good intensity to our play. We had a good idea of what we wanted to do and we also had courage as well. Overall, really proud of the players and happy we’ve taken a step forward.”

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa said:

“We didn’t defend very well and this did not allow us to dominate the game with regularity. In the first half Swansea dominated the game.

“It took us almost 25 minutes to get into the game. After their second goal we had greater stability. After we scored again at 2-2 we dominated the game.

“We have won this game and we have lost it too. It was a nice game to watch. There are some important aspects we have to correct.”

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ultras FC Barcelona - https://ultrasfcb.com/football/10803/

#Barcelona

[worldcup2018kazan]

Day 10: José Semedo day & World Cup cup disaster

For those that don't know; I'm a Sheffield Wednesday season ticket holder along with my brother and have been for 25 years now, wow putting it like that makes me feel old.  In recent years we had a Portuguese player, José Semedo play for us, the fans took him to their hearts and likewise he did the fans. Several years ago the fans even had a José Semedo day for a game against Nottingham Forest, it further cemented the relationship between him and us. José who is nearing retirement age for a footballer soon I guess left the club at the end of the 2016-2017 season but still regularly tweets about Sheffield Wednesday; he is now and always will be loved by the fans.  When he left in 2017 I made a promise to myself that every World Cup or Euro's I attended from then on I would dedicate one day to be José Semedo day; that day is today for the game Poland vs Colombia.

José's number at Sheffield Wednesday was 24 so today I wore my shirt bearing his number, the name on the back "Magic" comes from a song we sang about him that I later decided to teach groups of Colombian's and Will the Aussie.

It was out with the girls during the day and we decided to go to Lake Kaban as it was baking hot and the breeze off the water might cool us a bit. We rented a pedalo and off we went, Polina was determined to steer us right under the huge fountain on the lake which she did very well as she managed to get us all soaked; but temperatures well above 30C and we soon dried out.

Next it was a spot of lunch and then a two hour boat ride from the river port at 3pm, right at the time England were starting their game against Panama so I didn't see it at the time but caught up with the BBC iPlayer highlights later.  There were some Russians on the boat happy to keep me updated as England banged in the goals for a 6-1 win.  Great for me as I'd had bets on a high scoring game and Kane to get a Brace and a Hattrick, so quid's in thank you very much.  One of the Russians, a guy as tall as my Irish friend Aidan, so tall you use them as a reference points out to meet people in a crowd at, was a massive Spartak fan and was travelling Russia watching games in his home nations World Cup.  Another couple of guys were Kazan locals and one was a massive Liverpool fan who wanted to know if I'd been to Anfield, so I explained as best I could that I had, and all about Kev & Neil the Liverpool fans we'd met in Brazil.

The boat ride was nice, but with no commentary its basically 1 hour down the river and then turn round and come back.

We got back to the apartment about 5:30pm, I had the fastest shower and then set off to Home Pub to meet Will and some others from the group. We watched the first half of Japan vs Senegal, both teams impressed but I'm really loving how Senegal play, I think on form England should beat either of them if they prove to be our opponents in the Round of 16 which after todays result we know England will be at, but neither should ether of them be taken lightly.  Mané opened to scoring for Senegal early on and then about 10 minutes before half time Japan equalised through Inui. At this stage we left the bar to make our way into the ground for what we expected would be a thriller of a game.  The Japan vs Senegal game finished up 2-2 with a goal in each half by each team, I will one day watch this game back to see the second half I missed.

In the same way for Iran vs Spain I thought I'd been transported to Iran, well for this game it was the same if not more so that I thought I'd been transported to Colombia.  I'm not sure why, perhaps the negative misreporting press in the UK and Europe, but the European teams I have seen at each of the games so far have been vastly outnumbered by the opposing teams fans.

For all the passion of the Iranians, the Colombians took it a step further the singing of their national anthem, although not quite to the scale that I had experienced in Brazil by the Brazilians for the game against Mexico, it wasn't far off. The atmosphere was electrifying!!!

I'd introduced myself to two Russians (a father and son) who were sat next to me as well as the many Colombians sat around me.  What is it about international teams that wear yellow? Their ladies are stunning; Brazil, Colombia, Sweden; anyone counter argue this?  Chris my American friend took his seat quite late, his voice had completely gone from the first two games he had seen and the poor guy had to negotiate my growing collection of souvenir beer cups that I was amassing due to the hot day and the number of beers I was getting through.

For the first 10 minutes Poland took the upper hand and in Robert Lewandowski they have a treat to any team, but other than that 10 minutes it was all Colombia.  James Rodriguez returned to the starting line up, he had lit up Brazil and his vision, skill and ability to score is up there with the best in the world, and in Radamel Falcao they have a quality striker who has been so unfortunate not to have played in a World Cup before now. The performances by both these players was exceptional for me, but the man who stole the show for Colombia was Juan Cuadrado, another player who Chelsea didn't think was good enough, well he sure was today; the Polish just couldn't handle him.

Colombia took the lead just before half time, with a header home from a Rodriguez cross, that was at the opposite end to me and if the second half had the same Colombian domination I was going to see all the action really up close.

About half way through the second half Falcao got his first World Cup goal and he celebrated like it was something out of this world for him, right in front of us, the Colombians were now two ahead and their fans were going completely nuts.  This was effectively a knock out tie, each of these expected two big players in the group basically had to win to stand a chance of qualification especially after the draw between Senegal & Japan had them on 4 point each.

For me the best goal was yet to come and it was deservedly scored by Juan Cuadrado from a sublime ball behind the Polish defence from James Rodriguez; even then he had a lot to do, he was running at full pace when he picked the ball up, continued with no loss of speed towards the Polish goal and just opened his body up perfectly to fire home low into the goal past the helpless Polish keeper.

It finished 3-0, I partied with the mental Colombians in stadium for about 5 minutes after the gam before grabbing my 5 beer cups and heading to Home Pub to meet some of the group, including Will the Aussie. With all the celebrations the beers started flowing and with everyone in party mood it quickly became a night I'll never forget or ever fully remember. The Colombians wanted to know about my club and why Magic 24, so I explained everything as best I could in my drunken state. Later just before 2am with the bar soon to close I took it upon myself to teach the remaining partying Colombians and Will, my very good friend, the José Semedo song which I think we all did a pretty good job of considering the language differences and just how drunk we all were.

The night unfortunately ended in a World Cup cup disaster, and not just for the Polish.  Will really twisted my arm about not finishing at 2am which would of been sensible but instead going to Bauman Street for yet more drinks and partying; when I say twisted, he had to ask at least twice and off we went.  While on Bauman Street where to be honest we had started to flag within 10 minutes of getting there I suddenly remembered, my five souvenir cups, I'd left them in Home Bar; my 8th World Cup game and I have a souvenir cup from each of the other 7...  Damn it, World Cup cup disaster!!!

Footnote: I went back to Home Bar the following morning at about 11:30am but they had already thrown out the trash so I lost all my cups. If anyone reading this has one of those Budweiser Cups from the Poland vs Colombia game going spare they could let me have please get in touch, I can swap you an Iran vs Spain or South Korea vs Germany which I have a massive stack of for it.

[thetotalfootball]

Mourinho at Man United

Author: Declan Harte

I don’t like Mourinho. I never have liked Mourinho. As a person, I think he can be self-centred, rude and disrespectful. As a coach, I’ve found his negative, unattractive football both boring and frustrating to watch and I was initially concerned that he would make United specialists in parking the bus. Concerned they wouldn’t go at teams looking to win, and win comfortably. To go up against the top teams of the last few years. To push the new, high class managers of the league such as Guardiola and Conte as well as Klopp, Pochettino and Wenger with an attacking system utilising the qualities of new star-striker in Zlatan Ibrahimovic as well as continuing on from Louis Van Gaal’s reign by using the youngsters he brought through such as Rashford, Lingard, Fosu-Mensah and Borthwick-Jackson.

We’re now 14 games into the league season, about to finish the group stages of the Europa League and just finished the quarter finals of the EFL Cup. Looking at just his results, obviously the biggest factor in a club’s quest for success, and comparing them to Van Gaal and Moyes, it isn’t looking good for Mourinho. Stuck in sixth place in the league with only 21 points from 14 games and still not through in the Europa League after five games, it looks average and mid-table, though the EFL Cup has been a saving grace for Mourinho so far in getting United to the semi-final. However, having watched a lot Man United not only this season but over the last few seasons, the difference in play-style is significant. So allow me to do what I never thought I would, and try to defend Mourinho.

Under David Moyes, Man United were simply at their worst. Now you can say that Moyes didn’t receive the financial backing that Van Gaal or Mourinho received and that is a completely fair assessment, but it was also a squad that had just won the Premier League title under Ferguson and none of the main competitors strengthened in between seasons like they have in the last year or two, and to go from 89 points to 64 wasn’t good enough, especially how the team were playing. He was simply just out of his depth and is much better suited to a team like Sunderland. Under Van Gaal the football was too boring, fans screaming “attack attack attack” because the players were all too happy to pass back and forth from side to side because those were the instructions from the boss. Not to discredit the work Van Gaal did at United, and fans can be happy with the short-lived legacy he’ll have on the club. He was just what United needed. He brought a bit of stability back to the club, brought United back into Europe and while they weren’t successful with him in Europe he did manage to do reasonably well in the league as well as winning an historic twelfth FA Cup. Most importantly, he brought in the youth players as mentioned above, as well as the signing of Martial. He’s left a very young squad for Mourinho to work with and this is crucial, as we saw the effects an old squad can do to a new manager coming in with Moyes. Watching them play though was an absolute bore and it is hard to remember any great matches from his tenure, whether it be for quality of performance or entertainment gained from watching.

Now under Mourinho the performances have been much better, the team has been playing nice football and the only thing missing has been the results. While that has been very frustrating, especially seeing them create so many chances only to be met with poor finishing and a good goalkeeping performance from the opposition, it is still a good sign that they have been able to boss games and create chances. Goals have been few and far between, only scoring two or more goals in two games from eleven between the period of September to the first week of December. This is proving costly and will be the reason United will finish sixth and no higher. Why they’re not scoring goals, I’m not too sure. People point to a lot of longer range shots padding the shots per game statistic in each game, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t creating chances in the box or “clear cut” chances. Looking at the Burnley game, you can easily point to several chances that were put on a plate for Zlatan that he either outright missed or Heaton made a spectacular save in goals, this happened against West Ham and Stoke, as well as hitting the post against Everton and giving away a penalty in the dying moments while also conceding to Arsenal in the 89th minute with their only shot on target in the whole match.

This is not to excuse the team and some of the finishing has been unacceptable when you consider the calibre of player and just how costly those chances will be at the end of the season and also not to excuse some really poor defending or lapses of concentration from the team. Also some of Mourinho’s substitutions have been questionable, such as bringing on Schneiderlin with five minutes to go against Arsenal only to concede and again with Everton bringing on Fellaini only for him to concede the penalty that would see Everton equalise from. Injuries have also been a concern, as they have been over the years since Ferguson left, but these are more excusable as they have mostly all occurred during a game and not in training which had been happening far too often in the last few years, and was the reason why Rashford made his break originally. Some of Mourinho’s starting XIs have been questionable also, but never worrying as it mostly appears that he feels he didn’t quite know his best team up until the November international break.

His handling of Rooney and Mkhitaryan I think he got spot on though, and he deserves praise for this. He tried Rooney in different positions, saw it wasn’t working and rested him for a good few games and since coming back into the team has played much better than he has been over the last 18 months or so. With Mkhitaryan he decided to risk him in the Manchester derby, which in hindsight he should not have but those are the risks you take as a manager, especially in big games, but his subsequent handling of him since then has been clever. While he was getting berated in the media, he defended himself saying he wasn’t fit, after all he was just after returning from an injury and very little playing time before that, and eased him back into it with a home match against weaker opposition and is now seen as a part of the starting XI and living up to his potential.

His temper, as has always been a problem, is getting him into too much trouble with the FA and the press and is slightly worrying. However, from a United perspective, it must be a delight to see a figure standing up at the touchline communicating with his players and showing passion with the job as opposed to Louis Van Gaal sitting down for 90 minutes writing notes into his infamous notebook. United fans have been crying out for a figure to show this kind of passion and desire to motivate the players to keep going and to show some emotion on the touchline. You only have to look at two incidents last season: one which saw a picture of assistant manager Ryan Giggs going viral where he was pictured standing up and giving instructions to the players as they slump to yet another humiliating defeat at home, this time to the would-be relegated Norwich, while Van Gaal remained seated and looking apathetic. The second incident was when, while playing against Arsenal at home, the fans were treated to Van Gaal finally getting up from his seat to talk to the fourth official and arguing that Arsenal players had been diving and then throwing himself on the floor as what can only be assumed as a demonstration as if the fourth official wouldn’t simply understand the word ‘dive’. This theatricality though was much to the delight of the fans who cheered Van Gaal for this. Mourinho has shown this in abundance so far, as he jumps up and down the touchline and it has been refreshing to see, especially when you consider how other managers have also shown this kind of theatrics on the touchline like Guardiola, Conte, Klopp, Dyche and even Wenger to a smaller extent. The only problem is this has led to two different sending-offs for Mourinho, albeit the second one was a questionable decision.

So in conclusion, yes the results have been poor but Mourinho in recent history has missed the mark in his first year at a club and improves in the second year which would leave you to believe that better times are ahead. Performances have also been better and the only thing missing is the finishing, which also leads us to believe that better times are ahead. Mourinho’s passion for the club could see him turn around the fans who don’t like him and never wanted him at the club in the first place. All they need is for everything to just click into place fully and they’ll be off and running towards the top 4 or even battling for the league.

[ultrasfcb-blog]

Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool: ‘Flawed Karius pays for lack of focus’

Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool: ‘Flawed Karius pays for lack of focus’

Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool: ‘Flawed Karius pays for lack of focus’

Karius was left dejected in his penalty area after Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat in the Champions League final

I feel sorry for Loris Karius, because he will be absolutely heartbroken after his nightmare display in the Champions League final – but I don’t see any way back for him at Liverpool now.

Karius had an awful night and it was horrible to watch the Reds goalkeeper completely alone in his penalty area at the end of the game. The Real Madrid players were the first to console him, followed by a member of the Liverpool coaching staff.

I know from experience that when you lose a big game as a player, you sometimes need a few minutes to collect your thoughts, and those are times you are really just thinking about yourself.

But surely one of his team-mates could have gone over, put their arm round him and given him a big hug – even if they did not know what to say.

I am sure they did that back in the dressing room, once they got over their disappointment, and his manager will have a quiet word and support him too.

But, even if Klopp backs him publicly as well as privately, he must know that he is not good enough for Liverpool and what they want to achieve.

You need a top goalkeeper to win trophies and he is not one of those. Can they afford to keep playing him, thinking he might become one? No. Karius always looks like he has a mistake in him, and that cost them dearly on Saturday night.

Gareth Bale was one of the Real players to console Karius

Karius lacks focus – and not for the first time

We have all made errors that have cost goals and although Karius’s first one, when he threw the ball at Karim Benzema, was a massive howler, it was also a little bit of a fluke.

However, his second mistake, when he fumbled Gareth Bale’s shot over the line, was something I don’t think he can recover from.

As Jurgen Klopp said afterwards, I don’t think he would have done it if he had not made the first error, because he clearly wasn’t over that despite Liverpool equalising soon afterwards.

I just wonder if he lacked a little bit of concentration because he knew he had messed up massively for Real’s first goal, and it would not be the first time that had happened.

He got away with something similar in the first leg of Liverpool’s semi-final win over Roma, when Aleksandar Kolarov’s shot slipped through his grasp, but the ball hit the bar. On Saturday, he was not so lucky.

It is not just focus that Karius lacks because technique-wise, he is flawed too.

One of the things I have noticed with him is that he parries everything that comes at him, which is fine, but he sends the ball straight back to where it has come from instead of to the side of the goal.

It almost cost Liverpool a goal in the first half against Real when, in making a great save to deny Cristiano Ronaldo, he pushed the ball out to Benzema, who put the ball in the net but was offside.

Liverpool need a new keeper this summer

Karius made more errors leading to goals in the final against Real Madrid (two) than he had in his previous 32 competitive appearances for Liverpool

I don’t know whether or not Liverpool thought they would need a new goalkeeper this summer, but they are going to have to address that situation now.

Stoke’s Jack Butland might be a possibility. He did not have a great season but he would be a better option than Karius or Simon Mignolet are now, and something needs to change.

The calls we had on 606 after the final backed up my feeling that, even if Klopp does give Karius a vote of confidence by continuing to pick him – and I’d be shocked if he does – then any faith that the Reds fans had him has gone.

At Anfield, the Liverpool supporters will just be waiting for him to make another mistake – and can you imagine the stick he will get when he goes to away games?

That’s why I cannot see him being in the Liverpool team on the opening weekend of next season.

I don’t think I’ve seen a better goal than Bale strike

Karius’s errors & that Bale goal – how the internet reacted

The fact they were beaten by Real, and the way it happened, made for a disappointing end to this campaign, but Liverpool still had a fabulous run to reach the final and won a lot of friends for the football they played along the way.

It is not just their results that have been impressive, it is the way they beat teams by scoring so many goals with some truly memorable performances.

Aside from the Karius errors, I thought they did OK against Real too.

Losing Mohamed Salah to injury after 30 minutes was a big blow and they effectively had to make two changes when he went off because Adam Lallana played on the left when he came on, and Sadio Mane took Salah’s role on the right.

Liverpool were unbalanced at first but they adjusted and they also showed the character they have in that team when they got back to 1-1 so soon after falling behind.

What beat them was Gareth Bale’s wonder goal because that really knocked the stuffing out of them. The third goal really just added insult to injury.

I said “uh-oh” on BBC Radio 5 live when Bale came on because I know what he is capable of, but I did not expect the ball to be in the net 122 seconds later.

It was an absolutely sensational finish from the Wales forward and in the hundreds of games I have played in or been at, I don’t think I have seen a better goal live than that.

It is amazing to think he cannot get in that team because that was such a crucial time to do something very special in such a massive fixture.

I need to be playing every week – Bale

How can Reds match Real?

Before the game, I said I felt that Liverpool had to score first to win and they had their chances to do that in the first half.

The thing I feared was the way Real are able to manage the game when they get in front, and give you very little chance to build any rhythm.

They are very good at disrupting the flow of the game by tumbling around or going to surround the referee for the most innocuous of fouls to demand a yellow card – all that kind of stuff.

I don’t like it, and I don’t necessarily want Liverpool to do it, but that is what you are up against when you play them – you have to beat that, as well as the football side of things.

Liverpool wanted everything & got minus something – Klopp

Real are not the best team in Europe but there is a reason they have been champions for three years running and, to match them, Liverpool have to be a little bit stronger and cuter.

It is the next hurdle that Klopp’s side have to overcome – they play great football, which is breathtaking and refreshing, but they have to get better at getting over the line in tight matches.

I still think they are heading in the right direction, though. As well as a new keeper, they clearly need to improve their strength in depth, but there are still plenty of reasons to be positive, and this defeat does not change that.

Mark Lawrenson was speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.

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