Crazy Milan Fan Nick M posted:

I would be very interested in traveling to Qatar to watch the World Cup, and although it's 12 years in the future, am already planning to do so. I agree that money was the primary driver and that political influence in FIFA was crucial to Qatar winning. But I also look at it this way. Every bidding nation had to tout their financial clout. Every bidding nation attempted to politic and garner influence in a number of ways. Qatar has deeper pockets. That's not their fault, it's down to their geography. And Qatar won more influence, and until there is solid evidence or proof that they 'bought' votes, I'm not going to tarnish their win by smearing their methods.

I'm surprised Qatar got it, but if you consider the fact that they've got money to burn, but still are doing things like developing a zero carbon-footprint AC system that could greatly impact the global environment in a positive way, building and then tearing down and reconstructing in poor nations the magnificent stadiums they are planning to build, and spending around $65B in infrastructure (roads, railway, seaport, etc) NOT including the stadiums themselves, this is a project that will have a lasting impact on Qatar, the Middle East, and let's be honest, the world for years to come.

From a football perspective, it probably makes the least sense. But in just about every other way, this is the bid that most capitalized on using the World Cup to create positive change and expose the world to a new corner of the globe that most people couldn't find on a map prior to yesterday.

I don't have a problem with it.

Jose posted:

Was that from the F365 mailbox? Lots of people laughing at it in the one after

Chuggo posted:

I agree with Pete Gill that Arsenal are by no means weakened by selling Clichy. Even without bringing in Gervino, Gibbs can easily fill in the shoes of Clichy. In Fact Gibbs is 200% a better left back than Clichy

Wazzerphuk posted:

Yes hes injured I know that. Im not meant to post this but............I was in the earl beaty and the players and management were having their after training lunch in there. Dembele hit Zamora on the head with a chip and Jol went mad. Grabbed Dembele by the scruff of the neck and slammed him onto the table next to me. I dont know what happened after because Jol looked at me and said :" dont look at me and if you tell anyone you will be next." All I know is there was alot of screaming and alot of glass.

delicious beef posted:

This is going around facebook at the moment

quote:

What if world soccer stars had grown up playing American football?

It's an interesting thought.

Say David Beckham grew up in Southern California instead of England. With that face, don't you think he would have been the quarterback of his local high school football team?

quote:

Bonus thought:
Let's get this out of the way early. Leo Messi, and every other player on this list, could also be a kicker. If you play soccer, you can kick a field goal.

It's kind of like how all guitarists can also play bass. It's the same thing, only with fewer intricacies.

quote:

Name: Tim Howard
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 210
Suggested NFL Position: Defensive back/emergency quarterback
Role Model: Charles Woodson
Why: He's American. He's 6'3", 210 and he's a goalkeeper.
The first part means he already knows the game.
The second part means he's got the size to play.
The third part means he knows how to read an offense.

quote:

Name: Ronaldo
Height: 6'0"
Weight: At least 250
Suggested NFL Position: Lineman
Role Model: Leon Lett
Why: A quarterback can't do his thing without the hosses manning the offensive line.

Ronaldo, the original one, qualifies.

quote:

Why: For whatever reason, there aren't many white running backs in the NFL. Bale would have to gain weight, but he definitely has the speed and power.

ephex posted:

irlZaphod posted:

I have no idea if this is serious or a troll or what I'm just I don't know what the heck