Tortilla9

Watching the Boston Red Sox post-season antics and John Henry and the Sox ownership are pieces of work. After the Red Sox blew a 9 game lead beginning in September and didn't make the playoffs, changes were going to happen. Terry Francona, the manager, resigned, said maybe the team needed a different leadership voice, took responsibility as the manager, etc. Tried to take the high road. Today's Boston Globe newspaper (which has always had an "in" with Sox insiders) has an article which blasts Francona's leadership, talks about possible job distractions (marital problems, dependency on pain killers (knee surgeries), etc. As Nomar Garciaparra said, why bring this out? Why not let Francona, a two time World Series winner, leave with some dignity? Looking at Torres departure from Liverpool and now this, it seems NESV philosphy is if you're not with us, you're against us, and then it's a scorched earth approach. Torres and his advisors probably had no idea what they were up against. It will make his return to form (and I believe that is/will happen) that much sweeter.

On a cross he was facing his own goal and cleared it into the net. It wasn't a Luiz highlight moment. He had good and bad moments in a game where Brazil played a man down for 45 minutes.

Of course after I turn off the Mexico v Brazil game, the second half sees a return of Ronaldinho and samba of old. Doh!

After I typed, Neymar started to get more involved. One negative I don't like in his play he looks to the ref constantly for calls and there's a little too much drama for me. Dani Alves got sent off for two yellows in the first half. Second card was for a blatant foul on Chicharito in the box. PK missed by Mexico. Announcers weren't sure exactly why Alves was sent off - not sure if he had an earlier yellow or got a second yellow for dissent.

Mexico v Brasil friendly. 10' David Luiz scored... for Mexico. Mexico crossed it, Luiz facing his goal, touched the ball into the net. Wasn't a Luiz highlight. 24' in Neymar has been very quiet.

4 minutes in - Spain up 1-0 (Silva)

Subs are Casillas, Javi Martinez, Torres, Arbeloa, Thiago, Mata, Llorente

Lineup for today: Valdes, Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Jordi Alba, Busquests, Carzola, Pedro, Xavi, Silva, Villa

2 reasons: 1. To make you crazy and keep you hitting the F5 button on your keyboard until it's confirmed. 2. If he doesn't start then the media can immediately forget their earlier articles and say loudly and proudly "Torres Benched".

At least with Rooney's dumbass moment the spotlight will be off Torres in the English media.

Too many people hide behind the anonymity of their monitor, smartphone, etc and think they're being clever when they "interact" with a public figure. "That" moment in the Valencia game was not a highlight moment for Kalou but to wish a player dead? Some supposed Chelsea fans need to get a life.

Thanks for the video, eldo. On his first goal it looked like they slowed it down. He didn't look the quickest there. Loved the mullet he sported as a kid.

Rodwell's sham of a red card has been overturned which is good for Everton and the timing figures for Chelsea. Atkinson is a clown. Suarez for all his talent is a diving schmuck.

Alves, Valdes, Ramires, Luiz, all those damn "es", "ez". I can barely keep track.

DB does seem to have a soft spot for Torres as do most of the Spanish NT. Hope to see him play against Scotland at least especially considering Spain has already qualified. Hope to see him get some playing time for his match fitness. October 19 is a long way off. Was surprised Soldado wasn't called up based on his season form. Comparing the two strikers Wed night: First half: Torres had that bad touch/poss penalty then was getting pushed around the rest of the half. Subdued half. Soldado's name wasn't mentioned much at all. Second half: Torres had two quick shots on goal saved by Valdes Alves who had a crazy good (for him) match. Soldado had a header miss the other way. Soldado did score on a PK. Even if Chelsea had a PK, Torres would probably not take it. I thought Torres had a better game than Soldado but it's not like either was a 9 or 10 match rating either.

If he doesn't get selected for Spain, could he play a game with the reserves? Not sure what I think of it tbh but a little match fitness wouldn't hurt either.

Last night, not just for Frank but the entire team except Kalouda, was kind of like mediocre sex. It's better than no sex at all but it wasn't earth shattering either. Team wasn't playing like sh*t but they weren't quite clicking either. First half of the second half was good and happy for Frank. The media bs he's received in the last couple of weeks has been a little over the top. Guess that's too be expected at CFC where Torres, Terry, and Cole are regular targets (no Cole pun there). Thought Frank had a very solid second half and the goal was an added plus.

I admit when I read the original post I was blown away. Living in Southern California and having spent time in the deep South of the US, the "n" word is deeply offensive. Yes, it's used in the movies, rap, etc. which I personally don't like but it is still considered a racially offensive word. I appreciate your explanation and your apology when it would have been easier to say nothing and hope it would blow over. My condolences on your loss.

Found it odd that they couldn't manage to stop the laser light(s) that were pointed at Torres. Damn Spanish fans.

I'm not going to quote the one specific quote which the Mods should remove immediately. I've been following comments on twitter, other forums, etc about Kalou and the handball. Some have made me flat out laugh (why didn't he pull a Tevez on the bench, etc). The quote here though is wrong and racist.

I really think some of AVB's subs, rotations, are just to mess with our minds.

Supposedly a few Spanish fans are welcoming Torres with a green laser light everybody he's near the ball.

I have no idea what the formation will be. To quote Al Davis, just win baby.

Warm night in Valencia. 88 degrees F. Is that 31 C?

Before the match in the dressing room I suggest AVB have this little conversation: AVB: Flo, let me introduce you to Fernando, our #9. Handshakes all around. AVB: Flo, it is ok to actually pass the ball to Fernando. He's the blonde one with the hairband wearing #9 just in case you forget.