The International Football Thread

[Tomo 21,733]

Ballotelli must have been so frustrating for City supporters.

The guy has absolutely everything, if he knuckles down and builds on his Milan form, he truly could be the best of the rest (IE behind Messi and Ronaldo).

[Jusek 2,031]

What a free kick by Pirlo! The best in business.

[Sheva. 5,373]

Magician.

[renanh 311]

Dayum Pirlo.

Pure class, beautiful goal.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

PIRLO!

Its amazing when we were linked with him when Carlo was manager so many here did not want him.

[Beirut_Blues 306]

ohhh pirlo

[BlueDude 49]

Welp, I have always admired Pirlo.

[renanh 311]

PIRLO!

Its amazing when we were linked with him when Carlo was manager so many here did not want him.

Hindsight is a bitch, eh?

[Barbara 15,149]

legendary beard is legendary

[Tomo 21,733]

PIRLO!

Its amazing when we were linked with him when Carlo was manager so many here did not want him.

I think it was more down to the fact we were overloaded with experienced players in their early 30's (especially in midfield), back then we needed more young players to balance it out.

If he was 31 now with the young players we have, i guess the same Chelsea fans would take him in a heartbeat, similar to how the majority want De Rossi now.

[Barbara 15,149]

1) stupid back

2) it wasn't a penalty imo

[renanh 311]

Cuntarito

[Sheva. 5,373]

Hernandez! Good game atm.

[Barbara 15,149]

don't like this Italy kit at all....

[BlueDude 49]

PIRLO!

Its amazing when we were linked with him when Carlo was manager so many here did not want him.

We are linked with everyone.

[Fernando 6,482]

Dos Santos is still a good player.

Don't understand how he could not make it at tottenham.

I remember when he was being hyped up like he could be the next Ronaldinho.

Such a shame and pity he could not leave up to the expectations.

[Rmpr 8,977]

What's 'joke' about it? it's a WC warm-up, not only for the teams, but for the country hosting. Chance to test security, the state of the stadiums etc. And for the teams, they play their best 11 so it's a chance to measure up against other teams that might be looking to win the WC.

No, it is just a stupid event that rushes everything, and because of that, stadiums and infra-structure improvements are done with low quality in order to get ready by 2013. Without this competition, the level of focus, quality and detail given to 2014 would be bigger, (something that would be very welcomed). The Confederations Cup is a pain in the arse, only a bad distraction for 2014!

Above that, nobody gives a flying fuck about it, so fans think its an obligation to win it. For a top nation, the downside of losing it (pressure and critics) doesnt compensate the positive side of winning it (a small recognition). One even greater downside of the competition is to take another summer vacation away from the players (with Continentals, Confederations and World Cups; they only have 1/4 full summers). For instance, Chelsea has 6 players getting tired for no reason (maybe even up to 8 with Cavani and De Rossi).

It also comes in the worse possible time as there are protests going on against corruption. Without the Confederations Cup, the protests would have been peaceful; but because authorities dont want us making noise and going into the international media, they are abusing of their power and using of violence to contain the protesters. Yesterday in Brasilia, 2k individuals were chanting against the overpriced constructions of stadiums and tickets instead of investing in health, education and security and due to the tournament the police started to shoot rubber bullets (that hurst more than one can imagine) so they dont get close to the stadium or a tourist area.

Dont tell me this tournament is helping anything in any way. The Confederations Cup is totally unnecessary and there is no arguing with it...

[Ainsley Harriott 2,732]

De Sciglio's passing/crossing is pretty poor