The Lions' Pride

Fergie will make sure that ref never officiates another meaningful game in his life. Might be dead come morning actually

I can see HOW the ref would have given Nani a red, as per the rules. The rule in question is also so vage that it just states "a tackle that endangers the safety of an opponent must be sanctioned as serious foul play" resulting in the player being sent off....

That being said, I just don't know how you can give a straight red on that. I'd more categorize it as a reckless challenge than using excessive force.

(the rule is here: http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/worldfootball/clubfootball/01/37/04/28/law12-en.pdf)

I am curious about how the game would have played out had that only been a yellow. Madrid was beginning to have some sustained pressure.

Agreed

Don't think he even had a foul

Nani stayed down and acted hurt for a bit, but nothing I haven't seen a thousand times. I strongly doubt it influenced the ref's decision...... which was ABSOLUTELY ATROCIOUS.

It's usually a good sign that it was an epically awful call when no one in the stadium, no one watching at home or a bar, blind people, senile people, sea creatures who live at the bottom of ocean, and the aliens who tune in a trillion light years away all were completely shocked when he pulled out the red card.

I was somewhat curious when the ref so dramatically arrived on the scene. Granted, it took Nani a while to get off the ground but something seemed abnormal about the ref's approach. He looked poised to do something substantial, and he's done so on multiple occasions in the past. It made no sense...seemed like a straight forward yellow to me. Then, the ref starts abruptly dispatching players from the scene and towering over Nani. Out came the red...on went Los Blancos.

True True.

Who are the serious senior squad prospects for us at that level?

Is Gatt playing on the u20 team, or did he stick with his club? I think he's still 19, but could be wrong there.

Also, it seems Mexico has been one of the best squads in the world at the u20 level. It's strange that hasn't translated into much success at the big boy level.

Tell me about it. Everton has to rely on Jan Mucha right now in the middle of a cup push and battling for Europe.

(and yes, not good for the US).

BeIN sport will be worth the money going forward. They're real impressive for how long they've been on air, have several rights to leagues, and seem real committed. I'm just not sold in the future of English soccer on NBCsports.

I bet he ends up at real or bayern. But whoever gets him will be paying an incredible amount. Barca would be crazy too

Neymar supposedly wants Barca or Bayern. Barca makes the most sense, but Bayern is in the best position financially. Barca would need to sell Villa and a few others to make it work with FFP. Barca needs defenders and a true center forward more than anything...including a new keeper with Valdes not renewing his contract. I don't see a flashy winger being their best investment...even one as talented as Neymar.

Bayern, on the other hand, are supposedly nearing a deal for Lewandowski. You put Neymar, Lewandowski, and Shaqiri on a front line...with Kroos/Muller/Schweiny in MF...and Pep coming in to coach. That's curtains. Dante was the perfect buy for them and has really solidified their defense. They'd be a force for a very long time...even if Robben & Gomez depart.

Agree on Lewandowskis lack of discipline. But I do believe he brings more athleticism and technical ability than Gomez. Work rate is better too.