And it's terrible that they weren't allowed because the beer sponsor is probably some crappy lager and you've got no choice other than to drink their fizzy alcohol.
The all-in-one consolidatory football thread Page 136
Switzerland beat Spain. Interesting!
So did Earle give the whole block away then (30 tickets! that's insane, why did he get so many in first place? For just one game!!) because he said he didn't make a penny from them? An explaination from him is needed. In a way I'm glad he was sacked because at last it shows that bosses are taking this sort of thing seriously, it's similar to fiddling your expenses, and we're sick of greedy rich b*st*ds doing this.
Quote: Alfred J Kipper @ June 16 2010, 7:04 PM BSTSo did Earle give the whole block away then (30 tickets! that's insane, why did he get so many in first place? For just one game!!) because he said he didn't make a penny from them? An explaination from him is needed. In a way I'm glad he was sacked because at last it shows that bosses are taking this sort of thing seriously, it's similar to fiddling your expenses, and we're sick of greedy rich b*st*ds doing this.
I think the fact he was given "a substantial number" of tickets is the most shocking thing about the whole incident. How many seats in the World Cup are given to the likes of Earle, Townsend, Hansen, Lineker, etc? And with what justification? And that's just for UK TV companies. Is this replicated around the world? It's a wonder there are any real fans in the games at all. Scandalous. Bloody FIFA.
I was going to say exactly the same thing - yes this will look very bad for Fifa and their xenophobic idiot leader. Football is fast becoming a game for the rich and famous only, yet another successful working class creation has been sold off to rich celebs and corporate fat cats. (well it's quickly getting that way) Makes me spew! 
Quote: Nil Putters @ June 16 2010, 10:07 AM BSThttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment_and_arts/10322048.stm
WTF is "ambush marketing"?
Quote: John Mairs @ June 17 2010, 2:17 PM BSThttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8743881.stm
Is this link about smoke free cigarettes?
Apparently the Germans and the Yanks have been using that new ball in their respective leagues, since January. No wonder the Germans beat the Aussies 4-0.
The Germans always do their homework don't they. I spose if there's no rule about it (a bit odd there isn't really) then who can blame them. It's definitely rising a lot on the longish shots, did you see that Alonso shot against the bar, no way it should've hit it, it curved up like a banana. A normal ball would've gone in about half way up, it started off very low. Not impressed with it all so far, far too many shots skying over.
Should be an interesting line up tomorrow night. Three places up for grabs, goalkeeper, centre-half and striker. In my opinion:
Goalkeeper:
David James: Likes a howler, but fantastic shot stopper. Problem is should Rob Green lose his place, he will come in with the knowledge that if he makes a mistake, he'll be out of the team.
Rob Green: Made a horrendous error last week, but don't think he should lose his place. He was very honest about it, if he does another error drop him, but I think dropping him would be a bit rash.
Joe Hart: For me the best keeper of the three, but he's very inexperienced. Make him number one in the world cup.
Verdict: Rob Green
Centre Back:
Michael Dawson: Little experience, but out of the three he's competing against, he's had by far the best season.
Jamie Carragher: Looked incredibly slow against the US, for me he should just be there as cover for right back.
Matthew Upson: If Green plays, would feel a bit dodgy having two West Ham players at the back, but I suppose West Ham won it for us in 1966.
Verdict: I'd gamble on this one and pick Michael Dawson. I know I said Hart shouldn't be goalkeeper due to lack of experience, but it isn't as much a crucial position.
Striker:
Peter Crouch: Outstanding goal-scoring record for England, a handful for defenders.
Jermaine Defoe: Outstanding at club level, he hasn't quite made an impact on the international scene yet for me. Often seems anonymous for England
Emile Heskey: Shocking goal-scoring record, yet brilliantly effective up front, picking passes and horrible to defend against. Terrible though at taking chances
Verdict: Emile Heskey. I do prefer Crouchy, but Heskey has great impact, we need Rooney to get scoring the goals to make the most of playing Heskey. Crouch would be great to bring off the bench if we need a goal, whereas Heskey wouldn't, so for that reason, I'd prefer Heskey as a starter and Crouch as a sub.
I hope he picks Defoe.
Quote: Steve Sunshine @ June 17 2010, 6:46 PM BSTI hope he picks Defoe.
QFT. I'm apoplectic when Heskey starts ahead of Carew for the Villa, I can't see how it's even possible that he's considered above a natural goalscorer like Defoe.
Quote: Jack Massey @ June 17 2010, 6:41 PM BSTCrouch would be great to bring off the bench if we need a goal, whereas Heskey wouldn't, so for that reason, I'd prefer Heskey as a starter and Crouch as a sub.
With that logic, shouldn't we just play Crouch from the start?
Or Rooney on his own, he prefers that role, play an extra man in midfield then you have Gerrard and Joe Cole attacking off him. Capello gets £6m a year for sorting this out and he still hasn't made his mind up. His Heskey thing does not work if that lumbering idiot finds himself in front of goal, as he is increasingly doing! Let the midfielders feed Rooney, that's what he says he likes!
Quote: catskillz @ June 17 2010, 7:00 PM BSTWith that logic, shouldn't we just play Crouch from the start?
But the thing is, if we need a goal and Crouch is playing and we need something different up front, there will be few options for us on the bench. Heskey is more than capable of starting up front and giving way to Crouch mid way through the second half.