But all those players play in Germany and play for Hamburger SV.......

My apologies then, I thought Van der Vart still played in Holland - which, ultimately, shows my knowledge of European football.

But then, the same opinion can be projected - teams in Germany that are rising above their League 'peers', so to speak, thanks to those kind of players performing on a consistent basis.

I still think, though, that you are missing my point about top players playing against top teams - Makaay, obviously, isn't in van Basten's eyes. It can be the same for Andy Johnson competing in the Championship in England, he is way above the class that that League requires - which, maybe, is why he has not been included in the England squad, which, in turn, may have swayed the dicision to include Walcott instead, (due to his performances against reserve teams that are strong enough to compete against other premiership sides) - (so, comparisons to Holland and England selections can begin, as John has stated). On that point, after seeing some footage of Walcott I admit I was a bit too hasty in condemming Erikson's decision to include him.

I'm not saying my opinions are right, obviously my lack of opaque thought is clear on this - I'm just pointing out that maybe he has left out Maykaay because he is a talented player playing in a League way below his standard, the other players in the League are, maybe, performing above their standard.(?)

Despite my obvious lack of Euproean football knowledge, I hope you finally see my point with that comparison.

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In all fairness, Roy Makaay is a better striker anyday and time then Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, or Vennegoor of Hesselink in my eyes anyways. But its funny how many players have 0 caps at all

That, again, is my point though - you look at the type of players each are coming up against. Make no mistake, if Makaay was still playing, and playing like he has for Bayern, for Depo then he would most certainly be in the Dutch squad.

Still, I refer to the Crespo issue - it seems as though Bayern are potential suitors for his contract now too - and, in Europe Crespo and Makaay would be a deadly combination.

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We should make a World cup betting pool with all the metal tab footy fans. I'd be willing to run it, and we could even wager on it.

I fail to see how it would work, but - my bet is on Brazil. I'm even in a pub pool for Brazil, especially bought the new away Brazil tee for it...so...Brazil for the winzeez.....what ever the fuck winzeez means.

[edit]
By the way, I don't think you realise how drunk I was upon hearing that I had Brazil in the pub pool.

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well it would work something like pick a starting 11, forwards goals worth 3 points, midfielder goals are worth 5 points and defender goals are worth 7.
Pick one captain, whomever that player may be his points are doubled. Cleen sheets are worth 10 points. I know there are websites that are having pools where you can start your own league for like $5 CDN and you pay a 20 one time entry fee to that site and whoever wins the pool by most points gets all the money. Rules/points can be worked out and shit if people are interested.

That's a great idea.I'm in

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Milan are saying they'll never sell Sheva. I don't think I would either, he's scored the most goals for Milan in the last 50 years. I doubt they need the money either. If Sheva does ask for a transfer, then they're in trouble.

Compared to Juventus at the moment, Milan are in a plethora of happiness.

Anyway, Ballack has completed his move - oddities? He wants the number 13 shirt, his favoured, which is currently worn by non other than..brrrrrr, Gallas. I'll let you think about that whilst I point out more things which would point to the fact that Sheva is moving to Chelsea.

Gallas says he wants to leave Chelsea, preferably for Milan.
Shevchenko says he wants to leave Milan for England. Milan are only prepared to let him go if the have a replacement striker, their words not mine.
A few hours after that story came out, Milan's best performing European striker from last season, Crespo, says he wants to return to Italy.

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I think even Berluskoni recently said that Shevchenko will be playing
for Chelsea next year.
Gallas will leave Chelsea for sure.

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barcelona v/s aresnal in an hour or so

cant fuckin wait

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its about to start in a couple of mins

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Barc(th)elona! Barc(th)elona!one!

Um, Mr. crazy German man has been sent off - I ask then why Barcelona aren't up instead.

Er, it's kind of disgusting when you see a mob of players holding up their hands in a card gesture - it's, er, kind of unsporting. So is Spanish football.

I can't see Arsenal winning this with ten men, but - after that incident with the cards I have now changed my supporting stance to Arsenal. (Not because the card was given mind you, but because of the way the Barc(th)a players conducted themselves.

Plus, Sol Cambell has ust scored.

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fuck i thought barca were gonna whip arsenals ass

why cant campbell score goals like those in England matches

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1-1
fuck yeah

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2-1 Barca
hell yea

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awesome match. Henry was so pissed when the match was all said and done, hahaha.

Barcaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
If it wasn't for that stupid referee the game would be much better.
He should count the goal and not give the red card,it
would be more interesting then.I fell sorry about Pires,
the poor guy played 20 minutes only and got substituted
without doing anything wrong.
Henry was very friendly with Barcelona's players,
I wonder why

Man of the Match?
I'd say Larsson or Henry

Ronaldinho didn't play so good

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id say larsson......if not for him barca prob would not hav one the game

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