target balotelli?

Anyone feel we should play rough and target balotelli? unsporting and out of character for england to do.. but the guy is such an idiot, he is likely to react like rooney did against the portugease in 06' we know the guy fairly well now, he was sent off about 3 times just this season in the english league, and thats with english refs who dont like to dish cards out. could be a very intense game for many of the players sunday. so back to my original question.. should we target mario and get him frustrated or be our typical fair selves?

The plan was set in motion ages ago. Terrys going to shag his gf, with Downing as his wingman (why he was picked). Then throughout the game Terry's going to make several snide comments to young mario

Terry will end up kneeing him in the back like he did to Sanchez and get sent off.

I don't think we'll need to wind up to be honest, Balotelli isn't as good as everybody makes out. He hides behind stupid behaviour. A good goal the other day, but he doesn't offer a lot to the Italians, who looked much better with Di Natale in the side.

Balotelli is overrated, Di Natale is their best striker. No need to fear if they're starting Balotelli.

Do you think the italians might have a similar plan for Wazza ? They are much better at it than we are as well.

Bring Materazzi out of retirement just to wind up Rooney?

I think John Terry and Ashley Cole will wind him up at every opportunity. On his day he can be a devestating player, it's just that he rarely seems interested and is quite happy plodding through games. Great potential, shocking attitude

He will probably start on the bench anyway for two reasons. Firstly Di Natale is rated more than him, and secondly the italians are well aware of how crazy he is and the likelihood that we will try to wind him up. In fact they have suggested on Rai (national broadcaster) that he should not start for this very reason.

A lot of rumours are starting though that Balotelli will start because he plays in England so will be more used to the style and opponents.

Crimey wrote:A lot of rumours are starting though that Balotelli will start because he plays in England so will be more used to the style and opponents.

English rumours or Italian rumours?

LivinginItaly wrote:

Crimey wrote:A lot of rumours are starting though that Balotelli will start because he plays in England so will be more used to the style and opponents.

English rumours or Italian rumours?

Not sure, bit of both I think.

I know Mancini has insisted that Balotelli should play, that's an English-Italian rumour.

I wouldn't be surprised either way to be honest. It appears that the media, the supporters, and more surprisingly the coaching staff don't know who their best forward pairing is.

nasri said he scored against hart because he knew him and realised which way he would go

mystiroakey wrote:nasri said he scored against hart because he knew him and realised which way he would go

Yeah, you can see it. Nasri looks up to the corner and Hart is already moving towards that side.

Crimey wrote:A lot of rumours are starting though that Balotelli will start because he plays in England so will be more used to the style and opponents.

An interesting theory somewhat negated by the probability that he would most likely be marked by his clubmate at Manchester City, Joleon Lescott, and would be trying to beat his clubmate goalkeeper at Manchester City, Joe Hart. I kinda figure he's not played against those two before.

That's why I also included 'style' not just opponents. As mystiroakey points out Nasri used this to his advantage because he did the opposite of what he would normally do to catch out Hart.

He will have played against them both in training as well. I think the attacker has the advantage in experience with those players because they can change from what they normally do while the defender can only react.

Crimey wrote:That's why I also included 'style' not just opponents. As mystiroakey points out Nasri used this to his advantage because he did the opposite of what he would normally do to catch out Hart.

He will have played against them both in training as well. I think the attacker has the advantage in experience with those players because they can change from what they normally do while the defender can only react.

Ahhh,right. So the invaluable experience Mario Balotelli will have gained from five a sides on the training ground will automatically transfer itself into a master tactical plan for a major championships quarter final.

Silly me for not thinking of that. <wink>


I don't think Sami Nasri, with Terry looming very quickly into his field of vision had a great deal of time to think..... "Erks alors...!! what shall I do 'ere.... But mais oui..!! I shall, 'ow you zay, fox ze goalie wiz ze low 'ard shot. 'e won't be expecting zat.


.

Jennifer1984 wrote:

Crimey wrote:That's why I also included 'style' not just opponents. As mystiroakey points out Nasri used this to his advantage because he did the opposite of what he would normally do to catch out Hart.

He will have played against them both in training as well. I think the attacker has the advantage in experience with those players because they can change from what they normally do while the defender can only react.

Ahhh,right. So the invaluable experience Mario Balotelli will have gained from five a sides on the training ground will automatically transfer itself into a master tactical plan for a major championships quarter final.

Silly me for not thinking of that. <wink>


.

Well it worked for Nasri, as I said, which you ignored because it wouldn't have allowed you to be sarcastic






.

Crimey wrote:

Jennifer1984 wrote:

Crimey wrote:That's why I also included 'style' not just opponents. As mystiroakey points out Nasri used this to his advantage because he did the opposite of what he would normally do to catch out Hart.

He will have played against them both in training as well. I think the attacker has the advantage in experience with those players because they can change from what they normally do while the defender can only react.

Ahhh,right. So the invaluable experience Mario Balotelli will have gained from five a sides on the training ground will automatically transfer itself into a master tactical plan for a major championships quarter final.

Silly me for not thinking of that. <wink>


.

Well it worked for Nasri, as I said, which you ignored because it wouldn't have allowed you to be sarcastic

.

Laughing.

Oh come on, the proposition is so funny I couldn't take it seriously. And I did edit my post to include a comment about Sammy Nasri, just for jolly.

Smile..... You might even enjoy the experience..

What a ridiculous suggestion to claim that maybe Balotelli's teammates will know his game better than most, absolutely mental. You're right "laughable", almost as laughable to suggest that if the ball didn't cross the line and wasn't awarded a goal that there would be controversy....

Well maybe Nasri just lied then in his interview after the game when he said that he shot in a different way to his normal shots to catch out his teammate, and maybe the clear glance to the corner and Hart shifting towards that corner might not also be at least probable evidence to suggest Nasri wasn't lying.

Or maybe I'm making another "laughable" proposition. Like saying Clare Balding just host a football match.

Crimey wrote:What a ridiculous suggestion to claim that maybe Balotelli's teammates will know his game better than most, absolutely mental. You're right "laughable", almost as laughable to suggest that if the ball didn't cross the line and wasn't awarded a goal that there would be controversy....

Well maybe Nasri just lied then in his interview after the game when he said that he shot in a different way to his normal shots to catch out his teammate, and maybe the clear glance to the corner and Hart shifting towards that corner might not also be at least probable evidence to suggest Nasri wasn't lying.

Or maybe I'm making another "laughable" proposition. Like saying Clare Balding just host a football match.

Awwww, now you're getting upset and taking it all personally. You sound like you haven't had a hug today.

I will confess, I didn't watch Sammy Nasri's eyes. Perhaps you like to gaze deeply into another man's eyes when he shoots, and there's nothing wrong with that. You're amongst friends, Crimey.

Hey... but seriously now.... don't go getting upset about it. It's all a matter of opinion and we're bound to disagree at times. If nobody disagreed on a discussion forum it would be a pretty boring place. How about you and I simply agree to disagree, eh..?

Perhaps you could persuade Gary Lineker to repeat your comments about Claire Balding. The resultant sexism storm might just get him off the screen, just as a similar thing got rid of the misogynists Andy Gray and Richard Keyes from Sky (1 - 0 to Sian Massey). Something similar to that didn't do Mike Newell's career much good either (1- 0 Amy Rayner).

Nobody loves a sexist.


.

Getting back on topic, I don't think we should be trying to wind Balotelli up. It's not sporting and although it's the sort of thing the Italians may very well do to Wayne Rooney, I don't think we should descend to those levels.

Call me Little Miss Naive if you will.... I just don't like that sort of thing.

.

Jenny. What happened to that female commentator on MOTD?

For the record I don't mind Gabby Logan as a presenter. I think Crimey may have been suggesting that Balding may be an outlandish choice due to the fact she specialises in horse racing, nothing sexist about that.

I can't see England trying to "target" Balotelli.

Firstly they would risk more cards (which we can't afford) and secondly I think he could react in a positive way and try that bit harder.

Just play him hard and fair, no chelping, no stupid tackles, basically don't give him any extra incentive.Needling a forward is daft anyways, better off trying to wind up a defender, and hope he does something rash, at the top end of the pitch ?

It's like sledging in test cricket....... some you do, others you don't !

FreekShow wrote:Jenny. What happened to that female commentator on MOTD?

For the record I don't mind Gabby Logan as a presenter. I think Crimey may have been suggesting that Balding may be an outlandish choice due to the fact she specialises in horse racing, nothing sexist about that.

I was just teasing Crimey, Freeks. I'm feeling a little naughty tonight, is all. If he's got his big boy panties on tonight, I'm sure he'll be able to hack it.

Gabby Logan comes from a football background, actually. Her father was Terry Yorath, who played for Leeds United and Wales back in the 1970's, I believe. She's very knowledgeable.

Her younger brother was a promising young player at Leeds, too, but he died suddenly from an undetected heart condition...a bit like Fabrice Muamba (who didn't actually die, I know, but you get my drift), but without the weeks of hype that followed......

So, Gabby Logan is probably a lot better grounded in the game than some might think. She'd make an excellent anchor for the BBC (and she dances a wicked Argentine Tango, too), but because she is blonde and very pretty, she has the unwanted.... and undeserved.... tag of being mere window dressing.

But I like Claire Balding. I've met her a couple of times..... admittedly in social situations.... I found her intelligent, genuinely witty, and she gives the impression of being thorough and professional as a person. Football could do with people like that in an anchor role. But the key word in this thread, in the comments about CB was the person who described her as a bloke. Now that WAS sexist and it prompted my retorts about Gray, Keys and Newell.

It's always disappointing when men in football regard a woman more for her physical attributes than her abilities. Claire Balding anchored the Beijing Olympics for the BBC faultlessly, with class and absolute efficiency. If she can do that, outside of her horsey comfort zone, then Match of the Day would be a doddle.

.

That was me calling her a bloke, I apologise if that caused offence. I was just being mischievous myself. If Claire knew me I'm sure she'd have something to say about my teeth but anyway....

There is a thread on here somewhere titled Women in Football and bar one or two posters the majority of folk on these boards are all for them being involved if they do indeed possess the required qualities.

If Balding brings Willie Carson with her I'd reconsider!!

FreekShow wrote:That was me calling her a bloke, I apologise if that caused offence. I was just being mischievous myself. If Claire knew me I'm sure she'd have something to say about my teeth but anyway....

There is a thread on here somewhere titled Women in Football and bar one or two posters the majority of folk on these boards are all for them being involved if they do indeed possess the required qualities.

If Balding brings Willie Carson with her I'd reconsider!!

Thanks for the tip on women in football. I'll look that one up, it could be worth reading.

I must confess to being a little sensitive on the issue, but fully agree that women should earn their place on merit. No "tokens". It's a two way street. A woman has to show she has the qualities to do the job, but on the other hand, if she does that, then she should get fair and equal treatment.

I don't know about CB bringing Willie Carson with her, but Katie Walsh wouldn't be turned away...!!

.

Jennifer1984 wrote:

FreekShow wrote:That was me calling her a bloke, I apologise if that caused offence. I was just being mischievous myself. If Claire knew me I'm sure she'd have something to say about my teeth but anyway....

There is a thread on here somewhere titled Women in Football and bar one or two posters the majority of folk on these boards are all for them being involved if they do indeed possess the required qualities.

If Balding brings Willie Carson with her I'd reconsider!!

Thanks for the tip on women in football. I'll look that one up, it could be worth reading.


.

This is the thread. It gets tasty near the end of the first page.

https://www.606v2.com/t13474p50-rooney-rule-is-it-discrimination

Joleon Lescott's face will be enough to scare Balotelli away from the goal

Milner could keep doing his thing and pass the ball to the opposition, Mario will then be confused, suddenly he will think they are on the same team and attack the Italy goal. Milner is good after all...

Josiah Maiestas wrote:Joleon Lescott's face will be enough to scare Balotelli away from the goal

Sometimes your attempts at comedy border on pathetic but this is just outright revolting. Lescott was run over and dragged along the road at five years of age which you probably know so to make a joke based on his appearance is quite sad.

Tone it down a notch mate and people may take you seriously.

I actually didnt know that

mystiroakey wrote:I actually didnt know that

I noticed his scar a few years ago and googled him, that's how I found out the coming-about of the scar. I've heard a few blokes make jokes about it. I hope their kids never have such an accident.

ribery was the same wasnt he?

JamesLincs wrote:ribery was the same wasnt he?

Yes James. Awful childhood I'd expect. You know what kids are like with their mickey taking and all that.

im guilty of comments made to others as an immature kid, and ive received them too, most of us will have had. it will have only made them stronger people though, and 2 people who have gone on to achieve more than i have, certainly

tevez had an accident as a 2 year old with hot water as well.

JamesLincs wrote:im guilty of comments made to others as an immature kid, and ive received them too, most of us will have had. it will have only made them stronger people though, and 2 people who have gone on to achieve more than i have, certainly

This is kids being kids, unless told otherwise they know no better. Josiah is a 23 year old "man" and should know better to be honest but there you go.

FreekShow wrote:

JamesLincs wrote:im guilty of comments made to others as an immature kid, and ive received them too, most of us will have had. it will have only made them stronger people though, and 2 people who have gone on to achieve more than i have, certainly

This is kids being kids, unless told otherwise they know no better. Josiah is a 23 year old "man" and should know better to be honest but there you go.

well I actually like Lescott and haven't a bad word to say about him, it's just in jest mate. I've seen plenty of ManU fans taunt Tevez about his kettle incident.. and they are not actually bad people when you know them. I will amend my comment anyway if others think it's bad.