tyklip

again, definite foul. Are you that blinded by bias? And how hasn't Zuniga been booked yet? The Ref is biased!

Oh, you mean the fair challenge that was wrongly deemed a foul?

How lame was that match?

Yep, you are not allowed to stop during your run up, but Brazil get favoured by the ref's yet again. Oh, stop. They had a penalty shout turned down, and a very close hand ball called. Further, here is the new rule: "Feinting in the run-up to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted, however, if in the opinion of the referee the feinting is considered an act of unsporting behaviour the player shall be cautioned."

Even within the country there are differences in how you pronounce the "te" at the end of words. go further north it has a more "t"sound; in rio, a very pronounced "ch"sound. just fyi.

I see the conspiracy talk, which is ludicrous. Sure, the refs have added pressure to make calls for Brazil. that's not a new phenomenon or a conspiracy; it's human nature. Keep in mind, in the history of the world cup, 32% of host nations have won the world cup. something 44% of the time, they make it to the finals. home field advantage is real.

No offense to anyone, but man these group stage threads have more about TV commentators than the actual game.

Easier to stomach reading the transcript than listening to the interview (not because content magically changes, just because reading it is easier). So, here is the transcript: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paul-faulkner---full-interview-6509210

I don't like to disparage players, especially ones early in their Villa career. I generally lean towards being a "homer". That said, I don't think there has been a more ineffective player who's got a more consistent run of games since I've watched the Villa (since 2004). His decision-making is just shocking. Hopefully, he'll improve, but what am I missing? Why on earth would he be anywhere near the 1st team?

What's upsetting about the no-call for the late penalty is FOR CERTAIN Friend saw the handball. It couldn't have been clearer from his angle and he was looking right at the ball. Unmistakable. Why he didn't blow his whistle...Well, that's the question.

Where's the source of this information? He's listed as a 4th official for the upcoming games.

Well, OK. But the best of bad situation is hardly the same as being in a "fantastic position". The latter would be where Benteke had signed a new contract and declared great enthusiasm for the coming season at Villa. As it stands, it's unlikely that such an unhappy player is going to perform as well as last season and, even worse, could well cause serious ructions and spread demoralisation across your squad. Your club decision makers will have to decide whether the risks involved are worth turning down a transfer profit of £11m (my guess), being able to reinvest £19m in the squad and move on with a united set of players. I'm not saying that Benteke's sale to Spurs will happen, but I am saying that the choices are more limited and more difficult than the vast majority of posts in this thread would indicate. Spurs have lost several really good players in recent seasons - it's the way of the world. But we've mostly emerged with a stronger squad, because the sale proceeds have been spent mostly wisely. Villa can do the same. Here's the thing about him making a fuss: It's in his interest to perform to the best of his abilities. He wants that next big paycheck with a bigger club, right? So what good is him half-assing? He would be devaluing himself making both the transfer to a bigger club and a higher salary less likely.

Been saying this for a long time (not frequently). The problem is that you can't in any way get any kind of parity when you have a promotion and relegation system. The NFL does a great job with parity; it makes it way more fun and entertaining, but that model, of course, cannot fit in a system where you can cease to be a member of it if you play poorly (i.e. don't have money).

Yep, I take it personally. It's a product of emotional investment and the idea that sits firmly in my head (as well as probably everyone else's) that he's an amazing talent that will be trying to beat us next year if all goes his way. And I suppose I'm a bit different than many on here (those who say it's just business). I believe in loyalty, respect, etc. Yes I would turn down a pay raise to prove loyalty (with the job I have, I pretty much do that anyway). I also get that we got him because of his lack of loyalty to a previous club. I think the footballing world would be a lot better off with more loyalty. Pipe dreams, I know. Still, when an episode like this happens it's just a stern reminder of what I believe to be the soddy nature of the game. Oh, well. Get 30 million and I'll feel better.

try Belgian beer Nothing like a good flemish sour. Rodenbach grand cru please. Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I keep posting this guy's stuff like he's my relative or something, but it's really because I think he has some inside info and generally his analysis is quite good. Here's his 2 cents on Benteke: http://www.myoldmansaid.com/christian-benteke-contract-talks-explained/

Same guy who got tonev deal right and weimann too, says this will be sorted this week (indicated another signing too this week). Twitter: myoldmansaid.

Same guy I referred to in the Danish defender thread says Weimann is all but signed. (I don't know of validity, don't shoot messenger and all that, but he was right with Tonev). His twitter feed: https://twitter.com/oldmansaid

This guy seems to think it's done deal (along with Tonev). Take it for what it's worth. I'm only a messenger: https://www.facebook.com/myoldmansaid?fref=ts

I despise Man U and everything they stand for, wish desperately that the BPL could develop a way for parity so it's not at matter of $=wins. Pipe dreams I know. Oh, and I would add, that though I like Moyes, I'm hoping that he fails and the club goes into a tailspin. I wonder what would become of their spoiled fan base.

Not sure about his technical abilities (though he showed some last night), but he is a superb athlete; in my view the best athlete on the pitch last night. Pace, quickness, explosiveness, with size and power.

Just want to chime in to note how impressed I am with Sylla's athleticism. I'm not talking footballing skill (though he seems he has some of that), but he's got to be the most athletic player on that pitch tonight. Pace, quickness, explosiveness.

Those who slated Benteke in the early going I hope have fully repented for their sins. Yeah, Baker and Lowton defended great, but Benteke is the clear MOTM. When was the last time you saw some from Villa properly execute such an amazing backheel. What flair.

In the time I've watched Villa, admittedly not that long (since MON I guess), I've never seen anything like that. It something you might see a world class team do.

Some people already answered this, but their responses are sort of off. It would be most appropriate to say that no state law may contradict a federal law; the Constitution is very clear about this. It has and continues to happen as a result of enforcement issues and the time it takes to have them legally challenged in court. But technically it is not supposed to ever happen.