I was walking with a ghost.
YESTERDAY
- Watched Man City-Liverpool in a daze. Went back to bed, half-woke up for Racing-RM. I have nothing to say about the first game, except that the team should have done better.
- I feel like I've been watching quite a lot of Real Madrid lately, or at least more than I'm accustomed to. I used to like them before they became Real Brasil. But while I delight in mocking them every weekend, I still can't hate them outright. They club hierarchy itself is full of morons and crazy people, but they've ceased putting on a noble front, unlike Barcelona. I feel like a lot of RM fans (correct me if I'm totally off the mark) have started to embrace the team's trashiness, which hey, I can sort of admire that.
Add Pipita into the mix, and, well, y'know. Barcelona has Messi, but Messi is buying into the Catalan ego that I hate so much, and I don't know how to feel about that.
Anyway, about the game. I hate Racing. They're only winners when it comes to whining and time-wasting, and Munitis is a piece of shit who gets away with the most appalling stuff. I mean, he whines worse than Guti, playacts worse than Fernando fucking Torres, and wastes time worse than -- shit, no one even comes close.
Shame nobody told the ref that. The first penalty was a crap decision, and Helguera was a bit unlucky to get the second yellow ... HOWEVER, the second penalty was hilariously dumb on Cannavaro's part, and Mejia was an idiot to get himself sent off; there were other defenders around him, but he stuck out his stupid foot anyway.
And hey, a RM loss means a good chance for Valencia to get their shit together and get back into third place, so I can't complain. I just hope Pipita's injury isn't too serious.
TODAY
- I hate Barcelona. I hate their dumb fucking luck. I hate their style of playing. I hate (most of) their fans. Oh, that felt good.
- Also, I wanted to watch Valencia-Sevilla, but come on, let's be real. The Supersupersuperclasico is never to be missed, if possible. Besides, I haven't seen River play for almost a month, and that's just shameful. Now Boca, there's a team I truly, truly hate. I REALLY hate their dumb fucking luck, I REALLY hate their playing style, and I REALLY hate virtually all of their fans (Boppi, and Vip on MFF, are the only ones I can even talk to, ragh).
a;lsf ROMAN. (PAIN.) ROMAN, WHY. Although he did give Passarella a little kiss before kickoff. Still, forgiveness is not on the forecast. Passarella's dorky red-and-white striped umbrella was bizarre as well -- until he opened it and realized that there was, indeed, a rain of sorts. I love that man, he's so cheeky.
And I was barely able to type that LJ cut before Boca scored. A pass from Roman, to Ledesma. A terrible beginning, but at least the early wake-up call shocked River into action, and they went to work.
Boca looked brighter, though, and two dangerous free kicks were quickly dispatched, and thankfully dealt with, not before Cardozo went close with a gently hooked shot that flashed past Carrizo's post. The game got physical really quickly, and Ibarra was soon carded for a bad foul on Fernandez. From the free kick, Augusto put his header wide.
Palermo nearly doubled Boca's lead a few minutes later, having completely lost Nasuti inside the box, but Carrizo was equal to the shot. The game was quickly becoming the back-and-forth affair we've come to expect, highly entertaining no matter what team you support. (Although clearly I hoped for death for all Boca players, and a thundering River victory.) Boca were on the front foot, and Carrizo was called upon to make another save, off a Cardozo shot, not soon after.
Boca weren't letting up, and the River defense was full of holes. A strong mid-range shot from Roman was parried by Carrizo, who became twice the hero after blocking Palacio's follow-up out for a corner. By all accounts, he's been the team's best player so far this season, and it's evident in every single game. (Is he to River what Iker is to RM? God, I hope for Passrella's sake that he isn't.)
Boca was content to pass the ball around for awhile, keeping possession well and frustrating the River attack. A bit of confusion in the Boca defense allowed Belluschi to see some time on the ball, but his shot was weak and wide. So far, they hadn't been able to create any dangerous chances, or even put any pressure on the Boca defense, as the battle was primarily being fought in the midfield.
River survived another scare as Roman found Palermo again, but his left-footed volley was collected easily by Carrizo, whose name I have typed way too much already for my comfort. GET IT TOGETHER, YOU LITTLE SHITS. Ahumada and Ponzio are doing nothing to contain Roman right now. Roman, who is completely dictating the flow of the game, and looks a million times more alive right now than in any of his last few games in Spain. I guess there is no place like home. He is playing devastating football right now.
... And once again, it's Carrizo to the rescue as a botched clearance found Palacio with only the keeper to beat. Carrizo put his body in front of his shot, and the rebound shot thankfully rose just over the crossbar.
River created their best attacking moves of the game right before halftime, as the sun emerged Boca's half of the pitch. The little sparks of life shown by Belluschi, Ruben, Fernandez, and Rosales, however, came too late in the half to really trouble Boca for any sustained amount of time, and so River went into the break with a host of improvements to be made. The best attacking player for River up until now had been Rosales, although Carrizo was, sin duda, the savior so far.
af;d LONGEST HALFTIME EVER.
The red-and-white umbrella again. Second half started out a bit slower, River trying to build up pressure, and Boca cautious not to get caught off guard early. It backfired, though, as Rosales put River level, from a superb forward pass by Marco Ruben. Rosales took one touch to trap the ball, then flicked it with his left foot past the keeper and into the corner of the net. It pretty much squeezed in between the post and the keeper's outstretched hands, and I could watch that kind of thing forever. It was fantastic individual goal, but hopefully it would represent a turning point for River. Indeed, they already looked much stronger on the attack, and it was beginning to pay off. Still, there wre forty minutes left, and anything could happen.
The two protagonistas nearly combined again minutes later, but Ruben's pass to Rosales was a bit too heavy, and the chance went begging. River had definitely gained the upper hand now, as the home fans were at a loss for word (or song), and with Roman suddenly removed from the action, the players themselves were unable to respond to the pressure they suddenly found themselves under.
Not for long, though, as a burst of speed from Roman earned a free kick, with Ponzio diving into a reckless challenge from behind. His attempt was high, however.
The game settled down somewhat after that, parity having been restored. BUT OH, WHAT'S THIS. I see Lima, my baby Lima, getting suited up on the sideline. Is he -- ? Is this -- ? Oh god, it's my fucking lucky day. Ahumada makes way for Lima, who was my second River boyfriend after Pipita. I'm biting my nails for you, darling. Play well, and hack a few Bocaspawn shins for Pipita's sake. /end delusion
Neither team were playing with much rhythm at this point, fatigue showing a bit. River looked slightly more awake, though, and threatened a couple of times through Marco Ruben. I love this kid already, and I've only seen him play a handful of times. I mean, he's not wearing #10 for nothing. He's tall, strong, and quick, maybe not as dynamic as Pipita was, but he'll learn from experience.
Ponzio made way for Galvan, Passarella clearly intent on winning the game, but leaving Lima to fend for himself in the defensive role. The increased pressure nearly paid off, too, as Galvan and Fede combined beautifully along the left to send the ball in to Belluschi. His shot, however, went just wide of the target.
Boca nearly took a surprise lead when Roman sent in a beautiful floating ball to Palermo, whose header just cleared the ball. Boca still hadn't made their changes yet, either, Russo seeming content with his current setup. Palermo was taken down from behind by Tuzzio, who earned a booking for his efforts, giving Boca a free kick in an extremely dangerous position. That bastard Schelotto replaced Palacio five minutes from time. A very strong shot by Roman was deflected by Belluschi, but somehow blocked by Carrizo's legs. The savior again.
River were committing too many fouls, though, pressure piling up toward the end. Boca found some free headers, although Carrizo was extremely aware. Marco foolishly wasted a chance on a fast break, choosing to shoot when Belluschi was making a run into the box. The captain made way for Alvarez.
Boca nearly took advantage yet again, as Schelotto and Palermo saw chances deflected out for corners. It was back and forth, back and forth for the last couple of minutes, Ruben again missing a header from Rosales's cross. That turned out to be the last chance for either team, as the whistle blew to signal the end of a well-fought draw.
River were in no condition to crush Boca, like they did last time, but I'm still happy with the result. There weren't any controversial moments, and I got to see a lot of young talent in Marco Ruben and Carrizo, so that's all I can ask of them for now.
Following the Valencia match on Marca:
1. So glad Villa found his scoring boots at this critical juncture in time. And kudos to Marchena (whom I almost certainly underestimate, if only for the purpose of being pleasantly surprised by him) for the assist. Was extremely concerned when I saw that Quique had rested Albelda in favor of a Marchena-Hugo Viana partnership, but it seems to be working so far.
2. The Marca commentary scares me, with all of the little diagrams. There have been two red crosses so far, signifying INJURY! FIRST-AID! AMBULANCE! BLOOD TRANSFUSION! My boys better not be seriously injured.
3. Holy shit, penalty. Holy shit, Cañizares. You big, scary-faced hero. I love it.
4. Wow, so the first time I've heard of Hinkel seeing playing time this season, and he's been sent off, having conceded a PK. Which Villa dispatches, no problemo. Fantastic -- Los Che are rebounding much better than I could have expected (although Sevilla's shite away record is helping).
5. My kitty is so cute. His name is St. Eustace Cadbury Ehg, but I'm nicknaming him Guaje:
:D
6. Jesus christ, Valencia sound incredible right now. I almost wish I could watch this instead of River's shitefest. (Ten minutes later, I take this comment back.)
7. 2-0 al final! God, I'm so proud of the boys. Verta, sorry about the loss, but I think we needed this result more. I mean, we're not going to win the league, so I hope you still get it done. Next up: RM. I hate this fixture; it never ends pretty.
This post is huge already, and I have to leave for a meeting right now, so I'll probably do pictures later.
- Watched Man City-Liverpool in a daze. Went back to bed, half-woke up for Racing-RM. I have nothing to say about the first game, except that the team should have done better.
- I feel like I've been watching quite a lot of Real Madrid lately, or at least more than I'm accustomed to. I used to like them before they became Real Brasil. But while I delight in mocking them every weekend, I still can't hate them outright. They club hierarchy itself is full of morons and crazy people, but they've ceased putting on a noble front, unlike Barcelona. I feel like a lot of RM fans (correct me if I'm totally off the mark) have started to embrace the team's trashiness, which hey, I can sort of admire that.
Add Pipita into the mix, and, well, y'know. Barcelona has Messi, but Messi is buying into the Catalan ego that I hate so much, and I don't know how to feel about that.
Anyway, about the game. I hate Racing. They're only winners when it comes to whining and time-wasting, and Munitis is a piece of shit who gets away with the most appalling stuff. I mean, he whines worse than Guti, playacts worse than Fernando fucking Torres, and wastes time worse than -- shit, no one even comes close.
Shame nobody told the ref that. The first penalty was a crap decision, and Helguera was a bit unlucky to get the second yellow ... HOWEVER, the second penalty was hilariously dumb on Cannavaro's part, and Mejia was an idiot to get himself sent off; there were other defenders around him, but he stuck out his stupid foot anyway.
And hey, a RM loss means a good chance for Valencia to get their shit together and get back into third place, so I can't complain. I just hope Pipita's injury isn't too serious.
TODAY
- I hate Barcelona. I hate their dumb fucking luck. I hate their style of playing. I hate (most of) their fans. Oh, that felt good.
- Also, I wanted to watch Valencia-Sevilla, but come on, let's be real. The Supersupersuperclasico is never to be missed, if possible. Besides, I haven't seen River play for almost a month, and that's just shameful. Now Boca, there's a team I truly, truly hate. I REALLY hate their dumb fucking luck, I REALLY hate their playing style, and I REALLY hate virtually all of their fans (Boppi, and Vip on MFF, are the only ones I can even talk to, ragh).
a;lsf ROMAN. (PAIN.) ROMAN, WHY. Although he did give Passarella a little kiss before kickoff. Still, forgiveness is not on the forecast. Passarella's dorky red-and-white striped umbrella was bizarre as well -- until he opened it and realized that there was, indeed, a rain of sorts. I love that man, he's so cheeky.
And I was barely able to type that LJ cut before Boca scored. A pass from Roman, to Ledesma. A terrible beginning, but at least the early wake-up call shocked River into action, and they went to work.
Boca looked brighter, though, and two dangerous free kicks were quickly dispatched, and thankfully dealt with, not before Cardozo went close with a gently hooked shot that flashed past Carrizo's post. The game got physical really quickly, and Ibarra was soon carded for a bad foul on Fernandez. From the free kick, Augusto put his header wide.
Palermo nearly doubled Boca's lead a few minutes later, having completely lost Nasuti inside the box, but Carrizo was equal to the shot. The game was quickly becoming the back-and-forth affair we've come to expect, highly entertaining no matter what team you support. (Although clearly I hoped for death for all Boca players, and a thundering River victory.) Boca were on the front foot, and Carrizo was called upon to make another save, off a Cardozo shot, not soon after.
Boca weren't letting up, and the River defense was full of holes. A strong mid-range shot from Roman was parried by Carrizo, who became twice the hero after blocking Palacio's follow-up out for a corner. By all accounts, he's been the team's best player so far this season, and it's evident in every single game. (Is he to River what Iker is to RM? God, I hope for Passrella's sake that he isn't.)
Boca was content to pass the ball around for awhile, keeping possession well and frustrating the River attack. A bit of confusion in the Boca defense allowed Belluschi to see some time on the ball, but his shot was weak and wide. So far, they hadn't been able to create any dangerous chances, or even put any pressure on the Boca defense, as the battle was primarily being fought in the midfield.
River survived another scare as Roman found Palermo again, but his left-footed volley was collected easily by Carrizo, whose name I have typed way too much already for my comfort. GET IT TOGETHER, YOU LITTLE SHITS. Ahumada and Ponzio are doing nothing to contain Roman right now. Roman, who is completely dictating the flow of the game, and looks a million times more alive right now than in any of his last few games in Spain. I guess there is no place like home. He is playing devastating football right now.
... And once again, it's Carrizo to the rescue as a botched clearance found Palacio with only the keeper to beat. Carrizo put his body in front of his shot, and the rebound shot thankfully rose just over the crossbar.
River created their best attacking moves of the game right before halftime, as the sun emerged Boca's half of the pitch. The little sparks of life shown by Belluschi, Ruben, Fernandez, and Rosales, however, came too late in the half to really trouble Boca for any sustained amount of time, and so River went into the break with a host of improvements to be made. The best attacking player for River up until now had been Rosales, although Carrizo was, sin duda, the savior so far.
af;d LONGEST HALFTIME EVER.
The red-and-white umbrella again. Second half started out a bit slower, River trying to build up pressure, and Boca cautious not to get caught off guard early. It backfired, though, as Rosales put River level, from a superb forward pass by Marco Ruben. Rosales took one touch to trap the ball, then flicked it with his left foot past the keeper and into the corner of the net. It pretty much squeezed in between the post and the keeper's outstretched hands, and I could watch that kind of thing forever. It was fantastic individual goal, but hopefully it would represent a turning point for River. Indeed, they already looked much stronger on the attack, and it was beginning to pay off. Still, there wre forty minutes left, and anything could happen.
The two protagonistas nearly combined again minutes later, but Ruben's pass to Rosales was a bit too heavy, and the chance went begging. River had definitely gained the upper hand now, as the home fans were at a loss for word (or song), and with Roman suddenly removed from the action, the players themselves were unable to respond to the pressure they suddenly found themselves under.
Not for long, though, as a burst of speed from Roman earned a free kick, with Ponzio diving into a reckless challenge from behind. His attempt was high, however.
The game settled down somewhat after that, parity having been restored. BUT OH, WHAT'S THIS. I see Lima, my baby Lima, getting suited up on the sideline. Is he -- ? Is this -- ? Oh god, it's my fucking lucky day. Ahumada makes way for Lima, who was my second River boyfriend after Pipita. I'm biting my nails for you, darling. Play well, and hack a few Bocaspawn shins for Pipita's sake. /end delusion
Neither team were playing with much rhythm at this point, fatigue showing a bit. River looked slightly more awake, though, and threatened a couple of times through Marco Ruben. I love this kid already, and I've only seen him play a handful of times. I mean, he's not wearing #10 for nothing. He's tall, strong, and quick, maybe not as dynamic as Pipita was, but he'll learn from experience.
Ponzio made way for Galvan, Passarella clearly intent on winning the game, but leaving Lima to fend for himself in the defensive role. The increased pressure nearly paid off, too, as Galvan and Fede combined beautifully along the left to send the ball in to Belluschi. His shot, however, went just wide of the target.
Boca nearly took a surprise lead when Roman sent in a beautiful floating ball to Palermo, whose header just cleared the ball. Boca still hadn't made their changes yet, either, Russo seeming content with his current setup. Palermo was taken down from behind by Tuzzio, who earned a booking for his efforts, giving Boca a free kick in an extremely dangerous position. That bastard Schelotto replaced Palacio five minutes from time. A very strong shot by Roman was deflected by Belluschi, but somehow blocked by Carrizo's legs. The savior again.
River were committing too many fouls, though, pressure piling up toward the end. Boca found some free headers, although Carrizo was extremely aware. Marco foolishly wasted a chance on a fast break, choosing to shoot when Belluschi was making a run into the box. The captain made way for Alvarez.
Boca nearly took advantage yet again, as Schelotto and Palermo saw chances deflected out for corners. It was back and forth, back and forth for the last couple of minutes, Ruben again missing a header from Rosales's cross. That turned out to be the last chance for either team, as the whistle blew to signal the end of a well-fought draw.
River were in no condition to crush Boca, like they did last time, but I'm still happy with the result. There weren't any controversial moments, and I got to see a lot of young talent in Marco Ruben and Carrizo, so that's all I can ask of them for now.
Following the Valencia match on Marca:
1. So glad Villa found his scoring boots at this critical juncture in time. And kudos to Marchena (whom I almost certainly underestimate, if only for the purpose of being pleasantly surprised by him) for the assist. Was extremely concerned when I saw that Quique had rested Albelda in favor of a Marchena-Hugo Viana partnership, but it seems to be working so far.
2. The Marca commentary scares me, with all of the little diagrams. There have been two red crosses so far, signifying INJURY! FIRST-AID! AMBULANCE! BLOOD TRANSFUSION! My boys better not be seriously injured.
3. Holy shit, penalty. Holy shit, Cañizares. You big, scary-faced hero. I love it.
4. Wow, so the first time I've heard of Hinkel seeing playing time this season, and he's been sent off, having conceded a PK. Which Villa dispatches, no problemo. Fantastic -- Los Che are rebounding much better than I could have expected (although Sevilla's shite away record is helping).
5. My kitty is so cute. His name is St. Eustace Cadbury Ehg, but I'm nicknaming him Guaje:
:D
6. Jesus christ, Valencia sound incredible right now. I almost wish I could watch this instead of River's shitefest. (Ten minutes later, I take this comment back.)
7. 2-0 al final! God, I'm so proud of the boys. Verta, sorry about the loss, but I think we needed this result more. I mean, we're not going to win the league, so I hope you still get it done. Next up: RM. I hate this fixture; it never ends pretty.
This post is huge already, and I have to leave for a meeting right now, so I'll probably do pictures later.