04/23/24
March 08, 2008
Minnow's harpoon on target again: 19th place in the Championship hosting No. 3 in the Prem and for the second round in a row the Tykes do the business. 96 years since they were last in the semi-finals and they won the trophy that year. With Harry Redknapp's Pompey taking down the Red Devils, the last four will include at least two second division or lower clubs. And possibly a third depending on if Middlesbrough or Cardiff play to recent form tomorrow. Cliche or not, this is the beauty of the FA Cup.
posted by billsaysthis to soccer at 02:12 PM - 18 comments
I believe the comment about the Championship's standing in Europe is by attendance Owlie. Delightful to see the Devils crash out, if only because it's always fun seeing SAF go puce with anger.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 03:25 PM on March 08, 2008
Now I have a real conundrum. Who do I pull for in the cup now. Once Arsenal went it, it was is easy: whomever was playing ManU/Chelsea. But now, I have no idea! Help please... should I pull for Barnsley, the upset kings, or something completely different like Cardiff/Bristol or something.
posted by trox at 05:37 PM on March 08, 2008
If a non-Prem team makes it to the final, even if it's Barnsley, I'm rooting for them.
posted by billsaysthis at 08:06 PM on March 08, 2008
"Harpooning Minnows" would be a great name for a rock band...
posted by bobfoot at 09:04 PM on March 08, 2008
I wasn't able to get tickets to an EPL game when my wife and I were in England last August. We had to "settle" for a Championship League game (Charlton Athletic hosting Sheffield Wednesday). It was a blast (and about 1/4 the cost) and I recommend it for anyone going over the pond to catch some footie. Since then, I've always pulled for the "minnows" in the FA Cup.
posted by grum@work at 09:43 PM on March 08, 2008
Well, for the first time in ages, you'll have to win the FA Cup to get into Europe: just getting to the final won't suffice. Pompey are the bookies' favourites, but as a Boro fan, it makes me very nervous. It's clear that we're not likely to have a better chance of going all the way, but that sets up a heck of a fall. (Mogga and West Brom to get through tomorrow, too, but keep us apart till the final.) After last year, where it felt like the broadcasters were dictating the finalists, this may be one that goes the exact opposite way. [grum@work: if you're going to see a match as a neutral, the Valley is a good choice, and hardly 'settling'. I've been in the away end for a few thrashings, but Charlton's a club with a fantastic local base, and justly proud of being back in its old home. It's my favourite London away trip by a long way.]
posted by etagloh at 11:29 PM on March 08, 2008
fergie throwing his toys out the pram and avram proving he cant live with the big boys makes this years F.A.cup worth watching
posted by rico123 at 07:15 AM on March 09, 2008
Exciting isn't it, etagloh? Both our teams will never have a better chance to win it all. Boro v Albion would be a hell of a final, with the Mogga angle. Nervously counting down the hours till the Bristol Rovers match.
posted by salmacis at 07:47 AM on March 09, 2008
You might have to have a word with Cardiff about that final, Salmacis... Holgate's bunch have it all to do in the second half.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 10:26 AM on March 09, 2008
All credit to Dave Jones and Cardiff, who showed up, won their tackles, and passed the ball like a proper side: whoever they face in the semis shouldn't take them lightly. But that was shocking, piss-poor, choose your cliché: their keeper didn't have to make a save in the second half, and we were left hoofing the long ball like a pack of cloggers. We were fucking rubbish, and that was an embarrassment.
posted by etagloh at 11:02 AM on March 09, 2008
Ouch. Cardiff, Portsmouth, Barnsley and either Bristol Rovers or West Brom in the semi finals. I love this tournament.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 11:02 AM on March 09, 2008
After ten minutes on the phone with my dad, for which the NSA will need special regional obscenity filters, I'm feeling a bit better. I can now watch the FA Cup as a neutral, and be glad that there's going to be one unlikely side in the UEFA Cup next season. The semi-final weekend, with both matches at The™ New™ Wembley®, is going to be a great day out for everyone involved, as opposed to a short Tube ride for the fans of London-based clubs and Man Utd.
posted by etagloh at 11:17 AM on March 09, 2008
Jeez. Boro were really poor. Well done to the Bluebirds. 25 minutes to kickoff, and I'm crapping myself. Will we ever have a better chance to win this thing?
posted by salmacis at 12:36 PM on March 09, 2008
And a Darlo-born ex-Boro player puts WBA in front for his Redcar-born, ex-Boro legend manager... I think that most Boro fans are now behind WBA to win this, not least because they're managed by someone who's served his time and has a clue.
posted by etagloh at 01:32 PM on March 09, 2008
Well... I thought we played pretty poorly, despite the result. We're the best footballing side in the Football League, so why keep hoofing it, playing straight into Rovers hands? 1-5 certainly does not tell the whole story. Still, a semifinal, and we're the second favourites! Unbelievable! I'm off to get drunk..
posted by salmacis at 03:23 PM on March 09, 2008
Semi finals : Barnsley v Cardiff Portsmouth v West Brom
posted by Mr Bismarck at 12:01 PM on March 10, 2008
Ah well. I guess we had to play Pompey at some stage.
posted by salmacis at 01:22 PM on March 10, 2008
Great results. People say the Championship, even though a lower tier, is still the 6th biggest league in Europe. I'm not sure how this is measured - revenue, crowds, player salaries - but we get the games on cable here and there are definitely quality players and well organised teams, even down towards the bottom, where Barnsley reside. Even though he went in goal, I still don't know what Rio Ferdinand does for a living.