Come on The Toon! Good win against PSV tonight--all hail Midfield General Gary Speed and Skipper Big Al, who, as a matter of fact, are my two favourite players. Was disgusted at the silence of the home fans tonight though--was like a library until Speed scored; the Dutch fans put u to shame.

Anyway, we play Marseilles next Thursday (for those of you who are interested). Any thoughts on who will win?

Mick

Hey there Capo. I think this year's final will be Newcastle vs Valencia. Although I won't be surprised if Villareal will cause another major upset by knocking out Valencia. I don't think Marseille will cause any problems for Newcastle. But then again, this is football. Anything can happen. But I hope it's Newcastle and Valencia in the final.

I was hoping for an all British final with the Magpies V the Bhoys. But sadly Celtic are out. Well done to Newcastle though. I saw the second half and was happy with the performance. Marseilles will be a tough game but my support will be for Bobby R and his men.

I still think he looks like one time Gambino Underboss Dellacroce.

I haven't seen these teams playing lately, but I think Valencia is the best team, though it doesn't mean anything. Milan, Real Madrid and Arsenal were the best team in the Champions League and you all know what happened...

Haha, Turi! Bobby Robson could well have been him reincarnated, had he not been 104 years old himself. :p

Mick

Unlucky Mick, 0-0, I caught the second half, quite a decent scrappy affair as expected. Given is definately one of the best, if not THE best, premiership keeper at the minute (last year I would have said Friedel). Considering all the injury problems you had you battled it out. I think you should do alright away from home, a score draw or better is enough.

I was there, mate. The atmosphere was once again shocking! There were only seven of us singing; good laugh though, and an alright result. Looking forward for the second leg now; should do well.

Mick

pardon my intrusion mates, but what the hell are you guys talking about? I'm going to guess soccer, but could it be cricket? What's the event? Some kind of European Cup?

They call it (incorrectly) football. Fotball is the game with the goalposts, and the touchdowns, and the quarterbacks. We call it (correctly) soccer.

They call it (incorrectly) football. Fotball is the game with the goalposts, and the touchdowns, and the quarterbacks. We call it (correctly) soccer. [/b][/quote]Haha, I'm sure we could argue this until we are blue in the face but which sport is mostly played with the foot? Also, you could trace the history of real football thousands of years compared to the relatively new sport of American football. However, both sports have been organised roughly around the same time.

But don't get me wrong. Both sports are fantastic. I'm a huge Blackburn Rovers and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. The only problem is America isn't keen to adopt football (although it's good to see the interest slightly growing), and the rest of the world isn't keen to adopt American football (although it's good to see the interest growing) and this is down to one reason. Culture. If for example, you live in a country that its national sport is duck hunting and other sports just aren't of your culture, you're very likely to be a huge fan of duck hunting and ignore any other sport.

There is no better sport. And also, I hate the way these two excellent sports are compared. They are totally different games except for the name they are referred to.

It's soccer (FOOTBALL ), and yes, it's the UEFA Cup, the second best tournament in Europe (consisting of teams who have done well in their domestic leagues, but haven't got in the top 3). This is quite big, because Newcastle (my local team) is a very underachiving, young side with lots of potential, but no trophies since 1969.

Mick

Go Newcastle!!!

I spent some time in jolly-old England. I enjoyed the football and cricket contest as viewed in the local pubs. Great cultural exchange for me.