Arena "The Beautiful Game" - The Official JCC Football (Soccer) Thread.

but wouldn't that affect the MAGIC OF THE CUP™?

 

I stopped caring at 16:45, when it should have ended

 

Maybe. Dunno. Might increase the chances of lesser sides reaching the latter stages and actually thinking they can win it. I mean, if Wigan win it today they'll be delighted, yes. But they won't be bothered if they lose and come out with no injuries. If City win it they'll celebrate, but only because they are expected to celebrate. They really want the league or CL. Maybe we need to accept that the FA Cup is a second tier competition these days, and treat is as such. Or maybe I'm in a particularly cynical mood today.

 

in a system of relegation and promotion, a team's presence in the top tier is to be considered an achievement in itself. indeed, i'm sure most teams outside of the premier league would swap an FA Cup win for a spot within the premier league.

so i would move that the FA Cup should be open for all leagues besides the premier league, and the winner gets an automatic promotion. i was toying with the idea of automatic promotion straight to the premier league, no matter where the team sat, but think it would be more prudent for the team to win automatic promotion to the next league up.

you could then change the Carling Cup (or whatever it's called now) to a premier league teams only competition and make it distinct to the FA Cup instead of a pointless, contracted duplication.

this would also create more space in the calender, meaning the chance for more rest for players meaning better chances for England to win the World Cup.

FA Presidency, here I come.

 

What would happen if the team who won it also qualified for promotion due to their league position?

 

i guess they would just rejoice in a Cup win.

 

You could rest the England senior squad for an entire season before a World Cup and they still wouldn't progress beyond the QFs.

 

it would be a bit crap for the team finishing 2nd; their automatic promotion would have to be removed. bit like Tottenham missing out on the CL, i guess.

as for the game, great chances for either side. cracking pass from Kone, should have been a goal. and McManamanaman should have scored on another occasion.

 

I turned on ITV for two minutes, noted an extremely annoying sound when a player's name is shown on screen (and again when it leaves the screen) and switched off in disgust.

 

it's cutting edge.

 

McManaman has been great, except for the lack of a final shot into the net.

 

If Martinez comes to Goodison, we'll have him and Maloney.

 

McManaman is the reason Wigan will lose this game. I've rarely seen a more selfish performance. Not seen him pass once.

 

he doesn't have much to pass to.

 

Oh he has. In each of his attempts there has been someone square

 

nevertheless, the only way Wigan will win today is through him.

ideally also via a Hart own goal.

 

Zabaleta off. can Wigan take advantage?

 

WIGAN

 

Parmilion would have saved that

 

LOLerto Mancini

 

Well done Wigan.

Pantilimon would indeed have saved that, Mancini should have maintained his faith in him for the cup.

 

LOL @ CITY

Mancini is gonna get sacked now.

Ben Watson. legend. ex Palace, too.

 

Won't mean a thing to Wigan if they go down. Doesn't mean a thing to City.

 

i think, even if Wigan do go down, their fans will look upon today's win fondly.

 

Fact of the Day: The last three FA Cup winning managers have been called Roberto.