posted Sep 12, 2007

Agree totally Wozzer 20 about Kelly Smith's big headed celebrations (taking her boot off and having other team members kissing it). Its deplorable and Hope Powell should tell her to stop. I hope that a strong referee will issue a yellow card for this.
Not sure what Alistair M is on about when he says that "the two sports should not be compared". It's the same sport mate - football - perhaps you mean that the womens game should not be compared to the mens. If so then I agree. You don't expect the top women to run or swim faster than the top men, so obviously the football level will be of a lower standard.
Some people are comparing the standard with Division 2, others say its not even Conference (Blue Square Premier) league and so on. Having followed womens football for many years (Mia Hamm the great USA striker was my favourite) I recall that the USA's womens team who won the World Cup some years took on the USA mens U21 side and were comprehensively outplayed.
I'm not surprised that the Brazilian Marta is being highlighted. She has been one of the world top players for several years now and is not new on the scene. I think she finished in the top 3 for the World Player of the Year recently.
If England play against Germany like they did in the 2nd half against Japan then they can cause a schock, but if they go back to this hopeful high ball out of defence then it will be curtains.

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posted Sep 12, 2007

The BBC are short of money and they waste more on Broadcasting the Sheelahs. Who is watching and listening. 16 sets of Parents!
Aussie Joe

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posted Sep 13, 2007

what are the gentlemen that criticise women's football scared of? Because thats how it comes across always.

Women dont want to compete with men at football they want to play as a game in its own right and be supported for that.

If Kelly Smith et al were given £100k a week, (a week..!!!) and all the week to train, play and practice, maybe we should be looking at the womens game being more likened to the mens.

And lets face it, everyone of thos ePrem players are worth £70-£100k a week......(think how many cancer drugs that is for the NHS...)

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posted Sep 14, 2007

I've been watching the women's world cup with an open mind, and it's about a hundred times more frustrating than watching the men's side. They seem to have terrible decision making, distinctly lack tactical nouse and the physical edge that makes the game what it is. I can see why women like it, because it is their highest standard, but the simple fact remains...this side would struggle to compete against some Sunday league teams

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posted Sep 14, 2007

"this side would struggle to compete against some Sunday league teams"
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The point that escapes a lot of people is... They ARE Sunday League teams!

They don't get pro salaries so have to hold down jobs, pay for their own kit, bring up their kids, wash their own cars & still find a couple of hours a week to train...

Just like you & your Sunday League mates.

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posted Sep 14, 2007

comment by Wot Kuyt 'e did
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They're semi pro aren't they? I've seen them train a few times at my uni. Don't get me wrong the effort is there, i just find it so frustrating, for example, when the space opens up to drive into the box, and they produce a tame effort from about 35 yards! I hope the fact the bbc are showing it will raise awareness and develop the game further, and i hope the ladies do well in the WC... but with comments like "she reminds me of Sol Campbell in his prime" from the co-commentator, you can see how people find it all a joke

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posted Sep 14, 2007

As far as I know none of the teams in the ladies prem are pro- all amateur even Arsenal (their coach is paid to be the men's sides eqipment manager). I don't have perfect awareness but there is only one functioning women's pro league in the world- Sweden.

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posted Sep 14, 2007

"The point that escapes a lot of people is... They ARE Sunday League teams!

Just like you & your Sunday League mates."

If you know this then why do you get all p!ssed off when people say that the games aren't very high in quality?

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posted Sep 19, 2007

As a national list referee on the women's premier league in the uk I think I'm in a fairly good position to call this; sure women's football is a poor relation (would be nice if the FA actually committed at least some money to the game) but the game is improving and the games I have been to and refereed on have been quite exciting (of course, I make them so but that's another story).

What I wanted to say really was this; the World Cup coverage by the BBC is ok but it could be improved. I mean in the end the women will probably win the World Cup which is something the men won't do. So the World Cup should be given more prominent coverage; or, failing that, the men's shouldn't be given such prominent coverage (which is a better idea all the way).

I mean why have Gary Lineker and that buffoon Alan Hansen whittering on for 30 minutes (for all the 'build up') only to see England go out on poxy penalties? Why not do what they do in the women's 5 minute chat; straight to the stadium and then watch the match (like they did in the old days): Ken Wolstenholme saying "Welcome to the game today" and away we went. What was more England actually beat Argentina 6-1 which (although it was founded on the most regressive mentality I've ever seen from any team playing an English side) (don't the Argentinians know that NO ONE sits back against any English team anymore - and for good reason) is something the men for all their hot air, salaries, hype, haircuts and wags can't do.

So bring it on, but in truth I want Australia to win the whole thing.

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