League Cup '13

Which side was Branislav Ivanovic playing for today? I'd have sworn he was wearing a blue kit, but he kept passing the ball to the people in the red and white kit.

Amazing.

 

How 'bout those Bantams? Seriously, if Bradford can get to Wembley, why not us? The romance of the impossible underdog is what makes sports the most fun. I hope they beat Swansea or the dog trackers.

 

A seriously great story, and a train wreck for Villa which I am thoroughly enjoying (another thing that makes sports fun) :angelic-green:

 

Totally agree, for Bradford supporters what an amazing day out it will be. WIki-ed Bradford FC and found out they are located near Leeds United and in 1985, 56 supporters died in a tragic fire at their stadium (Valley Parade) that engulfed the home stand in matter of minutes.

I also agree Jump with the 'why not us' when it comes to getting to Wembley. Have been close a few different times (FA Cup runs), but the best chance is for the club still being in the Prem to do it. I don't think in all the years I've been following I recall one single deep run in the League Cup. Our road form is so poor and the fact that the squad players must be the ones that start and win until later in the competition makes it hard.

 

WTG Bradford. Believe I heard today that there wage bill is only 7500 pounds! Just getting to Wembley should help their money situation for quite a few years. I also believe if they play Chelsea they are guaranteed a spot on the Europa League next year. Not bad for a team sitting 10th in the 4 tier.

 

Yes, I also saw that stuff about that wage bill and the fire. How tragic. Interesting how all you seem to hear or read about is the 96 'Pool supporters who perished at Middlesborough. Had never heard about the 56 at Valley Parade. And what about the grocery shelf stocker turned football hero? Great stuff. Hope I can watch some of the final somewhere...

 

The Undead from Stanford Bridge lose to Swansea, but even better than that Eden Hazard gets a straight red for an altercation with a ball boy (NOT A TYPO) :laughing-rolling: I can't wait to see the highlights of this one.

 

Here's a link to the video of Hazard kicking the ball boy

http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0 ... 66,00.html

 

I can never get any video from sky sports to work (aside from post match interviews) :angry-cussingblack: Got the dvr set for the FSC report. Apparently the kid was time wasting and Hazard had a moment of madness. Not to be lost in the craziness is Swansea and Bradford are someone hooking up in the Final

 

I must say I'm a little disgusted that a ball boy would time waste in that way, when a player comes over to you to get the ball. And how did he end up laying on the ball? However, Joe is right, a complete moment of madness on Hazard's part and deserving of a long suspension.

 

After watching the video, despite anything the kid may or may not have done, what Hazard did was idiotic! A new stain for the Blue Poo...

 

Thanks for the history lesson Don. When I first started following Fulham, I spent some time researching the various Leagues/Divisions of the Football League, so I knew Bradford had been in the Prem. I also knew that before they plummetted, they were among the 40 largest clubs in England. But I never knew what led to their fall from the top flight to the 4th Division (still wish they used those designations instead of Champ/Lg 1/Lg 2).

It's pretty cool we'll either see a Welsh team or a 4th Division team win the Cup. Bradford making the final marks the first time since 60-61 that a team from the fourth tier of English football has accomplished that feat. The financial gap between the divisions is much greater now, so it makes what Bradford has pulled off all the more impressive.

As for Hazard, it was a stupid move but I can't help but enjoy the irony of the kid giving him a dose of his own medicine. Karma for being a bit of a diver.

 

The Hazard incident was picked up by CNN and was on the scroll today at the bottom of the screen.

 

Appears to be on our favorite for away USMNT matches, beIN SPORT. Joy.