The official FIFA World Cup 2018 thread

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by kauebm

OMG, Juve has pulled the stunt of the century. That guy is worth 53 pesos.

ha. anyone care to quote official sources?

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by dmash

This is so weird to not hear ‘Ronaldo and Real’ same with ‘Messi and Barcelona’.

An era is drawing to a close.

Yeah and for all the bitching online about which one is best (I don’t mean on here, which is civil, but the crazy fanboys) we will probably never see an era again where the two best players in the World are also two of the best players in history. True footy fans will be able to take pride in 30 years time in being able to say “I saw them play”. We are privileged.

I find it hard to definitively rate players. The top five of my lifetime as a fan (since 1990) are probably:

Ronaldo (Brazilian)
Messi
Ronaldo C
Maradona
Zidane

The order would change depending on my mood. I think Brazilian Ronaldo and Maradona’s absolute peaks might have been better than anybody else’s, but for various reasons they weren’t able to sustain their greatness for as long as Messi and Ronaldo. Their longevity is incredible.

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by 77T

Would those therapies pass FIFA anti-doping regulations?
https://resources.fifa.com/image/upl...ad2vilzkteqhn9

It would depend on various factors. Many people think HRT means that the medical health professional or medical clinic applies any type of hormone (they do not and should not) that is available.

There are legitimate organic pathologies that can requiere HRT, think hypogonadism.......... (primary or secondary) ; congenital vs acquired and so forth and so on.

In my opinion, based on a proven medical need, most/some/all/ professional regulatory bodies would allow the application of HRT to achieve "normal" physiological levels of "X" hormone, what I do not think they will allow under any circumstance is supraphysiological level of said hormone that could alter the balance of nature and turn you into a "super human", so to speak.

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

If Ronaldo goes the smart money is on Real paying €300m for either Mbappe or Neymar.

What would be the logic behind investing that kind of cash in Neymar?

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

If Ronaldo goes the smart money is on Real paying €300m for either Mbappe or Neymar.

I don't see Madrid fans taking a liking to Neymar, especially since he was with Barcelona prior. Mbappe is the future, he's got a tremendous personality and great PR, and Madrid would do well to open the doors for him for the next 6-8 years and make him their star. Mbappe has 3 goals in this WC, one more than Neymar.

There's bad blood between Ramos (the Madrid captain) and Neymar. It won't work.

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

ha. anyone care to quote official sources?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...o-Higuain.html

https://metro.co.uk/2018/07/04/chels...guain-7682353/

Higuain to Chelsea is confirmed. Juventus did well to release him for that money.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...o-Higuain.html

https://metro.co.uk/2018/07/04/chels...guain-7682353/

Higuain to Chelsea is confirmed. Juventus did well to release him for that money.

That they did. I always liked Pipita, great finisher. Though at times needs too many chances to put one in.

[77T]

Originally Posted by DARK_KNIGHT

It would depend on various factors. Many people think HRT means that the medical health professional or medical clinic applies any type of hormone (they do not and should not) that is available.



There are legitimate organic pathologies that can requiere HRT, think hypogonadism.......... (primary or secondary) ; congenital vs acquired and so forth and so on.



In my opinion, based on a proven medical need, most/some/all/ professional regulatory bodies would allow the application of HRT to achieve "normal" physiological levels of "X" hormone, what I do not think they will allow under any circumstance is supraphysiological level of said hormone that could alter the balance of nature and turn you into a "super human", so to speak.

While that’s a fair assessment medically, anti-doping rules don’t distinguish the “why” from the “what”. So I agree with your assessment.

If an athlete has a condition that requires a banned substance, or high levels of a bloodwork item over the rules’ threshold, then they still get DQ’d.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by DARK_KNIGHT

What would be the logic behind investing that kind of cash in Neymar?

Ha! Most would say there is no logic to football transfers. Neymar would actually cost a lot more. So his fee to PSG last year was €200m+ and they are basically owned by Qatar, so they don’t need the cash. They would insist on turning a profit, hence the €300m guess. But he’d also cost maybe €40m+per season over a 4-5 year contract. So he’d easily cost upwards of half a billion Euro.

However, players at that level - we’re only talking Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar in today’s game, bring in loads of cash to clubs through sponsorship. As an aside, David Beckham was not even in the same postcode as these guys in terms of talent, but he was the biggest earning footballer on the planet during his time because he was so marketable - it’s probably the primary reason why Real Madrid bought him from ManU all those years ago. Anyway the sponsorship cash offsets some of the cost. As does the income generated if the player helps them win the Champions League.

Believe it or not, when Real bought Ronaldo from ManU, many people thought the hundred million euro they paid was a rip off. 4 Champions League titles and hundreds of millions banked by the club off his phenomenal record later and it actually looks like the bargain of the century. Mind you, Neymar will cost a lot more and he’s nowhere near as good as Cristiano, even if he thinks he is.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

I don't see Madrid fans taking a liking to Neymar, especially since he was with Barcelona prior. Mbappe is the future, he's got a tremendous personality and great PR, and Madrid would do well to open the doors for him for the next 6-8 years and make him their star. Mbappe has 3 goals in this WC, one more than Neymar.

There's bad blood between Ramos (the Madrid captain) and Neymar. It won't work.

Interesting insights.

However, and I don’t mean to insult anyone, a large number of match going Real fans seem to be entitled muppets. Waving white hankies anyone?! Bear in mind, even Ronaldo routinely gets jeered by the fans, which is just utterly, utterly mental.

I do agree though, if I were a Real fan, Mbappe would be the one. He’s younger and looks the real deal (pun thoroughly intended).

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Boy, I am really Bajanxed, knackard and gobsmacked!

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

Knackered, mate. Knackered.

And boy do I need some good futbol. Come on, Friday.

You can be Knackered, but ME!? I am going to be Bajanxed, gobsmacked and KNACKARD!!!!!!!

[SpeakWithMichael]

Mandzukic (Juve forward) to ManUnited is in the works now that Ronaldo will make him irrelevant at Juventus. Darmian (full-back, ManUnited) set to be swapped in the trade and join Juve.

Strong rumors that Ronaldo will be presented in Turin at the stadium this Saturday, July 7 (7/7 for #7) in front of an Italian fanbase that is already going mental in the hopes that it's all true. This happening an hour or two before the England game would be a smart play, as it's going to be talked about non-stop during the World Cup with millions listening in, and the exposure for Juve will be immense.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

You can be Knackered, but ME!? I am going to be Bajanxed, gobsmacked and KNACKARD!!!!!!!

And if you decide to have a drink or two you could get mullered n’all.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

And if you decide to have a drink or two you could get mullered n’all.

OMG, this is so cool! I am going to be Bajanxed.

Gobsmacked,

Knackard AND

MULLERED!!!!!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!!!!


I might be the only American in history to experience all of those!!!

I wonder if I'll survive

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by 77T

While that’s a fair assessment medically, anti-doping rules don’t distinguish the “why” from the “what”. So I agree with your assessment.

If an athlete has a condition that requires a banned substance, or high levels of a bloodwork item over the rules’ threshold, then they still get DQ’d.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I have not immersed myself with said regulations to offer a more informed opinion , since, by law HRT/TRT (bio-identical only) is a on "must need" basis and not on the vanity curve.

A lot of people come to me, looking for my professional opinion on S.A.R.M.S. too , but that is another can of worms.

But tonight I will glance at the rules you sent.

[77T]

Originally Posted by DARK_KNIGHT

I have not immersed myself with said regulations to offer a more informed opinion , since, by law HRT/TRT (bio-identical only) is a on "must need" basis and not on the vanity curve.



A lot of people come to me, looking for my professional opinion on S.A.R.M.S. too , but that is another can of worms.



But tonight I will glance at the rules you sent.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

Mandzukic (Juve forward) to ManUnited is in the works now that Ronaldo will make him irrelevant at Juventus. Darmian (full-back, ManUnited) set to be swapped in the trade and join Juve.

Strong rumors that Ronaldo will be presented in Turin at the stadium this Saturday, July 7 (7/7 for #7) in front of an Italian fanbase that is already going mental in the hopes that it's all true. This happening an hour or two before the England game would be a smart play, as it's going to be talked about non-stop during the World Cup with millions listening in, and the exposure for Juve will be immense.

Definitely can’t see this happening (aside from Darmian to Juve).

Swap deals never come off.

ManU will not buy Mandzukic to warm the bench and no way does Mario displace Lukaku. Not only is Lukaku better but Mourinho loves him.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

OMG, this is so cool! I am going to be Bajanxed.

Gobsmacked, astonished

Knackard AND exhausted

MULLERED!!!!!!!! and hammered

WOO HOO!!!!!!!


I might be the only American in history to experience all of those!!!

I wonder if I'll survive

Sounds like a typical Murican.

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by 77T

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Ok, I did not wait until tonight, so I glanced at the rules and I focused on the part that adds value to the subject at hand.

As I suspected. FIFA recognizes two categories.

FIRST: The possibility that a player might have supraphysiological (above normal or average) levels of a substance. Said substance may not be from exogenous sources, it could very well be endogenous in nature.

You can find the text here:

Article 6.4

As an exception to the general rule of art. 6, the Prohibited List or
International Standards may establish special criteria for the evaluation of
Prohibited Substances that can also be produced endogenously.

Notice the "key" word highlighted in red. An example of this might be: Said person has a tumor and this tumor could cause an abnormal spike of "X,Y,Z" hormone in the body. (note: it could also cause a "fall" in X,Y,Z...too).

So, a positive lab result, might not in and of itself exclude the "offender" from competition. Further studies would be required.

SECOND: Article 18 ; 1-6 deals with the fact that a player might have lower than normal hormones in their bodies and might requiere a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption), which would, under very controlled medically diagnosed circumstances , allow said player to use a controlled substance, but only until said levels are restored to "normal".

and I quote from Article 18.1

18 Therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs)

1.The presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers, and/or the Use or attempted Use, Possession or Administration or attempted Administration of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method, shall not be considered an antidoping rule violation if it is consistent with the conditions granted in a TUE in accordance with the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions.





a. This would requiere a clinically proven medical diagnosis. I am sure FIFA has trusted medical resources around the globe, so it would not be enough for me to write Cristiano Ronaldo a letter .

b. The TUE would be issued for a specific time frame and would automatically expire and the continued use of the exogenous substance , would once again be under intense medical scrutiny. In other words, the player would once again have to go back to ZERO and start over again, to obtain another TUE, since the TUE does not automatically renew itself.

So, to conclude and not bore the hell out of everyone, yes it can be done. But the criteria has to be met and the bar is high.

[TheVTCGuy]

I am so confused...

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I am so confused...

About what, Paul?

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I am so confused...

Check this out Paul, since you’re a bit flummoxed. It’s quite funny.

I didn’t actually know where knackered was derived from. Horses bollocks, eh. Who’d have thought?

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

Check this out Paul, since you’re a bit flummoxed. It’s quite funny.

I didn’t actually know where knackered was derived from. Horses bollocks, eh. Who’d have thought?

Classic.

"Hard. In the UK, you might see an unshaven tattooed uncouth man with big muscles in a pub. If you accidentally spill his beer, he might get upset and request you to join him outside. He might say `Come on then if you think you're hard enough!' Or even 'I'm hard, me, so you better watch your step, mate.' He is not casting aspersions on your sexual persuasion, nor does he have an erection. He is merely stating the fact that unless you buy him another pint of lager in the very immediate future he might beat seven shades of shit out of you."

[SpeakWithMichael]

[TheVTCGuy]

OK... NOW I get it
















No, I really don’t

[kellyon]

Excited for tomorrow, if we want to continue it should be alot better. Don't focus too much on Neymar and put some pressure on the defence.

[Cru Jones]

[SpeakWithMichael]

It's here, it's here, it's Football Friday!

Real Madrid planning a fitting tribute and send-off for Ronaldo as we speak.
https://metro.co.uk/2018/07/06/real-...nsfer-7687730/

The date is symbolic because it was exactly 9 years ago today that he signed with Real Madrid. I believe we'll hear an announcement today from Madrid before the first WC match.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

It's here, it's here, it's Football Friday!

Real Madrid planning a fitting tribute and send-off for Ronaldo as we speak.
https://metro.co.uk/2018/07/06/real-...nsfer-7687730/

The date is symbolic because it was exactly 9 years ago today that he signed with Real Madrid. I believe we'll hear an announcement today from Madrid before the first WC match.

:(

[Runnin' Rebel]