Robbie Keane

[geysir]

I had seen that white spray used by the refs in the Brazilian league to mark the 10m line for the wall at free kicks. I thought it worked well and cut out all that piddling about.

[Colbert Report]

Played pretty well in Galaxy's playoff loss to San Jose (first leg at home). He whinged about everything as usual which drives me insane, but that's Robbie! What I found bizarre was the referee spraying a line on the pitch inside the box before free kicks. It was new to me, maybe not to others.


http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2012/11/three-points-galaxy-fall-%E2%80%98quakes-late-goal

It works great and dissolves within a minute. It stops the players in the wall from inching forward. They've been using it in South America for thirty years or more.

[Fixer82]

Keane is plenty articulate. He might not have a lovely middle class accent but he speaks well and always has.
Where are you going? He's not articulate at all. It's painful watching him being interviewed at times. And it's nothing to do with him not being middle class.
Roy Keane is very very far from having a nice middle class accent but I certainly wouldn't call him inarticulate

[paul_oshea]

Crosby and Geysir well said about Brand, i really don't get how he got so big. Even before he appeared in those two films he was big and i was like i've never heard of him, and he isn't even funny.

Ya i was impressed the first time i saw the spray in Mexico, but how come they are allowed to do this? Surely this is a FIFA directive?

Robbie is "plenty articulate"? He is full of superlatives and monosyllabic words, and old football cliches. I feel sorry for him because, probably due to a lack of education and I doubt he reads very much he just can't construct his sentences very well. I always sorta cringe because he tries his best but he is extremely limited and I think someone like john o'shea would be far better speaking in his place. Unfortunately O'Shea has shown he isn't a leader.

[the bear]

Crosby and Geysir well said about Brand, i really don't get how he got so big. Even before he appeared in those two films he was big and i was like i've never heard of him, and he isn't even funny.

Ya i was impressed the first time i saw the spray in Mexico, but how come they are allowed to do this? Surely this is a FIFA directive?

Robbie is "plenty articulate"? He is full of superlatives and monosyllabic words, and old football cliches. I feel sorry for him because, probably due to a lack of education and I doubt he reads very much he just can't construct his sentences very well. I always sorta cringe because he tries his best but he is extremely limited and I think someone like john o'shea would be far better speaking in his place. Unfortunately O'Shea has shown he isn't a leader.

Aren't most footballers like this. Its just a load of spoof every interview. Never found Keane particularily inarticulate, he seems well drilled in saying what the manager would want him to say. He does say a lot without saying anything, they all do. I wouldn't let O'Shea bring out the bins

[paul_oshea]

Does anyone else notice that when they run out of things to say they finish the sentence with something like "but at the end of the day it was a very good performance and the players all did really well", its like a filler and they have more than likely said it already at the start of the interview. I really wonder are they schooled in this or just too stupid to say anything other than something well versed in their head. Even martinez who generally comes across as a great speaker,and a breath of fresh air in general has been guilty of doing this. Its God awful.

[SkStu]

dont most average people do that when theyre speaking to something? I know i do...

[pineapple stu]

I really wonder are they schooled in this
Absolutely schooled in it. LoI players and managers have had courses in media handling for the past few years, I think. It's a shame, cos Pete Mahon's comments were always great fun.

Post-match interviews should be banned. Though someone (probably Dodge) posted a plausible if obscure reason why they're kept; something to do with keeping attention in pubs or summat.

[CraftyToePoke]

summat.


?

Hmmmm

[bennocelt]

Keane is plenty articulate. He might not have a lovely middle class accent but he speaks well and always has.

A matter of opinion Charlie, I have met Robbie and he is a nice guy, but just saying he aint changing the image of the inarticulate footballer any day soon

[DeLorean]

I think he's grand when doing the routine press conferences or pre/post match interviews. He was on the Late Late Show some time back though and he came across as a very poor speaker, although his missus did most of the yapping anyway! I really don't see this as a reason to like or dislike him in any case. He has more than enough vocabulary to get the job done and enough brain power to refrain from saying anything stupid.

[Crosby87]

Ya i was impressed the first time i saw the spray in Mexico, but how come they are allowed to do this?

That was Penicillin! And she didnt love you!

[Stuttgart88]

Keane is plenty articulate. He might not have a lovely middle class accent but he speaks well and always has.Matthew Syed in today's Times (subscription only so I can't link the article) has a pop at people who presume footballers are thick just because they haven't got middle class accents, accusing them of classism.

[Acornvilla]

Matthew Syed in today's Times (subscription only so I can't link the article) has a pop at people who presume footballers are thick just because they haven't got middle class accents, accusing them of classism.
Any chance you could take a screenshot and upload the file, that way everyone should be able to see it for free, and it shouldn't take you more than a minute :)

[Stuttgart88]

I honestly don't know how. I'll get someone at work to scan it and then you can steer me from there. Tomorrow's activity. off home now.

[EastTerracer]

Second leg of the LA Galaxy's playoff against San Jose Earthquakes tonight. Keane has scored the first goal of the game to tie up the aggregate score at 1-1 (he was 13/2 with Bet365 for those with a punter's interest).
http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-11-07-SJ-v-LA/highlights?videoID=205508

33 minutes and Keane scores his second to make it 2-0 on the night.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-11-07-SJ-v-LA/highlights?videoID=205518

LAGalaxy won 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.

[geysir]

The co-commentator on Robbie's first "Where's the ball pressure?"
I like the parlance.

[Serb]

The co-commentator on Robbie's first "Where's the ball pressure?"

It's right here.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGvyM98_Zgw

[Crosby87]

Seems like California is having quite the San Franciscan influence on Bob.:eek:

[Stuttgart88]

Any chance you could take a screenshot and upload the file, that way everyone should be able to see it for free, and it shouldn't take you more than a minute :)
Somebody has nicked the paper from my desk. Sorry.

[EastTerracer]

First leg of the Western Conference final tonight and Keane has scored the only goal of the game at half-time. A header inside the six-yard box from a Landon Donovan cross. Goal is here. (http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-11-11-la-v-sea/highlights/205934)

UPDATE: Keane gets his second goal of the night from a tap-in to give LA a 3-0 lead. (http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-11-11-la-v-sea/highlights/205943)

Final Score: LA Galaxy 3 Seattle Sounders 0

Second leg is next Sunday night.

[tetsujin1979]

Stole that second goal from Wilhelmsson!

[Serb]

He has a great scoring record in the MLS (21 goals in 33 games now) but man, what a scumbag move for the second goal. It was just so unnecessary to steal that tap in. No player was chasing it, the keeper had given up once it was knocked past him and he ran the danger of being offside. Wilhelmsson's reaction just said it all. He couldn't believe it. He was all smiles in the end, but I would have been furious with him if that was me.

He must be on some goal bonus.

[Fixer82]

That ball was initially going out until it bounced. I think Robbie was just making sure.
Don't blame him at all for it. Hesitation can lead to failure

[jbyrne]

He has a great scoring record in the MLS (21 goals in 33 games now) but man, what a scumbag move for the second goal. It was just so unnecessary to steal that tap in. No player was chasing it, the keeper had given up once it was knocked past him and he ran the danger of being offside. Wilhelmsson's reaction just said it all. He couldn't believe it. He was all smiles in the end, but I would have been furious with him if that was me.

He must be on some goal bonus.

so a striker makes 100% sure the ball ends up in the back of the net? not much scandal here, in fact id say he was simply doing his job. for all Keane knew there was an opposition player behind him or something. hope he scores a few more like that for us over the next 12 months

[DeLorean]

It's all good once this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExL-u9zJLsk) doesn't happen!

[Crosby87]

Apparently Drew Carey owns the Seattle Sounders.

[tetsujin1979]

Apparently Drew Carey owns the Seattle Sounders.
He's one of the owners, along with Microsoft's Paul Allen. who's loaded.

[Dermotron]

Veteran Keane illuminates the Galaxy
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 14 November 2012


Contrary to the popular saying, there are times when statistics do not lie. Robbie Keane can vouch for that. Bouncing back from Republic of Ireland’s unhappy showing at UEFA EURO 2012 in June, the former Tottenham Hotspur forward has been in scintillating form in Major League Soccer, scoring 18 goals and serving up seven assists for Los Angeles Galaxy and giving opposing defences a very hard time in the process.


“He really made us suffer,” Seattle Sounders right-back Adam Johansson told FIFA.com following their 3-0 defeat in Los Angeles in Sunday’s first leg of the Western Conference final.


Keane got his name on the score-sheet twice against the Sounders, just as he had done four days earlier in the second leg of the Galaxy’s Western Conference semi-final against San Jose Earthquakes, helping his side overturn a 1-0 deficit away from home to win 3-2 on aggregate.


“We knew what he was capable of, especially on the counter,” added Johansson. “He’s quick and he uses his instinct and intelligence when it comes to reading the game. It’s no surprise to see him playing like this because he’s got such great vision. He always knows where his team-mates and opposing defenders are.”


The irrepressible Irishman has struck four of his side’s six goals in their last two games and also helped set up their second against Seattle, playing a long pinpoint pass that allowed Sean Franklin to tee up Mike Magee.


“He’s a real leader for the team,” said an appreciative Magee. “From the moment the referee blows his whistle he gives 200 per cent.”


"He’s been the best player in the league since he came back from the EUROs. He’s scored some vital goals. He’s a real competitor too, a remarkable player."
Bruce Arena on Robbie Keane


Bruce Arena’s side have dominated proceedings in MLS ever since their attacking talisman returned from Poland and Ukraine, finding their stride at just the right time, much to the coach’s delight: “We’ve been the best team in the league since then, and I’m delighted the rest haven’t picked up on that yet.”


Galaxy defender Todd Dunivant told FIFA.com: “Just like the team, Robbie’s been playing his best football since the summer. We’re on a much sounder footing now and he’s making the most of that to show what a great player he is. He’s got so much quality that if his opponents give him half a chance, he’ll punish them straightaway. He’s playing so well at the moment, but if you ask me that’s just his usual standard.”


The fact remains, however, that Keane has never been in such prolific form. The most productive of his eight seasons in the English Premier League was 2007/08, when he racked up 15 goals. From the end of his successful loan spell with Celtic in 2010, where he struck 12 goals in 16 matches, Keane had netted just eight league goals for Spurs, West Ham United, the Galaxy and Aston Villa combined.


Yet whatever the reason for his return to form, the man himself is thinking about nothing but the team. “It was important to keep the momentum going after the San Jose game,” the 32-year-old said after his demolition job on the Sounders. “We didn’t take as many chances as we should have against Seattle, but we did put three away, which is not something everyone can do.”


More at ease in front of goal than discussing his many attributes, Keane is content to let Arena do his talking for him and to repay whatever compliments come his way with goals.


“He’s been the best player in the league since he came back from the EUROs,” commented the former USA coach. “He’s settled in really well in MLS and he’s scored some vital goals. He’s a real competitor too, a remarkable player and a very important member of the team. Along with David Beckham and Landon Donovan, he’s a role model for our younger players.”

[DannyInvincible]

First time I've read of Keane being referred to as a "veteran". I suppose he is in the literal sense and he does have a few greys, but isn't that term usually reserved for players in the 34-36 category, before the "how on earth is granda still playing?!" category?

[Crosby87]

In the US any player who is not in his rookie year is considered "a veteran." Its silly, I know, to have 20 year old "veterans" in the NBA. I was a vet at 19 for the Penguins, too since i started playing for them at 18. Now that I think about it.

[Fixer82]

I would've been a veteran for the Mighty Ducks but I fell out with the manager and he had my wings clipped ;P

[BonnieShels]

In the US any player who is not in his rookie year is considered "a veteran." Its silly, I know, to have 20 year old "veterans" in the NBA. I was a vet at 19 for the Penguins, too since i started playing for them at 18. Now that I think about it.


Come again...

[Colbert Report]

His username is Crosby, the guy with the concussion problems for the Penguins.

[the bear]

Either that or he is a penguin vet in the zoo, although the knocks on the head would explain a bit

[DeLorean]

Robbie ignored in MLS nominations (http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-mls-awards-galaxy-robbie-keane-20121115,0,244798.story)

Joining Norwich in MLS pre-season? (http://www.98fm.com/2012/category-news-sport/category-sport/keane-norwich-2012-1611/) & more on same (http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/179508.html)

[gastric]

Would be a good move for Robbie and in turn for us.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2012/1116/1224326688645.html

[the bear]

He'd enjoy playing up top with Holt

[AlaskaFox]

As for the MLS nominations, I think if Meara had have stayed injury free, he'd surely be up for Best Rookie or Best Newcomer.

[geysir]

I see Robbie won and converted a penalty which secured Galaxy's stumbling passage into the final.
After scoring the penalty, Robbie was immediately congratulated by one of his teammates.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=CrSwQKOBaio

[DeLorean]

At least it was his best buddy that gave him a hug. Harsh enough penalty, his arm was coming back in as it hit it.

[BonnieShels]

His username is Crosby, the guy with the concussion problems for the Penguins.

Yeah, that's why I said come again...

[peadar1987]

It always jars with me when I see a football team referred to in the singular!

[geysir]

Harsh enough penalty, his arm was coming back in as it hit it.

That's another way of saying there was movement from the hand towards the ball :)

Robbie looked totally knackered there, almost (but not quite) too knackered to walk over to the penalty spot.

[DeLorean]

That's another way of saying there was movement from the hand towards the ball :)

True. I've seen worse given but I don't think the defender knew too much about it to be fair. It may technically have been a penalty, but he was unlucky.

[Carrigaline]

Robbie looked totally knackered there, almost (but not quite) too knackered to walk over to the penalty spot.
I'd say Robbie's fitness is taking a hammering over in LA. Apparently he's out on the batter quite a bit over there.

I can't see him being back in England this time.

[DannyInvincible]

I'd say Robbie's fitness is taking a hammering over in LA. Apparently he's out on the batter quite a bit over there.

Says who? London and other places he's played/lived had night-lifes too but it didn't seem to hold him back. Well, bar the time he threw a party in Dublin with Spurs team-mates, but that led to a disciplinary issue with Redknapp rather than a fitness concern.

[Yard of Pace]

He looks fit and sharp in any of the videos from LA matches lately.

Besides, never hindered the likes of Frank Worthington from putting the ball in the back of the net. :)

[Carrigaline]

Says who? London and other places he's played/lived had night-lifes too but it didn't seem to hold him back. Well, bar the time he threw a party in Dublin with Spurs team-mates, but that led to a disciplinary issue with Redknapp rather than a fitness concern.
Failed X-Factor contestant, Matt Cardle, bizarrely enough.

www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/4568209/.html

[BonnieShels]

It always jars with me when I see a football team referred to in the singular!

The States and Oz are ***** for it. Wrecks my head.