World Cup Preview

[DC Muskie]

Boring.

[X-band '01]

Wow - eliminated at the 90th minute and top dog in stoppage time. Algeria had their shot and just did not get back at all.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

I don't see Australia beating Serbia or Ghana beating Germany - Lets hope I'm pleasantly surprised.

Otherwise its looking like a tango with Germany next. Payback for 2006!

[DC Muskie]

Who cares? We move on!!!

[Lamont Sanford]

Sweet victory!!!! USA! USA!! USA!!!

I freakin loooooove winning!

[xavierj]

I was pulling for a tie. I hate when there has to be a loser in an event like this. World needs more ties.

[xsteve1]

Wonder what countries like France, Ireland and Scotland think now that the USA is better than them in their most popular sport.

[GuyFawkes38]

If we play serbia we should bomb them before the game to help ignite a new rivalry.

[Skipp]

well done.
tough team, there isn't great talent but 2-3 players can play a good soccer.
better than our fu....ing old team...

[Emp]

That match and the England-Slovenia match were both wide open, end to end, fun to watch. When there is a reward for scoring goals and not just sitting back and playing for the tie, good things happen.

One match, one minute changes everything!

We get the runner up in Group D. If Germany wins, we get second place in the next round. But the key observation by Bradley is that we have not lost yet, and commentary disclosed we scored 9 goals in 86th minute or later in the qualifying. Cannot write this team off until the final whistle.

[DC Muskie]

I can't believe we won the group.

Amazing.

And a clean sheet. Sorry Gooch, but you will probably sit the rest of the tournament.

[DC Muskie]

8 of Serbia's starting 11 have last names that end in the letters "vic"

[DC Muskie]

There are also 3 Boatengs playing in the Ghana/ Germany match. 2 for Ghana and 1 for Germany.

Weird.

[DC Muskie]

Now it's going to get interesting. Can Australia put a few more in the net?

[DC Muskie]

Can Australia put a few more in the net?

The answer to that would be yes.

2 more goals from the Aussies or the Germans put them in.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

If these scores hold up, does the US play Ghana?

[DC Muskie]

Yes, although Serbia just punched one in. You've got to think the Aussies are done. I can't believe they made it back this far after that first match.

All of this is extremely boring by the way. And no cares.

[GoMuskies]

All of this is extremely boring by the way.

As long as you enjoy it, that's all that matters.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

So US vs Ghana - winner plays South Korea/Uruguay , England vs Germany for the rights to play Argentina..

I like our side of the bracket a heck of a lot better.

Watching the German live audience celebration on German TV is hilarious.

[DC Muskie]

We are going to have our hands full with Ghana. I'm glad at least one African country is moving forward.

Germany/England will be a good match depending on which England team shows up. Another round of pressure could get the best of this team.

This weekend should be full of boring matches that no one will care about. Looking froward to it. Or not.

[DC Muskie]

So US vs Ghana - winner plays South Korea/Uruguay , England vs Germany for the rights to play Argentina..

I like your thinking Jimmy. Seriously, how good has Maradona been? He's looked like a freaking genius during this tournament.

I hope Mexico gets destroyed. Again. At the hands of Argentina, a country they seem to think they are on the same level as.

[SM#24]

There are also 3 Boatengs playing in the Ghana/ Germany match. 2 for Ghana and 1 for Germany.

Weird.
Interesting story on two of them who are 1/2 brothers, one plays for Ghana, the other for Germany. They are at odds because Ghana's Kevin-Prince is the one that put Ballack out in the FA Cup.

http://www.canada.com/sports/Boateng+brothers+lock+horns/3186765/story.html

[SM#24]

So US vs Ghana - winner plays South Korea/Uruguay , England vs Germany for the rights to play Argentina..
I like our side of the bracket a heck of a lot better.


Normally I couldn't agree more with three of soccer's royalty all now in one regional (to use an NCAA term). But in 30 years of watching this stuff, IMO, these are by far the worst English and German teams I have ever seen.
Regardless of today's result, I think I would rather play Germany than Ghana.
I am glad Argentina is in the other foursome though.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I heard that Tommy Smith guy (is that his name?) say Ghana would be the best case scenario for the US. He said they arent a great passing team. He said Serbia would be a terrible matchup and he has them as his darkhorse in the World Cup.

[Snipe]

What a game. It was just about over. We scored on what I thought would be our last chance coming off that counter.

What a difference a goal makes. We would be going home winless. What a bunch of losers. One goal in the extended time and suddenly we are moving on undefeated as Champions of Group C.

That goal made me giddy. We need to find someone else who can score though going forward. I like our bracket too. We are in the Sweet 16 and I think we are going to the Final Four.

[XUglow]

SVK 1 ITA 0

It's early yet, but it is about time for the defending champs to hit the panic button.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

If Italy loses to SLovakia or doesn't advance, the Italians will be met with disdain and shame - especially being the defending champions. Last time I was in Rome they had 23 different newspapers devoted solely to soccer - seemingly each one hanging onto the events of that day as if it was life or death.

I heard stories of grown men killing themselves when a certain team fails or suffers defeat. It's not gonna be a pleasant sight.

[PM Thor]

Wow that cut on the Slovaks leg was pretty big. When I saw him hit the deck I thought "Oh here we go again with the flopping"...then I saw that his leg was flayed open. It was wide open.

They wrapped it up and he is still out there. I'm really surprised he is still playing.

I HATE dayton.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Looks like the Frenchmen came home to a hostile environment:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5322210/ce/us/france-returns-home-cops-let-slink-away?cc=5901&ver=us

[XUglow]

SVK 2 ITA 0! Somewhere, Pierre is crying.

[boozehound]

Looks like the Frenchmen came home to a hostile environment:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5322210/ce/us/france-returns-home-cops-let-slink-away?cc=5901&ver=us

Wow. They take soccer pretty seriously over there.

[bobbiemcgee]

I have zero knowledge about soccer/futbal, but I do watch the highlights every night and have a question for anybody. On wide open shots, why do they always try to kick the ball 90 mph (usually right at the goalie) or over his head/net when there is a huge hole to the right or left where they could easily "dump" one in? Donovan's goal was one of the first I'd seen where he actually tried to avoid the goalie with his shot. Sometimes the goalie has already committed to the 90 mph shot before it even happens and gets his wish. Don't get it.

[Skipp]

worst team i never seen.
it's a beginning of a civil war here in my country...

from now i'll supporting your national team...

[XUglow]

Italy ends up last in their group. That is a disaster, Skipp.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

worst team i never seen.
it's a beginning of a civil war here in my country...

from now i'll supporting your national team...

Keep us updated Skipp. I imagine things will get pretty crazy over there

[DC Muskie]

I have zero knowledge about soccer/futbal, but I do watch the highlights every night and have a question for anybody. On wide open shots, why do they always try to kick the ball 90 mph (usually right at the goalie) or over his head/net when there is a huge hole to the right or left where they could easily "dump" one in? Donovan's goal was one of the first I'd seen where he actually tried to avoid the goalie with his shot. Sometimes the goalie has already committed to the 90 mph shot before it even happens and gets his wish. Don't get it.

It's very difficult to try and shoot when running at full speed. In fact it's even harder to do on a set piece. That's why Beckham is so good at it.

[Snipe]

I like our chances to get to the Final Four. Our next two games are winnable. That would really be something. Saturday could be special for soccer fans across the nation.

What I didn't like about our victory was the interview with Landon Donovan after the game. They guy comes off like a pansy. Sack up Landon and be manly. He is clearly our best player in my opinion, I just wish he gave a better interview. With all the endorsement dollars at stake you think he would have a PR coach that could give him some testosterone suppliments when he talks to the media.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

I like our chances to get to the Final Four. Our next two games are winnable. That would really be something. Saturday could be special for soccer fans across the nation.

What I didn't like about our victory was the interview with Landon Donovan after the game. They guy comes off like a pansy. Sack up Landon and be manly. .

Haha, I thought the same thing about Donovan. At first I was like "this is an ESPN moment that will be remembered for a long time". Then he buried his face in both of his hands and sobbed - destroying the moment.

[DC Muskie]

Leslie Donovan sounds like a ninny. But he scores goals, so what are you going to do?

[X-band '01]

Chile is going to hell in a handbasket in their match - Spain gets a quick pair of goals and Chile loses a man to a red card.

About the only thing going right for Chile is the Swiss stuck in a scoreless tie.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

http://acidcow.com/pics/20100621/vuv.gif

[LutherRackleyRulez]

Uruguay POPS THEIR COLLARS.....BOO!!!!!



http://tveskov.com/blog/popped-collars.jpg

[AdamtheFlyer]

Satisfied with this World Cup from the US. It was a decent team that ultimately met expectations. Disappointing to not go further, but not a bad thing.

Looking forward a new POSSESSION minded coach will be a good thing. It gets really old seeing us play for the counter and not control the game. The future could be very bright with Altidore, Bradley, Feilhaber, Gomez and some more development from Stuart Holden and Robbie Rogers. Need to find 4 good, young defenders and hope Guzan improves as a keeper. Davies returning to form would be great, he and Jozy are an electric pair up top. But 2014 should be a better team than 2010, which is good.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

This england Germany game is nuts. 2-1 i nthe first half with 5+ minutes to go, should be 2-2 (England got F'ed on a goal when the ball clearly crossed the line but was not called)

[golfitup]

I will never understand why Ricardo Clark started that game. He just isn't good enough.

[PM Thor]

This england Germany game is nuts. 2-1 i nthe first half with 5+ minutes to go, should be 2-2 (England got F'ed on a goal when the ball clearly crossed the line but was not called)

It's nice to see my German squad take the English to the woodshed. This is a slaughter, and I love it. I don't know why I take so much pleasure from it, but seeing the English fans looking so downtrodden really is a pick me up.

I HATE dayton.

[Espe]

http://i45.tinypic.com/5x1ldi.jpg

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Got a feeling messi is going to break out in about 5 minutes

[DC Muskie]

Satisfied with this World Cup from the US. It was a decent team that ultimately met expectations. Disappointing to not go further, but not a bad thing.

Looking forward a new POSSESSION minded coach will be a good thing. It gets really old seeing us play for the counter and not control the game. The future could be very bright with Altidore, Bradley, Feilhaber, Gomez and some more development from Stuart Holden and Robbie Rogers. Need to find 4 good, young defenders and hope Guzan improves as a keeper. Davies returning to form would be great, he and Jozy are an electric pair up top. But 2014 should be a better team than 2010, which is good.

We missed a great opportunity to advance and I don't think the Cup will ever set itself up for this type of possibility.

We need guys to play. It's that's simple really. When your best striker is someone who has only played in 34 matches over the last two years with only two goals, you shouldn't be surprised when he doesn't finish.

And that's why we didn't move forward. We couldn't finish. It's not so much about possession, and frankly you need players who can keep possession, in order to operate that style. Our counterattack philosophy has worked pretty good for us overall, but we lack top flight talent.

And as Jimmy stated numerous pages ago, it comes down to how we train our players. If kids want to go to Europe to play, and who wouldn't really, they need to be put in a situation where they will actually play. That's how we will advance as a country.

[Snipe]

http://i45.tinypic.com/5x1ldi.jpg

We got beaten by a country full of mud huts and dung bricks. When crap is one of your important building materials....

What a disaster.

[Skipp]

i'm sad for us, ghana is a good team but there was a lot of opportunity to move on in the elite eight... bocanegra and demerit both bad plays in the asamoah's goal. So, be happy, You have a program at mid-high level with huge possibility to grow up, and the soccer is the 6th-7th most important sport in USA.
Here is the first the second and the third, and maybe the 4th and 5th, and after that the others...

[AdamtheFlyer]

We missed a great opportunity to advance and I don't think the Cup will ever set itself up for this type of possibility.

We need guys to play. It's that's simple really. When your best striker is someone who has only played in 34 matches over the last two years with only two goals, you shouldn't be surprised when he doesn't finish.

And that's why we didn't move forward. We couldn't finish. It's not so much about possession, and frankly you need players who can keep possession, in order to operate that style. Our counterattack philosophy has worked pretty good for us overall, but we lack top flight talent.

And as Jimmy stated numerous pages ago, it comes down to how we train our players. If kids want to go to Europe to play, and who wouldn't really, they need to be put in a situation where they will actually play. That's how we will advance as a country.

Very good points all around. Altidore needs to go to a team in a lesser league (Danish, Dutch, Scottish Premier, even the Championship League in England) and get to play 90 minutes a week. Then, after a couple years of success, he can be bought out and return to a higher level.

My biggest problem with Bradley is that we do have guys that can maintain possession in Feilhaber and Edu...but he goes with Clark in the mid and the clearly overmatched Findley up top. Slide Edu and Benny into the middle with Dempsey up top next to Jozy, play them all for 90, and we probably beat Ghana.

I love Benny Feilhaber. I think he will be right there with Bradley as our 2 best overall players in 4 years. A midfield of those 2, Edu, and either an aging Landycakes or an emerging Holden could be special.

[Snipe]

Satisfied with this World Cup from the US. It was a decent team that ultimately met expectations. Disappointing to not go further, but not a bad thing.

Looking forward a new POSSESSION minded coach will be a good thing. It gets really old seeing us play for the counter and not control the game. The future could be very bright with Altidore, Bradley, Feilhaber, Gomez and some more development from Stuart Holden and Robbie Rogers. Need to find 4 good, young defenders and hope Guzan improves as a keeper. Davies returning to form would be great, he and Jozy are an electric pair up top. But 2014 should be a better team than 2010, which is good.

Satisfied that we won a single game against Algeria? They barely won that one in the 91st minute at that. Can't say that I am satisfied. They blew a big chance. Dung bricks and Mud Huts. Ghana took us out of two world cups. We should bomb them, take their oil and force them to convert to Christianity.

[DC Muskie]

Very good points all around. Altidore needs to go to a team in a lesser league (Danish, Dutch, Scottish Premier, even the Championship League in England) and get to play 90 minutes a week. Then, after a couple years of success, he can be bought out and return to a higher level.

My biggest problem with Bradley is that we do have guys that can maintain possession in Feilhaber and Edu...but he goes with Clark in the mid and the clearly overmatched Findley up top. Slide Edu and Benny into the middle with Dempsey up top next to Jozy, play them all for 90, and we probably beat Ghana.

I love Benny Feilhaber. I think he will be right there with Bradley as our 2 best overall players in 4 years. A midfield of those 2, Edu, and either an aging Landycakes or an emerging Holden could be special.

Putting Clark in wasn't the best idea, but I understand Bradley wanted to prevent their counterattack from happening. Of course Clark turns the ball over, and the rest is history.

Ghana hadn't scored during pool play and we gave up two goals. Howard's position on the first goal was terrible. Beaten near post like that? Shouldn't happen. But again, our central defense cost us.

Everything always looks great in the future. Look at Mexico. They won the U17 World Cup in 2005 and still can't past the second round. And this was the best Mexico squad in years. So while we can point to the bright spots, remember DeMarcus Beasley and Eddie Johnson were supposed to be the future right now.

I love Michael Bradley. And he's good because he plays. It will be interesting to see what happens to guys like DeMerit and Bocenegra after this tournament. And of course Gooch.

And Snipe, most of Ghana is Christian I believe.

[Kahns Krazy]

Why are people still posting to this thread? Isn't the World Cup over?

[AdamtheFlyer]

Putting Clark in wasn't the best idea, but I understand Bradley wanted to prevent their counterattack from happening. Of course Clark turns the ball over, and the rest is history.

Ghana hadn't scored during pool play and we gave up two goals. Howard's position on the first goal was terrible. Beaten near post like that? Shouldn't happen. But again, our central defense cost us.

Everything always looks great in the future. Look at Mexico. They won the U17 World Cup in 2005 and still can't past the second round. And this was the best Mexico squad in years. So while we can point to the bright spots, remember DeMarcus Beasley and Eddie Johnson were supposed to be the future right now.

I love Michael Bradley. And he's good because he plays. It will be interesting to see what happens to guys like DeMerit and Bocenegra after this tournament. And of course Gooch.

And Snipe, most of Ghana is Christian I believe.

Bocanegra and DeMerit are done on the international level, and stretching Gooch out another 4 years will be tough. The only defender that projects to return in 2014 is Bornstein, which is a scary proposition. That's where the bulk of the work has to be done. They may have to look at Edu or even Beasley back there.

Beasley and Johnson were the future, but they were outclassed by the young guns of today, which ultimately is a good thing. Not every player will pan out, but like with college hoops, every 4-5 year "generation" seems to be deeper and more talented than the one they replace. That's why our program will continue to get better. Jozy and Bradley just arrived early, there's another wave to come. And Davies could well regain his form from last summer.

Getting Guzan away from Villa's bench, and getting Seitz out of MLS and into a starting role in Europe has to be a top priority. Howard will be 35 in 2014, which is ok for a keeper, but there are no guarantees at that age.

[DC Muskie]

Sorry I didn't mean to make it sound like I was thinking DeMerit and Boca would be back, I was just more interested in seeing where they would end up at the club level. DeMerit was basically playing for a job.

If this country can't produce at least another Steve Cherundolo in the next few years, then we are flat out pathetic. Moving people like Edu and especially Beasley to the back is exactly why we have the problem in the first place. No one in this country is interested in developing first class defensive players. You're right though, it will be our most pressing need.

I never worry about our keeper situation until there is evidence to do so. Personally I think Howard will be back there in 2014 unless someone one else steps up.

We have one of if not the easiest qualification draw in the world. It's going to be fun to see how the team develops. My guess is that Bradley stays.

[Snipe]

I don't know why anyone would worry about the Keeper. He plays a part in giving up all those early goals too.

Mud huts and dung bricks. We should send Howard to Gitmo to show the world we are serious about soccer.

[DC Muskie]

Why are people still posting to this thread? Isn't the World Cup over?

Even if you think it's over, you must watch Holland/Brazil on Friday.

In by 10, drunk by 12, do dah, do dah.

[golfitup]

I'm getting very sensitive over the soccer haters, which I know is what they want. But it's funny to me coming from this board cuz we're the same fan base that gets all sensitive when Xavier doesn't get the respect we feel it deserves from the college bball world. Oh well.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Even if you think it's over, you must watch Holland/Brazil on Friday.

In by 10, drunk by 12, do dah, do dah.

Germany and Argentina is a must see as well on Saturday...

2006 Germany advances over Argentina via PK's. There is a huge fight after the game.

During a friendly between Argentina and Germany earlier this year, Maradona refused to sit on the same stage as Mueller dismissing him as not worthy.

Argentina vs Mexico earlier this week: Halftime fight between the two teams. Germany press soundbytes from Schweinsteiger yesterday fanned the flames from that game saying "Argentina has no respect".

It's gonna be war

[Snipe]

I'm getting very sensitive over the soccer haters, which I know is what they want. But it's funny to me coming from this board cuz we're the same fan base that gets all sensitive when Xavier doesn't get the respect we feel it deserves from the college bball world. Oh well.

I am not a soccer hater, I just think we pissed a great opportunity away. We got one win over Algeria, and we barely got that. You neg repped me for stating that, and I gave you some tit for tat.

This could have been the greatest world cup ever. I watched about every game I could until we lost, and the dream was alive. I am sick of losing to Ghana. We didn't have a great world cup. It could have been a breakthrough but it wasn't. This whole country would be alive talking about soccer right now and they would be watching our next game. We pissed our pants and gave up another early goal.

It was a real downer to watch us lose. We had 1 win against Algeria, 1 loss vs. Ghana and two ties. .500 record. It just isn't impressive. Our strikers can't strike and our only offense is the counter and we are soft on defense. Sorry I am not sucking up to the party line. I am an American Soccer fan.

Thanks for the reps.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

I am not a soccer hater, I just think we pissed a great opportunity away. We got one win over Algeria, and we barely got that. You neg repped me for stating that, and I gave you some tit for tat.

This could have been the greatest world cup ever. I watched about every game I could until we lost, and the dream was alive. I am sick of losing to Ghana. We didn't have a great world cup. It could have been a breakthrough but it wasn't. This whole country would be alive talking about soccer right now and they would be watching our next game. We pissed our pants and gave up another early goal.

It was a real downer to watch us lose. We had 1 win against Algeria, 1 loss vs. Ghana and two ties. .500 record. It just isn't impressive. Our strikers can't strike and our only offense is the counter and we are soft on defense. Sorry I am not sucking up to the party line. I am an American Soccer fan.

Thanks for the reps.

I agree with certain aspects of this post.

Everything was in place for a major US run. Just look at our side of the bracket.

Ghana, US, South Korea, Uruguay. Solid solid teams, but this was by far the most desirable bracket we've possibly ever been in. No Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, or Argentina.

I don't necessarily think we pissed our pants (well maybe the first half).

Overall, I think it was a decent showing since we finished 1st in our group, but we have to start developing players better.

We have some of the most athletic/big/naturally talented players in the world, but the difference in skill level between us and the top teams is astounding.

It's a tough fix though. Players need to be developed overseas from a young age to achieve this skill level. The camps and training here is not even close to what you would see in Europe or some parts of South America. We need that prodigy player to change it all - A Lebron of soccer (Adu was supposed to be it who knows maybe he'll come on strong soon).

[golfitup]

Snipe, I neg repped you cuz of the mud hut references you kept making about Ghana. Yeah, it's not a rich country, but that doesn't mean they can't have a good team. And I'm a sensitive US soccer fan, just like I'm a sensitive Xavier fan. I actually think the two teams have a quite a few similarities.

Losing to Ghana left me the exact same empty feeling of "what if" I had 3 months ago when we lost to Kansas State with Butler waiting in the wings. It's actually remarkably similar the runs my two favorite teams had in the past few months.

[GuyFawkes38]

If we've learned anything from this thread it's that soccer fans are really sensitive. And I honestly don't know why. The World Cup feels like it might become bigger than the Olympics in the next 20 years. The worldwide leader in sports is doing a great job promoting it. There's no reason to be so sensitive.

Soccer might never be a big 3 sport, but I could see it surpass hockey in popularity (damn, that might bring responses from sensitive hockey fans).

[D-West & PO-Z]

If we've learned anything from this thread it's that soccer fans are really sensitive. And I honestly don't know why. The World Cup feels like it might become bigger than the Olympics in the next 20 years. The worldwide leader in sports is doing a great job promoting it. There's no reason to be so sensitive.

Soccer might never be a big 3 sport, but I could see it surpass hockey in popularity (damn, that might bring responses from sensitive hockey fans).

I'm not a hockey fan but soccer wont ever pass hockey in terms of popularity in this country. The fact remains that the best players in the world dont play soccer in the US. The best players in the world play in the US in the 4 major sports.

[Emp]

I'm not a hockey fan but soccer wont ever pass hockey in terms of popularity in this country. The fact remains that the best players in the world dont play soccer in the US. The best players in the world play in the US in the 4 major sports.

I'm a hockey fan, played it as a boy, and I accept that hockey is never going to be competitive with the big 3 in the US. I enjoy soccer but never played. I attend fewer Crew matches than Blue Jackets, so that is my perspective.

Totally disagree with your assessment of soccer never passing hockey. Unless present attendance at a pro league match is the only criteria, soccer in the US passed hockey long ago in popularity in terms of child, school and adult recreational participation, facilities, camps. It will pass hockey in terms of pro attendance in the next 20 years, for two reasons: hockey tickets prices will take the sport out of the price range of a middle-class families and your average adult male sports jock, and immigrant and first-gen Americans will begin attending more pro matches, adopting local club sides.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm a hockey fan, played it as a boy, and I accept that hockey is never going to be competitive with the big 3 in the US. I enjoy soccer but never played. I attend fewer Crew matches than Blue Jackets, so that is my perspecstive.

Totally disagree with your assessment of soccer never passing hockey. Unless present attendance at a pro league match is the only criteria, soccer in the US passed hockey long ago in popularity in terms of child, school and adult recreational participation, facilities, camps. It will pass hockey in terms of pro attendance in the next 20 years, for two reasons: hockey tickets prices will take the sport out of the price range of a middle-class families and your average adult male sports jock, and immigrant and first-gen Americans will begin attending more pro matches, adopting local club sides.

I was referring strictly to pro hockey and the interest in it, not even necessarily in regards to even attendance but TV viewership. In 2009 it looks like hockey only averaged around 1200 more fans per game than soccer. Not sure what the sizes of the arenas are and whatnot but thats not a lot. That begs the question is it because if you are a soccer fan and really want to see your team play do you have to go to the game? Are the games on local TV? Are the Crew on TV every game in Columbus? Also just because less people may go to hockey games as the years roll by and the prices go up doesnt mean they wont continue to watch on TV.

I;m not saying soccer isnt more popular as a sport in childhood or even in rec leagues. Thats obvious. Most people I know played soccer for at least a little while when they were kids but most of them dont care about the MLS now as adults. Soccer is also obviously a sport that is more easily played as a pickup game than hockey.

As for your last sentence I am not sure why you think that will start to happen more. Do you care to elaborate more? Why do you think the avg adult male sports jock is going to care more about and attend more matches in the MLS in the next 20 years?

[Pluto]

The Netherlands just knocked out Brazil. Felipe Melo gets an own goal and a red card, hopefully he isn't treated to the same homecoming that Escobar from Columbia received after WC 94.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Looking at Germany's side of the bracket. In order to win the world cup, they will have to get past the following(Barring upsets):

England, Argentina, Spain, Netherlands.

That is absolutely brutal

[GuyFawkes38]

Looking at Germany's side of the bracket. In order to win the world cup, they will have to get past the following(Barring upsets):

England, Argentina, Spain, Netherlands.

That is absolutely brutal

Have they thought about seeding the teams after the group stage. That would hurt chances for upset World Cup winners. But it seems more fair and better for the fans.

[XULucho27]

Suárez with the play of the tournament. Gave up playing in the semi-final to save the game for Uruguay. What a game!

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Suárez with the play of the tournament. Gave up playing in the semi-final to save the game for Uruguay. What a game!

Insanity. 99% of the time that handball would come back haunt him. He'd return home to Uruguay as the Goat. I cant believe Ghana missed that PK

[D-West & PO-Z]

Remember the absolute outrage over Henry's handball in the qualifying? Why is this different? Henry's looked reactional to me in a lot ways, this one was clearly intentional. I'm not in the camp that was upset about Henry's and I'm not upset about this guys. Was the upset because it wasnt called on Henry? I can understand that and I can understand berating the ref for it, but there were so many people, even people on this board, who were just furious with Henry. I said at the time its on the ref why are people mad at Henry, but people were. Anyone who was mad at him has to be feeling the same way about the guy from Uruguay, no?

[X-band '01]

Have they thought about seeding the teams after the group stage. That would hurt chances for upset World Cup winners. But it seems more fair and better for the fans.

There's a page right out of the Billy Packer playbook. It's just better to let the thing play out as it is. If it's the Dutch, the Germans, whoever, the best team will have won. Period.

[DC Muskie]

If we've learned anything from this thread it's that soccer fans are really sensitive. And I honestly don't know why. The World Cup feels like it might become bigger than the Olympics in the next 20 years. The worldwide leader in sports is doing a great job promoting it. There's no reason to be so sensitive.

Soccer might never be a big 3 sport, but I could see it surpass hockey in popularity (damn, that might bring responses from sensitive hockey fans).

This is an awesome post.

Have you ever stopped to think as to why people on the other side of the spectrum have so many various opinions on soccer? Why do people care so much about a sport that is obviously not very popular, or American, or boring? Do people have this take on bowling? Do people have this take on swimming? Are we trying to figure out where lacrosse fits on the major popular sports chart?

I know we have learned is that there a lot of moronic posts when it comes to fine art of dissecting everything about soccer.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

This is an awesome post.

Have you ever stopped to think as to why people on the other side of the spectrum have so many various opinions on soccer? Why do people care so much about a sport that is obviously not very popular, or American, or boring? Do people have this take on bowling? Do people have this take on swimming? Are we trying to figure out where lacrosse fits on the major popular sports chart?

I know we have learned is that there a lot of moronic posts when it comes to fine art of dissecting everything about soccer.

You would really enjoy some of these shows on BBC, DC in regards to futbol and American football. Its similar to the people you target in your post, just the roles reversed.

Anyways, this is a pretty cool series.

It's part 1 of "Most shocking World Cup Moments" that was aired on BBC before the World Cup. I think you'd like it. The English viewpoint from their celebrities on stereotypical Italians, Americans, Germans, Irish, Scottish, English etc. is pretty funny when reviewing a lot of these World Cup moments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbP-uzeagjA

Some moments included in the series are :
Rivaldos horrific dive, Crouch grabbing some guys dreadlocks from Trinidad and Tobago to score, the Germany Argentina fight from 2006, and some others

[DC Muskie]

Remember the absolute outrage over Henry's handball in the qualifying? Why is this different? Henry's looked reactional to me in a lot ways, this one was clearly intentional. I'm not in the camp that was upset about Henry's and I'm not upset about this guys. Was the upset because it wasnt called on Henry? I can understand that and I can understand berating the ref for it, but there were so many people, even people on this board, who were just furious with Henry. I said at the time its on the ref why are people mad at Henry, but people were. Anyone who was mad at him has to be feeling the same way about the guy from Uruguay, no?

Well the simple answer is...one was called and one wasn't. Are you trying to say people should have the same level of being pissed off every time people cheat?

Suarez cheated, got caught and was thrown out of the match and even the next one. What else should people be furious about?

Henry cheated, wasn't caught and wasn't sorry that he wasn't caught. The only justice is that his team imploded.

I'm just curious, why do you care, since you are on the record of not being mad at any handball situation. So really, who cares?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Well the simple answer is...one was called and one wasn't. Are you trying to say people should have the same level of being pissed off every time people cheat?

Suarez cheated, got caught and was thrown out of the match and even the next one. What else should people be furious about?

Henry cheated, wasn't caught and wasn't sorry that he wasn't caught. The only justice is that his team imploded.

I'm just curious, why do you care, since you are on the record of not being mad at any handball situation. So really, who cares?

I was just curious the difference. They both did the same thing. The Uruguay guy did it on an even bigger stage. Yes he got caught but I'm damn sure he isnt sorry about doing it either. Uruguay winning was the direct result of his cheating. I dont get why Henry had to be sorry. The refs are the ones responsible, the blew that one, be mad at them. If not and people are mad at Henry I dont get why no one is mad at the guy from Uruguay. It doesnt matter to me really, just a point of interest, thats all.

[DC Muskie]

I was just curious the difference. They both did the same thing. The Uruguay guy did it on an even bigger stage. Yes he got caught but I'm damn sure he isnt sorry about doing it either. Uruguay winning was the direct result of his cheating. I dont get why Henry had to be sorry. The refs are the ones responsible, the blew that one, be mad at them. If not and people are mad at Henry I dont get why no one is mad at the guy from Uruguay. It doesnt matter to me really, just a point of interest, thats all.

Okay, like I said, one was caught and punished, one wasn't.

Ghana had an opportunity to win, Ireland didn't. So actually Henry's cheating had a direct result of their winning, Suarez didn't.

You can actually be mad at the refs and the player. It's not an either or. Both plays were pretty blatant, and follow with me...one was caught and one wasn't.

The play by Suarez was bullshit, but Ghana had a penalty kick and missed. They then had penalty kicks to win and missed those. So to me, I don't feel as sorry for Ghana.

You really go out of your way to make sure we know that you are not mad at Henry. I get that even though it makes no sense. He got away with cheating, while Suarez got thrown out and will miss the semi-finals of the next match. People usually get mad at cheaters who got away with it, and didn't feel sorry for it.

Also, your idea that Henry's handball was more reactionary is downright hilarious. The guy cupped the ball. If you don't think that was intentional, then you need to move on to a subject you do care about and not this one.

[Snipe]

I was just curious the difference. They both did the same thing. The Uruguay guy did it on an even bigger stage. Yes he got caught but I'm damn sure he isnt sorry about doing it either. Uruguay winning was the direct result of his cheating. I dont get why Henry had to be sorry. The refs are the ones responsible, the blew that one, be mad at them. If not and people are mad at Henry I dont get why no one is mad at the guy from Uruguay. It doesnt matter to me really, just a point of interest, thats all.

It isn't the same thing in my opinion. The guy from Uruguay had no choice. It was the only thing that he could do. Also, and get this, he knew there was no way he could get away with it.

It was in the last seconds of play. His goalie was beaten and he was standing behind the goalie protecting the goal. A shot came in that he couldn't defend within the rules, so he swiped at it. If he doesn't swipe at that ball, Ghana (even with their mud huts and dung bricks) wins the game. The only thing that he could do to give his team a chance of winning was hand that ball.

That is not the same case for the French. They were on offence in the first 13 minutes of the game. They had a guy that cheated and got away with scoring a goal. That guy wasn't the last line of defense. Uruguay had one option and it was either hand that ball and take your chances or go home. France was in no similar circumstance.

I would have done what the Uruguay player did 100% of the time. It was the right thing to do. I don't even consider it cheating. In the NFL cornerbacks foul the wide outs on breakaway plays so that they don't score touchdowns. That isn't cheating unless Pittsburgh does it. That is part of the game.

The Uruguay player knew he would be tossed from the game. He didn't have a choice. He was on defense. The French player took a chance and cheated early in the game on offense. If you can't see the difference between these two situations your understanding of the game is incredibly weak.

[Snipe]

Insanity. 99% of the time that handball would come back haunt him. He'd return home to Uruguay as the Goat. I cant believe Ghana missed that PK

No it wouldn't. What else could he do. He wouldn't have been the goat. That ball had already beat the keeper and he was standing on the goal line. If he lets that ball pass he would have been the goat. The guy next to him was trying to swipe it too and missed. You have to keep that ball out of the goal in the last seconds of the game.

[Snipe]

Snipe, I neg repped you cuz of the mud hut references you kept making about Ghana. Yeah, it's not a rich country, but that doesn't mean they can't have a good team. And I'm a sensitive US soccer fan, just like I'm a sensitive Xavier fan. I actually think the two teams have a quite a few similarities.

Losing to Ghana left me the exact same empty feeling of "what if" I had 3 months ago when we lost to Kansas State with Butler waiting in the wings. It's actually remarkably similar the runs my two favorite teams had in the past few months.

I had the same feeling that you did re The World Cup vs K-State.

As for the mud hut references, I am just bitter about the whole thing and I have to take it out on someone. Dung Bricks! See, now I feel better.

We should have played today. It would have been huge.

On a side note, I have no idea why these games were played on Friday/Saturday vs. Saturday/Sunday.

Most of countries involved probably take off work for the Friday games. Brazil and the Dutch played today, and everyone in those countries was not working when that game was played. As for America though, I can't imagine anyone cancelling work for a soccer game. In Brazil I bet it was like a national holiday. Like anyone there is going to miss that game.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I get both your points. You have actually convinced me of the difference. Thats all I was asking. Thank you.

Edit: And Snipe, I will never claim my knowledge of soccer to be anything but weak.

[GuyFawkes38]

Twitter is cool.

I just spent about 10 minutes reading spanish tweets. It turns out that most people from South and Central America appear to support Germany/Alemania. I guess there's some jealousy issues there.

Yesterday I thought the "all of Africa supports Ghana" belief was bogus too. Groups of people who are alike often hate each other. Sort of like Xavier and Dayton.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

GERMANY just scored in the 3rd!!!

Muller, how fitting!! The man Maradona hates

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5351326/ce/us/fifa-study-handball-determine-ban-uruguay-luis-suarez&cc=5901?ver=us

Their coach obviously doesnt think he should be suspended for the finals should they win.

"Tabarez said Suarez's action was a natural reflex.

"To think that Suarez, when he committed the handball, knew what was going to happen afterward would be something superhuman," the coach said. "The hand of Suarez is the hand of God and the Virgin Mary -- that's how Uruguayans see it."

[DC Muskie]

Argentina got worked.

Was it you Jimmy that spoke highly of Germany? I wasn't so certain because I though Australia was that bad. But this young Germany squad is for real.

As for Suarez being banned for the final, I can see that. A straight red usually means a three match ban anyway.

[eXdrummer]

Twitter is cool.

I just spent about 10 minutes reading spanish tweets. It turns out that most people from South and Central America appear to support Germany/Alemania. I guess there's some jealousy issues there.

Yesterday I thought the "all of Africa supports Ghana" belief was bogus too. Groups of people who are alike often hate each other. Sort of like Xavier and Dayton.

From my experience living in Central America, pretty much everyone roots for their own country and one of these three teams: Brazil, Argentina, or Spain

[PM Thor]

Boom goes the dynamite. Those Germans redefined blitzkrieg today. They really sent those Argies to the showers. (too soon?) Trying to think of some bad German catchphrases here....
Damn, my German team looked strong, yet again. What a beatdown.

I Hate dayton.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Argentina got worked.

Was it you Jimmy that spoke highly of Germany? I wasn't so certain because I though Australia was that bad. But this young Germany squad is for real.

As for Suarez being banned for the final, I can see that. A straight red usually means a three match ban anyway.

Yes, but I also spoke highly of Argentina so I'm 1-1...

Note to other teams, playing from behind against Germany is near impossible. That counter attack is devastating

My picks have turned out absolutely horrendous. England was a disappointment, Brazil is out, and Argentina is out. 3/4 of my semifinalists haha

[AdamtheFlyer]

Germany understands the concept of playing for your country better than every other team World Class side. That's what makes them so great. The USA is great in that area, too, but obviously lacks the talent to be anything more than pretty good.

I've got Germany and Holland in the final with Holland winning at this point. I want Spain to win it, though. Always have been my second team.

[golfitup]

Hiring Diego Maradona as coach finally came back to haunt Argentina. Messi being a non-factor is inexcusable.

[LutherRackleyRulez]

btw.....

have U ever got a glimpse of Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger's g'f????



Smokin' Hot Chick + Beer = NIRVANA!!!


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x1w9f3kXWq8/SQwSe8SnRUI/AAAAAAAAAgg/3HaioH6isvA/s400/sarah-brander-Bastian+Schweinsteiger+girl.jpg




http://euro2008girls.com/pics/sarah-brander.jpg




http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05qg8en9O2bqy/340x.jpg

[XULucho27]

Hiring Diego Maradona as coach finally came back to haunt Argentina. Messi being a non-factor is inexcusable.

It finally showed when they played a good team. Argentina's defense is pretty atrocious most of the time, but to start Otamendi at right back when he's naturally a center mid was a huge mistake. Then to not take him out for an extra defensive mid (Veron, although hurt could have helped the midfield spread out and possess) after the first 5 minutes in which he lost his mark on Müller to give up the first goal, then got a yellow card, then got the refs attention again with rough play during a corner is downright inexcusable.

This ought to be enough to get him fired. There are plenty of non-cokehead managers that Argentina could hire for the next WC. On a different note, Germany looks unstoppable. I hope it's them and Uruguay in the final. That would be a great game!

[Juice]

It finally showed when they played a good team. Argentina's defense is pretty atrocious most of the time, but to start Otamendi at right back when he's naturally a center mid was a huge mistake. Then to not take him out for an extra defensive mid (Veron, although hurt could have helped the midfield spread out and possess) after the first 5 minutes in which he lost his mark on Müller to give up the first goal, then got a yellow card, then got the refs attention again with rough play during a corner is downright inexcusable.

This ought to be enough to get him fired. There are plenty of non-cokehead managers that Argentina could hire for the next WC. On a different note, Germany looks unstoppable. I hope it's them and Uruguay in the final. That would be a great game!

I loved the "defense" assist from Basti on the 3rd goal when went around a couple defensive players from Argentina. I don't think they even tried to stop him.

[Kahns Krazy]

This was in today's paper.

http://www.xavierhoops.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=22&pictureid=355

[PM Thor]

Damn.

Gotta hand it to Spain, they thoroughly outplayed Germany, hands down. That was an impressive display in ball control and on how to negate the counter. Germany is young though, very young.

And the Octopus' picks remain perfect!

I HATE dayton.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This was in today's paper.

http://www.xavierhoops.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=22&pictureid=355

Haha thats great. The halftime show line is really good.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Damn.

Gotta hand it to Spain, they thoroughly outplayed Germany, hands down. That was an impressive display in ball control and on how to negate the counter. Germany is young though, very young.

And the Octopus' picks remain perfect!

I HATE dayton.

Muller being out seemed to have hurt the Germans up top. He has been their workhorse.

[Pete Delkus]

[QUOTE=LutherRackleyRulez;204778]
btw.....

have U ever got a glimpse of Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger's g'f????



Smokin' Hot Chick + Beer = NIRVANA!!!


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x1w9f3kXWq8/SQwSe8SnRUI/AAAAAAAAAgg/3HaioH6isvA/s400/sarah-brander-Bastian+Schweinsteiger+girl.jpg


Mit Vergnügen heir Schweinsteiger !!!

WOW!...get your umlaut ON!!!!

[DC Muskie]

Another boring match. That talking dog is right!

Here's hoping Holland can bring home the cup. That Spanish midfield is extremely tough.

[LutherRackleyRulez]

I'm rooting for the Dutch on Sunday for 2 reasons:




#1. Porn star Bobbi Eden offers Twitter followers oral sex if Holland win Cup

Dutch porn star Bobbi Eden has promised her Twitter followers oral sex
if the Netherlands win the World Cup this weekend.



http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/834398-porn-star-bobbi-eden-offers-twitter-followers-oral-sex-if-holland-win-world-cup






#2. HOTT FANS....


http://euro2008girls.com/pics/holland_girl.jpg

[LutherRackleyRulez]

GO DUTCH!!!!!




http://sienzuf.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dutch-fans-2.jpg

btw....that's a SWEET helmet!!!!


http://euro2008girls.com/pics/dutch-girls-03.jpg




http://www.harmenliemburg.nl/subjects/dutchflood/fans.jpg

[DC Muskie]

Boring match.

What an end. Congrats to Spain.

[GuyFawkes38]

Are soccer players from the Mediterranean simply better? Italy previously won. France has recently won.

Brazil and Argentina are awesome and are stacked with players of Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese ancestries (a lot of their top players don't have much indigenous ancestry).

Mediterraneans simply rule soccer.

[Snipe]

In other soccer news:

Butler handjob gives Wheatley semi

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/goalpost/s/2065435_butler_handjob_gives_wheatley_semi

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Massive celebrations in Spain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ9_wXVUcOE