***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Sinn Fein]

Balotelli booked, missed rd of 16 if they advance... whos surprised?

a bit harsh on the card imo - he was jumping for the ball. Not his fault the midget next to him did not jump also

 

[El Floppo]

The SBJ guy was on satellite a minute ago.

He says that MLS only got a 2% bump in viewers after the '10 Cup.

Based on that, doesn't think MLS gets much from this one either....despite the huge numbers.

Says it's clear become a big EVENT, but it's not a reflection of the sport in this country.

Thoughts?

There's a diversity of opinion over whether growing the sport need be synonous with growing MLS.

With that said MLS is as healthy now as it has ever been.

Yeah... MLS is doing *ok*. And I don't really see people jumping into MLS with both feet because of the WC.

But... I do see people similar to the ones in this thread, looking for other Cups to follow (Euro, Copa America) and checking out an EPL/La Liga or Champions League game or three. And then maybe poking around MLS once they've figured out whether they're more interested or not.

I tend to agree with this. If it was more convenient to watch and get invested in, I probably would. I'm not sure how I would go about finding a rooting interest in something like EPL... My initial lean would be New England Revolution given my Boston heritage and a lack of any "local" team here in Memphis... but just don't know if I could bring myself to care as much as I do for a US side in WC match.

Once the US is eliminated, I'll still be able to enjoy the matches due to the extremely high skill level and fan passion... two things that are somewhat absent in MLS matches from what I understand.

Yeah... I'd think it would be hard to get too excited as a non-soccer fan if there wasn't a local team to go and watch live on the cheap or on TV. Lots of Euro teams have made MLS a virtual summer training ground too, so if you've got the team nearby, you can go see a lot of these players in the WC play live on their club teams.

And fwiw- I'm a massive soccer fan. But the USMNT is the ONLY team I genuinely care about despite having MLS (####### RedMetroStarBulls) and a history with Inter (Milan).

 

[Eephus]

England looking pretty sharp

 

[El Floppo]

Well, never mind...he's fine. Play on.

getting more tiresome than the actual embellishment, but carry on if you feel you really need to.

You seem a little sensitive. Would you like to talk about it?

not at all to both.

you sound wound up about the embellishments- and you seem to like talking about it... so carry on. I find it boring.

 

[Jayrod]

Well, never mind...he's fine. Play on.

getting more tiresome than the actual embellishment, but carry on if you feel you really need to.

You seem a little sensitive. Would you like to talk about it?

not at all to both.

you sound wound up about the embellishments- and you seem to like talking about it... so carry on. I find it boring.

At least we agree on something.

 

[gump]

a 2% growth off of one event is really, really huge. I would suggest that guy on the radio doesn't understand data.

220k is the most recent '13 MLS TV viewership number I've seen. Down to 215k for the beginning of '14.

Based on that, you're talking about 4400 viewers.

 

[Premier]

a 2% growth off of one event is really, really huge. I would suggest that guy on the radio doesn't understand data.

220k is the most recent '13 MLS TV viewership number I've seen. Down to 215k for the beginning of '14.Based on that, you're talking about 4400 viewers.

Weren't you talking about 2010?

 

[B Maverick]

Well, never mind...he's fine. Play on.

getting more tiresome than the actual embellishment, but carry on if you feel you really need to.

You seem a little sensitive. Would you like to talk about it?

not at all to both.

you sound wound up about the embellishments- and you seem to like talking about it... so carry on. I find it boring.

At least we agree on something.

You both agree talking about embellishments is boring?

 

[sporthenry]

Balotelli booked, missed rd of 16 if they advance... whos surprised?

a bit harsh on the card imo - he was jumping for the ball. Not his fault the midget next to him did not jump also

It was his 3rd foul of the game. He could also have a yellow for diving if the ref wanted to.

 

[gump]

a 2% growth off of one event is really, really huge. I would suggest that guy on the radio doesn't understand data.

220k is the most recent '13 MLS TV viewership number I've seen. Down to 215k for the beginning of '14.Based on that, you're talking about 4400 viewers.

Weren't you talking about 2010?

Less qty then I'm sure...but I think the guy expected another roughly 2%.

 

[TLEF316]

Mario dooshing it up

 

[Jayrod]

H. F. S.

 

[B Maverick]

Balotelli booked, missed rd of 16 if they advance... whos surprised?

a bit harsh on the card imo - he was jumping for the ball. Not his fault the midget next to him did not jump also

It was his 3rd foul of the game. He could also have a yellow for diving if the ref wanted to.

And it was a knee to the back of the head.... maybe harsh, but with the other fouls and flop maybe an accumulation yellow.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Mario dooshing it up

oof..yup

 

[GoFishTN]

Well lubricated?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Well lubricated?

Getting there. Thanks for asking.

 

[Sammy3469]

Uruguay may want to switch up the 5-3-2 at some point.

 

[B Maverick]

I love there is a player named Immoble

 

[Jaysus]

Balolteli

http://gfycat.com/EssentialAcclaimedAmericanwarmblood

 

[Jaysus]

Why does Saurez always tape his hand?

 

[Premier]

This Italian game is ####. Flipped over to the meaningless Brit game.

 

[sporthenry]

Balolteli

http://gfycat.com/EssentialAcclaimedAmericanwarmblood

Love to be in his mind for a day. What goes through your head before that? Maybe I can jump over him?

 

[Sinn Fein]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

 

[Jayrod]

This Italian game is ####. Flipped over to the meaningless Brit game.

I just did the same.

 

[B Maverick]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

Its unamerican

 

[Sammy3469]

quite the dour affair

 

[sporthenry]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

Just watch the Uruguay/Italy game and you'll understand why more Americans don't watch it.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

I think most people just have a limit as to what they want to invest in. I don't give a #### about hockey. It's nothing wrong with the game. The game is fine. But if you've arrived in the last five years, I haven't taken the time to know or care who you are.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

This Italian game is ####. Flipped over to the meaningless Brit game.

I just did the same.

England-Costa Rica isn't completely meaningless. The Rich Coast could drop from first to second in the group if they lose.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

Not sure about everyone else, but I'll give you my thoughts.

I fell victim to the belief that soccer is boring because that's what everyone says. Later in my life, I figured out that I didn't care what others thought, and that I should form my own opinions. Not just on soccer, but on anything.

Once I started watching, I knew I liked it. It wasn't my favorite sport, but I enjoyed it. And to be honest, I really like all sports. I just enjoy competition. The more I learned about the rules, the more I actually enjoyed it. Then I started to recognize player names, and it added even more.

I still hear people say things like "soccer is slow" or "soccer is boring" and I don't think those people are being true to themselves. Not saying that everyone has to like it, but soccer really isn't either of those things.

I'm a hockey fan and I hear people say they hate hockey, too. Again, I think if people gave it a chance and formed their own opinions, they might learn that they enjoy other things.

Just my

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Literally half the Italian fan club out front smoking now. Someone give them an espresso and a little scooter.

 

[bagger]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

i have really gotten into soccer over the past 5 years, however a couple things really turn off the average american fan:1. writhing around in pain for minor injuries and being taken off on a stretcher for a strained hammy. sports culture here is walk it off or minimize showing your pain. in soccer it seems to be amplified.

2. stoppage time. thats so different than anything we see here a lot of people dont give it a chance. dont understand why the clock doesnt stop when play is stopped and started when it starts.

3. low scoring perceived as low action. the 0-0 usa mexico game last year (or was it two years ago) was thrilling to watch. but to tell someone it was 0-0 they immediate think how boring.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

i have really gotten into soccer over the past 5 years, however a couple things really turn off the average american fan:1. writhing around in pain for minor injuries and being taken off on a stretcher for a strained hammy. sports culture here is walk it off or minimize showing your pain. in soccer it seems to be amplified.

2. stoppage time. thats so different than anything we see here a lot of people dont give it a chance. dont understand why the clock doesnt stop when play is stopped and started when it starts.

3. low scoring perceived as low action. the 0-0 usa mexico game last year (or was it two years ago) was thrilling to watch. but to tell someone it was 0-0 they immediate think how boring.

I will say that number 1 is still the main thing that bothers me to no end.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Literally half the Italian fan club out front smoking now. Someone give them an espresso and a little scooter.

The hand-waving must be out of control.

 

[MattFancy]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

i have really gotten into soccer over the past 5 years, however a couple things really turn off the average american fan:1. writhing around in pain for minor injuries and being taken off on a stretcher for a strained hammy. sports culture here is walk it off or minimize showing your pain. in soccer it seems to be amplified.

2. stoppage time. thats so different than anything we see here a lot of people dont give it a chance. dont understand why the clock doesnt stop when play is stopped and started when it starts.

3. low scoring perceived as low action. the 0-0 usa mexico game last year (or was it two years ago) was thrilling to watch. but to tell someone it was 0-0 they immediate think how boring.

I will say that number 1 is still the main thing that bothers me to no end.

I agree, but you're starting to see more and more of that in the NBA. Maybe not the complete flopping around like a fish out of water, but there's definitely more flopping in today's NBA than in year's past.

 

[B Maverick]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

i have really gotten into soccer over the past 5 years, however a couple things really turn off the average american fan:1. writhing around in pain for minor injuries and being taken off on a stretcher for a strained hammy. sports culture here is walk it off or minimize showing your pain. in soccer it seems to be amplified.

2. stoppage time. thats so different than anything we see here a lot of people dont give it a chance. dont understand why the clock doesnt stop when play is stopped and started when it starts.

3. low scoring perceived as low action. the 0-0 usa mexico game last year (or was it two years ago) was thrilling to watch. but to tell someone it was 0-0 they immediate think how boring.

They also seem to have a hard time with draws in general and want games to go on until there is a winner.

 

[Jaysus]

http://gfycat.com/ColorfulFrightenedArmedcrab

 

[Kafka]

Veratti has been vital, especially with Derossi out...Balotelli, well, you know...

 

[GoFishTN]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

i have really gotten into soccer over the past 5 years, however a couple things really turn off the average american fan:1. writhing around in pain for minor injuries and being taken off on a stretcher for a strained hammy. sports culture here is walk it off or minimize showing your pain. in soccer it seems to be amplified.

2. stoppage time. thats so different than anything we see here a lot of people dont give it a chance. dont understand why the clock doesnt stop when play is stopped and started when it starts.

3. low scoring perceived as low action. the 0-0 usa mexico game last year (or was it two years ago) was thrilling to watch. but to tell someone it was 0-0 they immediate think how boring.

You forgot ties. "IT'S LIKE KISSING YOUR SISTER!"

 

[TheIronSheik]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

i have really gotten into soccer over the past 5 years, however a couple things really turn off the average american fan:1. writhing around in pain for minor injuries and being taken off on a stretcher for a strained hammy. sports culture here is walk it off or minimize showing your pain. in soccer it seems to be amplified.

2. stoppage time. thats so different than anything we see here a lot of people dont give it a chance. dont understand why the clock doesnt stop when play is stopped and started when it starts.

3. low scoring perceived as low action. the 0-0 usa mexico game last year (or was it two years ago) was thrilling to watch. but to tell someone it was 0-0 they immediate think how boring.

I will say that number 1 is still the main thing that bothers me to no end.

I agree, but you're starting to see more and more of that in the NBA. Maybe not the complete flopping around like a fish out of water, but there's definitely more flopping in today's NBA than in year's past.

I don't watch the NBA. That's not the main reason I don't watch it, but it's one of the reasons.

 

[sporthenry]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

i have really gotten into soccer over the past 5 years, however a couple things really turn off the average american fan:1. writhing around in pain for minor injuries and being taken off on a stretcher for a strained hammy. sports culture here is walk it off or minimize showing your pain. in soccer it seems to be amplified.

2. stoppage time. thats so different than anything we see here a lot of people dont give it a chance. dont understand why the clock doesnt stop when play is stopped and started when it starts.

3. low scoring perceived as low action. the 0-0 usa mexico game last year (or was it two years ago) was thrilling to watch. but to tell someone it was 0-0 they immediate think how boring.

I will say that number 1 is still the main thing that bothers me to no end.

I agree, but you're starting to see more and more of that in the NBA. Maybe not the complete flopping around like a fish out of water, but there's definitely more flopping in today's NBA than in year's past.

Sure, but the NBA has started to do more to combat that. And I imagine the penalties will only go up from there. Sure, soccer has the yellow for embellishment but has that been given at this WC? They really need to start assigning yellows after the fact for blatant dives.

The other difference is that in the NBA, a flop might lead to 2 FT's in a 200 point game. In soccer, a flop easily leads to a PK in a 1-0 game.

 

[Eephus]

I don't understand why people get so bent out of shape about the running clock. It's like complaining about the clock stopping after an out of bounds play in American football.

It's hard to defend FIFA but I think a lot of what's perceived as their reactionary stance regarding rules changes is due to a desire to keep the rules consistent around the globe. The big leagues and tournaments have the ability to handle a second referee, goal line technology or a dedicated clock operator. The same isn't true of the Senegalese second division.

 

[TenTimes]

1. writhing around in pain for minor injuries and being taken off on a stretcher for a strained hammy. sports culture here is walk it off or minimize showing your pain. in soccer it seems to be amplified.

2. stoppage time. thats so different than anything we see here a lot of people dont give it a chance. dont understand why the clock doesnt stop when play is stopped and started when it starts.

3. low scoring perceived as low action. the 0-0 usa mexico game last year (or was it two years ago) was thrilling to watch. but to tell someone it was 0-0 they immediate think how boring.

And what it boils down to are cultural differences, imo. That's why I've never been sure the US would really adopt soccer. We're a high running high stress appointments deadlines type of country, most of these other countries have shorter work weeks and take naps in the middle of the day.

 

[Jayrod]

Mario subbed out. Nice.

 

[Sinn Fein]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

Just watch the Uruguay/Italy game and you'll understand why more Americans don't watch it.

I've got both games up on my monitor - Americans are rolling themselves if they think gamesmanship does not go in in every sport - from Jeter faking a hit by pitch, to WRs trying to sell a trap, or QBs trying to win a flag, or Dwayne Wade faking a shot to the head...

 

[Sinn Fein]

http://gfycat.com/ColorfulFrightenedArmedcrab

 

[sporthenry]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

Just watch the Uruguay/Italy game and you'll understand why more Americans don't watch it.

I've got both games up on my monitor - Americans are rolling themselves if they think gamesmanship does not go in in every sport - from Jeter faking a hit by pitch, to WRs trying to sell a trap, or QBs trying to win a flag, or Dwayne Wade faking a shot to the head...

Even the announcers have been critical of the game.

 

[Jayrod]

I have to say, biased though it may be, I do not understand why people do not like soccer. Not saying they have to, mind you, but as a sport it has a bit about everything. Strength, speed, endurance, individual skill, teamwork, man v. man, strategy, non-stop action. Its got players to root for, players to hate.

I get that you have to follow it a biit to understand the rules, and appreciate the strategy involved, but even as just a spectacle its fun to watch.

Just watch the Uruguay/Italy game and you'll understand why more Americans don't watch it.

I've got both games up on my monitor - Americans are rolling themselves if they think gamesmanship does not go in in every sport - from Jeter faking a hit by pitch, to WRs trying to sell a trap, or QBs trying to win a flag, or Dwayne Wade faking a shot to the head...

Does it happen in other sports? Sure. With the same frequency and severity? Not even close. And Dwayne Wade was absolutely ripped up and down by every fan I know for that BS fake.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Don't usually like easy PKs but how is that not one in the Italy game? Dude had the guy completely wrapped up in the box. He literally had is arm all the way around the guy back to touching his own hip, and a leg wrapped around for good measure.

 

[The Z Machine]

http://gfycat.com/ColorfulFrightenedArmedcrab

Cavani is ripped.