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

[Joe Bryant]

Thanks for the info.

J

 

[Politician Spock]

Honestly it's not trolling when his position has been correct time and time again. We've heard the same mantra from the likes of you for years. We've also heard you attack and name call those that disagree with you. Maybe you'll be right this time.

I'll save the you and the rest of the gang the embarrassment of calling me a troll or soccer hater. I've watched more soccer live in the last year than most anyone in this thread who isn't a ref. I've watched college, ODP, academy, state cup, regional levels, recruiting camps. My personal opinion is that the depth is good, but the best athletes are still playing football and basketball.

His position is that soccer sucks other than the World Cup. He isn't saying Americans won't watch, he's saying the entire sport sucks. How has that been proven correct?

I thought he was saying going back to sucking as back to obscurity. I didn't take it as saying the sport itself sucked. I haven't been in here much so it could be the other.

He is one of the biggest trolls on the sport. He seeks out any soccer thread he can find to make sure he lets everyone know what he thinks of the sport. It is really sad in a way but today was borderline disgusting.

In either case however, he is wrong, demonstrably so imo.

I seek out any soccer thread? Really?!?! Seriously?!?!?

I have not posted once EVER in the "official" soccer thread. And the post you personally attacked me for was my FIRST post in this thread.

Yes, I don't like soccer. But it's you that are at a football website. I wouldn't go to a soccer website and act like you do towards people who don't like football. There's likely going to be people there that don't like football.

Since we never talk about football in the FFA I tend to forget this. In fact, it's pretty childish to even bring it up. Having said that, it's actually a pretty good place to find new footy fans -- the people here tend to like sports and you can pretty much watch most of Swansea-Hull during the NFL commercial breaks. That is, if you'd really want to watch Swansea-Hull, ymmv.

All the prosthelytizing is the why people who don't like the sport feel led to say something. I understand they're here to recruit fans for their sport, but I don't want to become a fan, nor do I want to join your MLM "business opportuity". Amway sucks too.

Easy enough. Don't come into the threads.

You're really reaching here, Spock. You don't usually go this much out of your way to be such a troll. What's really wrong?

I came into this thread because I watched yesterday's World Cup game. Just like when I watch the Olympics I go into the Olympics thread. There were tons of people trolling througout the 300+ pages. I made one post, and the thread went livid responsding to me. Making one post is not going out of my way. It's as close to the fish jumping in the boat before the worm is even on the hook as you can get. It's the trolls who posted over and over and over again for the first 300+ pages who are the ones who went out of their way.

The "other people were worse than me" defense is a poor one. But I accept your apology.

Apology for what?

If I went to a soccer website and said "soccer sucks", then that would be inappropriate opinion to post.

But on a football website, in a forum that is "free for all", posting that "soccer sucks" is just as valid of an opinion as posting that "soccer is great".

You're not a vitcim of a negative opinion on soccer on a website where people are free to have any opinion of soccer. I've told the hockey fans here that hockey sucks too. But they don't take it as a personal attack. Soccer fans take it personally.

 

[roadkill1292]

"The corruption machines at FIFA make the IOC look like Doctors Without Borders".

My non-soccer-enjoying friends make fun of me for liking a sport with so much corruption at the top and I have no answer. Somehow FIFA's shenanigans don't enrage me nearly as much as the suffocating power of the NFL offices.

 

[NewlyRetired]

this isn't the World Cup, it's the World Cup Finals.

Can you post your spreadsheet link so people see the time involved and games played before the Finals?

From a high level qualifying ran from June 2011 to December 2013

It involved teams from 203 countries and had 2303 games in it.

 

[[icon]]

You know... if you stop engaging trolls, they generally go away. Then the Signal-to-Noise ratio of the thread improves.

 

[chet]

You know... if you stop engaging trolls, they generally go away. Then the Signal-to-Noise ratio of the thread improves.

I know but sometimes I can't help myself, gb.

 

[roadkill1292]

I thought he was saying going back to sucking as back to obscurity. I didn't take it as saying the sport itself sucked. I haven't been in here much so it could be the other.


I seek out any soccer thread? Really?!?! Seriously?!?!?

I have not posted once EVER in the "official" soccer thread. And the post you personally attacked me for was my FIRST post in this thread.

Yes, I don't like soccer. But it's you that are at a football website. I wouldn't go to a soccer website and act like you do towards people who don't like football. There's likely going to be people there that don't like football.

Since we never talk about football in the FFA I tend to forget this. In fact, it's pretty childish to even bring it up. Having said that, it's actually a pretty good place to find new footy fans -- the people here tend to like sports and you can pretty much watch most of Swansea-Hull during the NFL commercial breaks. That is, if you'd really want to watch Swansea-Hull, ymmv.

All the prosthelytizing is the why people who don't like the sport feel led to say something. I understand they're here to recruit fans for their sport, but I don't want to become a fan, nor do I want to join your MLM "business opportuity". Amway sucks too.

Easy enough. Don't come into the threads.

You're really reaching here, Spock. You don't usually go this much out of your way to be such a troll. What's really wrong?

I came into this thread because I watched yesterday's World Cup game. Just like when I watch the Olympics I go into the Olympics thread. There were tons of people trolling througout the 300+ pages. I made one post, and the thread went livid responsding to me. Making one post is not going out of my way. It's as close to the fish jumping in the boat before the worm is even on the hook as you can get. It's the trolls who posted over and over and over again for the first 300+ pages who are the ones who went out of their way.

The "other people were worse than me" defense is a poor one. But I accept your apology.

Apology for what?

If I went to a soccer website and said "soccer sucks", then that would be inappropriate opinion to post.

But on a football website, in a forum that is "free for all", posting that "soccer sucks" is just as valid of an opinion as posting that "soccer is great".

You're not a vitcim of a negative opinion on soccer on a website where people are free to have any opinion of soccer. I've told the hockey fans here that hockey sucks too. But they don't take it as a personal attack. Soccer fans take it personally.

And now the "I'm free to say what I want and you can't make me stop" argument. This is not your best moment.

 

[Slapdash]

You know... if you stop engaging trolls, they generally go away.

 

[Politician Spock]

I thought he was saying going back to sucking as back to obscurity. I didn't take it as saying the sport itself sucked. I haven't been in here much so it could be the other.


I seek out any soccer thread? Really?!?! Seriously?!?!?

I have not posted once EVER in the "official" soccer thread. And the post you personally attacked me for was my FIRST post in this thread.

Yes, I don't like soccer. But it's you that are at a football website. I wouldn't go to a soccer website and act like you do towards people who don't like football. There's likely going to be people there that don't like football.

Since we never talk about football in the FFA I tend to forget this. In fact, it's pretty childish to even bring it up. Having said that, it's actually a pretty good place to find new footy fans -- the people here tend to like sports and you can pretty much watch most of Swansea-Hull during the NFL commercial breaks. That is, if you'd really want to watch Swansea-Hull, ymmv.

All the prosthelytizing is the why people who don't like the sport feel led to say something. I understand they're here to recruit fans for their sport, but I don't want to become a fan, nor do I want to join your MLM "business opportuity". Amway sucks too.

Easy enough. Don't come into the threads.

You're really reaching here, Spock. You don't usually go this much out of your way to be such a troll. What's really wrong?

I came into this thread because I watched yesterday's World Cup game. Just like when I watch the Olympics I go into the Olympics thread. There were tons of people trolling througout the 300+ pages. I made one post, and the thread went livid responsding to me. Making one post is not going out of my way. It's as close to the fish jumping in the boat before the worm is even on the hook as you can get. It's the trolls who posted over and over and over again for the first 300+ pages who are the ones who went out of their way.

The "other people were worse than me" defense is a poor one. But I accept your apology.

Apology for what?

If I went to a soccer website and said "soccer sucks", then that would be inappropriate opinion to post.

But on a football website, in a forum that is "free for all", posting that "soccer sucks" is just as valid of an opinion as posting that "soccer is great".

You're not a vitcim of a negative opinion on soccer on a website where people are free to have any opinion of soccer. I've told the hockey fans here that hockey sucks too. But they don't take it as a personal attack. Soccer fans take it personally.

And now the "I'm free to say what I want and you can't make me stop" argument. This is not your best moment.

You're stil playing the victim card. Or should I say "flopping"?

 

[chet]

I was in Dublin in 1990 when the Irish team returned from the world cup after being knocked out in the quarters. I was amazed at the heroes' reception that "Paddy's Lads" received for what I perceived to be a ho hum achievement. I now realize the significance of the result.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I was in Dublin in 1990 when the Irish team returned from the world cup after being knocked out in the quarters. I was amazed at the heroes' reception that "Paddy's Lads" received for what I perceived to be a ho hum achievement. I now realize the significance of the result.

The Costa Ricans will be heroes for life there now. It's an incredible acheivement for a small country. Even Greece and Belgium are almost 3x bigger.

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

I don't remember who recommended the "Soccer on TV" email from Soccer America, but thanks to whoever it was. I honestly had no idea this was on as frequently as it is, on channels I've already got.

You're welcome

Just signed up myself

Thanks for this, guys.

 

[gianmarco]

Can't wait to see the viewership numbers that come out today. Any predictions?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Men in Blazers: Cheer up America!

 

[culdeus]

Honestly, do all the NT coaches look like raging alcoholics? Is that a requirement? Which MNT coach could put down a handle of JWBlack the fastest?

 

[Eephus]

I was in Dublin in 1990 when the Irish team returned from the world cup after being knocked out in the quarters. I was amazed at the heroes' reception that "Paddy's Lads" received for what I perceived to be a ho hum achievement. I now realize the significance of the result.

That 1990 run transcended sport.and has taken on almost mythical significance in Ireland.

 

[Eephus]

Honestly, do all the NT coaches look like raging alcoholics? Is that a requirement? Which MNT coach could put down a handle of JWBlack the fastest?

Fernando Santos of Greece

 

[cstu]

I was in Dublin in 1990 when the Irish team returned from the world cup after being knocked out in the quarters. I was amazed at the heroes' reception that "Paddy's Lads" received for what I perceived to be a ho hum achievement. I now realize the significance of the result.

That 1990 run transcended sport.and has taken on almost mythical significance in Ireland.

There's an episode of Moone Boy that centers around that.

 

[Sammy3469]

Honestly, do all the NT coaches look like raging alcoholics? Is that a requirement? Which MNT coach could put down a handle of JWBlack the fastest?

I pretty sure Herrara can win any drinking contest.

 

[Premier]

That German coach looks like he drinks the really hard ####.

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

I rewatched last night as I had to watch it live at work on small screen w/ no sound and not fully engaged. I recommend this to everyone since there are no games next 2 days, and we have to wait 4 years for the next one for US.

Belgium got up and down so fast and created so many great chances. Are they getting a player or 2 back from injury and red card before end of tourney? I don't gamble but +1200? Man..

Yedlin is a beast.

Did Brooks play at all other than the late game heroics vs Ghana? Seems odd if he didn't.

Dempsey was invisible. Possibly just tactics/position/defensive scheming but the few times he did get on ball seems like there were some lazy decisions. He didn't seem fully engaged to me.

Wondo. Man...feel bad for the guy but my dad told us from age 8 or so..get over the ball..can't lean back it will sky over. Wondo will take that one to his ####### grave.

Loved seeing Green score but he basically missed the shot…just kinda skimmed it off side of his foot and went in. (I realize that is a difficult volley..just saying it was a mis-strike).

I drew up a similar set piece to the near equalizer in the palm of my hand in a JV HS game back in '92. It worked. 100% true.

I would have teh sex with Tim Howard.

Andy you are not retired, you just switched careers to full time unpaid soccer analyst. Incredible depth of knowledge of the sport at home and on a world level. Thanks for sharing and I plan to spend more time in the soccer thread.

Well done Yanks. I want.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Did Brooks play at all other than the late game heroics vs Ghana? Seems odd if he didn't.

He did not play other than second half against Ghana. Besler had a very good tournament.

Don't wait 4 years, start watching the US immediately in the cycle. You will enjoy the WC even more in 2018 should they qualify.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Wynalda was horrible this morning on Dan Patrick. Patrick seems to have a better grasp of what happened yesterday than Wynalda does. I'm already dreading having to bear this guy on Fox in 2018, and I was actually a pretty big fan of his studio analysis as of a couple years ago.

http://www.danpatrick.com/2014/07/02/eric-wynalda/

 

[gianmarco]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

 

[Premier]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

Super ####ty. I'm a big fan.

 

[Sand]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

Very disappointed. He is building something of very high quality here. I hope he's here in 2018.

 

[Sebowski]

Bass Flap and Spock? Shut it down. Lock it. Hard delete.

 

[Sebowski]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

Gutted.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

Gutted.

+1

 

[The Gator]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

Good

He could take up the role he'd be great at and redevelop our youth system.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

Disappointed, unless he stayed on as some sort of Head of Soccer Operations role....he is not going to blow anyone away with his tactical nous, but I think he is a great leader. He makes tough decisions, he keeps a positive atmosphere around the team, and he has successfully blended a group of diverse people into a cohesive unit. I like that he has forced US Soccer to consider its entire set-up.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Bass Flap and Spock? Shut it down. Lock it. Hard delete.

Nuke it from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

 

[The Gator]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

Disappointed, unless he stayed on as some sort of Head of Soccer Operations role....he is not going to blow anyone away with his tactical nous, but I think he is a great leader. He makes tough decisions, he keeps a positive atmosphere around the team, and he has successfully blended a group of diverse people into a cohesive unit. I like that he has forced US Soccer to consider its entire set-up.

Agree with a lot of this and the bolded is his best role imo

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

Weasel answer. It would depend on his replacement. I think there is room to disagree with a few of JK's decisions this World Cup (and to give him props for having the balls to feature Yedlin so prominently or to play Gonzo when we were all terrified of that decision).

It's hard not to feel that he held his third sub far too long last night. And I think the team was really hurt by Jozy's injury and the lack of a true like for like replacement. I supported having Wondo and Davis on the team, but its hard not to feel that we would have been better served with either EJ or Boyd in one of those slots.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Can't wait to see the viewership numbers that come out today. Any predictions?

First ESPN indications look great. Considering this was a 4:00pm weekday start, this is an incredible statement.

USA-Belgium delivered 9.6 overnight rating on ESPN; best ever for World Cup match on ESPN/ESPN2

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

Good

He could take up the role he'd be great at and redevelop our youth system.

Assume he resigns to coach Spurs.

 

[The Gator]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

GoodHe could take up the role he'd be great at and redevelop our youth system.

Assume he resigns to coach Spurs.

Win/win?

 

[Sinn Fein]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

Good

He could take up the role he'd be great at and redevelop our youth system.

I understand the thinking - but I think you are selling him short in terms of his ability to coach - beyond just tactics. His position allows him to recruit better, and his role as the leader of the team has allowed the US to move forward faster than if allowed to progress organically.

Guys like Yedlin and Green would not have made this team under former USMNT coaches, players like Brooks and Bacon would probably not be part of the future set-up without Klinsmann. He can't recruit those guys as effectively if he is not also the coach, to carry the weight of "yes you will get a chance with the USMNT"

In many ways Klinsmann acts more American than German with his willingness to take calculated risks. I think that is a good attitude to have, and was one of my complaints about Bradely.

 

[Eephus]

Where would Klinsmann go? He campaigned long and hard for the US job and is secure through the next cycle. His salary is competitive with other national jobs except for Don Fabio's. He and his family are settled in this country.

Most high profile European MNT jobs would come with more pressure and less power. Based on his spell at Bayern, he hasn't showed he's suited for club management, although Bayern probably isn't a good example of anything.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

GoodHe could take up the role he'd be great at and redevelop our youth system.

Assume he resigns to coach Spurs.

Win/win?

I figured he was asking the wrong person. Fortunately, Spurs are set at manager for now, and even Levy isn't going to replace Pochettino before the end of the season.

 

[Eephus]

Serious question:

If Klinsmann resigned as coach of the USMNT right now, how would you feel?

Good

He could take up the role he'd be great at and redevelop our youth system.

Assume he resigns to coach Spurs.

He'd be stupid to enter that particular meat grinder

 

[gianmarco]

Where would Klinsmann go? He campaigned long and hard for the US job and is secure through the next cycle. His salary is competitive with other national jobs except for Don Fabio's. He and his family are settled in this country.

Most high profile European MNT jobs would come with more pressure and less power. Based on his spell at Bayern, he hasn't showed he's suited for club management, although Bayern probably isn't a good example of anything.

I'm not suggesting he'd go anywhere. I just remember there was a lot of doubt with him and questioning what he was doing. I didn't feel strongly one way or the other at first and wanted to wait to pass judgment until the true test arrived.

At this point, I would be heartbroken if he left and can't imagine anyone else I'd rather have at this point. He seems like the perfect fit and, if he can recruit some of these talents, we might see something very special in as little as 4 yrs (and maybe even earlier in 2016).

 

[roadkill1292]

I feel in pretty good hands with Klinsmann at the helm. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know if he always makes the right calls but I can tell he's not afraid to make them. And there isn't much important stuff in big time futbol that he hasn't been involved in.

 

[Slapdash]

Did Brooks play at all other than the late game heroics vs Ghana? Seems odd if he didn't.

He did not play other than second half against Ghana. Besler had a very good tournament.

Don't wait 4 years, start watching the US immediately in the cycle. You will enjoy the WC even more in 2018 should they qualify.

Except for the last 30 minutes or so....

 

[NewlyRetired]

Did Brooks play at all other than the late game heroics vs Ghana? Seems odd if he didn't.

He did not play other than second half against Ghana. Besler had a very good tournament.

Don't wait 4 years, start watching the US immediately in the cycle. You will enjoy the WC even more in 2018 should they qualify.

Except for the last 30 minutes or so....

He was at fault on the first goal when he bounced off the Kraken. But I don't blame him for the second like others do. He played as well as can be expected IMO over the course of the tournament.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Where would Klinsmann go? He campaigned long and hard for the US job and is secure through the next cycle. His salary is competitive with other national jobs except for Don Fabio's. He and his family are settled in this country.

Most high profile European MNT jobs would come with more pressure and less power. Based on his spell at Bayern, he hasn't showed he's suited for club management, although Bayern probably isn't a good example of anything.

Galatasaray!

I think its interesting to read some of the damning Bayern stuff from Phillip Lahm with some new perspective. For instance, we know that JK likes to empower his players to figure out tactics on the pitch. I can't think of a more intelligent footballer than Phillip Lahm. Is it so damning that nobody was going to tell Lahm exactly what to do before the game? I'm not sure it is.

 

[Chemical X]

so, let's remove the sheep mentality that gets formed by mass media......

USA played 4 games and finished 1-2-1? Last 3 games they were 0-2-1?

seems like this is something we need to get on board with!!! oolololllolol

 

[Eephus]

Where would Klinsmann go? He campaigned long and hard for the US job and is secure through the next cycle. His salary is competitive with other national jobs except for Don Fabio's. He and his family are settled in this country.

Most high profile European MNT jobs would come with more pressure and less power. Based on his spell at Bayern, he hasn't showed he's suited for club management, although Bayern probably isn't a good example of anything.

I'm not suggesting he'd go anywhere. I just remember there was a lot of doubt with him and questioning what he was doing. I didn't feel strongly one way or the other at first and wanted to wait to pass judgment until the true test arrived.

At this point, I would be heartbroken if he left and can't imagine anyone else I'd rather have at this point. He seems like the perfect fit and, if he can recruit some of these talents, we might see something very special in as little as 4 yrs (and maybe even earlier in 2016).

I couldn't get enough soccer yesterday so I listened to Talksports out of the UK. The host was slagging Woy and proposing Klinsmann as his replacement in the England setup. Based on what I know about Klinsmann, I don't think that job would be attractive to him at all.

Klinsi is a familiar name and his reputation has taken a boost worldwide over the past few weeks. Everybody overreacts to tournament performances. This talk will die down once the quarters kick off on Friday. After everyone gets back from Brazil, the talk will turn to transfers of players, not managers.

 

[gianmarco]

Despite an afternoon start time that made it difficult for many Americans to get home to see it, Tuesday’s U.S. men’s soccer match against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup delivered huge ratings for ESPN — setting a cable record for the sport.

According to Nielsen estimates, Belgium’s 2-1 victory in extra time on Tuesday netted a 9.6 overnight rating on ESPN, eclipsing the previous World Cup rating record on the network of a 9.1 rating for the USA-Portugal contest on June 22 of this tournament. When the U.S. played in the second round of the 2010 World Cup, its match against Ghana also did a 9.1 rating, but that was on ABC and on a Saturday afternoon.

What’s most impressive about Tuesday’s rating is that it was accomplished with a weekday afternoon game (4 p.m. ET start), unlike the ideal gametime of Sunday afternoon for USA-Portugal earlier this World Cup. Nielsen’s estimates include only in-home viewing, so those watching in bars or in the workplace were not counted.

The only World Cup matches to ever rate higher on English-language television were on ABC: a 12.8 for the 1994 final between Brazil and Italy and a 10.4 for USA-Brazil in that tournament’s second round.

Tuesday’s game peaked from 5:45-6 p.m. ET (during the extra-time period) with a 14.1 household rating. Meanwhile, WatchESPN peaked at 1.5 million concurrent viewers.

Nielsen will release updated total-viewer estimates later Wednesday, but it’s possible that Tuesday’s match hit 20 million viewers on ESPN alone. The USA-Portugal game from the first round of this year’s tournament averaged 18.22 million viewers (plus 6.5 million on Univision).

The top-10 metered markets were New York (15.0), Hartford/New Haven (13.2), Washington, D.C., (12.8), Richmond (12.3), Boston (12.2), West Palm Beach (12.0), Baltimore (11.4), Cincinnati (11.4), San Diego (11.0), Columbus (10.8), Norfolk (10.8) and Orlando (10.8).

 

[Leroy Hoard]

so, let's remove the sheep mentality that gets formed by mass media......

USA played 4 games and finished 1-2-1? Last 3 games they were 0-2-1?

seems like this is something we need to get on board with!!! oolololllolol

Pretty much like an NBA or NHL team getting into the playoffs and losing in the 1st round.