***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[Christo]

Errr... I assume it's trolling.

No one is really this stupid, right?

I think it's pretty courageous to have such a strong opinion with little knowledge of the subject at hand. We have a lot of brave newcomers in this thread.

I don't get it....do soccer fans in this country want Americans to embrace the sport or just leave it the hell alone? Mixed messages being sent. Complain that soccer is the red headed step child here for decades, then complain when newcomers chime in with their thoughts. There's a learning curve for new fans to any sport. Labeling observations of the new followers as 'ignorant' or calling their criticisms 'invalid' because they aren't sophisticated fans does not do the sport of soccer any favors here.

This is the exact same thing women have done. They #####ed for years about joining the boys' club. But as soon as they get in they start #####ing about how it should be changed. We're talkin about a game that has slowly evolved over 100 years. Take a little time to appreciate it and actually understand what's going on before insisting that it has to be changed.

Glad they haven't done anything to ruin the integrity of the game over the last 100 years like change the offsides rule or goalkeepers use of hands otherwise you would really be upset.

Hi troll

 

[QuizGuy66]

C'MON CROATIA

Did people expect Croatia to be this good? Seems like they played the hell out of Brazil and now are doing well against Mexico. Would not have thought that.

A couple years ago yes - there was a period of time I think where Croatia was seen as an up and comer. The last year or so though they've badly stumbled so it is a little more of a surprise. I know they were one of the Euro sides that the US wouldn't have mind being drawn into a group with.

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

Wow Camerono almost gave one away there to Croatia.

-QG

 

[Sinn Fein]

Question for Andy - but really anyone who follows MLS - do you think playing in MLS hurts players like Bradley, and other midfielders, and even defenders?

I guess where I am going with this, is how much time do they typically have on the ball in MLS? My suspicion is, relative to the European leagues, MLS players face less pressure, and have more time to make decisions. I wonder how that impacts his/their preparation to play against internationals. It seems that the lack of reps in the high pressure environment makes it more difficult to make those plays in WC games.

I think this is probably a bigger impact, if at all, on players likely to handle the ball more frequently - Bradley, Beckerman, and both center backs.

MLS tends to be pretty fast, high-pressure.

The major difference is in quality of players pressing.

The commonly stated problem with players coming back to MLS is that they're surrounded by good professionals, not world class professionals. The day-in, day-out training and playing with and against the best in the world that the top 4 leagues sees, makes the players better. Of course, if they're not getting PT, that doesn't hold up as much.

This is how I would have answered this. Nicely said Floppo.

My mind has not really changed much over the last few years. If you can find steady minutes in one of the top 5 leagues in Europe, your development there is likely to be better than in MLS.

If you are not seeing steady minutes or are not in one of the top 5 leagues, I don't see the development curve being much different than MLS (or Liga MX for that matter).

I think the MLS players have looked good this WC. Zusi, Dempsey, Besler, and Beckerman have all performed up to or beyond expectations IMO. I think even Yedlin in a high pressure situation did well yesterday.

One could also argue that Costa Ricas best defender has been the Columbus Crew's Giancarlo Gonzalez.

Bradley has not played even close to expectations (mine were high) but then again he has only been in MLS for 2 months so I doubt the league has had any affect one way or another on him. Cameron has also not had a great WC but I don't blame the EPL for that either.

Fair enough - certainly one of the things I hear about players coming to the EPL for the first time is the adjustment to the speed of the game - relative to even other European games, so my assumption was the MLS would be similar in that players have more time on the ball to make decisions.

I also think generically, this is the biggest weakness for the US team - playing the ball, and anticipating balls played - seems too many times passes are made to people under pressure, and/or not expecting the ball, or players are not actively looking to get the ball. Almost looks like some of our players go out of their way to avoid the ball, and assume once they have passed it on, their job is done.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

C'MON CROATIA

Did people expect Croatia to be this good? Seems like they played the hell out of Brazil and now are doing well against Mexico. Would not have thought that.

A couple years ago yes - there was a period of time I think where Croatia was seen as an up and comer. The last year or so though they've badly stumbled so it is a little more of a surprise. I know they were one of the Euro sides that the US wouldn't have mind being drawn into a group with.-QG

I think it's gone pretty close to form. Most expected Mexico and Croatia to battle for second in the group. Only surprise was both being more competitive with Brazil than expected.

 

[The Gator]

C'MON CROATIA

Did people expect Croatia to be this good? Seems like they played the hell out of Brazil and now are doing well against Mexico. Would not have thought that.

I have them going to the semifinals

 

[B Maverick]

Question for Andy - but really anyone who follows MLS - do you think playing in MLS hurts players like Bradley, and other midfielders, and even defenders?

I guess where I am going with this, is how much time do they typically have on the ball in MLS? My suspicion is, relative to the European leagues, MLS players face less pressure, and have more time to make decisions. I wonder how that impacts his/their preparation to play against internationals. It seems that the lack of reps in the high pressure environment makes it more difficult to make those plays in WC games.

I think this is probably a bigger impact, if at all, on players likely to handle the ball more frequently - Bradley, Beckerman, and both center backs.

MLS tends to be pretty fast, high-pressure.

The major difference is in quality of players pressing.

The commonly stated problem with players coming back to MLS is that they're surrounded by good professionals, not world class professionals. The day-in, day-out training and playing with and against the best in the world that the top 4 leagues sees, makes the players better. Of course, if they're not getting PT, that doesn't hold up as much.

This is how I would have answered this. Nicely said Floppo.My mind has not really changed much over the last few years. If you can find steady minutes in one of the top 5 leagues in Europe, your development there is likely to be better than in MLS.

If you are not seeing steady minutes or are not in one of the top 5 leagues, I don't see the development curve being much different than MLS (or Liga MX for that matter).

I think the MLS players have looked good this WC. Zusi, Dempsey, Besler, and Beckerman have all performed up to or beyond expectations IMO. I think even Yedlin in a high pressure situation did well yesterday.

One could also argue that Costa Ricas best defender has been the Columbus Crew's Giancarlo Gonzalez. Tim Cahill might have scored the best goal in the tournament so far.

Bradley has not played even close to expectations (mine were high) but then again he has only been in MLS for 2 months so I doubt the league has had any affect one way or another on him. Cameron has also not had a great WC but I don't blame the EPL for that either.

Klinsman's comment when Dempsy and Bradley moved to the MLS was that their speed of thought would decrease. In the MLS you dont have to think as fast. If you watch (other then the Portugal game) our 1 and 2 touch play is slower then others even though its 1 and 2 touch. We also seem to look for the next pass not the 2nd or 3rd pass down the line. This is one of the things that separates the elite from the good.

 

[Celph Titled]

Nice header.

 

[QuizGuy66]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

MEXICOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Good for CONCACAF.

-QG

 

[dparker713]

Damn

 

[Christo]

C'MON CROATIA

Did people expect Croatia to be this good? Seems like they played the hell out of Brazil and now are doing well against Mexico. Would not have thought that.

I have them going to the semifinals

whoops

 

[The Gator]

C'MON CROATIA

Did people expect Croatia to be this good? Seems like they played the hell out of Brazil and now are doing well against Mexico. Would not have thought that.

I have them going to the semifinals

whoops

 

[Celph Titled]

Ah ####, it was Rafa.

 

[Spartans Rule]

C'MON CROATIA

Did people expect Croatia to be this good? Seems like they played the hell out of Brazil and now are doing well against Mexico. Would not have thought that.

Before the tournament started I would've picked them to beat Mexico. They have some star power with Modric and Mandzukic and a pretty good team all around. Of course Mexico looks way better now than they did in qualifying.

Europe has 20-25 decent teams and only 13 qualifying spots, so the Euro teams that make the field are rarely pushovers.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Okay I hate Mexico but there coach kinda has a Rob Fordesque appeal I will say.

-QG

 

[Celph Titled]

Need a gfy of Herrera celebration.

 

[B Maverick]

C'MON CROATIA

Did people expect Croatia to be this good? Seems like they played the hell out of Brazil and now are doing well against Mexico. Would not have thought that.

I have them going to the semifinals

I have a lot of Croatian friends who seemed to have more faith in the US getting out of the group then Croatia, even with Mexico's poor form leading up to the cup.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Very real chance that there could be as few as 4 UEFA teams through to the round of 16.

-QG

 

[El Floppo]

C'MON CROATIA

Did people expect Croatia to be this good? Seems like they played the hell out of Brazil and now are doing well against Mexico. Would not have thought that.

yes.

I expected Croatia to be very good- a core of world class players playing on the best teams (Real Madrid, Bayern Munich) in the best leagues. Rated above Mexico by pretty much everybody... I thought.

woof... and there goes Croatia. have a nice season ic's

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Need a gfy of Herrera celebration.

Fat Hulk.

 

[Eephus]

I've ragged on this announcing team in the past but they did a good job with the call of the Mexico goal.

 

[El Floppo]

more Frieda Kahlo, please.

 

[QuizGuy66]

And the wheels come off for Croatia!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

-QG

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

C'MON CROATIA

Did people expect Croatia to be this good? Seems like they played the hell out of Brazil and now are doing well against Mexico. Would not have thought that.

yes

they are very talented

 

[Eephus]

C'MON CROATIA

Did people expect Croatia to be this good? Seems like they played the hell out of Brazil and now are doing well against Mexico. Would not have thought that.

Before the tournament started I would've picked them to beat Mexico. They have some star power with Modric and Mandzukic and a pretty good team all around. Of course Mexico looks way better now than they did in qualifying.

Europe has 20-25 decent teams and only 13 qualifying spots, so the Euro teams that make the field are rarely pushovers.

except for England

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

It's a happy dos a cero.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I think CONCACAF leads the world in coaches celebrating goals.

-QG

 

[The Gator]

Need a gfy of Herrera celebration.

My Link

 

[Christo]

putos

 

[El Floppo]

well deserved, the ####ers.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Question for Andy - but really anyone who follows MLS - do you think playing in MLS hurts players like Bradley, and other midfielders, and even defenders?

I guess where I am going with this, is how much time do they typically have on the ball in MLS? My suspicion is, relative to the European leagues, MLS players face less pressure, and have more time to make decisions. I wonder how that impacts his/their preparation to play against internationals. It seems that the lack of reps in the high pressure environment makes it more difficult to make those plays in WC games.

I think this is probably a bigger impact, if at all, on players likely to handle the ball more frequently - Bradley, Beckerman, and both center backs.

MLS tends to be pretty fast, high-pressure.

The major difference is in quality of players pressing.

The commonly stated problem with players coming back to MLS is that they're surrounded by good professionals, not world class professionals. The day-in, day-out training and playing with and against the best in the world that the top 4 leagues sees, makes the players better. Of course, if they're not getting PT, that doesn't hold up as much.

This is how I would have answered this. Nicely said Floppo.

My mind has not really changed much over the last few years. If you can find steady minutes in one of the top 5 leagues in Europe, your development there is likely to be better than in MLS.

If you are not seeing steady minutes or are not in one of the top 5 leagues, I don't see the development curve being much different than MLS (or Liga MX for that matter).

I think the MLS players have looked good this WC. Zusi, Dempsey, Besler, and Beckerman have all performed up to or beyond expectations IMO. I think even Yedlin in a high pressure situation did well yesterday.

One could also argue that Costa Ricas best defender has been the Columbus Crew's Giancarlo Gonzalez.

Bradley has not played even close to expectations (mine were high) but then again he has only been in MLS for 2 months so I doubt the league has had any affect one way or another on him. Cameron has also not had a great WC but I don't blame the EPL for that either.

Fair enough - certainly one of the things I hear about players coming to the EPL for the first time is the adjustment to the speed of the game - relative to even other European games, so my assumption was the MLS would be similar in that players have more time on the ball to make decisions.

I also think generically, this is the biggest weakness for the US team - playing the ball, and anticipating balls played - seems too many times passes are made to people under pressure, and/or not expecting the ball, or players are not actively looking to get the ball. Almost looks like some of our players go out of their way to avoid the ball, and assume once they have passed it on, their job is done.

Technical ability continues to be our weak spot. And I can tell you from looking at our best young players in MLS and Liga MX it is not going to change very quickly I fear.

 

[B Maverick]

wow

 

[Eephus]

I think CONCACAF leads the world in coaches celebrating goals.

-QG

Yabba Dabba Doo

 

[BassNBrew]

Errr... I assume it's trolling.

No one is really this stupid, right?

I think it's pretty courageous to have such a strong opinion with little knowledge of the subject at hand. We have a lot of brave newcomers in this thread.

I don't get it....do soccer fans in this country want Americans to embrace the sport or just leave it the hell alone? Mixed messages being sent. Complain that soccer is the red headed step child here for decades, then complain when newcomers chime in with their thoughts. There's a learning curve for new fans to any sport. Labeling observations of the new followers as 'ignorant' or calling their criticisms 'invalid' because they aren't sophisticated fans does not do the sport of soccer any favors here.

This is the exact same thing women have done. They #####ed for years about joining the boys' club. But as soon as they get in they start #####ing about how it should be changed. We're talkin about a game that has slowly evolved over 100 years. Take a little time to appreciate it and actually understand what's going on before insisting that it has to be changed.

Glad they haven't done anything to ruin the integrity of the game over the last 100 years like change the offsides rule or goalkeepers use of hands otherwise you would really be upset.

Hi troll

Expected this response after you got owned.

 

[Celph Titled]

Ramsay-boner must be at full bore with two 3-5-2/5-3-2 (NED and MEX) teams matching up in the round of 16.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Ramsay-boner must be at full bore with two 3-5-2/5-3-2 (NED and MEX) teams matching up in the round of 16.

Only threesomes I can get.

 

[TLEF316]

Hey Mexico

You're welcome

Murica

 

[NewlyRetired]

Question for Andy - but really anyone who follows MLS - do you think playing in MLS hurts players like Bradley, and other midfielders, and even defenders?

I guess where I am going with this, is how much time do they typically have on the ball in MLS? My suspicion is, relative to the European leagues, MLS players face less pressure, and have more time to make decisions. I wonder how that impacts his/their preparation to play against internationals. It seems that the lack of reps in the high pressure environment makes it more difficult to make those plays in WC games.

I think this is probably a bigger impact, if at all, on players likely to handle the ball more frequently - Bradley, Beckerman, and both center backs.

MLS tends to be pretty fast, high-pressure.

The major difference is in quality of players pressing.

The commonly stated problem with players coming back to MLS is that they're surrounded by good professionals, not world class professionals. The day-in, day-out training and playing with and against the best in the world that the top 4 leagues sees, makes the players better. Of course, if they're not getting PT, that doesn't hold up as much.

This is how I would have answered this. Nicely said Floppo.My mind has not really changed much over the last few years. If you can find steady minutes in one of the top 5 leagues in Europe, your development there is likely to be better than in MLS.

If you are not seeing steady minutes or are not in one of the top 5 leagues, I don't see the development curve being much different than MLS (or Liga MX for that matter).

I think the MLS players have looked good this WC. Zusi, Dempsey, Besler, and Beckerman have all performed up to or beyond expectations IMO. I think even Yedlin in a high pressure situation did well yesterday.

One could also argue that Costa Ricas best defender has been the Columbus Crew's Giancarlo Gonzalez. Tim Cahill might have scored the best goal in the tournament so far.

Bradley has not played even close to expectations (mine were high) but then again he has only been in MLS for 2 months so I doubt the league has had any affect one way or another on him. Cameron has also not had a great WC but I don't blame the EPL for that either.

Klinsman's comment when Dempsy and Bradley moved to the MLS was that their speed of thought would decrease. In the MLS you dont have to think as fast. If you watch (other then the Portugal game) our 1 and 2 touch play is slower then others even though its 1 and 2 touch. We also seem to look for the next pass not the 2nd or 3rd pass down the line. This is one of the things that separates the elite from the good.

Speed of thought is very important obviously but it is only one component.

Dempsey was playing like crap until he came back to MLS and found his love of the game again through his creativity which had been reduced down to almost nothing in Europe.

Jozy moved up to a higher speed of thought league from Holland to the EPL and it hardly helped his game.

Besler deciding to stay in MLS was obviously positive for him.

There are many components that go into a players ability. What league he plays in is just one part of a big puzzle IMO.

 

[Christo]

Chicharito!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[QuizGuy66]

A review of confederations:

CONCACAF:

IN - Mexico and Rich Coast

Controlling fate from ahead - USA

Basically out - Honduras

CONMEBOL

IN - Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Argentina

Controlling fate from ahead - Ecuador

Controlling fate from behind - Uruguay

CAF

Controlling fate from ahead: Cote D'Ivoire, Nigeria, Algeria

Need help - Ghana

OUT - Cameroon

AFC

Need a lot of help - Japan, South Korea, Iran

OUT - Australia

UEFA

IN - Netherlands, Belgium

Basically IN - France, Germany

Control fate from ahead - Italy

Mostly control fate but technically need a little help - Russia, Greece

Need Help - Switzerland

Need a lot of help - Portugal

OUT - Croatia, Spain, England, Bosnia-Herzegovina

-QG

 

[Celph Titled]

Long distance strike by Chicharito standards.

 

[sporthenry]

How is Mexico winning the group now?

 

[Christo]

Errr... I assume it's trolling.

No one is really this stupid, right?

I think it's pretty courageous to have such a strong opinion with little knowledge of the subject at hand. We have a lot of brave newcomers in this thread.

I don't get it....do soccer fans in this country want Americans to embrace the sport or just leave it the hell alone? Mixed messages being sent. Complain that soccer is the red headed step child here for decades, then complain when newcomers chime in with their thoughts. There's a learning curve for new fans to any sport. Labeling observations of the new followers as 'ignorant' or calling their criticisms 'invalid' because they aren't sophisticated fans does not do the sport of soccer any favors here.

This is the exact same thing women have done. They #####ed for years about joining the boys' club. But as soon as they get in they start #####ing about how it should be changed. We're talkin about a game that has slowly evolved over 100 years. Take a little time to appreciate it and actually understand what's going on before insisting that it has to be changed.

Glad they haven't done anything to ruin the integrity of the game over the last 100 years like change the offsides rule or goalkeepers use of hands otherwise you would really be upset.

Hi troll

Expected this response after you got owned.

LOOK AT YOU! YOU'RE A TROLL!

 

[rockaction]

Just wondering about goals for. Whoa.

Netherlands/Brazil in the offing if that happens, right?

 

[QuizGuy66]

Wow another Mexico goal puts them at the top of the group. Brazil needs to get in gear.

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

How is Mexico winning the group now?

If they score again (and Brazil doesn't) both would have 7 points.

Mexico would be +5 on GD

Brazil would be +4

-QG

 

[The Gator]

How is Mexico winning the group now?

Don't think they are, I think they need one more goal

 

[Zow]

Awesome ####### headers.

The Mehicans are incredibly entertaining.

 

[QuizGuy66]

LOL - Brazil got the memo and promptly scored.

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

Mexico now needs 2

-QG