***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (4 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

Andy - gold cup in 2015 - winner goes to Confed Cup, or would they play the US as the 2013 winner (assuming US does not win 2015). I can't remember the set-up.

Winner 2013 v winner 2015, unless the US wins 2015 too.

Correct. So we have two chances to make the Confed Cup.

 

[B-Deep]

What do you guys think of giving a full sixth spot to conmebol and taking one away from Asia for WC2018? Conmebol has been excellent over the last decade while Asia has stunk.

how many teams in CONMEBOL? 10?5 is enough.

12 (+1) - UEFA

5 - CONMEBOL

4 - CONCACAF

5 - CAF

4.5 - AFA

0.5 - Oceana

Ignoring politics (which is obviously impossible), I would keep CONCACAF the same, lower Africa, lower Asia, and give the remaining to Europe. CONMEBOL at 5 is good. I don't want to see them at 4.5, they should not have to get stuck in a playoff.

I was re-thinking maybe giving CONCACAF another 0.5 spot with a play-off with CAF - making both federations 4.5. I know Honduras was a real minnow here, but Panama would not have done worse than a couple of the teams that made it.% that made it through this year:

UEFA - 46% (6/13) - tough to reward that with more spots

CONMEBOL - 83% (5/6) - home cooking. Just can't justify giving a federation more than 50% qualification

CONCACAF - 75% (3/4) - should be enough to bump to 4 full spots

CAF - 40% (2/5) - solid enough, politics, and enough African players in Europe to keep these spots

AFA - 0% (0/4) - oof. 43 countries in AFA, and Asia is a growth market. Every WC needs minnows.

Oceania - 0% (0/0) - they really are just a subset of Asia, let them fight it out with a play-off for a spot.

I know this sounds crazy, but from a US perspective, I would rather stay with the 3.5.

I feel like there is less risk coming in 3rd in the hex, then there would be in coming in 2nd in one of the two final groups of 4. A couple of bad games and you could be in deep trouble in a group of 4. Very little time to recover.

I also would hate to see the epic qualification matches removed with Mexico which is what might happen if we go to a system of 2 final groups of 4 (which is what was proposed last time before CONCACAF found that they were staying at 3.5 spots).

If they stay with the hex and just let 4 of 6 advance, that would be fantastic.

for the record, i understand 0 of thislol

Sorry. Do you have a specific question about qualification? It can be confusing.

ok

what is hex

i get the 3.5 stuff, i did some reading

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

If I could be one writer, I honestly might pick Nick Hornby (Fever Pitch, High Fidelity, About a Boy, columns on music and soccer). His piece today at Soccernet isn't his best, but it's pretty solid.

I introduced my young sons to betting during the last World Cup in South Africa, because they were too young to sit through whole games without annoying everyone else in the room; a fifty-pence online punt on corners had the magical effect of inducing total focus. On the one hand it was stupid, dangerous and morally reprehensible, and on the other I got to watch the whole of Slovakia versus Paraguay.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

In his trite column this week Dan Shaughnessy actually called the continuous play a detriment because it allowed no time for conversation and commercials. I don't know what to make of someone who thinks like that. I'd rather watch players play than anything else.

I don't view it as a positive or negative, just a different spectator experience. Watching soccer, I really can't have anything else going on, but I'll take a newspaper into a ballpark to have something to read during a baseball game. Both are enjoyable for fans in different ways. I do believe the NFL is ultimately hurting its long term interests with the ridiculous amounts of commercial breaks, replay delays and the like. For me it is unwatchable live on tv, and the game day experience in the stadium has become almost unbearable.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I don't view it as a positive or negative, just a different spectator experience. Watching soccer, I really can't have anything else going on, but I'll take a newspaper into a ballpark to have something to read during a baseball game. Both are enjoyable for fans in different ways. I do believe the NFL is ultimately hurting its long term interests with the ridiculous amounts of commercial breaks, replay delays and the like. For me it is unwatchable live on tv, and the game day experience in the stadium has become almost unbearable.

There's no way I'd ever watch an NFL game if it weren't for fantasy football and NFL Redzone. It's just an awful experience IMO. The NBA is the same.

 

[Sinn Fein]

ok

what is hex

i get the 3.5 stuff, i did some reading

Hex - the final round of qualifying from CONCACAF - 6 teams, play each other twice, top 3 advance, 4th team played Oceania Winner (New Zealand) for a spot in this year's WC.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

The only angle to defend Suarez is just that he is so hyper-competitive that he loses his mind in the moment. The intentional handball in S Africa fits that picture as I think very few players would have that instinct. I think when he is being smothered and frustrated by a defender all day in a big game (as with Ivanovic), he just loses it. Of course, most players at this level are equally competitive but are able to avoid biting their opponents.

 

[roadkill1292]

In his trite column this week Dan Shaughnessy actually called the continuous play a detriment because it allowed no time for conversation and commercials. I don't know what to make of someone who thinks like that. I'd rather watch players play than anything else.

I don't view it as a positive or negative, just a different spectator experience. Watching soccer, I really can't have anything else going on, but I'll take a newspaper into a ballpark to have something to read during a baseball game. Both are enjoyable for fans in different ways. I do believe the NFL is ultimately hurting its long term interests with the ridiculous amounts of commercial breaks, replay delays and the like. For me it is unwatchable live on tv, and the game day experience in the stadium has become almost unbearable.

Yes, I've gotten lots done during football, basketball and baseball games back in the day. It's pretty nice having one game that's so very different, though.

 

[Native]

I don't view it as a positive or negative, just a different spectator experience. Watching soccer, I really can't have anything else going on, but I'll take a newspaper into a ballpark to have something to read during a baseball game. Both are enjoyable for fans in different ways. I do believe the NFL is ultimately hurting its long term interests with the ridiculous amounts of commercial breaks, replay delays and the like. For me it is unwatchable live on tv, and the game day experience in the stadium has become almost unbearable.

There's no way I'd ever watch an NFL game if it weren't for fantasy football and NFL Redzone. It's just an awful experience. The NBA is the same.

The NBA cracks me up.

Team is making a run and scores six points in a row? Crowd finally getting into it? Quick, lets call a timeout and kill the momentum. Yes, lets make sure to "Take the fans out of the game". And to make sure nobody has fun, lets give each coach EIGHT timeouts so we can prevent any prolonged excitement from breaking out.

 

[B-Deep]

ok

what is hex

i get the 3.5 stuff, i did some reading

Hex - the final round of qualifying from CONCACAF - 6 teams, play each other twice, top 3 advance, 4th team played Oceania Winner (New Zealand) for a spot in this year's WC.

ahhhh

ok

that's where the determine which of conccacafa and ocenaia get to claim their .5 for the world cup

got it

 

[Sinn Fein]

I know its been said - but so much better for everyone, other than Panama - that the US kept playing in that game. Mexico clearly went through some rough patches in 2013, but they belonged in the WC, and its good for CONCACAF that Mexico was in the WC - and ultimately, I think it is better for the US (in terms of the perception of CONCACAF) that Mexico was in the WC.

 

[Jaysus]

If the World Cup was a 32-team league table.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I know its been said - but so much better for everyone, other than Panama - that the US kept playing in that game. Mexico clearly went through some rough patches in 2013, but they belonged in the WC, and its good for CONCACAF that Mexico was in the WC - and ultimately, I think it is better for the US (in terms of the perception of CONCACAF) that Mexico was in the WC.

Forget who said it... but when the Panamanians asked one of the US players, "what are you doing? You're already going to the World Cup" he answered that the team was going, but that many of the players were fighting for a chance to go with the team.

Regardless, love that the US played that game (and the one in the previous cycle) honestly and didn't give anybody anything. I do feel bad for Panama though -- that might have been their only real chance to ever go to a World Cup.

 

[Sammy3469]

If the World Cup was a 32-team league table.

It somehow seems appropriate after seeing Luke Shaw get bought for 33 million pounds that England was the worst Euro club here and decided to keep their manager.

 

[Sand]

If the World Cup was a 32-team league table.

As I would have expected Greece were the lowest on that table that went through.

 

[Native]

Been reading about Belgium quite a bit.

I. Seems like they play with four center backs on defense. This means a few things:

- Not a lot of speed on the wings. Coud be succesptible to runs down the line.

- Not a lot of overlapping play, the way Fab overlaps with Zusi/Bedoya. So easier to defend from that perspective.

- They are powerful in the air and very strong. Not sure how Dempsey will handle them by himself.

II. There attacking players press a lot, and clog passing lanes. We dont do well against teams like this because the ball skills of our defenders and defensive mids is not great. They allowed fewer goals in UEFA qualifying than all teams except for Germany. Their defensive record in the WC is equally impressive. If you cant pass your way out of the press, youre going to need more long balls and have a target striker who can hold up play. Would really be great if Jozy were around for this one.

III. The attacking players are all very talented but they havent put it together yet at the WC. They often threaten but rarely score. Doesnt mean they cant score four on us again, but its something to build upon at least.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Sounds like a team that might fit our preferred style, no? We seem designed for the counter and haven't had a lot of luck holding the ball anyhow. Could see Zusi/Fab/Yedlin playing a big role again.

 

[Jaysus]

Forget who said it... but when the Panamanians asked one of the US players, "what are you doing? You're already going to the World Cup" he answered that the team was going, but that many of the players were fighting for a chance to go with the team.

It was Beckerman

 

[Jaysus]

Relevant: Belgium remains unbeaten with Courtois in the goal: 20 games in a row. 15 wins and 5 draws.

 

[Native]

Sounds like a team that might fit our preferred style, no? We seem designed for the counter and haven't had a lot of luck holding the ball anyhow. Could see Zusi/Fab/Yedlin playing a big role again.

We played our best game against Portugal when they laid back and gave our guys a chance to build up 4-5 passes in a row in order to get the ball into attacking positions. May be tougher this time around.

 

[The Gator]

Triumph watches the World Cup

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

 

[butcher boy]

Ann Coulter says the growing interest in soccer can only be a sign of the nation’s moral decay and " I promise you: No American whose great-grandfather was born here is watching soccer"

 

[DiStefano]

I don't view it as a positive or negative, just a different spectator experience. Watching soccer, I really can't have anything else going on, but I'll take a newspaper into a ballpark to have something to read during a baseball game. Both are enjoyable for fans in different ways. I do believe the NFL is ultimately hurting its long term interests with the ridiculous amounts of commercial breaks, replay delays and the like. For me it is unwatchable live on tv, and the game day experience in the stadium has become almost unbearable.

There's no way I'd ever watch an NFL game if it weren't for fantasy football and NFL Redzone. It's just an awful experience IMO. The NBA is the same.

There's only one way to watch an NFL game on TV. Start the recorder going, and when the game has been going for 30 minutes or so, sit down and watch, fast forwarding over the commercials, etc. Then take a big break at half time, and when the second half has been going for 30 minutes or so, repeat the process.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Ann Coulter says the growing interest in soccer can only be a sign of the nation’s moral decay and " I promise you: No American whose great-grandfather was born here is watching soccer"

She seems to be running out of subjects to be ignorant about.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Sounds like a team that might fit our preferred style, no? We seem designed for the counter and haven't had a lot of luck holding the ball anyhow. Could see Zusi/Fab/Yedlin playing a big role again.

It's not just the fullbacks either. Hazard is not naturally inclined to defend, nor is De Bruyne or Mertens. Russia definitely got their fullbacks open down the wings (Russia did little once doing it).

Belgium's strength is that they can be multifaceted in attack. Mertens and Origi are both pacey and direct (as is Lukaku when his head is on straight). Hazard is tricky and good on the ball. The problem, as I see it, is that those pieces are disconnected. They don't have a great deep lying passer to get the direct players in space. And they lack consistent, clever forward runs off of Hazard (because Lukaku is still more raw talent than a goal-sniffing poacher).

I do think that the US needs to come out and really attack Belgium from the get go.

 

[Jaysus]

Best 11 so far. Go!

GK: Ochoa

DEF: Blind, Kompany, Silva

MID: James, Muller, Oscar, Cuadrado

FWD: Messi, Neymar, Benzema

 

[El Floppo]

Ok, best young, relatively unknown players from the first round?

For me it was three players who stuck out, Campbell from CR, James from Colombia and Atsu from Ghana.

I agree with those guys.

for me, the best unknown name was Ecuador's Guagua

He's known to us, but you can probably throw Besler into the conversation along with Johnson. Is add Beckerman as well, but sadly he's too old.

But Besler is 27 and Johnson is 26 -- not sure they qualify either.

I missed the "young" part. A serious answer is that I'm sure Yedlin's little runouts have piqued some interest from some Euro clubs.

Being American-centric, I was sort of shocked with the Swiss youth, but looking at where they play in Europe, most of them are already in Germany playing. Shaqiri's already at Bayern which shows how much of a moron I am.

I was right there with you. I didn't really know most guys. But from what I understand the same group of young players won the u-something World Cup not long ago so they have to be OK at least.

Shaqiri is apparently the "Alpine Messi". BTW you want to get into the whole citizenship thing, all the young guys on that Swiss team were either born outside the country (a whole bunch from the ex-Yugoslavia, Shaqiri was born in Albania) or first generation from Yugoslavian emigrants.

He was one of the only guys I knew... always looked dangerous in the games I saw when he got minutes with BM. I think there's a guy or two more who were familiar in passing- but yeah, the play a lot better than I was expecting.

And it's good to continue pointing out how fluid citizenship is in regards to Nat teams...

 

[The Gator]

Best 11 so far. Go!

GK: Ochoa

DEF: Blind, Kompany, Silva, Aurier

MID: James, Muller, Shaqiri

FWD: Messi, Neymar, Benzema

 

[Sinn Fein]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.

You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.

You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

No, I really don't. Something done with the national team should not impact the domestic season. Liverpool is being punished whether you look past your blind hatred, or not.

ETA - Still waiting on that list of things Liverpool could have done at the World Cup to prevent this.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

My Best XI (3-5-2)

Navas

Hummels Marquez Thiago Silva

Isla Blind

Matuidi

James Neymar

Messi

Muller

 

[The Gator]

My Best XI (3-5-2)

Navas

Hummels Marquez Thiago Silva

Isla Blind

Matuidi

James Neymar

Messi

Muller

Nice ghost tactic there, FM guy

 

[Sinn Fein]

Best 11 so far. Go!

GK: Ochoa

DEF: Blind, Kompany, Silva, Aurier

MID: James, Muller, Shaqiri

FWD: Messi, Neymar, Benzema

Wow - no RVP or Robben for either of you , eh?

GK: Courtois

DEF: Hummels, Godin, Marquez, Luiz

MID: James, Cuadrado, Robben

FWD: Neymar, Messi, Mueller

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.

You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

No, I really don't. Something done with the national team should not impact the domestic season. Liverpool is being punished whether you look past your blind hatred, or not.

ETA - Still waiting on that list of things Liverpool could have done at the World Cup to prevent this.

Lots of things could happen at a World Cup that Liverpool can't prevent that would still necessarily affect Liverpool as Suarez's employer. Suarez could break his leg on the pitch. He could beat up a hooker and be arrested. Those would be bad breaks, but they wouldn't punish Liverpool. Employing a low character guy is a risk in the same way as employing an injury prone guy. Suarez's talent probably merits the risk, but Liverpool had every opportunity to make this Arsenal's problem last year. They didn't, so they assumed the risk.

 

[The Z Machine]

What do you guys think of giving a full sixth spot to conmebol and taking one away from Asia for WC2018? Conmebol has been excellent over the last decade while Asia has stunk.

how many teams in CONMEBOL? 10?5 is enough.

12 (+1) - UEFA

5 - CONMEBOL

4 - CONCACAF

5 - CAF

4.5 - AFA

0.5 - Oceana

Why should Africa get the same number of slots as CONMEBOL? And Asia at 4.5 is at least 0.5 too many. Simply put, they were fodder in the tourney.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.

You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

No, I really don't. Something done with the national team should not impact the domestic season. Liverpool is being punished whether you look past your blind hatred, or not.

ETA - Still waiting on that list of things Liverpool could have done at the World Cup to prevent this.

Lots of things could happen at a World Cup that Liverpool can't prevent that would still necessarily affect Liverpool as Suarez's employer. Suarez could break his leg on the pitch. He could beat up a hooker and be arrested. Those would be bad breaks, but they wouldn't punish Liverpool. Employing a low character guy is a risk in the same way as employing an injury prone guy. Suarez's talent probably merits the risk, but Liverpool had every opportunity to make this Arsenal's problem last year. They didn't, so they assumed the risk.

So, if I go out this weekend and beat someone up, I should be banned from my work, because it is the problem of my employer?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Best 11 so far. Go!

GK: Ochoa

DEF: Blind, Kompany, Silva, Aurier

MID: James, Muller, Shaqiri

FWD: Messi, Neymar, Benzema

Wow - no RVP or Robben for either of you , eh?

GK: Courtois

DEF: Hummels, Godin, Marquez, Luiz

MID: James, Cuadrado, Robben

FWD: Neymar, Messi, Mueller

I could probably be talked into Robben over James, but it would hurt. In truth, I think Messi is probably the closest to not making my best XI as his moments have been brilliant but isolated.

I should probably also just even give up the illusion of having a #6 out there (particularly since Matuidi has gotten forward a lot), but its a habit I can't break.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.

You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

No, I really don't. Something done with the national team should not impact the domestic season. Liverpool is being punished whether you look past your blind hatred, or not.

ETA - Still waiting on that list of things Liverpool could have done at the World Cup to prevent this.

The Player is being punished here. As well he should - he is a reckless player - no matter who he plays for.

The risk anyone takes when they employ a player is that he will do something that causes as suspension. For most players that risk is minimal. For others, it is a bigger risk. Liverpool understood the risks it was undertaking when it gave Suarez contract extensions - despite a long list of inappropriate behavior.

It came back to bite them in the ###.

Don't blame anyone else but Liverpool and Suarez for this mess.

 

[El Floppo]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

The only angle to defend Suarez is just that he is so hyper-competitive that he loses his mind in the moment. The intentional handball in S Africa fits that picture as I think very few players would have that instinct. I think when he is being smothered and frustrated by a defender all day in a big game (as with Ivanovic), he just loses it. Of course, most players at this level are equally competitive but are able to avoid biting their opponents.

my 2c...

I think it's as Scooby mentioned upthread- Suarez is looking to draw a retaliation yellow/red on the defender by biting them (the one at Ajax doesn't really fit this and was just pure ) instead of stapling (stepping on their foot), pinching, trash-talking or any other myriad ways players try to get under their opposition's skin.

Or he's just ####### nuts and reacts the way the worst-behaved toddlers do by biting. Either way, indefensible. Even preschools/daycares have zero tolerance for biting- more than hitting even.

And that handball in S Africa v Ghana was a brilliant play IMO- nothing crazy or rash about it. He knew the rules, and did what he needed to do to keep Ghana out of the net in that moment. He payed the price and got the result he hoped for.

 

[Jaysus]

SUMMARY:

Best 11 so far. Go!

GK: Ochoa

DEF: Blind, Kompany, Silva

MID: James, Muller, Oscar, Cuadrado

FWD: Messi, Neymar, Benzema

GK: Ochoa
DEF: Blind, Kompany, Silva, Aurier
MID: James, Muller, Shaqiri
FWD: Messi, Neymar, Benzema

My Best XI (3-5-2)

Navas

Hummels Marquez Thiago Silva

Isla Blind

Matuidi

James Neymar

Messi

Muller

Wait, that's 12!

Wow - no RVP or Robben for either of you , eh?

GK: Courtois

DEF: Hummels, Godin, Marquez, Luiz

MID: James, Cuadrado, Robben

FWD: Neymar, Messi, Mueller

It was hard to leave Robben off.. RVP was easier because of the yellows... both belong there though,

 

[B-Deep]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.

You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

No, I really don't. Something done with the national team should not impact the domestic season. Liverpool is being punished whether you look past your blind hatred, or not.

ETA - Still waiting on that list of things Liverpool could have done at the World Cup to prevent this.

i am not a soccer guy, but it seems they could have not signed a player who has the capacity to do this or the history of doing this. Any time a player gets punished his team and teammates get punished too, that's the nature of sports. What if he had (ridiculous i know) tackled a ref and kicked his head and the ref was in a coma? Liverpool would not have been able to do anything to prevent that, so when it gets time to play with them he should be patted on the back and sent on the pitch? Of course not. A punishment that only impacts uruaguay is a punishment that does not impact the player enough.

just an outsider without a rooting interest's two cents. It sucks for liverpool, and they should weigh that (as should any other team) when dealing with him in the future.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.

You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

No, I really don't. Something done with the national team should not impact the domestic season. Liverpool is being punished whether you look past your blind hatred, or not.

ETA - Still waiting on that list of things Liverpool could have done at the World Cup to prevent this.

Lots of things could happen at a World Cup that Liverpool can't prevent that would still necessarily affect Liverpool as Suarez's employer. Suarez could break his leg on the pitch. He could beat up a hooker and be arrested. Those would be bad breaks, but they wouldn't punish Liverpool. Employing a low character guy is a risk in the same way as employing an injury prone guy. Suarez's talent probably merits the risk, but Liverpool had every opportunity to make this Arsenal's problem last year. They didn't, so they assumed the risk.

So, if I go out this weekend and beat someone up, I should be banned from my work, because it is the problem of my employer?

In a sports league? Sure. Michael Vick, Jerramy Stevens, or whatever. When your employer is a member of a voluntary association, they give that association certain power over their personnel decisions.

 

[El Floppo]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.

You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

No, I really don't. Something done with the national team should not impact the domestic season. Liverpool is being punished whether you look past your blind hatred, or not.

ETA - Still waiting on that list of things Liverpool could have done at the World Cup to prevent this.

The Player is being punished here. As well he should - he is a reckless player - no matter who he plays for.

The risk anyone takes when they employ a player is that he will do something that causes as suspension. For most players that risk is minimal. For others, it is a bigger risk. Liverpool understood the risks it was undertaking when it gave Suarez contract extensions - despite a long list of inappropriate behavior.

It came back to bite them in the ###.

Don't blame anyone else but Liverpool and Suarez for this mess.

I agree with this.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.

You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

No, I really don't. Something done with the national team should not impact the domestic season. Liverpool is being punished whether you look past your blind hatred, or not.

ETA - Still waiting on that list of things Liverpool could have done at the World Cup to prevent this.

Lots of things could happen at a World Cup that Liverpool can't prevent that would still necessarily affect Liverpool as Suarez's employer. Suarez could break his leg on the pitch. He could beat up a hooker and be arrested. Those would be bad breaks, but they wouldn't punish Liverpool. Employing a low character guy is a risk in the same way as employing an injury prone guy. Suarez's talent probably merits the risk, but Liverpool had every opportunity to make this Arsenal's problem last year. They didn't, so they assumed the risk.

So, if I go out this weekend and beat someone up, I should be banned from my work, because it is the problem of my employer?

If you are arrested, and sent to jail - then yes, your employer will have to do without your services, even though you did not do anything wrong while working for them.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

If you get arrested and thrown in jail for something you do away from work... well, you aren't available to your employer.

 

[The Z Machine]

I know its been said - but so much better for everyone, other than Panama - that the US kept playing in that game. Mexico clearly went through some rough patches in 2013, but they belonged in the WC, and its good for CONCACAF that Mexico was in the WC - and ultimately, I think it is better for the US (in terms of the perception of CONCACAF) that Mexico was in the WC.

Wholeheartedly agree.

 

[El Floppo]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.

You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

No, I really don't. Something done with the national team should not impact the domestic season. Liverpool is being punished whether you look past your blind hatred, or not.

ETA - Still waiting on that list of things Liverpool could have done at the World Cup to prevent this.

Lots of things could happen at a World Cup that Liverpool can't prevent that would still necessarily affect Liverpool as Suarez's employer. Suarez could break his leg on the pitch. He could beat up a hooker and be arrested. Those would be bad breaks, but they wouldn't punish Liverpool. Employing a low character guy is a risk in the same way as employing an injury prone guy. Suarez's talent probably merits the risk, but Liverpool had every opportunity to make this Arsenal's problem last year. They didn't, so they assumed the risk.

So, if I go out this weekend and beat someone up, I should be banned from my work, because it is the problem of my employer?

Plus, if you've gone out three times and beaten people up, getting arrested and punished each time (jail-time)... I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be keeping you as my employee.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.

You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

No, I really don't. Something done with the national team should not impact the domestic season. Liverpool is being punished whether you look past your blind hatred, or not.

ETA - Still waiting on that list of things Liverpool could have done at the World Cup to prevent this.

The Player is being punished here. As well he should - he is a reckless player - no matter who he plays for.

The risk anyone takes when they employ a player is that he will do something that causes as suspension. For most players that risk is minimal. For others, it is a bigger risk. Liverpool understood the risks it was undertaking when it gave Suarez contract extensions - despite a long list of inappropriate behavior.

It came back to bite them in the ###.

Don't blame anyone else but Liverpool and Suarez for this mess.

Oh, I do blame Suarez. The fact that Liverpool pays his wages is irrelevant. You're saying it's because he represents them at all times. Even when he's wearing a Uruguay jersey. Does he not always represent his family also. Should we punish them, too? Let's make sure those kids are banned from daycare. His wife? Let's shave her head. Makes the same amount of sense that punishing Liverpool does.

 

[El Floppo]

I know its been said - but so much better for everyone, other than Panama - that the US kept playing in that game. Mexico clearly went through some rough patches in 2013, but they belonged in the WC, and its good for CONCACAF that Mexico was in the WC - and ultimately, I think it is better for the US (in terms of the perception of CONCACAF) that Mexico was in the WC.

Wholeheartedly agree.

yep.

blah, blah, blah, blah #### mexico.