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

[Eephus]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

some of us are not that young :(

 

[Eephus]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

Zlatan scoffs in your general direction

Tomas Brolin - He's fat, he's round, he's worth a million pounds

 

[Ilov80s]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

I think a lot of the hope comes from the fact that when you look at athletics as a whole, the US had a track record of producing elite talent on a consistent basis. We like to think (right or wrong) that our better is better.

 

[Eephus]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

some of us are not that young :(

I'm old enough now to shudder at how old I'll be for Qatar

 

[sporthenry]

Yeah, we've been needing that #10 for forever. Granted he hasn't really played in 2 years but I think Holden was really missing and could have fit that attacking role with the final ball. The problem is that we're kinda at that point where we don't have enough possession so we have to go with 2 holding center mids but the best way forward possession wise is to probably get away from the 2 holding mids. But eventually, some of these prospects have to pan out.

I don't think two holding mids is bad if one of them is more from the Xabi Alonso/Mikel Arteta mold. Of course we really don't have a player like that at all that I'm aware of.

I think Bradley can handle the second holding mid role. Not to Xabi/Arteta level but as a decent distributor guy who can get forward. But it really is just all around where the US needs to get better. Their touches are so heavy that it becomes near impossible to hold possession.

But even Darke mentioned it that Juergen was supposed to be bringing an attack/possession minded team to the field. I guess this is a condemnation that BB and Arena have been playing to the most of their ability. But even with an important Copa, Gold, and possibly Confed Cup, I'd like to see the US try to be possession oriented. It could hurt results and ruin any chance of a seed but lets see what Mix, Gil and company can do.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

Zlatan scoffs in your general direction

Tomas Brolin - He's fat, he's round, he's worth a million pounds

and boy was he good before he ate himself out of the sport.

The 1992 Euro Cup he was so fun to watch.

 

[Christo]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

some of us are not that young :(

I'm old enough now to shudder at how old I'll be for Qatar

I'll be 50 for Russia.

 

[Ilov80s]

Yeah, we've been needing that #10 for forever. Granted he hasn't really played in 2 years but I think Holden was really missing and could have fit that attacking role with the final ball. The problem is that we're kinda at that point where we don't have enough possession so we have to go with 2 holding center mids but the best way forward possession wise is to probably get away from the 2 holding mids. But eventually, some of these prospects have to pan out.

I don't think two holding mids is bad if one of them is more from the Xabi Alonso/Mikel Arteta mold. Of course we really don't have a player like that at all that I'm aware of.

I think Bradley can handle the second holding mid role. Not to Xabi/Arteta level but as a decent distributor guy who can get forward. But it really is just all around where the US needs to get better. Their touches are so heavy that it becomes near impossible to hold possession. But even Darke mentioned it that Juergen was supposed to be bringing an attack/possession minded team to the field. I guess this is a condemnation that BB and Arena have been playing to the most of their ability. But even with an important Copa, Gold, and possibly Confed Cup, I'd like to see the US try to be possession oriented. It could hurt results and ruin any chance of a seed but lets see what Mix, Gil and company can do.

Good post. I don't care if we are possession orientated or a counter attack minded squad, but we have to do better with possession than we did today.

 

[Eephus]

Yeah, we've been needing that #10 for forever. Granted he hasn't really played in 2 years but I think Holden was really missing and could have fit that attacking role with the final ball. The problem is that we're kinda at that point where we don't have enough possession so we have to go with 2 holding center mids but the best way forward possession wise is to probably get away from the 2 holding mids. But eventually, some of these prospects have to pan out.

I don't think two holding mids is bad if one of them is more from the Xabi Alonso/Mikel Arteta mold. Of course we really don't have a player like that at all that I'm aware of.

I think Bradley can handle the second holding mid role. Not to Xabi/Arteta level but as a decent distributor guy who can get forward. But it really is just all around where the US needs to get better. Their touches are so heavy that it becomes near impossible to hold possession.

But even Darke mentioned it that Juergen was supposed to be bringing an attack/possession minded team to the field. I guess this is a condemnation that BB and Arena have been playing to the most of their ability. But even with an important Copa, Gold, and possibly Confed Cup, I'd like to see the US try to be possession oriented. It could hurt results and ruin any chance of a seed but lets see what Mix, Gil and company can do.

I think Klinsmann is smart enough to know what cycle he was in. It's one thing to dominate possession against El Salvador but that isn't going to play as well in the Group of Death. I guess we'll see if their style evolves now that the tournament is behind them.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Should we keep all US talk here until WC is over or should we move those discussions back to the soccer thread?

 

[Ilov80s]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

some of us are not that young :(

I'm old enough now to shudder at how old I'll be for Qatar

I'll be 50 for Russia.

That hit me in a fd up way. I never pictured you as anywhere near that' age. Take that as a compliment, you seem much younger.

 

[El Floppo]

Is soccer back to sucking for another 47 months?

Pretty much but was a good finish by USA. Great effort. Can't fault them for that.

Lot's of denial about the truth in this thread. I'm going to go watch bobsledding now.

Ooooooooh....so you are the reason the natives are hostile. Makes sense. Strange choice.

That was my second post in this thread. This is the third.

Never really noticed you before. Now I have. Now I can remember moving forwarded that you're a childish, mean-spirited troll and ignore you.

I don't get these people. I really don't.

 

[rascal]

Anybody watch the Olbermann video? Funny stuff, and he has a couple of good points.

 

[The Gator]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

some of us are not that young :(

I'm old enough now to shudder at how old I'll be for Qatar

I'll be 50 for Russia.

That hit me in a fd up way. I never pictured you as anywhere near that' age. Take that as a compliment, you seem much younger.

he's always seemed old in the gtfo my lawn kinda way to me

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yeah, we've been needing that #10 for forever. Granted he hasn't really played in 2 years but I think Holden was really missing and could have fit that attacking role with the final ball. The problem is that we're kinda at that point where we don't have enough possession so we have to go with 2 holding center mids but the best way forward possession wise is to probably get away from the 2 holding mids. But eventually, some of these prospects have to pan out.

I don't think two holding mids is bad if one of them is more from the Xabi Alonso/Mikel Arteta mold. Of course we really don't have a player like that at all that I'm aware of.

I think Bradley can handle the second holding mid role. Not to Xabi/Arteta level but as a decent distributor guy who can get forward. But it really is just all around where the US needs to get better. Their touches are so heavy that it becomes near impossible to hold possession.

But even Darke mentioned it that Juergen was supposed to be bringing an attack/possession minded team to the field. I guess this is a condemnation that BB and Arena have been playing to the most of their ability. But even with an important Copa, Gold, and possibly Confed Cup, I'd like to see the US try to be possession oriented. It could hurt results and ruin any chance of a seed but lets see what Mix, Gil and company can do.

I think Klinsmann is smart enough to know what cycle he was in. It's one thing to dominate possession against El Salvador but that isn't going to play as well in the Group of Death. I guess we'll see if their style evolves now that the tournament is behind them.

Biggest question for me is do you dump the older players immediately (Jones, DMB, Davis, Wondo, Beckerman etc) and just start building now for the Gold Cup or do you do it slowly over the cycle?

For example, Jones certainly could be a decent player for the US early in this cycle but he won't be by 2018. I never know what the best way is to do this. You want to keep a winning mentality but you also want to switch in new players as early as possible.

 

[Ilov80s]

He is right to an extent. This is an American football website.

""There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." -Oscar

 

[QuizGuy66]

It may have (probably has, actually) been brought up in here already but i'm concerned for US soccer interest in the immediate future. Such a big draw for this WC but the time zones really benefit that growth in interest. Russia and then Qatar (if it stays there) means at least 12 years before we get another chance of having our team draped in the flag in prime time.

I'm relatively new to the sport and for me the NBC addition of PL and other matches across Europe will keep me interested but I love sports and competition. The fringe fan may be lost in the next decade or so. Now, if they move the Qatar to the states, of course it'd be huge. Such a fun sport and i'm glad I found interest in it.

The game times will be pretty much exactly the same in 2018 and (if it stays in Qatar and doesn't go to say, Australia) 2022.

FIFA likes to put the games in what is basically prime time throughout Europe. Actually they'll just be a hair earlier.

Instead of starting at noon, 3pm and 6pm, the games probably will start at something like 10am, 1pm, and 4pm (and 10am and 2pm for the playoffs).

It's nike like they'll be having games at 2am and stuff - that really only happens when the World Cup is in East Asia.

If they moved the World Cup to the U.S. in 2022, the games will start pretty much the same times as they have this year.

-QG

 

[El Floppo]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

Is the fluke getting to the semis or winning the cup? I don't either would ever be a fluke.

But I like the rest of that post.

 

[Eephus]

He is right to an extent. This is an American football website.

""There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." -Oscar

"There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is shooting your girlfriend in the bathroom." - Another Oscar

 

[Ilov80s]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

some of us are not that young :(

I'm old enough now to shudder at how old I'll be for Qatar

I'll be 50 for Russia.

That hit me in a fd up way. I never pictured you as anywhere near that' age. Take that as a compliment, you seem much younger.

he's always seemed old in the gtfo my lawn kinda way to me

I think it's his love of the emoticon that really fooled me.

 

[Slapdash]

Should we keep all US talk here until WC is over or should we move those discussions back to the soccer thread?

Move it back, soccer thread could use something besides people trying to get fans for their clubs.

 

[Ilov80s]

He is right to an extent. This is an American football website.

""There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." -Oscar

"There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is shooting your girlfriend in the bathroom." - Another Oscar

If that was your original joke, I give you a lot of credit. It's pro level. I'm out of likes.

 

[Eephus]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

Is the fluke getting to the semis or winning the cup? I don't either would ever be a fluke.

But I like the rest of that post.

The semis. Look at Turkey's run in 2002. They beat China, Japan and Senegal (aet).

Hell, even England made the semis in 1990.

 

[AcerFC]

Wonder how much I could get for my tim howard long sleeve metro stars shirt right now.

 

[Christo]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

some of us are not that young :(

I'm old enough now to shudder at how old I'll be for Qatar

I'll be 50 for Russia.

That hit me in a fd up way. I never pictured you as anywhere near that' age. Take that as a compliment, you seem much younger.

he's always seemed old in the gtfo my lawn kinda way to me

I like to keep you guys on your toes.

 

[sporthenry]

Yeah, we've been needing that #10 for forever. Granted he hasn't really played in 2 years but I think Holden was really missing and could have fit that attacking role with the final ball. The problem is that we're kinda at that point where we don't have enough possession so we have to go with 2 holding center mids but the best way forward possession wise is to probably get away from the 2 holding mids. But eventually, some of these prospects have to pan out.

I don't think two holding mids is bad if one of them is more from the Xabi Alonso/Mikel Arteta mold. Of course we really don't have a player like that at all that I'm aware of.

I think Bradley can handle the second holding mid role. Not to Xabi/Arteta level but as a decent distributor guy who can get forward. But it really is just all around where the US needs to get better. Their touches are so heavy that it becomes near impossible to hold possession.

But even Darke mentioned it that Juergen was supposed to be bringing an attack/possession minded team to the field. I guess this is a condemnation that BB and Arena have been playing to the most of their ability. But even with an important Copa, Gold, and possibly Confed Cup, I'd like to see the US try to be possession oriented. It could hurt results and ruin any chance of a seed but lets see what Mix, Gil and company can do.

I think Klinsmann is smart enough to know what cycle he was in. It's one thing to dominate possession against El Salvador but that isn't going to play as well in the Group of Death. I guess we'll see if their style evolves now that the tournament is behind them.

Biggest question for me is do you dump the older players immediately (Jones, DMB, Davis, Wondo, Beckerman etc) and just start building now for the Gold Cup or do you do it slowly over the cycle?

For example, Jones certainly could be a decent player for the US early in this cycle but he won't be by 2018. I never know what the best way is to do this. You want to keep a winning mentality but you also want to switch in new players as early as possible.

I'm a fan of getting the new guys in right away. But as you mention, in 2016, the older guys might be better than our younger guys. I'd like to see us take a ton of younger guys to Gold Cup. We have 2 chances to clinch Confed Cup so Gold Cup win isn't as important. Then take it from there if guys aren't ready.

 

[Eephus]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

some of us are not that young :(

I'm old enough now to shudder at how old I'll be for Qatar

I'll be 50 for Russia.

That hit me in a fd up way. I never pictured you as anywhere near that' age. Take that as a compliment, you seem much younger.

he's always seemed old in the gtfo my lawn kinda way to me

I'm the same age as Pierluigi Collina

and Allen Iverson's mom

and Jeremy Clarkson

and Tony Gwynn :(

 

[QuizGuy66]

Glurge of thoughts on the state of Soccer in the U.S. (and by which I really mean the evergreen and tire convo about Soccer's status amongst sports in the U.S.)

I think viewership will continue to grow overally, especially for the bigger events.

I think it's unfair to compare it to the 4 major leagues, because each of those leagues are the top league in their sport in the world.

The soccer landscape is much much more splintered. It's hard to get developed enough fan-bases for literally dozens and dozens of top tier teams worldwide in the US market. The more casual fan is more interested in following the best.

We know MLS will never be that - it will never grow enough to have the kind of funding that goes into the top leagues. It'll be a very very very slow climb and then will level out with the next-tier European leagues. Don't get wrong it will do fine and grow and be healthy (largely b/c they've been smart enough to not do what the NASL did) - but the fanbases will remain mostly localized I think.

The biggest growth actually will be the Premier League - the commonality of language, history, and sense that it's the top league in the world (I know, I know not everyone agrees with that - but I think in the American mind, especially casual fan-wise that is the case). There are enough clubs at the top of the league and that are steady enough that those are fan bases that will grow and be more diffuse in the American market. There's, what, pretty much 7 clubs that will never see relegation and another 2 or 3 that probably won't for the foreseeable future. Other leagues don't have the same depth in that way - they'll get in there but Premier League will be the king and stay that way. The Champions League to an extent as well - but the teams that are regularly in that (the Real Madrid's etc) will get some fan-base growth too but I don't see the capacity for big numbers for multiple leagues.

This situation is the heart of why the comparisons to the big 4 established leagues in North American is just unfair. I mean I know nothing from the Japanese Baseball Leagues. A bare bare minimal about the KHL (Screw you Kovalchuk!) and really nothing of the European basketball leagues. The CFL is a light diversion. In soccer we'll never have the best league. It's a handicap. Too many teams to track in soccer for the more casual fan.

Just my thoughts.

-QG

 

[Spartans Rule]

We have 2 chances to clinch Confed Cup so Gold Cup win isn't as important.

Do we? I assumed the CONMEBOL spot would go to the 2015 Copa America winner.

 

[NewlyRetired]

We have 2 chances to clinch Confed Cup so Gold Cup win isn't as important.

Do we? I assumed the CONMEBOL spot would go to the 2015 Copa America winner.

he means we have two chances to get the Concacaf slot

1) win Gold Cup 2015

Or

2) one game playoff vs winner of Gold Cup 2015

Since we won 2013 Gold Cup at worst we have #2 above.

 

[Slapdash]

We have 2 chances to clinch Confed Cup so Gold Cup win isn't as important.

Do we? I assumed the CONMEBOL spot would go to the 2015 Copa America winner.

It goes to the best placed SA team, which will likely be the winner.

 

[Spartans Rule]

We have 2 chances to clinch Confed Cup so Gold Cup win isn't as important.

Do we? I assumed the CONMEBOL spot would go to the 2015 Copa America winner.

he means we have two chances to get the Concacaf slot

1) win Gold Cup 2015

Or

2) one game playoff vs winner of Gold Cup 2015

Since we won 2013 Gold Cup at worst we have #2 above.

Oh, sweet. Did not know that.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

Is the fluke getting to the semis or winning the cup? I don't either would ever be a fluke.

But I like the rest of that post.

The semis. Look at Turkey's run in 2002. They beat China, Japan and Senegal (aet).

Hell, even England made the semis in 1990.

Yup, historically cinderella makes the semis - South Korea, Bulgaria in recent history too.

Cinderella never makes the finals.

-QG

 

[NewlyRetired]

We have 2 chances to clinch Confed Cup so Gold Cup win isn't as important.

Do we? I assumed the CONMEBOL spot would go to the 2015 Copa America winner.

he means we have two chances to get the Concacaf slot

1) win Gold Cup 2015

Or

2) one game playoff vs winner of Gold Cup 2015

Since we won 2013 Gold Cup at worst we have #2 above.

Oh, sweet. Did not know that.

It was a rule change they made in 2013 to try and make the second Gold Cup in the cycle have a little more meaning.

 

[QuizGuy66]

We have 2 chances to clinch Confed Cup so Gold Cup win isn't as important.

Do we? I assumed the CONMEBOL spot would go to the 2015 Copa America winner.

he means we have two chances to get the Concacaf slot

1) win Gold Cup 2015

Or

2) one game playoff vs winner of Gold Cup 2015

Since we won 2013 Gold Cup at worst we have #2 above.

Oh, sweet. Did not know that.

It's new for this time around with the confed cup. Good change IMO.

-QG

 

[TwinTurbo]

Just when the Americans seemed depleted, they rallied with renewed vitality. They displayed unyielding grit and doggedness and resilience.

I hope that in my lifetime, or maybe my kids' lifetime, the US is a true soccer power -- able to play like Belgium did today -- and that it has players like James of Colombia.

But if it never happens, I'll still be damn proud of how our team is currently known as well. To fight to the death and go out on your shield is all you can ask for.

You are younger than I am so you may get to see it.

It is such a slow process though and we are not the only country trying to improve. Even if we improve slightly faster than the rest it will still take a long time.

I still think I will see a semi final though in my days. Even if it is not with a class team. If South Korea, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Turkey can make the semi's in a one off there is no reason we should not.

There's a ton of luck involved in a cup run. A lucky draw, a bad bounce, a moment of brilliance is sometimes all it takes. Of the four teams you mentioned, only the Bulgarians of Stoichkov and Letchkov had impressive tournament wins. They beat Argentina and Germany in 1994.

I'd much rather have steady US progression in quality and quantity than a fluke result that isn't sustainable. The success will follow.

If it wasn't for Roberto Baggio, Bulgaria might have advanced to the WC final in '94. I was at that game and will remember it always. All the US needs is one Baggio or one Stoichkov. But those players are once in a generation and our best go to the NFL or NBA.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

I know that people are eager to turn the page on everybody who likely won't make it to the 2018 roster, but I'd love it if Howard played the ÜberCopa in 2016. If not every game, it least a couple of them.

Would be a good swansong in front of the home fans imo

 

[The Gator]

I know that people are eager to turn the page on everybody who likely won't make it to the 2018 roster, but I'd love it if Howard played the ÜberCopa in 2016. If not every game, it least a couple of them.

Would be a good swansong in front of the home fans imo

An error occurred

You have tried to like someone with Fellaini as their avatar

 

[El Floppo]

I know that people are eager to turn the page on everybody who likely won't make it to the 2018 roster, but I'd love it if Howard played the ÜberCopa in 2016. If not every game, it least a couple of them.

Would be a good swansong in front of the home fans imo

An error occurred

You have tried to like someone with Fellaini as their avatar

Hfs

 

[sporthenry]

I know that people are eager to turn the page on everybody who likely won't make it to the 2018 roster, but I'd love it if Howard played the ÜberCopa in 2016. If not every game, it least a couple of them.

Would be a good swansong in front of the home fans imo

Can Landon come too? But I honestly wouldn't mind giving those guys a nice send off in 2016. Odds are that some of those guys might still be their A team and I don't think CONMEBOL would appreciate us sending another B or C team to get slaughtered. Not to mention it would save some of our guys for the impending qualification and hopefully the next two busy summers.

 

[sporthenry]

The soccer landscape is much much more splintered. It's hard to get developed enough fan-bases for literally dozens and dozens of top tier teams worldwide in the US market. The more casual fan is more interested in following the best.

The biggest growth actually will be the Premier League - the commonality of language, history, and sense that it's the top league in the world (I know, I know not everyone agrees with that - but I think in the American mind, especially casual fan-wise that is the case). There are enough clubs at the top of the league and that are steady enough that those are fan bases that will grow and be more diffuse in the American market. There's, what, pretty much 7 clubs that will never see relegation and another 2 or 3 that probably won't for the foreseeable future. Other leagues don't have the same depth in that way - they'll get in there but Premier League will be the king and stay that way. The Champions League to an extent as well - but the teams that are regularly in that (the Real Madrid's etc) will get some fan-base growth too but I don't see the capacity for big numbers for multiple leagues.

I honestly think this hurts the growth of soccer in the US. I know personally, its been hard to try and follow different leagues and watch guys not just jump around from team to team but league to league. I guess it makes for a better Champions League but I don't know how some of you follow all of it. And I'm sure some of it is just my ignorance but it seemed like 6-8 years ago, there was a lot more talent concentrated in the EPL. You had what, 3 straight years with 3 of the last 4 coming from the EPL.

Nowadays, it just seems that the talent is so spread out to the tune of a few dominating teams in each league but not a ton of parity. Games like Juventus/Palermo or PSG/Reims don't exactly make me want to get up at 7:00 AM. And I can only imagine a new fan trying to follow the EPL. "So its the best league in the world? So I'll get to watch Messi? Ronaldo? Suarez?"

I'm gonna try to get back into following the club game a bit more but I'm not sure the best way. I guess just trying to catch highlight shows of the major leagues.

 

[Sand]

An error occurred

You have tried to like someone with Fellaini as their avatar

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Anybody watch the Olbermann video? Funny stuff, and he has a couple of good points.

 

[The Gator]

The soccer landscape is much much more splintered. It's hard to get developed enough fan-bases for literally dozens and dozens of top tier teams worldwide in the US market. The more casual fan is more interested in following the best.

The biggest growth actually will be the Premier League - the commonality of language, history, and sense that it's the top league in the world (I know, I know not everyone agrees with that - but I think in the American mind, especially casual fan-wise that is the case). There are enough clubs at the top of the league and that are steady enough that those are fan bases that will grow and be more diffuse in the American market. There's, what, pretty much 7 clubs that will never see relegation and another 2 or 3 that probably won't for the foreseeable future. Other leagues don't have the same depth in that way - they'll get in there but Premier League will be the king and stay that way. The Champions League to an extent as well - but the teams that are regularly in that (the Real Madrid's etc) will get some fan-base growth too but I don't see the capacity for big numbers for multiple leagues.

I honestly think this hurts the growth of soccer in the US. I know personally, its been hard to try and follow different leagues and watch guys not just jump around from team to team but league to league. I guess it makes for a better Champions League but I don't know how some of you follow all of it. And I'm sure some of it is just my ignorance but it seemed like 6-8 years ago, there was a lot more talent concentrated in the EPL. You had what, 3 straight years with 3 of the last 4 coming from the EPL.

Nowadays, it just seems that the talent is so spread out to the tune of a few dominating teams in each league but not a ton of parity. Games like Juventus/Palermo or PSG/Reims don't exactly make me want to get up at 7:00 AM. And I can only imagine a new fan trying to follow the EPL. "So its the best league in the world? So I'll get to watch Messi? Ronaldo? Suarez?"

I'm gonna try to get back into following the club game a bit more but I'm not sure the best way. I guess just trying to catch highlight shows of the major leagues.

It really is a lot to take in and you can't take it all in even though many of us wish we could.

imo, it helps to focus your passion on one team and just enjoy watching the rest. You can't follow every top club team in every league, there just isn't enough time. I record every soccer game that is broadcasted on the dish package I have. I watch every Liverpool(99% live) and Real Madrid game, but only skim the others. I'll make time to watch a lot of the derbys or classicos, but it gets to be a lot.

Champions League is where it's at though if you want quality without following six different leagues. You get the best players playing in huge games without having to follow their league.

 

[GoFishTN]

Anybody watch the Olbermann video? Funny stuff, and he has a couple of good points.

There's something you don't hear everyday.

 

[Mjolnirs]

So geographically, Costa Rica is odd man out in the last eight.

In South America, Both Colombia and Argentina border Brazil. But not each other.

In Europe, Germany and Belgium both border each of the European countries left. Each other and France and Netherlands.

France borders Germany and Belgium, but not Netherlands. Netherlands is the same, bordering Germany and Belgium, but not France.

It doesn't mean squat. I just happened to notice it.

 

[Mario Kart]

Should we keep all US talk here until WC is over or should we move those discussions back to the soccer thread?

I looked into it but you guys need to get on this. Could be fun.

http://www.statscrop.com/www/futbolguys.com

 

[Raider Nation]

Anybody watch the Olbermann video? Funny stuff, and he has a couple of good points.

There's something you don't hear everyday.

I liked it.

 

[Celph Titled]

Olbermann's a ####.