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

[Daywalker]

Would this event be diminished if it was every two years?

 

[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

An error occurred

You have tried to like someone with Fellaini as their avatar

 

[Premier]

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

I was wondering if we shouldn't start a USMNT only thread at this point? Soccer thread can get awfully clubbish which is fine of course, but not what a lot are looking for.

 

[The Z Machine]

Overall, I'm pleased with the performance of the USMNT for the world cup. Jürgen made some tough choices and most of them panned out. Some players disappointed or didn't impress (Bradley, Zusi, Bedoya, Davis, Wondo), while others played some of the best football I've ever seen them play in the USA shirt (Howard, Jones, Besler). Some that I was pretty down on for cycle surprised me with their play (Beckerman, Beasley), and one player was a revelation (Yedlin). Overall, I'd give the USA an A-. They achieved their minimum goal, played with heart, but didn't make the technical leap many of us hope to see happen soon.

 

[Premier]

My wife and I enjoyed watching the Cup together so much that we decided we needed a premier league team. After researching history, stadium, nicknames, potential to win and team colors (VERY important for her) we settled on Chelsea.

Go Blues!!

 

[Christo]

Olbermann's a ####.

A #### who's onto something.

Signed,

Real Salt Lake, Sporting KC & DC United

 

[Christo]

Would this event be diminished if it was every two years?

It isn't going to happen so why does it matter?

 

[Native]

My wife and I enjoyed watching the Cup together so much that we decided we needed a premier league team. After researching history, stadium, nicknames, potential to win and team colors (VERY important for her) we settled on Chelsea.

Go Blues!!

Welcome to the family!

 

[roadkill1292]

Is soccer back to sucking for another 47 months?

"Hey look at me, I am both arrogant and ignorant!"Do people even take a second to think before they post on how moronic, idiotic, ignorant, unintelligent, and just plain stupid they sound?

Not sure. I'm guessing you didn't think too much about calling him "moronic, idiotic, ignorant, unintelligent". Don't do that.

J

No, I thought long and hard about and I stand by it.If you think walking into a thread and trolling like that has even a shred of common decency or intelligence behind it I have to say I am 1000% in disagreement with you.

There is no place for that crap.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[IvanKaramazov]

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

 

[Thunderlips]

I have to see.....the "I Hate Soccer" meme has gotten way more annoying than the "I Love Soccer and So Should You" meme. Soccer is a good sport that has much more in common with the "Big 4" than rabid Big 4 supporters (and I'm assuming soccer haters) care to admit. Besides that....IT'S INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION!......that in itself is awesome.

 

[Politician Spock]

Is soccer back to sucking for another 47 months?

"Hey look at me, I am both arrogant and ignorant!"Do people even take a second to think before they post on how moronic, idiotic, ignorant, unintelligent, and just plain stupid they sound?

Not sure. I'm guessing you didn't think too much about calling him "moronic, idiotic, ignorant, unintelligent". Don't do that.

J

No, I thought long and hard about and I stand by it.If you think walking into a thread and trolling like that has even a shred of common decency or intelligence behind it I have to say I am 1000% in disagreement with you.

There is no place for that crap.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[gianmarco]

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

You're welcome

 

[Premier]

Is soccer back to sucking for another 47 months?

"Hey look at me, I am both arrogant and ignorant!"Do people even take a second to think before they post on how moronic, idiotic, ignorant, unintelligent, and just plain stupid they sound?

Not sure. I'm guessing you didn't think too much about calling him "moronic, idiotic, ignorant, unintelligent". Don't do that.

J

No, I thought long and hard about and I stand by it.If you think walking into a thread and trolling like that has even a shred of common decency or intelligence behind it I have to say I am 1000% in disagreement with you.

There is no place for that crap.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No please stay we really need you

 

[Vrana]

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

You're welcome

I missed this. Link?

 

[[icon]]

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

You're welcome

Just signed up myself

 

[[icon]]

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

You're welcome

I missed this. Link?

I personally googled "soccer america soccer on TV" and it came right up....

 

[NewlyRetired]

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

Wait until the club season starts up this fall. It is basically every where.

 

[NewlyRetired]

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

I was wondering if we shouldn't start a USMNT only thread at this point? Soccer thread can get awfully clubbish which is fine of course, but not what a lot are looking for.

That is an interesting idea. The only issues I see are the US can go quiet for months at a time between games so most of the talk related to them is tracking players playing at their clubs.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Olbmermann has some fun points.

Thanks for the link.

J

 

[gianmarco]

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

You're welcome

I missed this. Link?

Read this post here with links: My post

 

[roadkill1292]

Not sure. I'm guessing you didn't think too much about calling him "moronic, idiotic, ignorant, unintelligent". Don't do that.

J

No, I thought long and hard about and I stand by it.If you think walking into a thread and trolling like that has even a shred of common decency or intelligence behind it I have to say I am 1000% in disagreement with you.

There is no place for that crap.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easy enough. Don't come into the threads.

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

 

[NewlyRetired]

Would this event be diminished if it was every two years?

It would be almost impossible.

World Cup Qualifying for 2014 ran from June 15, 2011 to November 20, 2013. There is not really enough time to squeeze 2.5 years of qualifying down to just a single year and still keep the life of the sport running with is league play.

 

[Joe Bryant]

What is the process now for the US Team?

These guys all have pro teams they're a part of and under contract with, right? Does the Men's team basically disband and everyone goes back to their regular paying job playing for whichever team they play for?

I hear all these different cups and competitions mentioned. Are they events where the Men's team that we just saw plays in or does a new team form?

On the surface, this is one huge difference I think NFL fans have to get their arms around. I guess NBA and NHL have the Olympics for this where players form new teams but it's kind of confusing for NFL fans who don't have that.

J

 

[Norman Paperman]

Overall, I'm pleased with the performance of the USMNT for the world cup. Jürgen made some tough choices and most of them panned out. Some players disappointed or didn't impress (Bradley, Zusi, Bedoya, Davis, Wondo), while others played some of the best football I've ever seen them play in the USA shirt (Howard, Jones, Besler). Some that I was pretty down on for cycle surprised me with their play (Beckerman, Beasley), and one player was a revelation (Yedlin). Overall, I'd give the USA an A-. They achieved their minimum goal, played with heart, but didn't make the technical leap many of us hope to see happen soon.

 

[[icon]]

Odds to win the WC:

Brazil+300
Germany+350
Argentina+400
Netherlands+500
France+600
Belgium+1200
Colombia+1400
Costa Rica+3000

 

[Slapdash]

My wife and I enjoyed watching the Cup together so much that we decided we needed a premier league team. After researching history, stadium, nicknames, potential to win and team colors (VERY important for her) we settled on Chelsea.

Go Blues!!

My condolences

 

[Ignoramus]

I dunno. That's the age old question for any sport I guess. Do you pull for the guy from your conference or do you stay mad that they beat you.

I can see both sides.

I guess I could see pulling for Belgium. I like their style and there is something to say about losing to the champs I guess.

J

A little different, IMO, as Belgium isn't in our conference and aren't really historic rivals. A better comparison would be if Mexico had knocked us out... do you then root for them going forward? For me that's an easy 'No.'

 

[IvanKaramazov]

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

You're welcome

 

[NewlyRetired]

What is the process now for the US Team?

These guys all have pro teams they're a part of and under contract with, right? Does the Men's team basically disband and everyone goes back to their regular paying job playing for whichever team they play for?

I hear all these different cups and competitions mentioned. Are they events where the Men's team that we just saw plays in or does a new team form?

On the surface, this is one huge difference I think NFL fans have to get their arms around. I guess NBA and NHL have the Olympics for this where players form new teams but it's kind of confusing for NFL fans who don't have that.

J

Team disbands back to their club teams. The new 4 year international cycle starts in September.

For the friendly or qualifier games, the coach can change the team as he likes

For the tournaments, a set roster must be submitted to last the tournament.

Here is a rough sketch of the cycle

Friendlies - These will be played through out the 4 year cycle

2015 Gold Cup - Concacaf regional championship

2016 Copa America - Combo South and North America tournament

2016-2017 World Cup Qualifying, typically two full rounds for US

2017 Gold Cup - Concacaf regional championship

2017 Confed Cup - Winners of all regional championships*

2018 WC

* US has not qualified for this yet.

Last cycle the US played 70 games over the 4 years.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Current odds of winning World Cup at 538.com:

Brazil 39%

Argentina 20%

Netherlands 14%

Germany 9%

Colombia 8%

France 7%

Belgium 3%

Costa Rica <1%

 

[chet]

Will someone please describe how the groups are arranged once the WC teams are set? I can't imagine it's completely random but there seems to be a group of death every time.

 

[Politician Spock]

Not sure. I'm guessing you didn't think too much about calling him "moronic, idiotic, ignorant, unintelligent". Don't do that.

J

No, I thought long and hard about and I stand by it.If you think walking into a thread and trolling like that has even a shred of common decency or intelligence behind it I have to say I am 1000% in disagreement with you.

There is no place for that crap.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easy enough. Don't come into the threads.

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

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

 

[chet]

Odds to win the WC:

Brazil+300Germany+350

Argentina+400

Netherlands+500

France+600

Belgium+1200

Colombia+1400

Costa Rica+3000

Belgium looks juicy. As does Columbia.

 

[[icon]]

Will someone please describe how the groups are arranged once the WC teams are set? I can't imagine it's completely random but there seems to be a group of death every time.

Drawn completely random. (and streamed live worldwide)

 

[NewlyRetired]

Will someone please describe how the groups are arranged once the WC teams are set? I can't imagine it's completely random but there seems to be a group of death every time.

8 teams are seeded based on rankingsEveryone else is separated into pots based on regions

No more than 2 euro teams can be in any one group

Only 1 team from every other region can be in a pot

The teams are then randomly drawn to set the groups as long as the rules above are followed.

This happened in December during the WC Draw event.

If you would like some more details, read the beginning of the thread which was just before the WC draw and we talked a lot about it.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

" post="16962856" timestamp="1404307870"]Odds to win the WC:

Brazil+300

Germany+350

Argentina+400

Netherlands+500

France+600

Belgium+1200

Colombia+1400

Costa Rica+3000

Belgium looks juicy. As does Columbia.

The problem for Belgium and Colombia is that they have to go through THREE teams that are as good or better.

Belgium: Argentina, Netherlands, any of the four from the other side of the bracket

Colombia: Brazil (who haven't lost at home in a tournament or WC qualifying since 1975!), Germany/France, Argentina/Netherlands

 

[NewlyRetired]

Will someone please describe how the groups are arranged once the WC teams are set? I can't imagine it's completely random but there seems to be a group of death every time.

Drawn completely random. (and streamed live worldwide)

Its not fully random Icon. There are many rules separating the countries into their various pots.

 

[Joe Bryant]

What is the process now for the US Team?

These guys all have pro teams they're a part of and under contract with, right? Does the Men's team basically disband and everyone goes back to their regular paying job playing for whichever team they play for?

I hear all these different cups and competitions mentioned. Are they events where the Men's team that we just saw plays in or does a new team form?

On the surface, this is one huge difference I think NFL fans have to get their arms around. I guess NBA and NHL have the Olympics for this where players form new teams but it's kind of confusing for NFL fans who don't have that.

J

Team disbands back to their club teams.The new 4 year international cycle starts in September.

For the friendly or qualifier games, the coach can change the team as he likes

For the tournaments, a set roster must be submitted to last the tournament.

Here is a rough sketch of the cycle

Friendlies - These will be played through out the 4 year cycle

2015 Gold Cup - Concacaf regional championship

2016 Copa America - Combo South and North America tournament

2016-2017 World Cup Qualifying, typically two full rounds for US

2017 Gold Cup - Concacaf regional championship

2017 Confed Cup - Winners of all regional championships*

2018 WC

* US has not qualified for this yet.

Last cycle the US played 70 games over the 4 years.

Thanks.

How do players balance their "real" job (sorry if that's not the right word) of playing for their pro team and the job of playing for the US team?

Doesn't that conflict a lot with practices and games? Or do the pro teams adjust their schedules so it works?

Also, what is the word used when a team is talking about his "real" team he plays for (Real Madrid) vs his "country" team he plays for (Portugal)?

Do players almost feel like they actually have two full time teams?

J

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

The draw isn't completely random.

Teams are divided up into four "pots" before the draw. IIRC it's something like...

Pot A: top eight teams in FIFA rankings (which are terrible)

Pot B: other Euro and South American teams

Pot C: African teams plus three

Pot D: Asia and CONCACAF

 

[roadkill1292]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easy enough. Don't come into the threads.

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

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

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

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

How do players balance their "real" job (sorry if that's not the right word) of playing for their pro team and the job of playing for the US team?

Doesn't that conflict a lot with practices and games? Or do the pro teams adjust their schedules so it works?

Also, what is the word used when a team is talking about his "real" team he plays for (Real Madrid) vs his "country" team he plays for (Portugal)?

Do players almost feel like they actually have two full time teams?

FIFA does a pretty good job of carving out "international match dates" -- dates that the pro teams are expected to release their players for international duty. There's sometimes resistance for friendlies (especially for guys coming off injuries) but coaches usually try to work with the teams where they can (Klinsmann might not call any European players in for a friendly in California, for example).

Club vs Country -- players spend a lot less time with their national teams than their pro teams. Probably something like 90%, give or take. The lack of time together is one of the reasons why the standard of play is generally weaker for the best national teams compared to the best club teams.

 

[Jobber]

I now have one sole member on my ignore list. Now this thread will be readable again.

 

[NewlyRetired]

What is the process now for the US Team?

These guys all have pro teams they're a part of and under contract with, right? Does the Men's team basically disband and everyone goes back to their regular paying job playing for whichever team they play for?

I hear all these different cups and competitions mentioned. Are they events where the Men's team that we just saw plays in or does a new team form?

On the surface, this is one huge difference I think NFL fans have to get their arms around. I guess NBA and NHL have the Olympics for this where players form new teams but it's kind of confusing for NFL fans who don't have that.

J

Team disbands back to their club teams.The new 4 year international cycle starts in September.

For the friendly or qualifier games, the coach can change the team as he likes

For the tournaments, a set roster must be submitted to last the tournament.

Here is a rough sketch of the cycle

Friendlies - These will be played through out the 4 year cycle

2015 Gold Cup - Concacaf regional championship

2016 Copa America - Combo South and North America tournament

2016-2017 World Cup Qualifying, typically two full rounds for US

2017 Gold Cup - Concacaf regional championship

2017 Confed Cup - Winners of all regional championships*

2018 WC

* US has not qualified for this yet.

Last cycle the US played 70 games over the 4 years.

Thanks.

How do players balance their "real" job (sorry if that's not the right word) of playing for their pro team and the job of playing for the US team?

Doesn't that conflict a lot with practices and games? Or do the pro teams adjust their schedules so it works?

Also, what is the word used when a team is talking about his "real" team he plays for (Real Madrid) vs his "country" team he plays for (Portugal)?

Do players almost feel like they actually have two full time teams?

J

Club vs country is the term to use

FIFA creates an international calendar to balance club and country play. Clubs are required to release players called up to their country when called.

Club vs country is a huge issue. The clubs pay the players massive amounts of money but if they get hurt during a country game, they are screwed.

Most players aspire to play for their country but clubs can sometimes frown upon it, especially for the friendlies which many clubs feel are too wasteful.

Travel is obviously an issue. A Euro club team hates to see a US player fly all the way back to the states for a one off friendly.

 

[Sinn Fein]

What is the process now for the US Team?

These guys all have pro teams they're a part of and under contract with, right? Does the Men's team basically disband and everyone goes back to their regular paying job playing for whichever team they play for?

I hear all these different cups and competitions mentioned. Are they events where the Men's team that we just saw plays in or does a new team form?

On the surface, this is one huge difference I think NFL fans have to get their arms around. I guess NBA and NHL have the Olympics for this where players form new teams but it's kind of confusing for NFL fans who don't have that.

J

Team disbands back to their club teams.The new 4 year international cycle starts in September.

For the friendly or qualifier games, the coach can change the team as he likes

For the tournaments, a set roster must be submitted to last the tournament.

Here is a rough sketch of the cycle

Friendlies - These will be played through out the 4 year cycle

2015 Gold Cup - Concacaf regional championship

2016 Copa America - Combo South and North America tournament

2016-2017 World Cup Qualifying, typically two full rounds for US

2017 Gold Cup - Concacaf regional championship

2017 Confed Cup - Winners of all regional championships*

2018 WC

* US has not qualified for this yet.

Last cycle the US played 70 games over the 4 years.

Thanks.

How do players balance their "real" job (sorry if that's not the right word) of playing for their pro team and the job of playing for the US team?

Doesn't that conflict a lot with practices and games? Or do the pro teams adjust their schedules so it works?

Also, what is the word used when a team is talking about his "real" team he plays for (Real Madrid) vs his "country" team he plays for (Portugal)?

Do players almost feel like they actually have two full time teams?

J

FIFA has designated windows throughout the year specifically for international play. Leagues shut down for that two week stretch (generally only 1 week of games are missed, but the week on either side of the weekend are cleared) For friendlies, teams do not have to release the players to play - but most players want to play for their national side, so absent injury concerns, they are released. For FIFA sanctioned events the players are released.

 

[NewlyRetired]

What is the process now for the US Team?

These guys all have pro teams they're a part of and under contract with, right? Does the Men's team basically disband and everyone goes back to their regular paying job playing for whichever team they play for?

I hear all these different cups and competitions mentioned. Are they events where the Men's team that we just saw plays in or does a new team form?

On the surface, this is one huge difference I think NFL fans have to get their arms around. I guess NBA and NHL have the Olympics for this where players form new teams but it's kind of confusing for NFL fans who don't have that.

J

Team disbands back to their club teams.The new 4 year international cycle starts in September.

For the friendly or qualifier games, the coach can change the team as he likes

For the tournaments, a set roster must be submitted to last the tournament.

Here is a rough sketch of the cycle

Friendlies - These will be played through out the 4 year cycle

2015 Gold Cup - Concacaf regional championship

2016 Copa America - Combo South and North America tournament

2016-2017 World Cup Qualifying, typically two full rounds for US

2017 Gold Cup - Concacaf regional championship

2017 Confed Cup - Winners of all regional championships*

2018 WC

* US has not qualified for this yet.

Last cycle the US played 70 games over the 4 years.

Thanks.

How do players balance their "real" job (sorry if that's not the right word) of playing for their pro team and the job of playing for the US team?

Doesn't that conflict a lot with practices and games? Or do the pro teams adjust their schedules so it works?

Also, what is the word used when a team is talking about his "real" team he plays for (Real Madrid) vs his "country" team he plays for (Portugal)?

Do players almost feel like they actually have two full time teams?

J

FIFA has designated windows throughout the year specifically for international play. Leagues shut down for that two week stretch (generally only 1 week of games are missed, but the week on either side of the weekend are cleared) For friendlies, teams do not have to release the players to play - but most players want to play for their national side, so absent injury concerns, they are released. For FIFA sanctioned events the players are released.

Clubs are required to release players on any defined FIFA international date. It does not matter if it is a friendly or WC qualifier.

For those interested here is the FIFA calendar

http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/calendar/events.html

 

[Sand]

My wife and I enjoyed watching the Cup together so much that we decided we needed a premier league team. After researching history, stadium, nicknames, potential to win and team colors (VERY important for her) we settled on Chelsea.

Go Blues!!

So this is code for "I'm being held hostage and desperately need a police rescue"? I can't think of any other reason for these words.

Olbmermann has some fun points.

Thanks for the link.

J

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

Will someone please describe how the groups are arranged once the WC teams are set? I can't imagine it's completely random but there seems to be a group of death every time.

Basically they seed the host team and the other top 7 teams in the world. Then they create three batches of 8 to choose randomly. The three batches are arranged so that they end up with only two european teams in each group. The other federations are spread out as best as possible. Then it is a random pick'em.

There is always a group of death, just by the nature of randomness and the expectation that there will be a group of death - one is always anointed at every cup.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

we settled on Chelsea.

So this is code for "I'm being held hostage and desperately need a police rescue"? I can't think of any other reason for these words.

 

[Mjolnirs]

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.

I normally avoid anything with him, but he makes some pretty good points here.

Would this event be diminished if it was every two years?

I already takes two years to just qualify. Remember, this isn't the World Cup, it's the World Cup Finals.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

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

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