***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[Mjolnirs]

After seeing what Zenit did to Bayern in the UEFA Cup semis nobody should be taking Russia lightly. (5 Zenit players on the Russian roster)

 

[thesurfshop19]

This may be the stupidest idea of all time ... but in group stages, what if they awarded 0 points for scoreless ties?

That is, keep the existing 3-1-0 system, except you must score a goal to get a point.

Obviously, would never, ever, ever, ever, ever happen. But is this a terrible, terrible idea? Or just a regular terrible one?

 

[The Z Machine]

This may be the stupidest idea of all time ... but in group stages, what if they awarded 0 points for scoreless ties?

That is, keep the existing 3-1-0 system, except you must score a goal to get a point.

Obviously, would never, ever, ever, ever, ever happen. But is this a terrible, terrible idea? Or just a regular terrible one?

Sounds like one more American "suggestion" on how to make the game better.

 

[Steelnation]

Russia to Spain "You will lose" :dolphlundgren:

The Turks luck will run out

Russia will beat Germany

 

[andy_b]

This may be the stupidest idea of all time ... but in group stages, what if they awarded 0 points for scoreless ties?

That is, keep the existing 3-1-0 system, except you must score a goal to get a point.

Obviously, would never, ever, ever, ever, ever happen. But is this a terrible, terrible idea? Or just a regular terrible one?

Sounds like one more American "suggestion" on how to make the game better.

This suggestion has been made for years by plenty of non Americans. If a majority of the 0-0 games were played like the recent US-Argie game I don't think anyone would ever mention this again. Sadly, all to often a 0-0 game is the result of one team doing what ever they can to mangle the phrase "beautiful game".

 

[eagles2007]

This may be the stupidest idea of all time ... but in group stages, what if they awarded 0 points for scoreless ties?

That is, keep the existing 3-1-0 system, except you must score a goal to get a point.

Obviously, would never, ever, ever, ever, ever happen. But is this a terrible, terrible idea? Or just a regular terrible one?

i'm sure someone can correct me if i'm wrong, but i don't remember a 0-0 in the group stage. perhaps there was 1 or 2, but it wasn't like there were a ton of them for sure.

 

[eagles2007]

yeah, just as i thought.

just one 0-0 game in the group stage - romania vs.france

 

[B Maverick]

I didnt see any write ups on the USA Barbados game, was anyone watching? If not I cant blame you since it was Barbados and meaningless after the 8-0 win.

I did see a highlight of the goal and I will give Adu praise for a heck of a pass and a great finish by lewis (i think?). I do, however, still maintain he isnt ready for the big boys and the big stage but to his credit he is dominating the lesser teams. In order to be the man, you have to beat those you are supposed to beat. I am hoping he has grown and can be the central playmaker the US needs.

On a side note, any aspiring striker needs to watch Ruud van Nisterlrooy and how he plays up front. Doesnt have the flash of Torres and Henry and he isnt going to take on 3 players at once, but he is the epitome of a target player and a striker. Someone that you just KNOW when your team needs a goal he is going to get it for you. The header in the final minutes to tie the game was amazing.

He toes the offside line like no other. He plays with his back to the goal and keeps it simple. Receives the pass and shoots if he can or dishes and waits for the return if he cant. On crosses and set pieces he is always near the ball looking to make something happen.

 

[JuniorNB]

I didnt see any write ups on the USA Barbados game, was anyone watching? If not I cant blame you since it was Barbados and meaningless after the 8-0 win.I did see a highlight of the goal and I will give Adu praise for a heck of a pass and a great finish by lewis (i think?). I do, however, still maintain he isnt ready for the big boys and the big stage but to his credit he is dominating the lesser teams. In order to be the man, you have to beat those you are supposed to beat. I am hoping he has grown and can be the central playmaker the US needs.On a side note, any aspiring striker needs to watch Ruud van Nisterlrooy and how he plays up front. Doesnt have the flash of Torres and Henry and he isnt going to take on 3 players at once, but he is the epitome of a target player and a striker. Someone that you just KNOW when your team needs a goal he is going to get it for you. The header in the final minutes to tie the game was amazing.He toes the offside line like no other. He plays with his back to the goal and keeps it simple. Receives the pass and shoots if he can or dishes and waits for the return if he cant. On crosses and set pieces he is always near the ball looking to make something happen.

I watched the game (about 75% of it, actually). The US looked rather uninspired, to be honest. They also didn't play Donovan, Dempsey, or Howard. They were getting a look at different players. Adu played the whole game, which was good to see. The U.S. even played a guy (his name escapes me, right now) who hasn't earned a cap since 2001.As for the television coverage, the camera angle was horrible. It was almost ground level. It felt like you were standing on the sidelines of a high school game. It was really hard to get any perspective of spacing from the camera angle. Also, the complex which the game was played had three sections of seating and one open side. The camera was facing teh open side and it looked like there were about twenty spectators.

 

[HellToupee]

I didnt see any write ups on the USA Barbados game, was anyone watching? If not I cant blame you since it was Barbados and meaningless after the 8-0 win.I did see a highlight of the goal and I will give Adu praise for a heck of a pass and a great finish by lewis (i think?). I do, however, still maintain he isnt ready for the big boys and the big stage but to his credit he is dominating the lesser teams. In order to be the man, you have to beat those you are supposed to beat. I am hoping he has grown and can be the central playmaker the US needs.On a side note, any aspiring striker needs to watch Ruud van Nisterlrooy and how he plays up front. Doesnt have the flash of Torres and Henry and he isnt going to take on 3 players at once, but he is the epitome of a target player and a striker. Someone that you just KNOW when your team needs a goal he is going to get it for you. The header in the final minutes to tie the game was amazing.He toes the offside line like no other. He plays with his back to the goal and keeps it simple. Receives the pass and shoots if he can or dishes and waits for the return if he cant. On crosses and set pieces he is always near the ball looking to make something happen.

I watched the game (about 75% of it, actually). The US looked rather uninspired, to be honest. They also didn't play Donovan, Dempsey, or Howard. They were getting a look at different players. Adu played the whole game, which was good to see. The U.S. even played a guy (his name escapes me, right now) who hasn't earned a cap since 2001.As for the television coverage, the camera angle was horrible. It was almost ground level. It felt like you were standing on the sidelines of a high school game. It was really hard to get any perspective of spacing from the camera angle. Also, the complex which the game was played had three sections of seating and one open side. The camera was facing teh open side and it looked like there were about twenty spectators.

I flipped to the game for aobut 5 minutes and thought the place was emptyBarbados looks like they wear shirts 2 sizes to big for them

 

[The Z Machine]

Luca Toni and Ruud van Nistelrooy are the two best target men in the business IMO. They play very different styles though, and Toni is much more deadly with his head than Ruud (despite Ruud's header in that game... BTW, did you see he nearly concussed himself on the post to boot).

Ruud's game is like a power forward in basketball, or like the hole in water polo: take up space, frustrate defenders, use your body/strength/position to create chances for you and others. Toni is more aerial and is always looking for that hard cross, and not the soft touch pass.

Oh, and the US has NOTHING like either of them on the Nats. Nothing even close. Then again, the Us doesn't have the attacking MFs to set up such an attack. There's no Becks, there's no Ballack, there's no Deco, there's nothing like that. LD might be able to do that... if he played on the wing.

 

[eagles2007]

anyone who wants to see it can see the us-barbados game on espn360.com.

i guess it was so bad espn2 didn't show it when it was supposed to sunday night. more poker (i love poker, but can we stop showing last year's event already?).

 

[Steve Tasker]

This may be the stupidest idea of all time ... but in group stages, what if they awarded 0 points for scoreless ties?

That is, keep the existing 3-1-0 system, except you must score a goal to get a point.

Obviously, would never, ever, ever, ever, ever happen. But is this a terrible, terrible idea? Or just a regular terrible one?

I'm gonna go with regular terrible.It's a good thought....would certainly make the games more exciting....but it hinders the defensive teams that got to the tournament with good defense.

Trinidad and Tobago in the 2006 WC immediately came to mind. Those guys played their asses off, but they don't have the talent to pose a real scoring threat (did they score one against Paraguay?). They fought for that 0-0 draw with Sweden, and if England didn't score in the mid-80s, would have earned a tough 0-0 against the Brits. Teams that fight for a 0-0 draw still deserve the same points as a 1-1 draw would garner, IMO.

 

[thesurfshop19]

Sounds like one more American "suggestion" on how to make the game better.

I expected comments like this. I love the sport, but I guess I shouldn't offer any thoughts, even after prefacing it as terrible and the stupidest idea of all time.

I'm gonna go with regular terrible.It's a good thought....would certainly make the games more exciting....but it hinders the defensive teams that got to the tournament with good defense.Trinidad and Tobago in the 2006 WC immediately came to mind. Those guys played their asses off, but they don't have the talent to pose a real scoring threat (did they score one against Paraguay?). They fought for that 0-0 draw with Sweden, and if England didn't score in the mid-80s, would have earned a tough 0-0 against the Brits. Teams that fight for a 0-0 draw still deserve the same points as a 1-1 draw would garner, IMO.

Good points. Actually, great points. I remember the drama, seeing how long T&T could hang in there. They'd have had no realistic shot of advancing with a scoreless tie rule.Can't we put it in just for Italy? (just joking, and yes, I know it wasn't funny)I think it might be interesting in club football.

 

[jonessed]

Sounds like one more American "suggestion" on how to make the game better.

I expected comments like this. I love the sport, but I guess I shouldn't offer any thoughts, even after prefacing it as terrible and the stupidest idea of all time.

I'm gonna go with regular terrible.

It's a good thought....would certainly make the games more exciting....but it hinders the defensive teams that got to the tournament with good defense.

Trinidad and Tobago in the 2006 WC immediately came to mind. Those guys played their asses off, but they don't have the talent to pose a real scoring threat (did they score one against Paraguay?). They fought for that 0-0 draw with Sweden, and if England didn't score in the mid-80s, would have earned a tough 0-0 against the Brits. Teams that fight for a 0-0 draw still deserve the same points as a 1-1 draw would garner, IMO.

Good points. Actually, great points. I remember the drama, seeing how long T&T could hang in there. They'd have had no realistic shot of advancing with a scoreless tie rule.Can't we put it in just for Italy? (just joking, and yes, I know it wasn't funny)

I think it might be interesting in club football.

Don't sweat it. He spent a little too much time in Europe and hasn't quite shedded his need to be a ##### all the time.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Sounds like one more American "suggestion" on how to make the game better.

I expected comments like this. I love the sport, but I guess I shouldn't offer any thoughts, even after prefacing it as terrible and the stupidest idea of all time.

I'm gonna go with regular terrible.It's a good thought....would certainly make the games more exciting....but it hinders the defensive teams that got to the tournament with good defense.Trinidad and Tobago in the 2006 WC immediately came to mind. Those guys played their asses off, but they don't have the talent to pose a real scoring threat (did they score one against Paraguay?). They fought for that 0-0 draw with Sweden, and if England didn't score in the mid-80s, would have earned a tough 0-0 against the Brits. Teams that fight for a 0-0 draw still deserve the same points as a 1-1 draw would garner, IMO.

Good points. Actually, great points. I remember the drama, seeing how long T&T could hang in there. They'd have had no realistic shot of advancing with a scoreless tie rule.Can't we put it in just for Italy? (just joking, and yes, I know it wasn't funny)I think it might be interesting in club football.

Yeah.I mean, realistically, T&T didn't have a shot in hell of advancing. But I've played on teams in the past where we've put 8 behind the ball in a desperate attempt to just not concede a goal. IMO, sometimes a team's strength is defense....and when you're entirely overmatched like T&T was in WC '06....a 0-0 draw is as good as a win.Another interesting aspect would be the rule's effect on a team who has been struggling to score. If your team is in a slump, you may feel extra pressure to get that goal...knowing that if you don't score, you can't earn any points.It would make for more attacking soccer, but I think you'd see more 5-0 blowouts than 2-2 games. Imagine a team like Derby pouring 5 men forward against Manchester United in an effort to score a goal and earn a 1-1 draw. Man U would kill them on the counter-attack and score like 6 goals.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Oh, and T&T did not score a goal during World Cup 06.

 

[The Z Machine]

He spent a little too much time in Europe and hasn't quite shedded his need to be a ##### all the time.

Don't be jealous.

 

[Texas Football]

Is anyone else here putting their hopes in Russia? I'm not anti-Spanish, but I feel odd pulling for them. Real exciting play from the russkies.

I finally had the opportunity to watch the entire Italy-Spain game tonight and it was what to be expected. I knew the result 2 minutes afterword(work). I can understand why the guys that are only into the Prem hate their style. It makes you tough to beat in tourneys though.

I'm not overly disappointed with how the Italians went out. They made it through the GOD and in doing so beat France, again. To go out in spot kicks to a quality side is acceptible. It's not like they were destroyed on the field. With no Cannavaro, Barzagli or Pirlo.

Toni still has another WC at least.

The hate for Italy is always nice. I hope the haters understand that they do play a different and very effective style. When they want to go forward they are as good as anyone. I provided a link a couple pages back that shows it.

In this tournament they never had the lead(sans France) and I don't think Donadoni knows what the hell he is doing. Typical Italian style is to score one and then shut down D.

Pirlos second yellow was horrid because the French played with no class. Who knows what would have happened otherwise?

My prediction is that Italy goes out after the Group stage in S. Africa and Donadoni is out. Capello then comes home and there is like 12 years of Italian domination. j/k

I'm hoping Russia goes the rest of the way, but I won't be sad if Spain takes it. Both sides have players you can pull for. Although I have lost some manlove for Torres(short -term I am sure).

F Germany

(as normal I am pretty tanked while typing this and hope it passes)

 

[Christo]

Although I have lost some manlove for Torres(short -term I am sure).

Quite clearly Spain does not play the style that suits him.

 

[Texas Football]

Although I have lost some manlove for Torres(short -term I am sure).

Quite clearly Spain does not play the style that suits him.

The true greats can play any style. Look at at Paulo Rossi(overlook the scandals please) and Lineker worked in different styles. I have to assume Plattini did as well. Maybe we are just waiting for the next...

 

[The Z Machine]

Although I have lost some manlove for Torres(short -term I am sure).

Quite clearly Spain does not play the style that suits him.

This is actually true. Too many short passes for Torres, who would really like to play a more direct, up-tempo style. Obviously the system at Liverpool is suiting him just fine.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Although I have lost some manlove for Torres(short -term I am sure).

Quite clearly Spain does not play the style that suits him.

This is actually true. Too many short passes for Torres, who would really like to play a more direct, up-tempo style. Obviously the system at Liverpool is suiting him just fine.

He's still a great young player...give him time and I bet he'll fit right into the system.

 

[andy_b]

anyone who wants to see it can see the us-barbados game on espn360.com.

i guess it was so bad espn2 didn't show it when it was supposed to sunday night. more poker (i love poker, but can we stop showing last year's event already?).

I don't believe the US game was scheduled for ESPN2 to be shown live. It was scheduled and shown as advertised on ESPN Classic though.Was ESPN2 going to show a replay of the game maybe?

You didn't miss much.

 

[Christo]

Although I have lost some manlove for Torres(short -term I am sure).

Quite clearly Spain does not play the style that suits him.

The true greats can play any style. Look at at Paulo Rossi(overlook the scandals please) and Lineker worked in different styles. I have to assume Plattini did as well. Maybe we are just waiting for the next...

Torres is good. But he doesn't deserve to be mentioned with Rossi, Lineker or Platini.

 

[B Maverick]

Luca Toni and Ruud van Nistelrooy are the two best target men in the business IMO. They play very different styles though, and Toni is much more deadly with his head than Ruud (despite Ruud's header in that game... BTW, did you see he nearly concussed himself on the post to boot).

Ruud's game is like a power forward in basketball, or like the hole in water polo: take up space, frustrate defenders, use your body/strength/position to create chances for you and others. Toni is more aerial and is always looking for that hard cross, and not the soft touch pass.

Oh, and the US has NOTHING like either of them on the Nats. Nothing even close. Then again, the Us doesn't have the attacking MFs to set up such an attack. There's no Becks, there's no Ballack, there's no Deco, there's nothing like that. LD might be able to do that... if he played on the wing.

I agree on all of this. My point was just for any high school or college players looking to make a name as a striker, the US sorely needs a target player like Ruud and Toni. I think Altidore can be someone that can run off of a target. Be the withdrawn forward with some flair and score if he had a guy like McBride as a target. Damn do we miss him!!!

 

[Mjolnirs]

Some figures on the remaining teams at Euro 2008

Germany has 19 of 23 players that play in Germany. 2 in England and 2 in Spain.

Russia has 22 of 23 players that play in Russia. 1 in Germany.

Spain has 18 of 23 players that play in Spain. 5 in England.

Turkey has 17 of 23 players that play in Turkey. 2 in England, 1 in Spain, France, Germany and Russia.

23 total play in Russia, 21 play in Germany, 21 play in Spain, 17 play in Turkey.

9 in England and 1 in France.

Galatasary (Turkey) 8 players,

Fenerbahce (Turkey), Zenit (Russia), Bayern (Germany) each have 6 players,

CSKA (Russia) has 5

Lokomotiv (Russia), Valencia (Spain), Villareal (Spain), Liverpool (England) and Bremen (Germany) each have 4 players.

Barcelona (Spain) and Real Madrid (Spain) have 3 each.

The remaining players are scattered between 25 other teams.

 

[JuniorNB]

Some figures on the remaining teams at Euro 2008Germany has 19 of 23 players that play in Germany. 2 in England and 2 in Spain.Russia has 22 of 23 players that play in Russia. 1 in Germany.Spain has 18 of 23 players that play in Spain. 5 in England.Turkey has 17 of 23 players that play in Turkey. 2 in England, 1 in Spain, France, Germany and Russia.23 total play in Russia, 21 play in Germany, 21 play in Spain, 17 play in Turkey.9 in England and 1 in France.Galatasary (Turkey) 8 players,Fenerbahce (Turkey), Zenit (Russia), Bayern (Germany) each have 6 players,CSKA (Russia) has 5Lokomotiv (Russia), Valencia (Spain), Villareal (Spain), Liverpool (England) and Bremen (Germany) each have 4 players.Barcelona (Spain) and Real Madrid (Spain) have 3 each.The remaining players are scattered between 25 other teams.

Good information. Thanks.

 

[Kendall]

Back to the US game. I read that Beasly and Adu spent time alternating a the lone forward up top. I realize this was a throw away game, but why even put either of those players up there? There is zero chance of Beasly or Adu playing forward in a competive game right? Why fool around like this instead of playing players in the positions you intend to use them in?

 

[andy_b]

Russia has 22 of 23 players that play in Russia. 1 in Germany.

This is mind boggling looking at the quality of their players.Those numbers are going to change quite a bit in the coming years I bet.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Our soccer team won last night to go to 2-0. 5-1 win.

It poured the entire game....I played pretty badly....I had no touch, the ball was slipping everywhere.

I did manage a few nice passes (I actually had 4 assists, but no goals), but I was a little out of position playing out-and-out striker. I had one great chance where I beat a guy 1v1 and had a shot from about 12 yards at an angle. I lost my footing and sent the ball a mile wide and high. I felt like John Terry .

 

[andy_b]

The second round of CONCACAF qualifying is complete with only 1 minor upset (El Salvador over Panama)

These are the 12 teams that move on to the group phase (shown in there groups)

1) US, Guatemala, Cuba, T&T

2) Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Honduras

3) Costa Rica, Suriname, Haiti, El Salvador

Top 2 teams from each group advance.

Group 2 looks by far the toughest, followed by group 1 followed WAAY back by group 3 in which Costa Rica should have a cake walk. This also means that likely one weak team will make it to the final 6 since after CR, the other 3 in group 3 are not going to scare anyone.

Here is the US schedule

20.8.2008 Guatemala - USA

6.9.2008 Cuba - USA

10.9.2008 USA - Trinidad & Tobago Bridgeview, Illinois USA

11.10.2008 USA - Cuba 1 Washington, D.C. USA

15.10.2008 Trinidad & Tobago - USA

19.11.2008 USA - Guatemala Commerce City, Colorado USA

I have always maintained that its harder for the US to get out of this round than it is to grab one of the top 3 in the final round. If the US can secure 3-4 points from the first two matches (both away), then it should be smooth sailing from that point on.

I get nervous in this phase because all too many strange calls happen at these away games in CONCACAF. I am sure some remember just how close the US was to not making it out of this round in 2002, a team that was one horrible non-call away from the World Cup semi-finals.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I don't think the US should have too much trouble getting out of that group.

If they get 4 or 6 points from Cuba and at least 3 from the other two, they should be fine.

I could see them possibly dropping one to Guatemala while playing at Guatemala, but other than that....I don't see the US losing a game. Road games are always tough, but a draw would suffice....and we should be able to win all 3 home matches.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Our soccer team won last night to go to 2-0. 5-1 win.It poured the entire game....I played pretty badly....I had no touch, the ball was slipping everywhere.I did manage a few nice passes (I actually had 4 assists, but no goals), but I was a little out of position playing out-and-out striker. I had one great chance where I beat a guy 1v1 and had a shot from about 12 yards at an angle. I lost my footing and sent the ball a mile wide and high. I felt like John Terry .

The Dazed and Confused season started last night. With thunder and dark clouds rolling in we got started. 15 minutes later the lightning started popping and the ref called for a delay. 5 minutes later the field was under water. Game called while we were already down 1:0. Off like a herd of turtles.Our string of finishing 2nd place in the game is intact.

 

[Christo]

Back to the US game. I read that Beasly and Adu spent time alternating a the lone forward up top. I realize this was a throw away game, but why even put either of those players up there? There is zero chance of Beasly or Adu playing forward in a competive game right? Why fool around like this instead of playing players in the positions you intend to use them in?

Because it forces them out of their comfort zone and requires them to actually think about what they're doing. It also allows them to see the game through the eyes of the guys who they're supposed to be feeding the ball to. It will help them in the long run.

 

[The Z Machine]

I could see it if Altidore was there, that it's lame to not get him the PT with the USMNT, but he wasn't there (right?), so what the hell, why not get those younger players the exposure of being that man up top. I agree with Christo on this one.

 

[Moe.]

Some figures on the remaining teams at Euro 2008

Germany has 19 of 23 players that play in Germany. 2 in England and 2 in Spain.

Russia has 22 of 23 players that play in Russia. 1 in Germany.

Spain has 18 of 23 players that play in Spain. 5 in England.

Turkey has 17 of 23 players that play in Turkey. 2 in England, 1 in Spain, France, Germany and Russia.

23 total play in Russia, 21 play in Germany, 21 play in Spain, 17 play in Turkey.

9 in England and 1 in France.

Galatasary (Turkey) 8 players,

Fenerbahce (Turkey), Zenit (Russia), Bayern (Germany) each have 6 players,

CSKA (Russia) has 5

Lokomotiv (Russia), Valencia (Spain), Villareal (Spain), Liverpool (England) and Bremen (Germany) each have 4 players.

Barcelona (Spain) and Real Madrid (Spain) have 3 each.

The remaining players are scattered between 25 other teams.

who other than ballack plays in england?

 

[andy_b]

Some figures on the remaining teams at Euro 2008

Germany has 19 of 23 players that play in Germany. 2 in England and 2 in Spain.

Russia has 22 of 23 players that play in Russia. 1 in Germany.

Spain has 18 of 23 players that play in Spain. 5 in England.

Turkey has 17 of 23 players that play in Turkey. 2 in England, 1 in Spain, France, Germany and Russia.

23 total play in Russia, 21 play in Germany, 21 play in Spain, 17 play in Turkey.

9 in England and 1 in France.

Galatasary (Turkey) 8 players,

Fenerbahce (Turkey), Zenit (Russia), Bayern (Germany) each have 6 players,

CSKA (Russia) has 5

Lokomotiv (Russia), Valencia (Spain), Villareal (Spain), Liverpool (England) and Bremen (Germany) each have 4 players.

Barcelona (Spain) and Real Madrid (Spain) have 3 each.

The remaining players are scattered between 25 other teams.

who other than ballack plays in england?

Jens Lehmann is/was with Arsenal I think

 

[Moe.]

oh, i thought he already agreed to go to stuttgart. looking at their roster i dont recognize anyone else from the epl so it must be lehman, was originally thinking it might be a sub i hadnt heard of or something.

 

[andy_b]

oh, i thought he already agreed to go to stuttgart. looking at their roster i dont recognize anyone else from the epl so it must be lehman, was originally thinking it might be a sub i hadnt heard of or something.

I think he will officially join Stuttgart in July.

 

[HellToupee]

I hope Arshavin leaves the Russian league. I wonder how would hold up in England , he looks small. He might be better off in Spain or Italy, and avoiding the rougher play of the Premiership.

If Russia gets past Spain it will be interesting to see how he fares against zee Germans

 

[Steve Tasker]

Our soccer team won last night to go to 2-0. 5-1 win.It poured the entire game....I played pretty badly....I had no touch, the ball was slipping everywhere.I did manage a few nice passes (I actually had 4 assists, but no goals), but I was a little out of position playing out-and-out striker. I had one great chance where I beat a guy 1v1 and had a shot from about 12 yards at an angle. I lost my footing and sent the ball a mile wide and high. I felt like John Terry .

The Dazed and Confused season started last night. With thunder and dark clouds rolling in we got started. 15 minutes later the lightning started popping and the ref called for a delay. 5 minutes later the field was under water. Game called while we were already down 1:0. Off like a herd of turtles.Our string of finishing 2nd place in the game is intact.

Did the game count? You might still be undefeated!

 

[andy_b]

We were talking in depth about this issue a few pages back before Euro 2008 started but its worth mentioning again here as very relevant news was released today in of all placed New England.

Anyone who has hopes of the US taking the next step in its development in the next 10-15 is going to welcome this news with open arms. This is the first step in taking the elite players out of the amateur club system and placing them directly under the control of the pro clubs, as is done in the best soccer playing countries.

The Revs have done a fantastic job of accumulating the areas top talent. Whether any of these players ever make it to the pro level is going to be a long shot but its going to be fun to watch.

Once a similar setup is available across all pro clubs in the US, I am hopeful that we can do significantly better than the overburden Breadenton setup could do in producing top US players.

http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/index...10&pcid=115

 

[CletiusMaximus]

This looks like an event that might be fun to attend if one were in the neighborhood tomorrow night:

Charity Soccer Game

NEW YORK -- Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash will be doing some drafting of his own on the eve of the NBA draft, calling in some big names from his two favorite sports for a first of its kind charity game.

Baron Davis, Jason Kidd and international soccer star Thierry Henry have committed to join Nash and longtime U.S. national team captain Claudio Reyna for a charity soccer match on June 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Nike Field on Chrystie Street in Chinatown. The match is open to the public.

Nash spends a good bit of his summers playing soccer in New York and has grown close with Reyna, who moved to Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls after playing in four World Cups and a long career in Europe that included stints in Germany, Scotland and England. Nash and Reyna are co-hosting the event and a subsequent private auction in SoHo to benefit their respective foundations, billing it as "The Showdown In Chinatown."

Henry and Nash are also close, but the Barcelona striker didn't expect to be available to make a trip to the States this week. That changed when France crashed out early at Euro 2008, placing last in the so-called Group of Death behind the Netherlands, Italy and Romania and managing just one goal -- from Henry -- in three games.

Other soccer luminaries scheduled to participate include Liverpool legends Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman in a reunion of their successful partnership for the storied English club in the 1990s; hot-shot American striker Jozy Altidore; who at 18 just signed a deal to leave the Red Bulls for Villareal in Spain's Primera Liga; Red Bulls striker Juan Pablo Angel; and U.S. national team defender Gregg Berhalter, who plays in Germany for 1860 Munich.

Yet the most unique aspect of the game -- which will be played on artificial turf with eight players per side -- might be the participation of Davis and Kidd, who rank with Nash among the league's top point guards but don't have Nash's soccer background. Other NBA veterans expected to trade in their sneakers for boots include Nash's Suns teammate Raja Bell, whose wife Cindy played collegiate soccer while both were at Florida International, and two foreign-born players who did have a soccer upbringing like Nash: Phoenix's Leandro Barbosa and Chicago's Joakim Noah.

 

[El Floppo]

This looks like an event that might be fun to attend if one were in the neighborhood tomorrow night:

Charity Soccer Game

NEW YORK -- Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash will be doing some drafting of his own on the eve of the NBA draft, calling in some big names from his two favorite sports for a first of its kind charity game.

Baron Davis, Jason Kidd and international soccer star Thierry Henry have committed to join Nash and longtime U.S. national team captain Claudio Reyna for a charity soccer match on June 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Nike Field on Chrystie Street in Chinatown. The match is open to the public.

Nash spends a good bit of his summers playing soccer in New York and has grown close with Reyna, who moved to Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls after playing in four World Cups and a long career in Europe that included stints in Germany, Scotland and England. Nash and Reyna are co-hosting the event and a subsequent private auction in SoHo to benefit their respective foundations, billing it as "The Showdown In Chinatown."

Henry and Nash are also close, but the Barcelona striker didn't expect to be available to make a trip to the States this week. That changed when France crashed out early at Euro 2008, placing last in the so-called Group of Death behind the Netherlands, Italy and Romania and managing just one goal -- from Henry -- in three games.

Other soccer luminaries scheduled to participate include Liverpool legends Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman in a reunion of their successful partnership for the storied English club in the 1990s; hot-shot American striker Jozy Altidore; who at 18 just signed a deal to leave the Red Bulls for Villareal in Spain's Primera Liga; Red Bulls striker Juan Pablo Angel; and U.S. national team defender Gregg Berhalter, who plays in Germany for 1860 Munich.

Yet the most unique aspect of the game -- which will be played on artificial turf with eight players per side -- might be the participation of Davis and Kidd, who rank with Nash among the league's top point guards but don't have Nash's soccer background. Other NBA veterans expected to trade in their sneakers for boots include Nash's Suns teammate Raja Bell, whose wife Cindy played collegiate soccer while both were at Florida International, and two foreign-born players who did have a soccer upbringing like Nash: Phoenix's Leandro Barbosa and Chicago's Joakim Noah.

Holy ####! That's literally around the corner from my office, and around a couple of corners from my apartment!... small turf-grass fields... but not really anywhere to watch from other than pressed against the fences surrounding them. gotta try my best to get out there (f-ing work )No Kobe?

 

[El Floppo]

Back to the US game. I read that Beasly and Adu spent time alternating a the lone forward up top. I realize this was a throw away game, but why even put either of those players up there? There is zero chance of Beasly or Adu playing forward in a competive game right? Why fool around like this instead of playing players in the positions you intend to use them in?

Because it forces them out of their comfort zone and requires them to actually think about what they're doing. It also allows them to see the game through the eyes of the guys who they're supposed to be feeding the ball to. It will help them in the long run.

Respectively disagree with all of that.

 

[El Floppo]

I don't think the US should have too much trouble getting out of that group.

If they get 4 or 6 points from Cuba and at least 3 from the other two, they should be fine.

I could see them possibly dropping one to Guatemala while playing at Guatemala, but other than that....I don't see the US losing a game. Road games are always tough, but a draw would suffice....and we should be able to win all 3 home matches.

US should've lost or tied Cuba IN the US during the Gold Cup last time around... outplayed by them at times during that game. Man... this round always scares the crap out of me. The US will show up in Guatemela and every radio/TV station in the country will be telling people there exactly what hotel the US is staying at, essentially setting up a continuous 72 hour block party around their hotel... sleep= ... let alone the bizarro calls Andy alluded to earlier (and batteries/ misc. projectiles bombarding the players' heads all game).

 

[El Floppo]

Luca Toni and Ruud van Nistelrooy are the two best target men in the business IMO. They play very different styles though, and Toni is much more deadly with his head than Ruud (despite Ruud's header in that game... BTW, did you see he nearly concussed himself on the post to boot).

Ruud's game is like a power forward in basketball, or like the hole in water polo: take up space, frustrate defenders, use your body/strength/position to create chances for you and others. Toni is more aerial and is always looking for that hard cross, and not the soft touch pass.

Oh, and the US has NOTHING like either of them on the Nats. Nothing even close. Then again, the Us doesn't have the attacking MFs to set up such an attack. There's no Becks, there's no Ballack, there's no Deco, there's nothing like that. LD might be able to do that... if he played on the wing.

I agree on all of this. My point was just for any high school or college players looking to make a name as a striker, the US sorely needs a target player like Ruud and Toni. I think Altidore can be someone that can run off of a target. Be the withdrawn forward with some flair and score if he had a guy like McBride as a target. Damn do we miss him!!!

We've definitley got lots of slashers, but nobody who can hold the damn ball or win the tough ball in the air to play on or back to one of the slashers. sniff... McBride... come back!

 

[El Floppo]

Although I have lost some manlove for Torres(short -term I am sure).

Quite clearly Spain does not play the style that suits him.

Yeah... he just disappeared out there. He and Villa on completely different pages... hell- different media, let alone books. Without question the most talented striker combo in the competition, but it just wasn't happening against Italy (some credit to them).Gettign back to that game- thank GOD Italy lost. I really thought Italy had turned a corner in WC 06 qualifying- they were playing dynamic, attacking soccer- a real pleasure to watch... and I couldn't begrudge them the Cup (as much as I was routing for France). But this was brutal, cynical yuckiness. Yeah- no Gattuso or Pirlo- which hurts, but still... horrible. And I agree about the diving- both sides were making the most of every touch... it's just the Italians are so painfully annoying with their histrionics, and worse- seemingly resentful when the other team does it. That said- there was a lot of Italian boots to foot/legs on those tackles around the box... considering some of the more ticky-tac calls in the middle of the field, the ref showed a serious lack of cajones when the ball made it around the penatly area.And re: the diving and ways around it... I think Andy mentioned post-game replay with punishment dished out after the fact. I've been supporting that for a while now- especially if there are monetary fines to go with possible suspension. I just figure if the the flopping starts costing them money, the flopping will cease. Or maybe it's too engrained in some of the cultures... dunno.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Our string of finishing 2nd place in the game is intact.

Did the game count? You might still be undefeated!

Probably not. I haven't heard yet.I found a couple of interesting things on soccernet.com

On the front page there is a video on the right that talks about how the stadium the finals will be held in was used as a temporary prisoner camp for Jews in 1939. It is titled "Euro Cup Finals Will Be Held In A Prison That Was Used In WWII"

An article titled Oops! Wrong Stereotype talks about the international feel of these national teams:

<clips from the article>

...Having a look at the 2008 version of the European Championships, nationalism becomes an even more baffling concept to me, because it's so removed from what is happening on the pitches.

Consider the thrilling game between Switzerland and Turkey. The Swiss fielded no less than three players of Turkish origin (Gökhan Inler, Hakan Yakin and Eren Derdiyok), two of whom linked up to score the first goal.

While the Turks played a black midfielder born in Rio (Mehmet Aurelio) and brought on a striker born in Leytonstone, East London, to a father from Antigua (Kazim).

Or let's take the match between Austria and Croatia. A goal down, Austria tried to turn things around by bringing on yet another player of Turkish origin not playing for Turkey (Ümit Korkmaz) and of course also a striker who lived in Split, Croatia, until he was 21 (Ivica Vastic).

The Croats, meanwhile, fielded guys who could and will have conversed in perfect German with their Austrian opponents because it's the language they grew up with: Robert and Niko Kovac (born in Berlin) plus Mladen Petric (who came to Switzerland as a two-year-old). On the bench, there were Ivan Rakitic (born in Rheinfelden, Switzerland) and Ivan Klasnic (born in Hamburg).