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

[Spartans Rule]

How can these teams run at such huge debt rates?The one great thing about the Bundesliga is I believe they have MUCH stricter rules on how teams run the business.

It will be interesting to see if financial fair play can stop some of this behavior or if teams will just cook their books.If it works, the already-improving Bundesliga could be at a big advantage.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Barca budget at €45m: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/926957/barcelona-announce-%E2%82%AC45m-transfer-budget?cc=5901

Meet the Haves

I chose to follow Barca a few months ago, specifically because I'm stuck with several have-nots: The A's, the Warriors (I have hope that a move to SF will improve their fortunes), the Niners have been moribund for years.And it. Is. AWESOME. I wish I could've been born a Yankees fan, because it is great.

How can these teams run at such huge debt rates?The one great thing about the Bundesliga is I believe they have MUCH stricter rules on how teams run the business.

I read an article on ESPN Soccernet recently (might have been just today) that reported that EPL gross revenues are through the roof, and the teams are running record net losses...

 

[Spartans Rule]

That has a huge impact on the competitiveness of the league. The Bundesliga has had seven different clubs finish in the top three over the past three years. 2009 champion Wolfsburg battled relegation this season. I'm going to try and follow the Bundesliga more closely next season. ESPN3 has a lot of games available.

Planning to do this as well.

 

[The Gator]

Barca budget at €45m: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/926957/barcelona-announce-%E2%82%AC45m-transfer-budget?cc=5901

Meet the Haves

I chose to follow Barca a few months ago, specifically because I'm stuck with several have-nots: The A's, the Warriors (I have hope that a move to SF will improve their fortunes), the Niners have been moribund for years.And it. Is. AWESOME. I wish I could've been born a Yankees fan, because it is great.

How can these teams run at such huge debt rates?The one great thing about the Bundesliga is I believe they have MUCH stricter rules on how teams run the business.

I read an article on ESPN Soccernet recently (might have been just today) that reported that EPL gross revenues are through the roof, and the teams are running record net losses...

Read the same thing; Rink

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I'm intrigued by the Bundesliga as well, but Germans are scary people.

 

[Christo]

You Johnny-come-latelies sniffing around the Bundesliga get your own teams and stay away from my beloved team from Munich!

 

[NewlyRetired]

You Johnny-come-latelies sniffing around the Bundesliga get your own teams and stay away from my beloved team from Munich!

It is ironic that I have gotten so far away from the Bundesliga as us old guy like me and Floppo likely had our very first real soccer exposure on TV via the brilliant Soccer Made in Germany show on PBS hosted by Toby Charles.Some good memories herehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOTchs7zDGI

 

[NewlyRetired]

Barca budget at €45m: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/926957/barcelona-announce-%E2%82%AC45m-transfer-budget?cc=5901

Meet the Haves

I chose to follow Barca a few months ago, specifically because I'm stuck with several have-nots: The A's, the Warriors (I have hope that a move to SF will improve their fortunes), the Niners have been moribund for years.And it. Is. AWESOME. I wish I could've been born a Yankees fan, because it is great.

How can these teams run at such huge debt rates?The one great thing about the Bundesliga is I believe they have MUCH stricter rules on how teams run the business.

I read an article on ESPN Soccernet recently (might have been just today) that reported that EPL gross revenues are through the roof, and the teams are running record net losses...

US sports fix a mess like this via strikes or lockouts. Do they have player unions in Europe?

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Costa Rica and Mexico play tonight in their continuing battle to see who can score more going into their heads up match up in the last game.

In Mexico City tonight. Interested in seeing the reaction here for the game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Costa Rica and Mexico play tonight in their continuing battle to see who can score more going into their heads up match up in the last game.

In Mexico City tonight. Interested in seeing the reaction here for the game.

The first game was delayed by lightening. Surprisingly ELS is winning 1-0 over Costa Rica at start of second half. Think we will see any elongated time wasting? Lol ELS is also officially protesting the Mexico loss because of the doping charge.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Fox is reporting that 7 players have defected from the Cuban side leaving them with barely enough to play Mexico tonight.

CONCACAF is on a roll here

 

[jonessed]

How can these teams run at such huge debt rates?The one great thing about the Bundesliga is I believe they have MUCH stricter rules on how teams run the business.

It will be interesting to see if financial fair play can stop some of this behavior or if teams will just cook their books.If it works, the already-improving Bundesliga could be at a big advantage.

Barcelona, RM, AC Milan, and Inter all control their own TV revenues and have massive followings. They will clean house if the rules work like they are supposed to. The German and English leagues won't touch them.I'm beginning to really doubt that there aren't ways around the rules though. Some of these teams are way too smart to throw Europe away and they are spending like drunken sailors. I imagine they already know the loopholes.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Fox is reporting that 7 players have defected from the Cuban side leaving them with barely enough to play Mexico tonight. CONCACAF is on a roll here

lol

 

[NewlyRetired]

Is there any where in the country Mexico can not draw? Huge crowd in Charlotte tonight.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Little discussion point I was considering earlier. Where does Chicharito rank in terms of world strikers today? Don't take into account his potential, just as of today...where does he rank among the world's strikers?

And as I type this, Univision (with the extended pregame show due to the delayed early game) runs a commercial starring Guillermo Ochoa..."ouch"

 

[NewlyRetired]

Hmmm. This may not be good for the US.

ELS is still up 1-0 with 42 minutes gone in second half. . If this holds and knowing that CR still has Mexico to play this means the US could draw CR in the quarters. Pretty much worst case scenario from what I expected going in.

 

[NewlyRetired]

And as I type this, Univision (with the extended pregame show due to the delayed early game) runs a commercial starring Guillermo Ochoa..."ouch"

Did Univison confirm the defections?

 

[jonessed]

Little discussion point I was considering earlier. Where does Chicharito rank in terms of world strikers today? Don't take into account his potential, just as of today...where does he rank among the world's strikers? And as I type this, Univision (with the extended pregame show due to the delayed early game) runs a commercial starring Guillermo Ochoa..."ouch"

Outside the top 20, inside the top 50. I know that's a pretty big area, but once you get out of the top 20 I think it really gets jumbled up.

 

[NewlyRetired]

CR scores in the 95th minute! Gutting for ELS who played very well. Final whistle right on kickoff.

 

[LHUCKS]

Hmmm. This may not be good for the US. ELS is still up 1-0 with 42 minutes gone in second half. . If this holds and knowing that CR still has Mexico to play this means the US could draw CR in the quarters. Pretty much worst case scenario from what I expected going in.

We're a strong enough side that I prefer the toughest road possible for our development...bring on CR.

 

[Steve Tasker]

What an ending....El Salvador player embellishes a dive 3 minutes into stoppage time (refs had announced 4 minutes), ref adds additional time, and Costa Rica scores in the 96th to tie it 1-1. El Salvador defense falls asleep, a Costa Rica player plays a ridiculous header through ball, and the scorer finishes nicely from like 15 yards. Crazy.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Belgium media reporting they will play US at home in September. That should be an excellent friendly for the US.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ives tweeted that Cuba's bench looks full so the defections may not have happened.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I know I'm supposed to....but I really don't hate Mexico. I know we've talked about this in here before. When they play the US, I want the US to win by 10 goals, but I can't sit here watching them play Cuba and actively root against them. They're fun to watch, they have a number of exciting, talented players, and a ridiculous fanbase that I wish the USMNT had. I've found myself increasingly starting to pull for them in "neutral" games - World Cup, international friendlies, and the like.

Am I a bad American?

 

[bentley]

I know I'm supposed to....but I really don't hate Mexico. I know we've talked about this in here before. When they play the US, I want the US to win by 10 goals, but I can't sit here watching them play Cuba and actively root against them. They're fun to watch, they have a number of exciting, talented players, and a ridiculous fanbase that I wish the USMNT had. I've found myself increasingly starting to pull for them in "neutral" games - World Cup, international friendlies, and the like.Am I a bad American?

You've clearly never spent any time in Texas. Still pissed about Rafael Marquez being on my special edition Miller Lite 24 oz beer cans. Not pissed enough to stop drinking them, but right pissed.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I know I'm supposed to....but I really don't hate Mexico. I know we've talked about this in here before. When they play the US, I want the US to win by 10 goals, but I can't sit here watching them play Cuba and actively root against them. They're fun to watch, they have a number of exciting, talented players, and a ridiculous fanbase that I wish the USMNT had. I've found myself increasingly starting to pull for them in "neutral" games - World Cup, international friendlies, and the like.Am I a bad American?

You've clearly never spent any time in Texas. Still pissed about Rafael Marquez being on my special edition Miller Lite 24 oz beer cans. Not pissed enough to stop drinking them, but right pissed.

But I just saw a pregame Coke commercial starring Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite. That pretty much makes up for it.

 

[Steve Tasker]

KC stadium looks extremely impressive.

 

[NMYMND]

Little discussion point I was considering earlier. Where does Chicharito rank in terms of world strikers today? Don't take into account his potential, just as of today...where does he rank among the world's strikers?

Comfortably ahead of the best US options?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Little discussion point I was considering earlier. Where does Chicharito rank in terms of world strikers today? Don't take into account his potential, just as of today...where does he rank among the world's strikers?

Comfortably ahead of the best US options?

Gee way to go out on a limb

 

[bentley]

Little discussion point I was considering earlier. Where does Chicharito rank in terms of world strikers today? Don't take into account his potential, just as of today...where does he rank among the world's strikers?

Comfortably ahead of the best US options?

I have a huge two year old that's recently learned the difference between a basketball and soccer ball and kicks/shoots accordingly. I'm pretty sure he's close to being as good as any option the US has.

 

[NewlyRetired]

KC stadium looks extremely impressive.

It is beautiful. They may have screwed the name but they absolutely nailed this stadium. It is ultra loaded.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know I'm supposed to....but I really don't hate Mexico. I know we've talked about this in here before. When they play the US, I want the US to win by 10 goals, but I can't sit here watching them play Cuba and actively root against them. They're fun to watch, they have a number of exciting, talented players, and a ridiculous fanbase that I wish the USMNT had. I've found myself increasingly starting to pull for them in "neutral" games - World Cup, international friendlies, and the like.Am I a bad American?

I don't hate them either. I actively root for them in the World Cup for Concacaf reasons. Gio Dos Santos is a fabulous player to watch. I am more envious of their fan support in the states than anything else.

 

[Christo]

I know I'm supposed to....but I really don't hate Mexico. I know we've talked about this in here before. When they play the US, I want the US to win by 10 goals, but I can't sit here watching them play Cuba and actively root against them. They're fun to watch, they have a number of exciting, talented players, and a ridiculous fanbase that I wish the USMNT had. I've found myself increasingly starting to pull for them in "neutral" games - World Cup, international friendlies, and the like.Am I a bad American?

I don't hate them either. I actively root for them in the World Cup for Concacaf reasons. Gio Dos Santos is a fabulous player to watch. I am more envious of their fan support in the states than anything else.

Sure, but it's to be expected. What other team sport does Mexico excel at?

 

[NMYMND]

Little discussion point I was considering earlier. Where does Chicharito rank in terms of world strikers today? Don't take into account his potential, just as of today...where does he rank among the world's strikers?

Comfortably ahead of the best US options?

Gee way to go out on a limb

Based on current performance, I ave no problem putting him in the top 25, maybe the teens.

 

[The Gator]

Fox is reporting that 7 players have defected from the Cuban side leaving them with barely enough to play Mexico tonight. CONCACAF is on a roll here

oooof

 

[Sebowski]

I know I'm supposed to....but I really don't hate Mexico. I know we've talked about this in here before. When they play the US, I want the US to win by 10 goals, but I can't sit here watching them play Cuba and actively root against them. They're fun to watch, they have a number of exciting, talented players, and a ridiculous fanbase that I wish the USMNT had. I've found myself increasingly starting to pull for them in "neutral" games - World Cup, international friendlies, and the like.Am I a bad American?

Yes.I like some of their players too, but that team.... #### that team. All they do is ##### and moan when we beat them. They always have excuses and try to take any credit away from us they can. They are dirty as hell too. Remember Chicharito in the Argentina game? #### that little dweeb.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I still am amazed by how much atmosphere helps a game. These are two of the worst teams in the league and this is still fun to watch.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Last time KC had a home game they were playing in a minor league baseball stadium. Holy smokes their fans must be in heaven now.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I know I'm supposed to....but I really don't hate Mexico. I know we've talked about this in here before. When they play the US, I want the US to win by 10 goals, but I can't sit here watching them play Cuba and actively root against them. They're fun to watch, they have a number of exciting, talented players, and a ridiculous fanbase that I wish the USMNT had. I've found myself increasingly starting to pull for them in "neutral" games - World Cup, international friendlies, and the like.Am I a bad American?

Yes.I like some of their players too, but that team.... #### that team. All they do is ##### and moan when we beat them. They always have excuses and try to take any credit away from us they can. They are dirty as hell too. Remember Chicharito in the Argentina game? #### that little dweeb.

I'm not really sure how that's any different than most teams...

 

[The Gator]

Am I a bad American?

Yes.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know I'm supposed to....but I really don't hate Mexico. I know we've talked about this in here before. When they play the US, I want the US to win by 10 goals, but I can't sit here watching them play Cuba and actively root against them. They're fun to watch, they have a number of exciting, talented players, and a ridiculous fanbase that I wish the USMNT had. I've found myself increasingly starting to pull for them in "neutral" games - World Cup, international friendlies, and the like.Am I a bad American?

Yes.I like some of their players too, but that team.... #### that team. All they do is ##### and moan when we beat them. They always have excuses and try to take any credit away from us they can. They are dirty as hell too. Remember Chicharito in the Argentina game? #### that little dweeb.

I'm not really sure how that's any different than most teams...

I think Mexico is SIGNIFICANTLY more dirty than the US is when they know they are about to lose.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I know I'm supposed to....but I really don't hate Mexico. I know we've talked about this in here before. When they play the US, I want the US to win by 10 goals, but I can't sit here watching them play Cuba and actively root against them. They're fun to watch, they have a number of exciting, talented players, and a ridiculous fanbase that I wish the USMNT had. I've found myself increasingly starting to pull for them in "neutral" games - World Cup, international friendlies, and the like.Am I a bad American?

Yes.I like some of their players too, but that team.... #### that team. All they do is ##### and moan when we beat them. They always have excuses and try to take any credit away from us they can. They are dirty as hell too. Remember Chicharito in the Argentina game? #### that little dweeb.

I'm not really sure how that's any different than most teams...

I think Mexico is SIGNIFICANTLY more dirty than the US is when they know they are about to lose.

Of course we feel that way...we're US fans...

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know I'm supposed to....but I really don't hate Mexico. I know we've talked about this in here before. When they play the US, I want the US to win by 10 goals, but I can't sit here watching them play Cuba and actively root against them. They're fun to watch, they have a number of exciting, talented players, and a ridiculous fanbase that I wish the USMNT had. I've found myself increasingly starting to pull for them in "neutral" games - World Cup, international friendlies, and the like.Am I a bad American?

Yes.I like some of their players too, but that team.... #### that team. All they do is ##### and moan when we beat them. They always have excuses and try to take any credit away from us they can. They are dirty as hell too. Remember Chicharito in the Argentina game? #### that little dweeb.

I'm not really sure how that's any different than most teams...

I think Mexico is SIGNIFICANTLY more dirty than the US is when they know they are about to lose.

Of course we feel that way...we're US fans...

It has nothing to do with being US fans. The actions speak for themselves. There have been so many incidents late in games when the US was beating Mexico. This has nothing to do with bias, it is pure fact.

 

[Steve Tasker]

It has nothing to do with being US fans. The actions speak for themselves. There have been so many incidents late in games when the US was beating Mexico. This has nothing to do with bias, it is pure fact.

I'm not arguing with you, I'm agreeing with you. I do think that there's a pretty big inherent bias in our judgement, though.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It has nothing to do with being US fans. The actions speak for themselves. There have been so many incidents late in games when the US was beating Mexico. This has nothing to do with bias, it is pure fact.

I'm not arguing with you, I'm agreeing with you. I do think that there's a pretty big inherent bias in our judgement, though.

I don't think so. No other team acts like that when they lose to US. However I do think Mexico acts this way MUCH more when the play the US than other teams. I really think there is so much pressure on them to beat the US from their media and fans that they become incredibly frustrated when they don't. I think the frustration is understandable because I think most of us would agree that Mexico has as good or better players than the US and yet the results don't support that unless they play in Azteca.

 

[Eephus]

It has nothing to do with being US fans. The actions speak for themselves. There have been so many incidents late in games when the US was beating Mexico. This has nothing to do with bias, it is pure fact.

I'm not arguing with you, I'm agreeing with you. I do think that there's a pretty big inherent bias in our judgement, though.

I don't think so. No other team acts like that when they lose to US. However I do think Mexico acts this way MUCH more when the play the US than other teams. I really think there is so much pressure on them to beat the US from their media and fans that they become incredibly frustrated when they don't. I think the frustration is understandable because I think most of us would agree that Mexico has as good or better players than the US and yet the results don't support that unless they play in Azteca.

Hope we get to test the hypothesis on June 25th

 

[Steve Tasker]

It has nothing to do with being US fans. The actions speak for themselves. There have been so many incidents late in games when the US was beating Mexico. This has nothing to do with bias, it is pure fact.

I'm not arguing with you, I'm agreeing with you. I do think that there's a pretty big inherent bias in our judgement, though.

I don't think so. No other team acts like that when they lose to US. However I do think Mexico acts this way MUCH more when the play the US than other teams. I really think there is so much pressure on them to beat the US from their media and fans that they become incredibly frustrated when they don't. I think the frustration is understandable because I think most of us would agree that Mexico has as good or better players than the US and yet the results don't support that unless they play in Azteca.

I agree....the Mexican team on paper >> US team on paper, but the results rarely show it.Also, the wheels have fallen off for Cuba and Mexico has scored 3 goals (and Chicharito just missed a gimme) in the last like 7 minutes.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It has nothing to do with being US fans. The actions speak for themselves. There have been so many incidents late in games when the US was beating Mexico. This has nothing to do with bias, it is pure fact.

I'm not arguing with you, I'm agreeing with you. I do think that there's a pretty big inherent bias in our judgement, though.

I don't think so. No other team acts like that when they lose to US. However I do think Mexico acts this way MUCH more when the play the US than other teams. I really think there is so much pressure on them to beat the US from their media and fans that they become incredibly frustrated when they don't. I think the frustration is understandable because I think most of us would agree that Mexico has as good or better players than the US and yet the results don't support that unless they play in Azteca.

I agree....the Mexican team on paper >> US team on paper, but the results rarely show it.Also, the wheels have fallen off for Cuba and Mexico has scored 3 goals (and Chicharito just missed a gimme) in the last like 7 minutes.

Mexico looks very good so far. They are pounding the teams they should. Will be interesting to see if they handle CR easily. They still need to tie or beat CR to win the group I think.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It has nothing to do with being US fans. The actions speak for themselves. There have been so many incidents late in games when the US was beating Mexico. This has nothing to do with bias, it is pure fact.

I'm not arguing with you, I'm agreeing with you. I do think that there's a pretty big inherent bias in our judgement, though.

I don't think so. No other team acts like that when they lose to US. However I do think Mexico acts this way MUCH more when the play the US than other teams. I really think there is so much pressure on them to beat the US from their media and fans that they become incredibly frustrated when they don't. I think the frustration is understandable because I think most of us would agree that Mexico has as good or better players than the US and yet the results don't support that unless they play in Azteca.

Hope we get to test the hypothesis on June 25th

Will be a great game I think if both teams make it. Tough though for US in front of 90k Mexican fans. Eventually Mexico has to break out of the funk they have been in against the US for the last ten years. As well as they are playing, and playing basically the final in front of a home crowd, I think they are REALLY going to question themselves if they don't beat the US.

 

[Sebowski]

They took the tests a month ago and they don't act on the results until after they played a game? What, are they applying for jobs with FIFA?

ETA: Where did jones' post go?