***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Christo]

Women's World Cup final sets new US television record

USA-Japan becomes most watched soccer match in cable history

The 2011 Women’s World Cup final between the USA and Japan on Sunday made US television history, becoming the most watched soccer match in cable history and the second-highest-rated women's soccer match in US television history.

The 7.4 overnight Nielsen rating on ESPN for the final (13,458,000 viewers) was better than the audience registered for the dramatic group stage victory by the USMNT against Algeria, which previously held the highest mark for a soccer match (4.0 rating / 6,160,000 viewers). It’s no surprise that it’s also the second most-watched daytime telecast (6 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET) in cable history behind only the 2011 Rose Bowl on ESPN (20,557,000 viewers).

The USA vs. Japan women’s final now assumes its place as the No. 6 most-viewed soccer telecast in US television history. Here’s the list:

1. 1999 WWC Final USA vs. China (17,975,000 viewers)

2. 2010 MWC Final Holland vs. Spain (15,905,000 viewers)

3. 2010 MWC Round of 16 USA vs. Ghana (15,193,000 viewers)

4. 1994 MWC Final Italy vs. Brazil (14,510,000 viewers)

5. 1994 MWC Round of 16 USA vs. Brazil (13,694,000 viewers)

6. 2011 WWC Final USA vs. Japan (13,458,000 viewers)

The DMV, as the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia areas are known, were in the Top 5 markets for the Women’s World Cup final. Baltimore led the way with a 12.3 rating, followed by San Diego (11.8), West Palm Beach (11.7), Washington, D.C. (11.5) and Norfolk, Va. (11.1).

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/07/18/womens-world-cup-final-sets-new-us-television-record

 

[Christo]

I'd have to waste a late yellow on Balotelli on principle alone. What a #####.

 

[Brady Marino]

Hope Solo comes across as being a giant #####, in interviews IMO. And she isn't that hot- 6.5.

I realize there is a whole thread on this that I should probably comment in, but I don't find her attractive at all. :X

In that same thread, we came to the conclusion that Alex Morgan was probably the hottest thing in the whole World Cup.

 

[JMon348]

Pep Guardiola says Arsenal have agreed to negotiate over the sale of Cesc Fabregas but revealed Barcelona's priority this summer is a forward.

Arsenal rejected two bids for Fabregas last year, and they have already turned down a further offer this summer, but Guardiola has now confirmed the reports that the Gunners are now willing to talk over their captain.

"Last year we were interested in Cesc but Arsenal did not make him available," he told a press conference. "This year Arsenal have agreed to negotiate and we're working on it. Prices in the market are what they are right now, but I hope that everything can be resolved."

He added: "Everything we have done has been with the permission of Arsenal and Mr Wenger knows that."

However, Guardiola also revealed that Fabregas is not the club's number one priority this summer and suggested he would be happy to wait another year to complete the deal.

"Between a midfielder and a forward, our priority is a forward," he said, "but there's money for two players."

He added: "There is money available to sign the player and until the last day [of the transfer window] we will try to sign him, but I'm the first to understand that sometimes these things cannot happen.

"Cesc will make us better, we're interested, but if it's not to be then maybe we will complete the deal next year and use the money for something else."

There have been suggestions Fabregas could force Arsenal's hand by refusing to play for the club or demanding a transfer, but Guardiola said: "I don't like it when players go on strike.

"Cesc has to do what Arsenal ask. If he didn't go on the club's pre-season tour to Asia, it's because he's injured. He belongs to Arsenal."

Barcelona's desire to sign a forward appears to show that Udinese star Alexis Sanchez is the club's top target this summer. Barca had appeared closer to a deal for the Chile international but Guardiola warned fans that there are no guarantees the signing will be completed.

"Udinese have a right to defend their interests," he said. "We made an offer and from there we negotiate. You can't expect to arrive and sign who you want just like that.

"The technical secretary [Andoni Zubizarreta] gave us four or five options for forwards and Alexis was the one we liked. If we complete the deal, great. If we can't reach an agreement, we'll go for a cheaper player or see what we have in the B team."

Guardiola also said that the decision to renew Thiago Alcantara's contract is entirely unrelated to the club's bid to sign Fabregas.

"The renewal of Thiago's contract has nothing to do with any deal for Cesc," he said. "It was always clear to us we wanted to keep Thiago. At his age, Xavi and Iniesta weren't playing at his level.

"Thiago has great talent and a lot of personality. He is really brave and daring. He faces a lot of competition in his position but we'll try to give him some minutes on the field."

 

[JMon348]

YaYa Toure's injury looked really bad last night. First I thought he blew out his knee, but all the reports say it was his ankle. Mancini says its not serious.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini played down injury fears surrounding Yaya Toure following the 2-1 friendly win over Vancouver Whitecaps.Toure turned his ankle towards the end of the first half and it quickly became apparent that the Ivorian would not be able to continue.Toure had to be helped back to City's dressing room and played no further part in the game.The injury initially looked serious, but Mancini insisted that the damage was not too bad."We will have to see but I hope he will have recovered in three or four days," the Italian said."He fell over the other player's foot and hurt his ankle, but hopefully he will be OK."

 

[The Z Machine]

Since I just moved to BMore, I need to sign up for TV service. What service are you using to get soccer channels. I didn't have these in Oakland, but since I'm unemployed and in a better time zone, I figured what the hell, I might as well get soccer channels at home and move into the 21st century with HD and all that.

So, what service are you using and how much does it cost? I'm interested in FSC and GolTV primarily. Obviously HD is where it's at with soccer, but it seems that only DirecTV has HD soccer.

BTW, dealing with the dish and cable sales reps is worse than dealing with a used car salesman, because half the time I can't understand them.

 

[JMon348]

Since I just moved to BMore, I need to sign up for TV service. What service are you using to get soccer channels. I didn't have these in Oakland, but since I'm unemployed and in a better time zone, I figured what the hell, I might as well get soccer channels at home and move into the 21st century with HD and all that.So, what service are you using and how much does it cost? I'm interested in FSC and GolTV primarily. Obviously HD is where it's at with soccer, but it seems that only DirecTV has HD soccer.BTW, dealing with the dish and cable sales reps is worse than dealing with a used car salesman, because half the time I can't understand them.

Verizon has Gol Tv and FSC(HD). Plus all the spanish channels like ESPN Deportes and such. Gol Tv is said to becoming in HD soon.

 

[The Z Machine]

Since I just moved to BMore, I need to sign up for TV service. What service are you using to get soccer channels. I didn't have these in Oakland, but since I'm unemployed and in a better time zone, I figured what the hell, I might as well get soccer channels at home and move into the 21st century with HD and all that.So, what service are you using and how much does it cost? I'm interested in FSC and GolTV primarily. Obviously HD is where it's at with soccer, but it seems that only DirecTV has HD soccer.BTW, dealing with the dish and cable sales reps is worse than dealing with a used car salesman, because half the time I can't understand them.

Verizon has Gol Tv and FSC(HD). Plus all the spanish channels like ESPN Deportes and such. Gol Tv is said to becoming in HD soon.

Can't get FIOS as I live too close to the ghetto. Verizon is scared I think.

 

[El Floppo]

Hope Solo comes across as being a giant #####, in interviews IMO. And she isn't that hot- 6.5.

I realize there is a whole thread on this that I should probably comment in, but I don't find her attractive at all. :X

In that same thread, we came to the conclusion that Alex Morgan was probably the hottest thing in the whole World Cup.

She's cute, but I personally wouldn't call her "hot".IMO, the prettiest girl I saw in the WWC was Necib? for France.

 

[Slapdash]

Since I just moved to BMore, I need to sign up for TV service. What service are you using to get soccer channels. I didn't have these in Oakland, but since I'm unemployed and in a better time zone, I figured what the hell, I might as well get soccer channels at home and move into the 21st century with HD and all that.

So, what service are you using and how much does it cost? I'm interested in FSC and GolTV primarily. Obviously HD is where it's at with soccer, but it seems that only DirecTV has HD soccer.

BTW, dealing with the dish and cable sales reps is worse than dealing with a used car salesman, because half the time I can't understand them.

Verizon has Gol Tv and FSC(HD). Plus all the spanish channels like ESPN Deportes and such. Gol Tv is said to becoming in HD soon.

I already have a GolTV HD channel. Looking forward to hearing some Ray Hudson this year since I only had the Spanish version before.

 

[The Z Machine]

The best deals I can find are through Verizon which will do DSL + DirecTV. I'd be going with the "Más Ultra" package, as it has GolTV and FSC.

What's the deal with FSC Plus? Are there decent games on there? Since I care about 1) La Liga, 2) EPL, 3) Serie A in that order, will GolTV + FSC be my best bet? Also, where is Champion's League shown?

 

[Spartans Rule]

The best deals I can find are through Verizon which will do DSL + DirecTV. I'd be going with the "Más Ultra" package, as it has GolTV and FSC.What's the deal with FSC Plus? Are there decent games on there? Since I care about 1) La Liga, 2) EPL, 3) Serie A in that order, will GolTV + FSC be my best bet? Also, where is Champion's League shown?

FSC has the Champions League. They show a live game every match day and usually another on tape delay. I don't get FSC Plus but I believe they show extra live CL games on there.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Heard them talking on the radio that the Western New York Flash (WPS team) return home for a very rare sold out game (14,000 fans), and the even rarer treat of having a bobblehead night for a player on the opposing team. Abby Wambach (plays for Magicjack, who are in town tomorrow) is from Rochester, where the WNY Flash currently play, so they're having an Abby Wambach bobblehead night even though she's on the other team

Should be a cool scene, I'm sure...Magicjack has quite a few WNT players (Wambach, Hope Solo, etc.) and WNY has Alex Morgan...I'm sure they'll all get a nice reception. I'm not sure how well Marta will be received, though.

 

[whoknew]

Heard them talking on the radio that the Western New York Flash (WPS team) return home for a very rare sold out game (14,000 fans), and the even rarer treat of having a bobblehead night for a player on the opposing team. Abby Wambach (plays for Magicjack, who are in town tomorrow) is from Rochester, where the WNY Flash currently play, so they're having an Abby Wambach bobblehead night even though she's on the other team Should be a cool scene, I'm sure...Magicjack has quite a few WNT players (Wambach, Hope Solo, etc.) and WNY has Alex Morgan...I'm sure they'll all get a nice reception. I'm not sure how well Marta will be received, though.

Yea except Abby's not going to play. The Magicjack have asked her to rest her injuries from the WWC. This is not going to go over well in Rochester.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Uruguay go up 1-0.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Heard them talking on the radio that the Western New York Flash (WPS team) return home for a very rare sold out game (14,000 fans), and the even rarer treat of having a bobblehead night for a player on the opposing team. Abby Wambach (plays for Magicjack, who are in town tomorrow) is from Rochester, where the WNY Flash currently play, so they're having an Abby Wambach bobblehead night even though she's on the other team Should be a cool scene, I'm sure...Magicjack has quite a few WNT players (Wambach, Hope Solo, etc.) and WNY has Alex Morgan...I'm sure they'll all get a nice reception. I'm not sure how well Marta will be received, though.

Yea except Abby's not going to play. The Magicjack have asked her to rest her injuries from the WWC. This is not going to go over well in Rochester.

I didn't hear that. The Flash might as well use the women's soccer craze to sell tickets while they've got the chance, though. I can't imagine they sell out too often (although I don't know for sure).

 

[Steve Tasker]

Suarez does it again

 

[whoknew]

Heard them talking on the radio that the Western New York Flash (WPS team) return home for a very rare sold out game (14,000 fans), and the even rarer treat of having a bobblehead night for a player on the opposing team. Abby Wambach (plays for Magicjack, who are in town tomorrow) is from Rochester, where the WNY Flash currently play, so they're having an Abby Wambach bobblehead night even though she's on the other team

Should be a cool scene, I'm sure...Magicjack has quite a few WNT players (Wambach, Hope Solo, etc.) and WNY has Alex Morgan...I'm sure they'll all get a nice reception. I'm not sure how well Marta will be received, though.

Yea except Abby's not going to play. The Magicjack have asked her to rest her injuries from the WWC. This is not going to go over well in Rochester.

I didn't hear that. The Flash might as well use the women's soccer craze to sell tickets while they've got the chance, though. I can't imagine they sell out too often (although I don't know for sure).

My cousin is a reporter in Rochester and he posted this article on his fb page today:Link



Wambach Not Expected to Play on Wednesday

Images

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Abby Wambach is not expected to play vs. the WNY Flash in Rochester on Wednesday night, according to Dan Borislow, owner of the MagicJack soccer team.

"I doubt very much that she is playing," Borislow said in on e-mail on Tuesday afternoon. He later added that the decision to play or not is ultimately up to Abby herself, but that the team has advised her to not play.

"The thing the media did not know is that Abby and Shannon (Boxx) played hurt (during the entire World Cup). If they played now, I would risk losing them for the entire season."

As of Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday's game had officially sold out with a crowd of 15,000 expected at Sahlen's Stadium for the game.

Abby will be attending a fan rally at 2:00 p.m. at Eastview Mall on Wednesday, and will speak at a press conference before the event.

She will be honored before the game Wednesday night by Rochester Mayor Tom Richards, and at halftime by County Executive Maggie Brooks who will proclaim July 20th "Abby Wambach Day."

Wambach returns to Rochester having made quite a media tour over the past couple of days. On Tuesday she was featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, ESPN, The Daily Show, and the Late Show with David Letterman.

"She is so strong to be paraded around doing all of these shows," Borislow added. "She is doing this on pure adrenaline."

 

[Steve Tasker]

My cousin is a reporter in Rochester and he posted this article on his fb page today:

Link



Wambach Not Expected to Play on Wednesday

Images

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Abby Wambach is not expected to play vs. the WNY Flash in Rochester on Wednesday night, according to Dan Borislow, owner of the MagicJack soccer team.

"I doubt very much that she is playing," Borislow said in on e-mail on Tuesday afternoon. He later added that the decision to play or not is ultimately up to Abby herself, but that the team has advised her to not play.

"The thing the media did not know is that Abby and Shannon (Boxx) played hurt (during the entire World Cup). If they played now, I would risk losing them for the entire season."

As of Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday's game had officially sold out with a crowd of 15,000 expected at Sahlen's Stadium for the game.

Abby will be attending a fan rally at 2:00 p.m. at Eastview Mall on Wednesday, and will speak at a press conference before the event.

She will be honored before the game Wednesday night by Rochester Mayor Tom Richards, and at halftime by County Executive Maggie Brooks who will proclaim July 20th "Abby Wambach Day."

Wambach returns to Rochester having made quite a media tour over the past couple of days. On Tuesday she was featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, ESPN, The Daily Show, and the Late Show with David Letterman.

"She is so strong to be paraded around doing all of these shows," Borislow added. "She is doing this on pure adrenaline."

FWIW, I wasn't disagreeing with you, I just hadn't heard it. Too bad for the fans...hopefully she makes an appearance at least on the sidelines, warmups, etc.

 

[The Gator]

Suarez does it again

get used to this

 

[El Floppo]

Suarez does it again

get used to this

the italics?

 

[The Z Machine]

Man City looks like they'll pay the 45m€ for el Kun. According to AS.com, they'll be paying him over 150k pounds per week. That's a bit of a pay cut for Kun, who was earning above 230k€ per week at Atlético.

 

[guru_007]

If Chelsea lands this Lukaku cat, dude will be a household name within 2 years. Saw him play a few games last year and he is a beast. He's been linked to Chelsea for awhile now, we'll see if it happens.

I have a hard time seeing Man$ity getting Arguero before they are able to ship off Tevez, and tbh, I'm not sure where Tevez is gonna end up going. I know he wants out, but the wage/transfer money he commands really makes it tough for him to get sold. And frankly, Tevez is not near worth it. He's a very good player, high effort, but he lacks a number of key components to make him world class, mainly his speed and size. Someone mentioned he's the fourth best striker on Argentina, and this is probably true. I don't think Arguero is gonna thrive all that much at City either, I think we see another Robinho like effort there. Arguero at Arsenal would be very interesting - maybe even Spurs or Chelsea. Not saying he's going to any of those clubs, I just don't think he's a match at the eastlands.

These pesky Sneijder to United rumors will not die down. It seems like a logical match, but I don't see it happening, and don't really want it to happen. United may lack a true central midfielder right now, and may be even in more dire straits with Fletcher coming down ill again, but I think they can easily make due. They can drop Rooney or hell, Berbatov back a bit behind the strikers, and let them get the ball out to the wings, or to an open attacker.

just about a month away now from season starting. Unfortunately I'll be in Vegas for that ....well, the only thing that sucks is the EARLY start times - had to wake up something like 4 in the morning last time out there to watch United, but this time going with some old friends, so more than likely I'll still be up when the games start, at least I can only hope ...just need to find a connection while out there

 

[The Z Machine]

¡Vamos Venezuela! La vinotinto al final!

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

If Chelsea lands this Lukaku cat, dude will be a household name within 2 years.

I'm hoping that goes through because it means that Everton has a better chance at Sturridge. Please, please, please Everton.....make that happen. Do something....hell, do ANYTHING this summer.

 

[Christo]

John Arne Riise joins Fulham from Roma

 

[The Z Machine]

After a boring second half, VZLA. puts two off the post in two minutes in the 95th.

Now a Paraguayan got a second yellow.

 

[The Z Machine]

Penalties. Ugh. Venezuela hasn't had to go through it in this tournament.

 

[Steve Tasker]

penalties

 

[The Z Machine]

The Paraguayan coach and his assistant both got the boot.

 

[The Z Machine]

Seems like an inordinate number of extra times and penalties in this copa.

Both Valdez and Santa Cruz are out too.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Z - I tried to PM you about the Philly/Real Madrid game this weekend, but you can't accept any new messages.

 

[The Z Machine]

C'mon Vega!

 

[Steve Tasker]

Venezuelan PK takers with icewater in their veins...2 absolutely perfect PKs in a row.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I jinxed them.

 

[The Z Machine]

Damn. So close. Let's hope Venezuela uses this tournament as a building block for qualification. They played better than Paraguay in the second half, but they couldn't put one in when it counted.

 

[The Z Machine]

Stevie, did you see the melee at the end there? There's some bad blood brewing between these two teams.

Oh and email about the Real game. I sent you a PM.

 

[ffldrew]

Harkes is rocking on the Spanish names tonight

 

[JMon348]

Just got tickets for next Saturdays Barca/Man U game!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Texas Football]

This ManU v Seattle game is a clinic by ManU in the 2nd half.

Goals for the casual fan galore!

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Hola Larissa!

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Hola Larissa!

pics?

 

[Brady Marino]

Hola Larissa!

pics?

Pretty sure he's talking about this chick.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

one of my faves

 

[CletiusMaximus]

one of my faves

With Paraguay in the Copa final, Larissa gets 15 more well-deserved minutes of fame.

 

[Brady Marino]

Speaking of Larissa....

With an incredible win over Brazil in Copa America semifinal, the Paraguay national football team kept the dream of its biggest and hottest fan, Larissa Riquelme, alive.

Larissa, for the second time has promised to bare it all for the team if it lifts the Copa America trophy. Larissa had promised to run naked on the streets of Paraguay if her team won the Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

As that did not happen, the 26-year-old model made another promise saying: "If Paraguay win the Copa America then, I shall pose nude on the pitch.'' She said as she gestured in the direction of the Brigadier General Estanislao Lopez Stadium before the match against Ecuador.

GO PARAGUAY!!!

 

[LHUCKS]

one of my faves

8.5

 

[Sebowski]

Anyone else notice how quick the Spanish announcer was with his PK calls? He was calling goal as the ball left the strikers foot. I even went back and paused it right when he started to say goal and the ball wasn't in yet. It was eery.

 

[The Z Machine]

Anyone else notice how quick the Spanish announcer was with his PK calls? He was calling goal as the ball left the strikers foot. I even went back and paused it right when he started to say goal and the ball wasn't in yet. It was eery.

I watched past of the post game interviews and it was obvious that the video was about a half second delayed relative to audio. That's why he could "predict" the penalties.

 

[B Maverick]

Just got tickets for next Saturdays Barca/Man U game!!!!!!!!!!!

This ManU v Seattle game is a clinic by ManU in the 2nd half.Goals for the casual fan galore!

As it should be!!!Ok to be fair, Seattle looked good in the first half and could have easily been up or even tied. Just a matter of depth when going to subs by Seattle to reward everyone with playing time. Scoreline wasnt the true story and makes Seattle look bad when they were working hard to take it to United.BUT, when you can bring on Rooney after leading 1-0, thats the depth of the team.Anderson is not a defensive MF and looked horrible. Giggs played the attacking MF nicely but wont give you a full season at his age. If Obertan can stop tripping over himself and the ball he could grow into the side as well. Outside of a true center mid, the team looks ready to fly!