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

[Good Posting Judge]

Dzagoev!

His agent has to be doing back flips right now. At his age and having a break out at a major tournament the timing could not be more perfect

Roman's probably already trying to trade for him on the black market.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Rangers are heading to liquidation. This result means they are now banned from Europe for three years. Also, the other SPL members now need to vote on whether Rangers will be allowed to play in the SPL.

Wow. I know teams have been docked points for going into administration/bankruptcy, but this is different/bigger, yes? What's the thinking in Scotland? Keep them to try and help the league survive? Drop them a couple divisions and let them work their way up again?Any other teams who suffered a similar fate? Might not be fatal though since Rangers will still have a big stadium/fan base. Didn't Juve get booted to the 3rd division after the last match-fixing scandal? Leeds did themselves in with the big transfer fees when they made their CL run and they never recovered.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I feel like a sucker but I think I'm just going to order the ppv tonight. I think it's only $30, for some reason I was expecting boxing/mma prices. I hate streaming games on my laptop.

I hate streaming as well. But for me it's not the cost of the ppv, it is not wanting to, in any way, contribute to this happening again. The only way this crap stops is for the company that is putting it on ppv to not make enough money to justify the cost.

This.

Yeah. But like I said I don't blame anyone for getting the ppv.If the buy rate is low enough, the games will get back on ESPN or NBCSN. The networks already have a good feel for what they can get for a qualifier, and no matter what happens on ppv, that equation won't change in terms of what they will pay. In a related note, US vs Antigua drew 899k fans on ESPN.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here are some of this viewership numbers for the Euros on ESPN.

Spain-Italy (2.1M)

Germany-Portugal (1.8M)

Ireland-Croatia (1.4M)

Netherlands-Denmark (1.4M)

Russia - Czech Republic (736k)

Poland - Greece (716k)

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rangers are heading to liquidation. This result means they are now banned from Europe for three years. Also, the other SPL members now need to vote on whether Rangers will be allowed to play in the SPL.

Wow. I know teams have been docked points for going into administration/bankruptcy, but this is different/bigger, yes? What's the thinking in Scotland? Keep them to try and help the league survive? Drop them a couple divisions and let them work their way up again?Any other teams who suffered a similar fate? Might not be fatal though since Rangers will still have a big stadium/fan base. Didn't Juve get booted to the 3rd division after the last match-fixing scandal? Leeds did themselves in with the big transfer fees when they made their CL run and they never recovered.

The Euro ban I think comes from UEFA. How they are handled in the league is specific to the domestic league itself. The article I read did not speculate but I have to think the other owners would want them still in the top flight with maybe yet another docking of points. There is nothing good about this. The SPL survives on the financial strength and drawing power of Rangers and Celtic. I have no idea what may happen if they remove one of those foundations.

 

[The Hardline]

Here are some of this viewership numbers for the Euros on ESPN. Spain-Italy (2.1M)Germany-Portugal (1.8M)Ireland-Croatia (1.4M)Netherlands-Denmark (1.4M)Russia - Czech Republic (736k)Poland - Greece (716k)

I have been fortunate enough to watch all the games and that seems about right. Curious to see what kind of viewership Germany vs. Netherlands will pull tomorrow.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here are some of this viewership numbers for the Euros on ESPN. Spain-Italy (2.1M)Germany-Portugal (1.8M)Ireland-Croatia (1.4M)Netherlands-Denmark (1.4M)Russia - Czech Republic (736k)Poland - Greece (716k)

I have been fortunate enough to watch all the games and that seems about right. Curious to see what kind of viewership Germany vs. Netherlands will pull tomorrow.

It won't be huge simply because of the time slot. The weekend games will draw better than the weekday games for the most part.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Great goal. That is the shot Robben skies ten times a game.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Rangers are heading to liquidation. This result means they are now banned from Europe for three years. Also, the other SPL members now need to vote on whether Rangers will be allowed to play in the SPL.

"WE DON'T WANT YOUR OWNERSHIP YANKEE PIG DOGS!!!!!""Oh........wait."

 

[LHUCKS]

Poland/Russian game seems intense...to bad I'm effing working.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Unless I'm forgetting one that's the goal of the tournament so far. Was actually tracking outside the post when he hit it, and curled in. Defense shouldn't have let him into the middle of the field like that, but still a nice strike.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rangers are heading to liquidation. This result means they are now banned from Europe for three years. Also, the other SPL members now need to vote on whether Rangers will be allowed to play in the SPL.

"WE DON'T WANT YOUR OWNERSHIP YANKEE PIG DOGS!!!!!""Oh........wait."

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I'm obsessed with the banner. Where does that thing go?

 

[NewlyRetired]

I'm obsessed with the banner. Where does that thing go?

For clubs, the huge banners/flags are stored in the stadium by the supporters club. I have never seen such a massive banner like that from a visiting team.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

This is a fun game. I hope nobody dies afterwards.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

If my understanding of the tiebreaker rules is correct, each team in Group A controls their own destiny and would be in with 3 points in the last round of group play.

 

[GoFishTN]

Rangers are heading to liquidation. This result means they are now banned from Europe for three years. Also, the other SPL members now need to vote on whether Rangers will be allowed to play in the SPL.

Wow. I know teams have been docked points for going into administration/bankruptcy, but this is different/bigger, yes? What's the thinking in Scotland? Keep them to try and help the league survive? Drop them a couple divisions and let them work their way up again?Any other teams who suffered a similar fate? Might not be fatal though since Rangers will still have a big stadium/fan base. Didn't Juve get booted to the 3rd division after the last match-fixing scandal? Leeds did themselves in with the big transfer fees when they made their CL run and they never recovered.

The Euro ban I think comes from UEFA. How they are handled in the league is specific to the domestic league itself. The article I read did not speculate but I have to think the other owners would want them still in the top flight with maybe yet another docking of points. There is nothing good about this. The SPL survives on the financial strength and drawing power of Rangers and Celtic. I have no idea what may happen if they remove one of those foundations.

The article I read on ESPN indicated the club was basically being reformed. If that's the case, they really should be starting at the bottom.

 

[Moe.]

If my understanding of the tiebreaker rules is correct, each team in Group A controls their own destiny and would be in with 3 points in the last round of group play.

I don't see how that could be right. Russia is at +3 right now, Greece -1. If somebody wins the other game they'd have to beat Russia by enough to turn GD in their favor.edit: looks like H2H is the first tiebreaker for two teams who are level. So it's possible for a three way tie if Greece wins and the other game is a draw, but Greece would advance in that scenario due to GD (which would be the second tiebreaker in that scenario, they would still be even after applying the first tiebreaker which is total points in games contested between the teams that are tied) so you are correct.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rangers are heading to liquidation. This result means they are now banned from Europe for three years. Also, the other SPL members now need to vote on whether Rangers will be allowed to play in the SPL.

Wow. I know teams have been docked points for going into administration/bankruptcy, but this is different/bigger, yes? What's the thinking in Scotland? Keep them to try and help the league survive? Drop them a couple divisions and let them work their way up again?Any other teams who suffered a similar fate? Might not be fatal though since Rangers will still have a big stadium/fan base. Didn't Juve get booted to the 3rd division after the last match-fixing scandal? Leeds did themselves in with the big transfer fees when they made their CL run and they never recovered.

The Euro ban I think comes from UEFA. How they are handled in the league is specific to the domestic league itself. The article I read did not speculate but I have to think the other owners would want them still in the top flight with maybe yet another docking of points. There is nothing good about this. The SPL survives on the financial strength and drawing power of Rangers and Celtic. I have no idea what may happen if they remove one of those foundations.

The article I read on ESPN indicated the club was basically being reformed. If that's the case, they really should be starting at the bottom.

yikes

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Here's who I think Spain should start tomorrow, assuming that Ireland's going to be parking the bus and playing for a draw. If they fail to crack them in the first half, I think subbing out Arbeola for another MF might even be warranted:

Casillas; Alba, Ramos, Pique, Arebeola; Busquets, Iniesta, Fabregas; Silva, Llorente, Navas

No Xabi Alonso and no Xavi, but assuming that so much of the pitch is going to be ceded to Spain, I think there's less of a premium for players like that, and go for guys with more scoring ability around the box like Iniesta and Fabregas.

Navas gives them some width and another point of attack, and Llorente provides a good target for crosses, which they obviously lacked against Italy.

 

[Eephus]

Rangers are heading to liquidation. This result means they are now banned from Europe for three years. Also, the other SPL members now need to vote on whether Rangers will be allowed to play in the SPL.

Wow. I know teams have been docked points for going into administration/bankruptcy, but this is different/bigger, yes? What's the thinking in Scotland? Keep them to try and help the league survive? Drop them a couple divisions and let them work their way up again?Any other teams who suffered a similar fate? Might not be fatal though since Rangers will still have a big stadium/fan base. Didn't Juve get booted to the 3rd division after the last match-fixing scandal? Leeds did themselves in with the big transfer fees when they made their CL run and they never recovered.

The Euro ban I think comes from UEFA. How they are handled in the league is specific to the domestic league itself. The article I read did not speculate but I have to think the other owners would want them still in the top flight with maybe yet another docking of points. There is nothing good about this. The SPL survives on the financial strength and drawing power of Rangers and Celtic. I have no idea what may happen if they remove one of those foundations.

The article I read on ESPN indicated the club was basically being reformed. If that's the case, they really should be starting at the bottom.

yikes

That's what should have happened to MK Dons

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rangers are heading to liquidation. This result means they are now banned from Europe for three years. Also, the other SPL members now need to vote on whether Rangers will be allowed to play in the SPL.

Wow. I know teams have been docked points for going into administration/bankruptcy, but this is different/bigger, yes? What's the thinking in Scotland? Keep them to try and help the league survive? Drop them a couple divisions and let them work their way up again?Any other teams who suffered a similar fate? Might not be fatal though since Rangers will still have a big stadium/fan base. Didn't Juve get booted to the 3rd division after the last match-fixing scandal? Leeds did themselves in with the big transfer fees when they made their CL run and they never recovered.

The Euro ban I think comes from UEFA. How they are handled in the league is specific to the domestic league itself. The article I read did not speculate but I have to think the other owners would want them still in the top flight with maybe yet another docking of points. There is nothing good about this. The SPL survives on the financial strength and drawing power of Rangers and Celtic. I have no idea what may happen if they remove one of those foundations.

The article I read on ESPN indicated the club was basically being reformed. If that's the case, they really should be starting at the bottom.

yikes

That's what should have happened to MK Dons

I am not sure if they knew this was coming or not, but if not I wonder how it will affect Boca and Edu mentally tonight.

 

[boubucarow]

Here's who I think Spain should start tomorrow, assuming that Ireland's going to be parking the bus and playing for a draw. If they fail to crack them in the first half, I think subbing out Arbeola for another MF might even be warranted:Casillas; Alba, Ramos, Pique, Arebeola; Busquets, Iniesta, Fabregas; Silva, Llorente, Navas No Xabi Alonso and no Xavi, but assuming that so much of the pitch is going to be ceded to Spain, I think there's less of a premium for players like that, and go for guys with more scoring ability around the box like Iniesta and Fabregas.Navas gives them some width and another point of attack, and Llorente provides a good target for crosses, which they obviously lacked against Italy.

I agree on starting Navas and Llorente to give them that second attacking option. They don't need that many playmakers in front the box. Choose your best 2 with Silva and that is plenty. I would go with Cesc as he and Silva appeared to work well together. Alba on the other side can also provide service to Llorente.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Pep Guardiola is moving to NY.

It is expected he will become the coach of the NY Cosmos.

I made up the second part.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Pep Guardiola is moving to NY. It is expected he will become the coach of the NY Cosmos. I made up the second part.

Speaking of which, Abramovich (obviously) couldn't land him, and DiMatteo is set to be confirmed as Chelsea's permanent coach.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The bolded below is an excellent piece of news

========

Last Sunday’s UEFA EURO 2012 match between Italy and Spain at on ESPN, a 1-1 tie and tournament opening match for both Group C teams, was seen by an average of 2.113 million viewers, bigger than any UEFA European Football Championship 2008 match except the final on ABC. That game, Germany vs. Spain, was watched by an average of 3.760 million viewers.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Here's who I think Spain should start tomorrow, ...

I think they should wait until Thursday.Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Here's who I think Spain should start tomorrow, ...

I think they should wait until Thursday.Sorry, couldn't resist.

A parked bus does no good if you show up before the bus.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

This field that AB and Jamaica are playing on is crummy even by Sunday rec. league standards.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

This field that AB and Jamaica are playing on is crummy even by Sunday rec. league standards.

Is it me, or is this field insanely narrow?http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/126530/1/watch-antigua-and-barbuda-vs-jamaica-[wc-qualifying].html

 

[NewlyRetired]

This field that AB and Jamaica are playing on is crummy even by Sunday rec. league standards.

The Carribean fields are notoriously horrible. The Central American crowds are notoriously horrible. Welcome to Concacaf away games

 

[NewlyRetired]

This field that AB and Jamaica are playing on is crummy even by Sunday rec. league standards.

Is it me, or is this field insanely narrow?http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/126530/1/watch-antigua-and-barbuda-vs-jamaica-[wc-qualifying].html

I can't tell from the stream but I think Fifa mandates a minimum width (maybe 70 yards?)

 

[NewlyRetired]

Antigua drew 0-0 with Jamaica tonight.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

This field that AB and Jamaica are playing on is crummy even by Sunday rec. league standards.

Is it me, or is this field insanely narrow?http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/126530/1/watch-antigua-and-barbuda-vs-jamaica-[wc-qualifying].html

I can't tell from the stream but I think Fifa mandates a minimum width (maybe 70 yards?)

Maybe it was just the low angle that was throwing me, it looked like there was almost no room on either side of the box. Either way, the field itself was a bloody mess.

 

[The Z Machine]

Antigua drew 0-0 with Jamaica tonight.

That's a good result for the US.

 

[The Z Machine]

any good links for the stream tonight? I have to be home for a conference call with Taiwan, so no going out for me.

 

[NewlyRetired]

any good links for the stream tonight? I have to be home for a conference call with Taiwan, so no going out for me.

I am just going to first row sports as usual. They will hopefully have a bunch of various quality ones to choose from. Since you can speak Spanish you will have a better pic of video hopefully than I will looking for an English stream.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Happily Johnson is starting tonight for US.

 

[NewlyRetired]

US Line up

Howard;

Cherundolo, Goodson, Bocanegra, Johnson;

Edu, Bradley, Jones;

Donovan, Dempsey, Gomez

 

[The Z Machine]

I think it's the best lineup we could hope for. Now let's see if the Guat crowd can motivate LD to take it up a notch tonight.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

On Ukraine's second goal did everyone catch the little kid's reaction in the stands?

I thought that was pretty cool. Here, at the :46 mark

.GIFtified

 

[NewlyRetired]

Costa Rica winning 3-0 in Guyana. Real Salt Lake's Alvaro Saborio has a hat trick.

70th minute.

 

[NewlyRetired]

El Salvador and Mexico has started on Telemundo.

 

[NewlyRetired]

El Salvador, likely spurred on from this crowd is most certainly not parking the bus. Already two decent chances to score in first 5 minutes.

I think US is going to face something similar tonight if the Guat crowd is jacked.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Canada Honduras ends 0-0. Honduras with only 1 point from two games.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Boyd, Rimando and Castillo are not dressed tonight for US

 

[NewlyRetired]

A Mexican player just got hit by at least 4 "water" bottles while taking a corner.

 

[El Floppo]

A Mexican player just got hit by at least 4 "water" bottles while taking a corner.

I'm watching a couple minutes of the ELS v MEX game... EL S looks decent- some good skilled players.

 

[El Floppo]

For now, I've got a nice feed through FirstRow.

Guat in a 4-3-3? I doubt it.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Don't want to see any spoilers from the Poland/Russia game I'm watching, but in case it hasn't been mentioned, the first row sports links are working for the US game. The feed is surprisingly not as ghetto as I thought it'd be.