***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)

[Steve Tasker]

WOW

that's my go-to move in the FIFA 09 load screen. Try to rainbow it over the keeper and tap it in.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Seriously though, it's not a bad signing (he cost virtually no money so theres no risk) but:1) He looked finished his whole time at Newcastle. That might be because he was unmotivated in a horrible environment and he can re-energise himself in a good team, but its more likely that he's just finished.2) Can't see him thriving in the system, he needs the ball fed to him on a plate which I suppose he'll get, but last time United played with an out and out striker was Ruud v.Nistelrooy and the team play really suffered with him in there at the end. Ruud basically clogged up the box and was unable to create his own shot (which was Owen's MO at Newcastle). United's forward play is now based on ball speed and 5 - 6 players constantly switching and moving to create space, and really relies on the "strikers" playing somewhat withdrawn and being supported by the midfield and wingers. Owen just isnt skillful enough to play that way.However, it's likely to be Rooney/Berbs as first choice with Macheda/Wellbeck starting a lot, I can see Owen coming off the bench to change the pace when needed.3) It's not really what was envisioned coming off Ronaldo's 80 million, especially when the likes of Aguero and Benzema were touted as replacements but in reality I suppose the 35 million on Berbatov last year was spending in advance. That and the fact he's an irritating little scouse scum means the majority of fans are pretty meh about the whole thing and will take a while to warm to him and the signing.

Hope he gets a hat trick at Anfield though.

 

[Bonzai]

WOW

that's my go-to move in the FIFA 09 load screen. Try to rainbow it over the keeper and tap it in.

 

[Christo]

ESPNs WC roster rankings:

Overrated:

18 Defender Danny Califf Solid backup, provides insurance and depth at center back, though he's slipped in the pecking order following DeMerit's emergence. Could face pressure from the likes of Chad Marshall for the fourth center back spot.

Don't agree with you on Califf. He's been solid every time I've seen him. If Boca remains out left (which at this point I think he should), Califf's definitely on the squad.

 

[Bonzai]

ESPNs WC roster rankings:

Overrated:

18 Defender Danny Califf Solid backup, provides insurance and depth at center back, though he's slipped in the pecking order following DeMerit's emergence. Could face pressure from the likes of Chad Marshall for the fourth center back spot.

Don't agree with you on Califf. He's been solid every time I've seen him. If Boca remains out left (which at this point I think he should), Califf's definitely on the squad.

Marshall is really coming on.

 

[Kendall]

ESPNs WC roster rankings:

Overrated:

18 Defender Danny Califf Solid backup, provides insurance and depth at center back, though he's slipped in the pecking order following DeMerit's emergence. Could face pressure from the likes of Chad Marshall for the fourth center back spot.

Don't agree with you on Califf. He's been solid every time I've seen him. If Boca remains out left (which at this point I think he should), Califf's definitely on the squad.

He was awful in the El Salvador game. So much so that I remember thinking I never wanted to see him on the National Team again.

 

[Moe.]

The team to watch this season imho is going to be Chelsea. I think they are the team to beat in the premiership. There are still a few questions swirling about, primarily Terry and Drogba..maybe Deco...but this was a team that had tons of injuries last year to key players and still had a very nice season. The back Boswinga/Terry/Cole/Alex...even if Carvalho leaves. this team is so deep. They tied United for the toughest to score against last year and their attack will be bolsted with the return of the likes of Essien, Joe Cole....You still have Ballack and Lampard. there. Chelsea also made a very nice signing on a guy I was crossing my fingers that United would get in Daniel Sturridge. He may not be an impact player next year, but at only 19 years old, he is extremely talented.

Deco is almost certainly gone and Carvalho will leave if a big club is interested in paying for him. It looks likely they will not make a huge signing again this season, but I really like what I've seen and read about Zhirkov. I think he's going to press Malouda on the wing. Big question mark is Ancelotti - no idea how he will work out.

Another thing that you've mentioned a few times that really screws with Chelsea is the whole African Nations deal. Obviously they have a ######ed amount of depth so they won't be hurting too bad but when every point counts it may matter at the end of the season. I think Liverpool finally wins it this year.

 

[brewer]

Anyone think Manchester City will be able to break up the top four next year? If I'm an Arsenal fan I'm extremely nervous, I think you could argue that City now has more talent. Tevez is a really nice signing for them, throw in Barry, Santa Cruz, Ireland, and Robinho and you got yourself a stew going baby.

They are talented, that's for sure. It will be interesting to see if Hughes can get them all on the same page and firing at the same time though. Even the best players in the world though take some time to gel(see Barca 07-08).

City also making a serious run at Adebayor (its now being reported as a done deal at 60mil. pounds) and have reportedly made a rediculous offer to woo John Terry away from Chelsea. The Sun reported that City offered JT 250,000 pounds a week, which can't be true. (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/89042/Terry-in-top-cash-target/)

As an Arsenal fan, I'll be quite happy if the price for Adebayor is anywhere near 60mil. pounds.

 

[walnutz]

ESPNs WC roster rankings:

Overrated:

18 Defender Danny Califf Solid backup, provides insurance and depth at center back, though he's slipped in the pecking order following DeMerit's emergence. Could face pressure from the likes of Chad Marshall for the fourth center back spot.

Don't agree with you on Califf. He's been solid every time I've seen him. If Boca remains out left (which at this point I think he should), Califf's definitely on the squad.

He was awful in the El Salvador game. So much so that I remember thinking I never wanted to see him on the National Team again.

I can't stand Califf and I hope he never weats the Nats jersey again.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

The team to watch this season imho is going to be Chelsea. I think they are the team to beat in the premiership. There are still a few questions swirling about, primarily Terry and Drogba..maybe Deco...but this was a team that had tons of injuries last year to key players and still had a very nice season. The back Boswinga/Terry/Cole/Alex...even if Carvalho leaves. this team is so deep. They tied United for the toughest to score against last year and their attack will be bolsted with the return of the likes of Essien, Joe Cole....You still have Ballack and Lampard. there. Chelsea also made a very nice signing on a guy I was crossing my fingers that United would get in Daniel Sturridge. He may not be an impact player next year, but at only 19 years old, he is extremely talented.

Deco is almost certainly gone and Carvalho will leave if a big club is interested in paying for him. It looks likely they will not make a huge signing again this season, but I really like what I've seen and read about Zhirkov. I think he's going to press Malouda on the wing. Big question mark is Ancelotti - no idea how he will work out.

Another thing that you've mentioned a few times that really screws with Chelsea is the whole African Nations deal. Obviously they have a ######ed amount of depth so they won't be hurting too bad but when every point counts it may matter at the end of the season. I think Liverpool finally wins it this year.

In 2008 neither Ghana nor Ivory Coast made the final, but each lost in the semi's so they played each other in the game for third place. Drogba, Kalou and Essien all missed almost a month in the middle of the season because the EPL doesn't have a winter break. Mikel played for Nigeria but they were eliminated in the early knock out rounds.The crazy thing is that they insist on holding the ANC even in a world cup year. So for example if Ghana makes the World Cup, a player like Essien will have played over 100 competitive games in a year between the EPL, FA, League Cup, Champions League, ANC and World Cup. Then he'll get a couple days off before Chelsea is scheduled to play an exibition in New Jersey or go on a tour of Japan, and the spectators will all be disappointed when the stars look tired and get subbed out at the half.

 

[Desert_Power]

Barry Ferguson is going to sign for Birmingham. This is good news for the USMNT as once he was suspended in April, Maurice Edu got many more appearances with the first squad at Rangers and performed very well. Perhaps the strength of his performances led Walter Smith to deem Ferguson surplus requirements? This transfer certainly should be a good sign that Edu will see more playing time this year.

 

[Desert_Power]

Also, I don't think I have seen any discussion of it in here, but Davies is moving on to F.C. Sochaux-Montbéliard in France’s Ligue 1.

 

[andy_b]

Also, I don't think I have seen any discussion of it in here, but Davies is moving on to F.C. Sochaux-Montbéliard in France’s Ligue 1.

I read this the other day and was pleased about it. I know nothing about that team specifically but I am hoping that he can find a starting role since the French league should be a step up from the Swedish 1st division.

 

[Moe.]

Barry Ferguson is going to sign for Birmingham. This is good news for the USMNT as once he was suspended in April, Maurice Edu got many more appearances with the first squad at Rangers and performed very well. Perhaps the strength of his performances led Walter Smith to deem Ferguson surplus requirements? This transfer certainly should be a good sign that Edu will see more playing time this year.

That may have had something to do with it, there was also some sort of alcohol related controversy involving Ferguson in the spring. I have no idea what happened but sky referred to it as "boozegate" or something like that.

 

[Desert_Power]

Barry Ferguson is going to sign for Birmingham. This is good news for the USMNT as once he was suspended in April, Maurice Edu got many more appearances with the first squad at Rangers and performed very well. Perhaps the strength of his performances led Walter Smith to deem Ferguson surplus requirements? This transfer certainly should be a good sign that Edu will see more playing time this year.

That may have had something to do with it, there was also some sort of alcohol related controversy involving Ferguson in the spring. I have no idea what happened but sky referred to it as "boozegate" or something like that.

Right that is why Ferguson was suspended.Boozegate and Edu

 

[Alias]

going to the Red Bulls v. Galaxy game tomorrow with a dozen people



will post pics assuming we don't get rained on

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Barry Ferguson is going to sign for Birmingham. This is good news for the USMNT as once he was suspended in April, Maurice Edu got many more appearances with the first squad at Rangers and performed very well. Perhaps the strength of his performances led Walter Smith to deem Ferguson surplus requirements? This transfer certainly should be a good sign that Edu will see more playing time this year.

Went to the Rangers v Hearts game a couple months ago and Edu played great (it was after the Ferguson incident). There were even a few Scottish guys around me that were really complimenting his play and what an asset he was to the team once he got some regular playing. Good to see that a potential roadblock was moved out of the way. Rangers is going to be playing in the Champions league again this year so that should give him some good action on a higher level (as long as they don't bomb out in the qualifying rounds like they did last year).

 

[Mjolnirs]

Ribéry to stay - Hoeneß quashes transfer speculation

The France star has been the subject of vocal and persistent rumours regarding a potential transfer abroad in the last two weeks, but shortly before departing for the training camp, Bayern general manager Uli Hoeneß publicly moved to quash the speculation once and for all, repeating his previous statements that the player would not be leaving this summer.

“We’ve definitively agreed that Franck’s staying with us,” Hoeneß reported after consulting with coach Louis van Gaal, a conversation which examined the Ribery situation in detail. The club had also formally spoken to the player twice over the last two weeks, “and Bayern’s position was made very clear to him on both occasions.”

On 1 July, when training officially resumed in Munich, the club had given Ribéry 14 days to come forward with firm offers from potential bidders, “and all the clubs involved knew that,” Hoeneß emphasised. The deadline passed on Wednesday, “so we’ve drawn a line under the matter. We’re off to our training camp in the certain knowledge of starting the season in August with Franck.”

Van Gaal’s strategic planning is centred on Ribery’s availability, as the coach has the player inked in for a role behind the front two at the point of a midfield diamond in a 4-4-2 formation. “I’ve devised this system for him and around him,” explained Van Gaal, who made no secret of his desire to clarify the position as soon as possible.

Lucio to Inter

After a trophy-laden five-year spell at Bayern, Brazil captain Lucio is leaving Munich to join Italian champions Inter Milan. On Thursday, the centre-half and the FCB board of directors agreed to cancel the player’s contract ahead of its scheduled expiry on 30 June 2010. The 31-year-old, who will sign a three-year deal with the north Italian club coached by Jose Mourinho, moves for an undisclosed fee.

 

[Alias]

going to the Red Bulls v. Galaxy game tomorrow with a dozen people



will post pics assuming we don't get rained on

there was a lot of Beckham hate last night, lots of booing whenever he touched the ball pic of attempted beaning of Beckham when he walks off the field (substitution)

 

[andy_b]

going to the Red Bulls v. Galaxy game tomorrow with a dozen people will post pics assuming we don't get rained on

there was a lot of Beckham hate last night, lots of booing whenever he touched the ball

why are you confused about this? He took a steaming dump on the league and you expect people to love him for that?

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Just found this online comic that comes out every few days. Not sure if anyone else in here has seen it before. Maybe so, and I just missed the boat. Just in case:

Studs Up

 

[The Kansas Comet]

going to the Red Bulls v. Galaxy game tomorrow with a dozen people will post pics assuming we don't get rained on

there was a lot of Beckham hate last night, lots of booing whenever he touched the ball

why are you confused about this? He took a steaming dump on the league and you expect people to love him for that?

Exactly - I'm a Galaxy fan and can't stand the guy's act. I wonder what the reaction will be when he plays his first match at Home Depot Center. Of course, if the Galaxy can keep winning, I'll put up with him for the half-season he'll play before opting out.

 

[Prussian]

Hey? Mexico-US on 11-AUG won't be televised in the U.S.?

Anyone heard differently?

 

[Sinn Fein]

Telemundo(s) for USA-Mexico

The USA and Mexico will play a World Cup qualifier on Wed., Aug. 12 at Azteca Stadium, a massive match that offers the Americans perhaps their best chance to end a lifetime of misery in Mexico City and an opportunity for El Tri to redeem itself after a wobbly start to the hexagonal.

But if you are planning to watch the 4 p.m. ET match on the family of ESPN networks as you usually do for a USA qualifier, forget it.

Telemundo has the U.S. rights to Mexican matches -- not just the Spanish rights, but the English rights as well. While the main network will carry the game in Spanish, Telemundo senior vice president for sports Jorge Hidalgo told the Insider today that his company will keep the English rights and show the match on mun2, an eight-year-old cable outlet geared toward a younger Latino audience that regularly shows programming with audio in English. The identity of the announcers, who will call the game in English, will be unveiled soon, Hidalgo said.

 

[eagles2007]

us-panama to start soon.

canada loses to honduras.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

us-panama to start soon.canada loses to honduras.

What channel?

 

[eagles2007]

us-panama to start soon.canada loses to honduras.

What channel?

fox soccer channel

 

[Steve Tasker]

A little too close for comfort tonight for the US...

Oh and Adebayor to Man City. Sweet.

 

[eagles2007]

who's going to be left to play for the us by next weekend? gonae are davies, adu, cherundolo and parkhurst. other players aren't playing because they are getting time off after the confederations cup.

 

[Mjolnirs]

While they are nowhere near as loud as at the Confederations Cup, those damn horns are still annoying.

 

[Sebowski]

A little too close for comfort tonight for the US...Oh and Adebayor to Man City. Sweet.

I am also happy about this. He really trailed off last year. I don't think he was an ideal fit for Arsenal. If they can stay healthy they will not miss him.

 

[Steve Tasker]

A little too close for comfort tonight for the US...Oh and Adebayor to Man City. Sweet.

I am also happy about this. He really trailed off last year. I don't think he was an ideal fit for Arsenal. If they can stay healthy they will not miss him.

I dunno, he might not have been a great fit and his work rate was #### at times, but he's still a goal-scorer.

 

[Sebowski]

While they are nowhere near as loud as at the Confederations Cup, those damn horns are still annoying.

I hate those things too, but.....I am going to the Chelsea-Inter game in Pasadena on Tuesday and I plan on getting one. If you can't beat 'em.... Anyone else going to the game?AC-Galaxy tonight should be interesting.

 

[Kendall]

While they are nowhere near as loud as at the Confederations Cup, those damn horns are still annoying.

I hate those things too, but.....I am going to the Chelsea-Inter game in Pasadena on Tuesday and I plan on getting one. If you can't beat 'em.... Anyone else going to the game?AC-Galaxy tonight should be interesting.

Indeed. I think Beckham got it a little rougher than he deserved.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

It appears Inter and FCB have a deal in place --> €40 million, Eto'o and Aliaksandr Hleb for Ibrahimovic.

I'm really happy to be getting some more Liga games next season. I think this Barca experiment will be interesting (why mess with perfection?). I only saw them play a few games last year, all in the Champs league, but I am curious to see how Ibrahimovic fits in this team. He is more of a pure goal scorer in my opinion, and won't do all the hard work that Eto'o did. I have read that Eto'o value was in large part protecting Messi on defense, probably something that Zlatan won't be eager or willing to do.

 

[Kendall]

It appears Inter and FCB have a deal in place --> €40 million, Eto'o and Aliaksandr Hleb for Ibrahimovic.I'm really happy to be getting some more Liga games next season. I think this Barca experiment will be interesting (why mess with perfection?). I only saw them play a few games last year, all in the Champs league, but I am curious to see how Ibrahimovic fits in this team. He is more of a pure goal scorer in my opinion, and won't do all the hard work that Eto'o did. I have read that Eto'o value was in large part protecting Messi on defense, probably something that Zlatan won't be eager or willing to do.

In all honesty, I would rather have Eto'o over Ibrahimovic. I never understood why both Barca and Eto'o were so ready to be done with one another.

 

[Native]

It appears Inter and FCB have a deal in place --> €40 million, Eto'o and Aliaksandr Hleb for Ibrahimovic.I'm really happy to be getting some more Liga games next season. I think this Barca experiment will be interesting (why mess with perfection?). I only saw them play a few games last year, all in the Champs league, but I am curious to see how Ibrahimovic fits in this team. He is more of a pure goal scorer in my opinion, and won't do all the hard work that Eto'o did. I have read that Eto'o value was in large part protecting Messi on defense, probably something that Zlatan won't be eager or willing to do.

Amazing that Ibra is valued that much more than Eto'o given they have the same goal scoring record. Mourinho has been a long time admirer of Eto'o so this is clearly a deal they have no problem making. I thought Chelsea may make a move for Ibra but I guess not. Kind of weird for Chelsea to be sitting on the sidelines during transfer season :( I read that they may make a move for Douglas Costa, the teenage Brazillian who looks a lot like Kun Aguero. This is something I will definitely keep my eye on as Chelsea has not developed a lot of young talent over the years. This kid is small but he has a lot of skill and pace and will be a force to be reckoned with in 2-3 years.

 

[andy_b]

Telemundo has the U.S. rights to Mexican matches -- not just the Spanish rights, but the English rights as well.

This must just be for matches in Mexico. I watched the first US Mexico qualifier game on ESPN2 that was in the US.Also, strange start time. I can't remember the last WC qualifier during the week that the US played in the afternoon...

 

[The Z Machine]

Is anyone planning on going to the Chivas/Barça game in San Francisco?

Am I the only Bay Area footy fan on FBG?

 

[The Z Machine]

I think Univision has exclusive rights to El Tri in Mexico, or maybe just in Azteca.

Personally, I don't give a damn if ESPN doesn't show it. I'll watch it in Spanish, which I often do anyway. Maybe this is a test to see how important it is for ESPN/ABC to be showing ALL the important USMNT matches.

As an aside, I watched the women's friendly of US/Canada. ### #### that game was boring. The only goal was scored by Wambach and it was the result of a terrible play by the DC getting turned on a through ball. Ugh. There's a reason that women's sports don't take off professionally.

 

[Desert_Power]

It appears Inter and FCB have a deal in place --> €40 million, Eto'o and Aliaksandr Hleb for Ibrahimovic.

I'm really happy to be getting some more Liga games next season. I think this Barca experiment will be interesting (why mess with perfection?). I only saw them play a few games last year, all in the Champs league, but I am curious to see how Ibrahimovic fits in this team. He is more of a pure goal scorer in my opinion, and won't do all the hard work that Eto'o did. I have read that Eto'o value was in large part protecting Messi on defense, probably something that Zlatan won't be eager or willing to do.

In all honesty, I would rather have Eto'o over Ibrahimovic. I never understood why both Barca and Eto'o were so ready to be done with one another.

In general, the problems with Eto'o and Barcelona are the following:1. His contract expires at the end of next season and he failed to sign the extension offered him signifying that he could leave for free. This is even greater of a concern given that he is set to miss 6 weeks this season with the African Cup of Nations.

2. Generally regarded as having attitude issues and has clashed with both managers and other players while at the Camp Nou.

3. Anyone who watched the last two semifinals of the Champions League is fully aware of Barca's main weakness. Eto'o completely disappeared in both legs of both years as he lacks the creativity to make chances when teams park the bus or to be a significant target in the air. Both are qualities that Ibramimovic has in spades, which is why Pep is after him harder than he was Villa.

4. Despite the goal in the CL final, Eto'o was terrible at the end of the year. Losing the pichini to Forlan was inexcusable. Part of my negative feelings leading up to the final was the terrible form he was in late last year.

Some of his late season handiwork: Eto'o Misses

5. Something that concerns me personally is that, despite a gaudy total of goals, many of his goals came against lower competition(outside of his 1 goal/1 shot in the final). He scored 6 of his 30 league goals in the ten matches against Barca's top 5 competitors( Real, Villareal, Sevilla, Valencia, and Atletico Madrid). This is the lowest among the strikers(Messi 8/23 and Henry 11/19) while he played in more of those matches. Anybody can put up 4 against Valladolid, but can he get it done when it counts?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

humerous preview of tonight's game between Madrid and Shamrock Rovers from the Times:

July 20, 2009Leagues apart: Shamrock Rovers v Real MadridCharlie ThomsonCristiano Ronaldo makes his first appearance for Real Madrid tonight since his world-record transfer from Manchester United. The £80m signing will play in a pre-season friendly at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin, the relatively modest home of Shamrock Rovers. We thought it might be interesting to compare the Spanish giants with their distinctly less celebrated opponents.Weekly wagesCristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid's highest earner) - £183,000Gary Twigg (Shamrock Rovers' highest earner) - £860Ian Bermingham (likely to be marking Ronaldo tonight) - £345Shamrock Rovers' total weekly wage bill is £12,800, paying out an average of £580 to each player.SponsorsShamrock Rovers - Woodie's DIY and Garden Centres; Flynn O'Driscoll Business LawyersReal Madrid - Bwin, the online gaming company, in a deal worth £13m a season; AdidasStadium capacityTallaght Stadium - 9,000. It's usually 3,500 but they've installed temporary seating for Real Madrid's visitBernabeu - 80,354League titlesShamrock - 15Real Madrid - 31Domestic cup winsShamrock - 24 (FAI Cup)Real Madrid - 17 (Copa del Rey)Nationality of playersShamrock - 19 Irish, 2 Scottish, 1 Northern IrishReal Madrid - 11 Spanish, 6 Dutch, 4 Argentines, 2 Brazilians, 2 French, 2 Portuguese, 1 Malian, 1 Polish, 1 German

 

[The Kansas Comet]

It appears Inter and FCB have a deal in place --> €40 million, Eto'o and Aliaksandr Hleb for Ibrahimovic.

I'm really happy to be getting some more Liga games next season. I think this Barca experiment will be interesting (why mess with perfection?). I only saw them play a few games last year, all in the Champs league, but I am curious to see how Ibrahimovic fits in this team. He is more of a pure goal scorer in my opinion, and won't do all the hard work that Eto'o did. I have read that Eto'o value was in large part protecting Messi on defense, probably something that Zlatan won't be eager or willing to do.

In all honesty, I would rather have Eto'o over Ibrahimovic. I never understood why both Barca and Eto'o were so ready to be done with one another.

In general, the problems with Eto'o and Barcelona are the following:1. His contract expires at the end of next season and he failed to sign the extension offered him signifying that he could leave for free. This is even greater of a concern given that he is set to miss 6 weeks this season with the African Cup of Nations.

2. Generally regarded as having attitude issues and has clashed with both managers and other players while at the Camp Nou.

3. Anyone who watched the last two semifinals of the Champions League is fully aware of Barca's main weakness. Eto'o completely disappeared in both legs of both years as he lacks the creativity to make chances when teams park the bus or to be a significant target in the air. Both are qualities that Ibramimovic has in spades, which is why Pep is after him harder than he was Villa.

4. Despite the goal in the CL final, Eto'o was terrible at the end of the year. Losing the pichini to Forlan was inexcusable. Part of my negative feelings leading up to the final was the terrible form he was in late last year.

Some of his late season handiwork: Eto'o Misses

5. Something that concerns me personally is that, despite a gaudy total of goals, many of his goals came against lower competition(outside of his 1 goal/1 shot in the final). He scored 6 of his 30 league goals in the ten matches against Barca's top 5 competitors( Real, Villareal, Sevilla, Valencia, and Atletico Madrid). This is the lowest among the strikers(Messi 8/23 and Henry 11/19) while he played in more of those matches. Anybody can put up 4 against Valladolid, but can he get it done when it counts?

Pretty much sums up why Eto'o needs to go, despite his impressive stats. While I am a little taken aback by the amount of cash being sent to Inter, I am pretty excited about the possibility of Ibrahimovic playing for the Blaugrana.In other soccer news, welcome back to Home Depot Center, Beckham

GB the Riot Squad.

 

[Native]

Is anyone planning on going to the Chivas/Barça game in San Francisco?Am I the only Bay Area footy fan on FBG?

Im going to Milan v Club America in Atlanta on Wednesday.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Is anyone planning on going to the Chivas/Barça game in San Francisco?Am I the only Bay Area footy fan on FBG?

Im going to Milan v Club America in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Going to the Barcelona - Galaxy match at the Rose Bowl August 1st.

 

[Sebowski]

Is anyone planning on going to the Chivas/Barça game in San Francisco?Am I the only Bay Area footy fan on FBG?

Im going to Milan v Club America in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Going to the Barcelona - Galaxy match at the Rose Bowl August 1st.

Really wish I could go to that. Would love to hit that and then go to Affliction. Most any other weekend I would have been able to. Oh well. Inter-Chelsea should be fun. Never been to the Rose Bowl. Whats the review?

 

[Sinn Fein]

I think Univision has exclusive rights to El Tri in Mexico, or maybe just in Azteca.Personally, I don't give a damn if ESPN doesn't show it. I'll watch it in Spanish, which I often do anyway. Maybe this is a test to see how important it is for ESPN/ABC to be showing ALL the important USMNT matches.As an aside, I watched the women's friendly of US/Canada. ### #### that game was boring. The only goal was scored by Wambach and it was the result of a terrible play by the DC getting turned on a through ball. Ugh. There's a reason that women's sports don't take off professionally.

I got the sense from the article that ESPN would like to show the game, but that Telemundo has decided not to sell the English rights to the game to ESPN as they have done in the past.Of course the broader point may be in how much ESPN/ABC are willing to buy those rights up front. Interestingly I heard a podcast with Bill Simmons and Colin Cowherd where Cowherd was pimping the USMNT, and international soccer, as viable TV properties.

 

[JuniorNB]

As an aside, I watched the women's friendly of US/Canada. ### #### that game was boring. The only goal was scored by Wambach and it was the result of a terrible play by the DC getting turned on a through ball. Ugh. There's a reason that women's sports don't take off professionally.

I watched it as well and I have to agree with you, it was a snoozer of a game..literally. I fell asleep for a bit in teh beginning of teh second half.In defense of teh women's game, though, I took my daughter tpo a WPS game on Wednesday night. It was FC Sky Blue (NJ) vs. Washington Freedom. The final was 4-4 and it was a more exciting game than any of the NY Red Bull games I've gone to see. (about four games). Not only was it high-scoring and back and forth, but one of teh goals was a near-bicycle kick (it was a back-to-the-goal, kick the ball backwards shot, but she didn't land on the ground). It also featued two goals by Natasha Kai, who plays a very reckless, aggressive forward. Abby played for Washington. Very entertaining.

 

[Kendall]

It appears Inter and FCB have a deal in place --> €40 million, Eto'o and Aliaksandr Hleb for Ibrahimovic.

I'm really happy to be getting some more Liga games next season. I think this Barca experiment will be interesting (why mess with perfection?). I only saw them play a few games last year, all in the Champs league, but I am curious to see how Ibrahimovic fits in this team. He is more of a pure goal scorer in my opinion, and won't do all the hard work that Eto'o did. I have read that Eto'o value was in large part protecting Messi on defense, probably something that Zlatan won't be eager or willing to do.

In all honesty, I would rather have Eto'o over Ibrahimovic. I never understood why both Barca and Eto'o were so ready to be done with one another.

In general, the problems with Eto'o and Barcelona are the following:1. His contract expires at the end of next season and he failed to sign the extension offered him signifying that he could leave for free. This is even greater of a concern given that he is set to miss 6 weeks this season with the African Cup of Nations.

2. Generally regarded as having attitude issues and has clashed with both managers and other players while at the Camp Nou.

3. Anyone who watched the last two semifinals of the Champions League is fully aware of Barca's main weakness. Eto'o completely disappeared in both legs of both years as he lacks the creativity to make chances when teams park the bus or to be a significant target in the air. Both are qualities that Ibramimovic has in spades, which is why Pep is after him harder than he was Villa.

4. Despite the goal in the CL final, Eto'o was terrible at the end of the year. Losing the pichini to Forlan was inexcusable. Part of my negative feelings leading up to the final was the terrible form he was in late last year.

Some of his late season handiwork: Eto'o Misses

5. Something that concerns me personally is that, despite a gaudy total of goals, many of his goals came against lower competition(outside of his 1 goal/1 shot in the final). He scored 6 of his 30 league goals in the ten matches against Barca's top 5 competitors( Real, Villareal, Sevilla, Valencia, and Atletico Madrid). This is the lowest among the strikers(Messi 8/23 and Henry 11/19) while he played in more of those matches. Anybody can put up 4 against Valladolid, but can he get it done when it counts?

I knew about the contract stuff, but not the other info. Thanks for the breakdown Desert Power. I thought Ibra had a similar reputation though in that he will murder lesser teams, but can't deliver the goods against elite competition, or is this not the case? I don't pay much attention to the Italian leagues.

 

[Moe.]

Arsenal can't catch a break, Nasri broken fibula, out until at least October.