***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (14 Viewers)

[Eephus]

I really don't know how they are going to address the negative play in the first group matches. But they definately have to bring back golden goal in OT.Anyone think they should just go to a straight single elimination format?

The reality of golden goal was that it led to more tactical, negative play than the current system.A straight elimination format isn't economically feasible. Fewer group games would mean fewer traveling supporters and less money to the organizers and the host country's economy.Maybe they should truck some boards and glass and play 15 min of indoor rules 5-a-side

I wonder if they've ever thought of anyting like a double elimantion tourney. I'm probably doing the math incorrectly, but that should be the same number of games, and the only teams really affected negatively would be the worst 8 (I'm guessing there's something about it that I'm missing, but I'm too tired to really think about it)

Maybe they could schedule the opening games in pods like the NCAA hoops tournament so traveling supporters and media could make the plans around it. But it would get progressively harder to do this in a double elimination format.I also think the opening groups fit in with the 'pageant of football' aspect of the WC. The three group games are crucial to the growth of the global game.

 

[Eephus]

Maybe in 2014, Blatter can hire an octopus to pick the winner of group games tied after regulation

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Maybe they should just revert to the tried and true method of the good old days - draw the game at 90 minutes and have a replay.

Did they ever do that in the WC?Sucks for the fans who attend the first game. I went to the 1981 FA Cup final between Man City & Spurs. Unfortunately, it was the first game which ended in a 1-1 tie. Had to watch the replay on TV. Spurs won 3-2.

good question - I always understood that to be the case but I guess I am not certain whether they had replays in the WC. Maybe they drew lots? I'm pretty sure the entire concept of penalty kicks to decide games didn't exist until the 1960's.I do know for certain that the issue of defensive play, overtime solutions and dissatisfaction with penalty kicks as a means to decide a game has been at the forefront of issues for FIFA ever since I began following international football in 1982. Its a problem that has vexed many people much more knowledgeable than any of us, and one that I can't imagine will ever find a solution that makes everyone happy.

 

[Eephus]

Maybe they should just revert to the tried and true method of the good old days - draw the game at 90 minutes and have a replay.

Did they ever do that in the WC?Sucks for the fans who attend the first game. I went to the 1981 FA Cup final between Man City & Spurs. Unfortunately, it was the first game which ended in a 1-1 tie. Had to watch the replay on TV. Spurs won 3-2.

good question - I always understood that to be the case but I guess I am not certain whether they had replays in the WC. Maybe they drew lots? I'm pretty sure the entire concept of penalty kicks to decide games didn't exist until the 1960's.I do know for certain that the issue of defensive play, overtime solutions and dissatisfaction with penalty kicks as a means to decide a game has been at the forefront of issues for FIFA ever since I began following international football in 1982. Its a problem that has vexed many people much more knowledgeable than any of us, and one that I can't imagine will ever find a solution that makes everyone happy.

The combination of lack of scoring, physical exertion and limited substitutions set soccer apart from sports like hockey and baseball. Things like removing players that would open up the game in other sports would disrupt soccer and make things more defensive. Even the Golden Goal rule counterintuitively made the game more tactical.I also think FIFA is protective (maybe overprotective) of maintaining a set of global standard rules. At least part of their stance on replay and additional officials is the desire for the WC to played by the same rules as a game in the Azerbaijani Second Division.I think the original MLS penalty shot format was fairer than the traditional penalty spot kick but it would be a pretty marginal improvement. It's also probably too associated with the USA now to ever get anywhere internationally.

 

[Christo]

Maybe they should just revert to the tried and true method of the good old days - draw the game at 90 minutes and have a replay.

Did they ever do that in the WC?Sucks for the fans who attend the first game. I went to the 1981 FA Cup final between Man City & Spurs. Unfortunately, it was the first game which ended in a 1-1 tie. Had to watch the replay on TV. Spurs won 3-2.

good question - I always understood that to be the case but I guess I am not certain whether they had replays in the WC. Maybe they drew lots? I'm pretty sure the entire concept of penalty kicks to decide games didn't exist until the 1960's.I do know for certain that the issue of defensive play, overtime solutions and dissatisfaction with penalty kicks as a means to decide a game has been at the forefront of issues for FIFA ever since I began following international football in 1982. Its a problem that has vexed many people much more knowledgeable than any of us, and one that I can't imagine will ever find a solution that makes everyone happy.

The combination of lack of scoring, physical exertion and limited substitutions set soccer apart from sports like hockey and baseball. Things like removing players that would open up the game in other sports would disrupt soccer and make things more defensive. Even the Golden Goal rule counterintuitively made the game more tactical.I also think FIFA is protective (maybe overprotective) of maintaining a set of global standard rules. At least part of their stance on replay and additional officials is the desire for the WC to played by the same rules as a game in the Azerbaijani Second Division.

I think the original MLS penalty shot format was fairer than the traditional penalty spot kick but it would be a pretty marginal improvement. It's also probably too associated with the USA now to ever get anywhere internationally.

What was it? I remember NASL having the guy start dribbling from about 30 yards out.

 

[El Floppo]

The ol' shoot-out. I thought that was early MLS too... was it NASL?

 

[Eephus]

The ol' shoot-out. I thought that was early MLS too... was it NASL?

both

 

[El Floppo]

The ol' shoot-out. I thought that was early MLS too... was it NASL?

both

ah. thanks.IIRC, the guy took off from midfield and had 5 seconds to beat the GK. Sound right?

 

[Eephus]

The ol' shoot-out. I thought that was early MLS too... was it NASL?

both

ah. thanks.IIRC, the guy took off from midfield and had 5 seconds to beat the GK. Sound right?

Yeah, it was still hokey but tested more shooter and GK skills than a simple spot kick. But if that's the best FIFA can come up with, they're probably better just leaving things as they are now.

 

[Sinn Fein]

What was it? I remember NASL having the guy start dribbling from about 30 yards out.

I played college soccer in the late 80's, and we used this as a tie-breaker in one tournament. It was very difficult to do without practice. I guess it was about 30 yards out, but I don't know how they marked it, but maybe they walked it off from the mid-field circle. But, offensive player started there, goalie on his line - Referee blows the whistle and you had 5 seconds to shoot.Now, 5 seconds is actually a pretty long time, but when you are trying to run, kick the ball, and count down time in your head, it seems to go by faster, and you don't make the best decisions. I made it to just outside the 18, tried to curl a shot around the approaching goalie, and missed wide.I think the best approach is to treat it like a regular breakaway - get into the box quickly, make a move to get the goalie to commit, then shoot. I froze thinking about having to act too quickly. I think you can also catch a goalie out of position if they charge too quickly, and you have a hard chip over the goalie.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The ol' shoot-out. I thought that was early MLS too... was it NASL?

both

ah. thanks.IIRC, the guy took off from midfield and had 5 seconds to beat the GK. Sound right?

It was 35 yards out. The 35 yard line also doubled as the new off side line (instead of the normal midfield stripe)
I honestly believe at this point there is no way to fix the coaches over control via negative tactics with out some ON FIELD rule changes.

The 1990 World Cup was the lowest scoring WC ever and helped produce two very useful on field rule changes in the even is on and pass back to the keeper rule changes.

With the 2010 WC being the second lowest (beating the 1990 scoring average by a pubic hair), hopefully the normal tectonic like speed of FIFA to make some changes will be spurred on.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Not sure if this was posted in here....

Goalie celebrates too soon on PK

 

[The Gator]

 

[Sebowski]

GENEVA—FIFA's president wants the governing body to consider scrapping extra-time at the 2014 World Cup to encourage an attacking style after defensive tactics dominated in South Africa.Sepp Blatter said Thursday he wants to discourage teams from defensive play when they are tied after 90 minutes in a knockout match "in an attempt to avoid conceding a goal at all costs.""To prevent this, we could go directly to a penalty shootout at full time, or reintroduce the golden goal rule," Blatter said in an interview published on FIFA's website.The golden goal rule applied at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, in which the first goal of extra-time decides the game.Blatter also is unhappy with some teams' negative approach in their first group matches at the recent World Cup."We witnessed some teams that went out to avoid defeat, that were playing for a draw from the outset. We have to try to find a way to encourage free-flowing football in tournaments like the World Cup, with teams playing to win," Blatter said.FIFA's Football and Technical & Development committees will study the issues when they both meet on Oct. 18.The panels will report to FIFA's executive committee which meets Oct. 28-29 in Zurich.The football committee is chaired by Franz Beckenbauer, who captained and coached West Germany to World Cup victories and now sits on FIFA's 24-man executive committee. Other members include playing greats Pele, Bobby Charlton and Roger Milla.The technical panel is chaired by Oceania confederation president Reynald Temarii, a former professional player in France. It includes Carlos Bilardo, who coached Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, and former players Romario of Brazil and South Africa's Jomo Sono.The 2014 World Cup tournament will be played in Brazil.

I really don't know how they are going to address the negative play in the first group matches.

Earlier in this thread I linked a story which stated that FIFA is looking into eliminating draws all together in the first round of play but I doubt that will make teams come out of their shell. I really don't know a solution to this first round issue with out changing on the field rules which they are not looking at right now.

How about in the event of a draw the team with the most shots on target gets 1 point. Other team, none.

 

[El Floppo]

Not sure if this was posted in here....

Goalie celebrates too soon on PK

saw that on FSC last night- insane. I love the GK coming back into screen after realizing what happened looking completely WTF?

 

[otello]

what is going on in ManU Everton?

 

[guru_007]

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

With the way that Everton has started the season, I'll take the point from that game in a heartbeat. That's going to give a great confidence boost to them going into the next few games.

YES!

 

[otello]

With the way that Everton has started the season, I'll take the point from that game in a heartbeat. That's going to give a great confidence boost to them going into the next few games. YES!

no arguing there.

 

[otello]

Blackpool with a nice win on the road.

 

[guru_007]

Hercules up 2-0 @ Barcelona

 

[The Gator]

Hercules up 2-0 @ Barcelona

Masch> lol

 

[NewlyRetired]

GENEVA—FIFA's president wants the governing body to consider scrapping extra-time at the 2014 World Cup to encourage an attacking style after defensive tactics dominated in South Africa.Sepp Blatter said Thursday he wants to discourage teams from defensive play when they are tied after 90 minutes in a knockout match "in an attempt to avoid conceding a goal at all costs.""To prevent this, we could go directly to a penalty shootout at full time, or reintroduce the golden goal rule," Blatter said in an interview published on FIFA's website.The golden goal rule applied at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, in which the first goal of extra-time decides the game.Blatter also is unhappy with some teams' negative approach in their first group matches at the recent World Cup."We witnessed some teams that went out to avoid defeat, that were playing for a draw from the outset. We have to try to find a way to encourage free-flowing football in tournaments like the World Cup, with teams playing to win," Blatter said.FIFA's Football and Technical & Development committees will study the issues when they both meet on Oct. 18.The panels will report to FIFA's executive committee which meets Oct. 28-29 in Zurich.The football committee is chaired by Franz Beckenbauer, who captained and coached West Germany to World Cup victories and now sits on FIFA's 24-man executive committee. Other members include playing greats Pele, Bobby Charlton and Roger Milla.The technical panel is chaired by Oceania confederation president Reynald Temarii, a former professional player in France. It includes Carlos Bilardo, who coached Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, and former players Romario of Brazil and South Africa's Jomo Sono.The 2014 World Cup tournament will be played in Brazil.

I really don't know how they are going to address the negative play in the first group matches.

Earlier in this thread I linked a story which stated that FIFA is looking into eliminating draws all together in the first round of play but I doubt that will make teams come out of their shell. I really don't know a solution to this first round issue with out changing on the field rules which they are not looking at right now.

How about in the event of a draw the team with the most shots on target gets 1 point. Other team, none.

I was thinking of that, similar to maybe counting corners as well but even that could easily be corrupted as almost any player can put a "shot" on net from 40 yards out if he does not care about power. That could easily make a mockery of the rule.

 

[guru_007]

Very interesting day

Barca loses at home

AC Milan loses at Cesena 0-2...keep in mind that Cesena hasn't scored a goal in Serie A in 19 years.

And...AS Roma loses 5-1 to Cagliari - Cagliari was 16th in the table last year while Roma was 2nd.

 

[Eephus]

AFC Wimbledon won again 4-0 at home against Bath City. They remain on top of the English Conference National (one rung below Football League Two and two rungs below MK Dons) by a two point margin.

Wimbledon has a big away match at 2009-10 Conference runners-up Luton Town on Friday night.

 

[El Floppo]

Very interesting dayBarca loses at homeAC Milan loses at Cesena 0-2...keep in mind that Cesena hasn't scored a goal in Serie A in 19 years.And...AS Roma loses 5-1 to Cagliari - Cagliari was 16th in the table last year while Roma was 2nd.

Watched part of that Milan game... Ibra was non-existent. Ronaldinho too. Pato looked great, but the MF lacked... well, Ronaldinho, really- to break down a resolute outmatched squad packing their back third. I'm a fan of Pirlo, but he's lost a step. They hit on two perfectly executed breaks for the win. Great crowd (lots of Japanese-esque big flag waving) obviuosly going crazy in a stadium that looked the size of the new BullStars place in Harrison. I don't even think I've ever heard of Cesena before today.

 

[scoobygang]

Eddie Johnson sighting at Fulham. Maybe not our last with Zamora out for four months.

 

[Christo]

Anyone else catch the assist by Fabregas on the Gunners' fourth goal?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Bradley is considering capping McBride one more time in Chicago against Poland. That would be a nice gesture to acknowledge a player who defined giving his all for the nats.

 

[GoFishTN]

Anyone else catch the assist by Fabregas on the Gunners' fourth goal? :X

That was great. Put Bolton to sleep, then boom!

 

[CletiusMaximus]

How great for Chelsea fans to see Essien and Obi-wan Mikel back and in great form this past weekend. Also nice to see two future stars for the Blue - Ramieres and Kakuta.

 

[guru_007]

Very interesting dayBarca loses at homeAC Milan loses at Cesena 0-2...keep in mind that Cesena hasn't scored a goal in Serie A in 19 years.And...AS Roma loses 5-1 to Cagliari - Cagliari was 16th in the table last year while Roma was 2nd.

Watched part of that Milan game... Ibra was non-existent. Ronaldinho too. Pato looked great, but the MF lacked... well, Ronaldinho, really- to break down a resolute outmatched squad packing their back third. I'm a fan of Pirlo, but he's lost a step. They hit on two perfectly executed breaks for the win. Great crowd (lots of Japanese-esque big flag waving) obviuosly going crazy in a stadium that looked the size of the new BullStars place in Harrison. I don't even think I've ever heard of Cesena before today.

Watched the Milan game - Ibra has to be the most frustrating player ever. He honestly looks lazy out there, but he can make a touch or two that are just superb. Ronaldinho definitely lacked the spark he had the first game, although I thought Robinho looked very good when he came on. Agreed that Milan's midfield didn't look all that great, it may take some time for the team to gel. Missed the Juventus/Sampdoria game, was at church - came home to see it was 3-3. May have to catch a replay of that one....actually I may need to break down and get on of these dvr contraptions which everyone talks about. Liverpool is a mess (Bentley > :hi Really should have lost 2 or 3-0 at Birmingham City. Almost time to fire up Stoke/AV game. Going to have a "rooting" interest, albeit small, on the home side today.

 

[Texas Football]

Villa vd Stoke is in TV somwhere? Which channel?

 

[El Floppo]

Looks like EJ has a new 3 year deal with the Cottagers.

 

[guru_007]

Very exciting game today between Stoke and Aston Villa. Villa jumped out early on a beautiful header by Downing, with some piss poor defending by Stoke. But Stoke equalized late on a nicely setup goal to K. Jones, and won in injury time

Friedel was very, very good in this one, both defenses were very suspect in the back.

 

[The Z Machine]

Atlético and Valencia are the only la liga teams on 6 points.

NIIIICE.

Great to see Barça fall apart like that. Two fingers up to Masch from Liverpool. Atlético nest week will have to contend with a royally pissed off Barcelona, and that will be telling how serious they are on making a run at a top 4 slot. If they can get a point tomorrow, they will be for real. if they get blown out at home, it will dent their confidence a bit IMO.

Best start to a season in a LONG time.

 

[brewer]

Anyone else catch the assist by Fabregas on the Gunners' fourth goal?

It was nice to finally see an in form Fabregas. Aresenal need him if they are to weather the latest storm of injuries.

 

[Eephus]

This week's CL fixtures features the usual mix of the intriguing and the unknown. Real Madrid v. Ajax is a classic matchup for fans of soccer history. OL v. Schalke should be a good matchup. It's always interesting to see if any of the smaller clubs can pull off a result at home. Bursasport looks like it could be a tough away game for their opponents and their supporters.

 

[El Floppo]

incredible schtick potential... but I need a lot more info on how the hell this was set up.

Togo Soccer Federation: Team 'Completely Fake'By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSPublished: September 14, 2010 LOME, Togo (AP) -- The chairman of Togo's soccer federation says the team that played an exhibition against Bahrain last week claiming to be the Togo national team was ''completely fake.'' Seiyi Memene told The Associated Press on Tuesday ''we have not sent any footballers to Bahrain. The players that took part in the friendly match against Bahrain were completely fake.'' Togo sports minister Christophe Tchao said his country will ask FIFA to investigate the match that took place at Bahrain's National Stadium in Riffa last Tuesday. Bahrain won 3-0, but doubts emerged over the authenticity of the Togo team.

 

[guru_007]

I'm pretty sure SAF was a little pissed off at the Everton game.

Fletcher is the only starter in the lineup today that started in Everton

Kuszak in goal

Smalling/Rio/Brown/Rafael

Gibson/Fletcher/Park/Valencia

Rooney/Hernandez

 

[prefontaine]

Maurice Edu getting the nod for Rangers

 

[guru_007]

Game time boys

 

[guru_007]

Rooney dye his hair? ?

 

[The Gator]

incredible schtick potential... but I need a lot more info on how the hell this was set up.

Togo Soccer Federation: Team 'Completely Fake'By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSPublished: September 14, 2010 LOME, Togo (AP) -- The chairman of Togo's soccer federation says the team that played an exhibition against Bahrain last week claiming to be the Togo national team was ''completely fake.'' Seiyi Memene told The Associated Press on Tuesday ''we have not sent any footballers to Bahrain. The players that took part in the friendly match against Bahrain were completely fake.'' Togo sports minister Christophe Tchao said his country will ask FIFA to investigate the match that took place at Bahrain's National Stadium in Riffa last Tuesday. Bahrain won 3-0, but doubts emerged over the authenticity of the Togo team.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Spurs off to a terrific start with a 2-0 lead in Bremen. Crouch helped cause a Werder own goal and then scored on a nice header of his own. That would be a huge 3 points for them.

And now Twente just tied Inter at 1. Man I love Champions League.

 

[ffldrew]

Rooney just rolled his ankle at around the 38th minute

ETA: Seems as if he is walking it off ok for now - could be a halftime sub

 

[Spartans Rule]

Spurs off to a terrific start with a 2-0 lead in Bremen. Crouch helped cause a Werder own goal and then scored on a nice header of his own. That would be a huge 3 points for them. And now Twente just tied Inter at 1. Man I love Champions League.

Both these games now tied at 2. Eto'o with a sweet goal in there for Inter.Originally was planning to focus on the Man U game but comparatively it's been a yawn.

 

[guru_007]

Looks like Valencia is done for the year - break above the ankle

 

[Eephus]

A pretty uninspiring display by MUFC

 

[GoFishTN]

Signed up for the package with FSC today. Not in HD, but I think it will still be worth the $5.