***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)

[El Floppo]

I will say, though, that Arshavin and Nasri have impressed me today. I'm not the biggest Arshavin fan, but he's been growing on me.

Hmmm...think Chamakh and Arshavin are bad and Nasri and Wilshire are brilliant but I've only been half watching as I've been on the phone.

Arshavin's play always seems like a double-edged sword for me. No question, IMO, that he's the most creative player that Arsenal have in the final 3rd. Some games, he tries to do too much by himself and gets himself into trouble....but today, there's been really no creativity from ANYONE near the Chelsea goal, save for Nasri. Diaby has been quiet and was nicked in the first half, Wilshere has been solid but isn't a big offensive threat, and Song is....well, Song.Chamakh has been largely invisible.

Totally agree with whoever just posted about the game being back and forth, but the goal taking with edge off of Arsenal's game. They played like they'd been punched in the nuts after that.Arshavin is a genius with the ball at his feet- great, close skill and extremely quick change of speed/direction... but he's that guy who puts his head down and keeps going at goal every time, so he becomes easier to defend against and a pain in the ### to play with.Haven't seen enough of Chamakh to judge past this game really- seems like he has a knack for getting into the right spots in the box, but not so great with his decision making on the ball... sound right?Drogba... wow. You know, with the US formation talk, we inadvertantly compared Jozy to Drogba. Somebody with a better memory- I recall Drogba's first years in England with him playing as more of a slasher... yes? I don't recall his post-up skills being anywhere near as good as they are now- he's an incredible all-around forward, worthy of talking about in the world's best fo sho. Anyways- gives me some hope for Jozy, who's post-up skills also seem to be improving- if he's even anywhere near close to Drogba's level by the next WC, I'll be a very happy man.I've also been impressed with Nasri- although I thought Wilshere looked a little lost/nervous out there, particularly in the first 20 minutes. But it's easy to forget he's only 18- should be a great one, unless he runs into a Bolton/Birmingham City leg-breaking tackle. Speaking of- what's going on with Ramsey?

 

[NewlyRetired]

CONCACAF WC Qualifying looks like it may go through some dramatic changes.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writ...alry/index.html

I understand a sinkhole is swallowing up the rivalry.

Absolutely terrible decision making on this one.I think that ABC/ESPN/Univision need to start bribing profit sharing the TV revenue with these Caribbean soccer federations.

not the furthest thing from the truth. I doubt anyone at Disney or Univision wants to envision a World Cup with out Mexico and/or the US.

Do the soccer federations get a cut of the TV revenue? If so, this is a huge opportunity for these media companies to lock in viewership.

For qualifying yes, for the World Cup itself I don't think so. I think FIFA sells the rights directly to the broadcasters for a fee. FIFA distributes the money in various ways but its nothing direct that you could track.

 

[Native]

God, I hate Chelsea.

 

[El Floppo]

Demps and EJ get the start for Fulham's weekend tie vs West Ham, with Dempsey scoring vs Robert Green again. English press must LOVE that.

Noticed that Jozy was on the bench for Villareal, but didn't get a call despite both forwards going off for subs (albeit, up 2-0, so probably for defensive minded players). But it's at least good news he's dressing for A-team games.

 

[El Floppo]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.

SOCCER PLAYER

1. Pele

2. Diego Maradona

3. Franz Beckenbauer

4. Ronaldinho

5. Johann Cruyff

6. Ronaldo

7. Michel Platini

8. Alfredo di Stefano

9. Bobby Charlton

10. Zinedine Zidane

11. Mia Hamm

12. Ference Puskas

13. Zico

14. Lev Yashin

15. Gerd Muller

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER12. Ference Puskas

This does not look spelled correctly but I am not sure.I think their is a GLARING omission from the list so far. I assume you don't want any names dropped though yet right?

 

[Offa]

Apparently the owners of the Boston Red Sox have made an offer to buy Livepool. Who are they?

 

[El Floppo]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER12. Ference Puskas

This does not look spelled correctly but I am not sure.I think their is a GLARING omission from the list so far. I assume you don't want any names dropped though yet right?

try to focus on the people drafted already- first two are obvious, and then?A number of ommisions so far from the names that jumped into my head as the top 20. no name-dropping, please.

 

[Offa]

I think it's virtually impossible to have any objective list on the 'best' football players of all time. There's so little statistics on the game, the way it's played has changed so drastically, there are many specialised positions, the standard of quality varies dramatically across the world.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER12. Ference Puskas

This does not look spelled correctly but I am not sure.I think their is a GLARING omission from the list so far. I assume you don't want any names dropped though yet right?

There is 1 huge, glaring omission from my standpoint, but as a co-judge, I can't comment on it.

 

[El Floppo]

I think it's virtually impossible to have any objective list on the 'best' football players of all time. There's so little statistics on the game, the way it's played has changed so drastically, there are many specialised positions, the standard of quality varies dramatically across the world.

ok.now imagine there is a list.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Anyone excited for the US Open Cup final tonight?

I know it gets very little play when compared to, say, the FA Cup, but it's still a long-standing tradition and fun to watch a one-off.

Seattle vs. Columbus, tonight at 7 PM ET on FSC.

 

[Eephus]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER12. Ference Puskas

This does not look spelled correctly but I am not sure.I think their is a GLARING omission from the list so far. I assume you don't want any names dropped though yet right?

There is 1 huge, glaring omission from my standpoint, but as a co-judge, I can't comment on it.

I haven't made my pick yet because it's a deep category. I can't decide between Frankie Hedjuk, Tomas Brolin and Preki

 

[El Floppo]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.

SOCCER PLAYER

12. Ference Puskas

This does not look spelled correctly but I am not sure.I think their is a GLARING omission from the list so far. I assume you don't want any names dropped though yet right?

There is 1 huge, glaring omission from my standpoint, but as a co-judge, I can't comment on it.

I haven't made my pick yet because it's a deep category. I can't decide between Frankie Hedjuk, Tomas Brolin and Preki

xJohnny Bornstein

 

[NewlyRetired]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER12. Ference Puskas

This does not look spelled correctly but I am not sure.I think their is a GLARING omission from the list so far. I assume you don't want any names dropped though yet right?

There is 1 huge, glaring omission from my standpoint, but as a co-judge, I can't comment on it.

I haven't made my pick yet because it's a deep category. I can't decide between Frankie Hedjuk, Tomas Brolin and Preki

Shame that Brolin found that cheeseburgers tasted good. When he was in shape he was a brilliant player to watch

 

[El Floppo]

Anyone excited for the US Open Cup final tonight?I know it gets very little play when compared to, say, the FA Cup, but it's still a long-standing tradition and fun to watch a one-off.Seattle vs. Columbus, tonight at 7 PM ET on FSC.

used to be a SF team - the SF Greeks- that won a number of times in the 70s/80s. bunch of older guys from my area played for that team, and I always looked up to them. but it was a get-payed-for-beer type of league/team... a bit different than the level today.

 

[El Floppo]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER12. Ference Puskas

This does not look spelled correctly but I am not sure.I think their is a GLARING omission from the list so far. I assume you don't want any names dropped though yet right?

There is 1 huge, glaring omission from my standpoint, but as a co-judge, I can't comment on it.

PM sent

 

[NewlyRetired]

Anyone excited for the US Open Cup final tonight?I know it gets very little play when compared to, say, the FA Cup, but it's still a long-standing tradition and fun to watch a one-off.Seattle vs. Columbus, tonight at 7 PM ET on FSC.

As with everything related to Seattle, they will break the record tonight for highest attendance ever for any US Open Cup match.

 

[NewlyRetired]

FIFA 11 is now officially the fastest selling sports video game of all time selling 2,6 million copies in the first 5 days.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I ran into an under reported and yet potentially huge piece of news that could shape the landscape of soccer in the US in the future.

David Hill has officially joined the bid committee for trying to land the World Cup in the US in 2018 or 2022.

As most know, David Hill is the chairman of Fox Sports.

His joining of the bid committee is a not so subtle indication that Fox may be getting serious about bidding for future WC TV rights.

Competition is great and I love what Disney has done for the World Cup. I honestly believe that whom ever lands the English rights for 2018/2022 will do a great job. I am most concerned about MLS. MLS has been in bed with Disney since they were born. Should ESPN lose the rights, I fear that they may also drop MLS (not so coincidentally, the MLS contract with Disney ends in 2014).

Should be an interesting time looking forward.

 

[Moe.]

Nigel de Jong has got to be stopped. Just in the last six months or so he has broken Holden's ankle (in a friendly), nearly killed Xabi Alonso, and now he breaks Ben Arfa's tibia and fibula. What is his problem?

 

[El Floppo]

Nigel de Jong has got to be stopped. Just in the last six months or so he has broken Holden's ankle (in a friendly), nearly killed Xabi Alonso, and now he breaks Ben Arfa's tibia and fibula. What is his problem?

he's been dumped from the upcoming netherlands game... is that enough stopping?fwiw- that was a bad tackle, but more clumsy than evil. for evil, I'll take either the holden or alonso ones.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Nigel de Jong has got to be stopped. Just in the last six months or so he has broken Holden's ankle (in a friendly), nearly killed Xabi Alonso, and now he breaks Ben Arfa's tibia and fibula. What is his problem?

Man, he must really hate 'em.(too soon?)

 

[BlackMagic10]

Nigel de Jong has got to be stopped. Just in the last six months or so he has broken Holden's ankle (in a friendly), nearly killed Xabi Alonso, and now he breaks Ben Arfa's tibia and fibula. What is his problem?

He was removed from the Netherland's national squad for the upcoming 2 qualifiers for EURO 2012 and is under heavy scrutiny/criticism in his home country.They should keep him from playing in Oranje for at least a year, IMO.

 

[LHUCKS]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER1. Pele2. Diego Maradona3. Franz Beckenbauer4. Ronaldinho5. Johann Cruyff6. Ronaldo7. Michel Platini8. Alfredo di Stefano9. Bobby Charlton10. Zinedine Zidane11. Mia Hamm12. Ference Puskas13. Zico14. Lev Yashin15. Gerd Muller16.17.18. 19. 20.

sick value pick still left here...hint: Europeanronaldinho at #4??

 

[BlackMagic10]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER1. Pele2. Diego Maradona3. Franz Beckenbauer4. Ronaldinho5. Johann Cruyff6. Ronaldo7. Michel Platini8. Alfredo di Stefano9. Bobby Charlton10. Zinedine Zidane11. Mia Hamm12. Ference Puskas13. Zico14. Lev Yashin15. Gerd Muller16.17.18. 19. 20.

sick value pick still left here...hint: Europeanronaldinho at #4??

Indeed. Cruyff behind him @ 5 is even more laughable with all due respect.

 

[Brady Marino]

We have just lost cabin pressure in Liverpool.

 

[The Gator]

We have just lost cabin pressure in Liverpool.

 

[Brady Marino]

We have just lost cabin pressure in Liverpool.

Just saw the replay of Blackpool/Liverpool from Sunday. It's going to be a long year. :(

 

[Texas Football]

We have just lost cabin pressure in Liverpool.

Just saw the replay of Blackpool/Liverpool from Sunday. It's going to be a long year. :(

They do have two new bids on the table. One from the dude that owns the Red Sox and one from Asia. Sounds like the board is split and apparently many would be fine with going into administration. -9 points this season might kill.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Who woulda thought 2 months ago that Everton vs. Liverpool on the 8th matchday would be a battle to stay out of the drop zone between the 17th and 18th place sides?

 

[Brady Marino]

We have just lost cabin pressure in Liverpool.

Just saw the replay of Blackpool/Liverpool from Sunday. It's going to be a long year. :(

They do have two new bids on the table. One from the dude that owns the Red Sox and one from Asia. Sounds like the board is split and apparently many would be fine with going into administration. -9 points this season might kill.

John Henry is no better than Tom Hicks.GO ASIAN DUDE!

 

[Steve Tasker]

1-0 Crew

Seattle defense nowhere to be found....and the crowd goes silent.

 

[bentley]

We have just lost cabin pressure in Liverpool.

Just saw the replay of Blackpool/Liverpool from Sunday. It's going to be a long year. :(

They do have two new bids on the table. One from the dude that owns the Red Sox and one from Asia. Sounds like the board is split and apparently many would be fine with going into administration. -9 points this season might kill.

The board is split between the two ####headed #######s and the three people that want to do the best thing for the club, sell the team and move on. Pretty bold statement on the official site tonight (and pretty weak statement form Hicks - not published on the official site). Should be more excitement by the time us Americans wake up in the morning.

 

[Eephus]

We have just lost cabin pressure in Liverpool.

:whoosh:

Just saw the replay of Blackpool/Liverpool from Sunday. It's going to be a long year. :(

They do have two new bids on the table. One from the dude that owns the Red Sox and one from Asia. Sounds like the board is split and apparently many would be fine with going into administration. -9 points this season might kill.

The board is split between the two ####headed #######s and the three people that want to do the best thing for the club, sell the team and move on. Pretty bold statement on the official site tonight (and pretty weak statement form Hicks - not published on the official site). Should be more excitement by the time us Americans wake up in the morning.

It's great to see the fans playing an active role in LFC's ownership controversy. Other English clubs where supporters movements stepped up in the last decade are also having success: Bournemouth was promoted last year, AFC Wimbledon is 2nd in the Conference, Northampton Town beat Liverpool in the League Cup.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Robbie Rogers hits the crossbar in the 85th with Seattle up 2-1. Exciting last few minutes here...Seattle content to sit back and play for the counter.

 

[Native]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER1. Pele2. Diego Maradona3. Franz Beckenbauer4. Ronaldinho5. Johann Cruyff6. Ronaldo7. Michel Platini8. Alfredo di Stefano9. Bobby Charlton10. Zinedine Zidane11. Mia Hamm12. Ference Puskas13. Zico14. Lev Yashin15. Gerd Muller16.17.18. 19. 20.

No Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER1. Pele2. Diego Maradona3. Franz Beckenbauer4. Ronaldinho5. Johann Cruyff6. Ronaldo7. Michel Platini8. Alfredo di Stefano9. Bobby Charlton10. Zinedine Zidane11. Mia Hamm12. Ference Puskas13. Zico14. Lev Yashin15. Gerd Muller16.17.18. 19. 20.

No Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

I gotta think that Franny Jeffers will be one of the 6 open picks, right?

 

[Native]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER1. Pele2. Diego Maradona3. Franz Beckenbauer4. Ronaldinho5. Johann Cruyff6. Ronaldo7. Michel Platini8. Alfredo di Stefano9. Bobby Charlton10. Zinedine Zidane11. Mia Hamm12. Ference Puskas13. Zico14. Lev Yashin15. Gerd Muller16.17.18. 19. 20.

No Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

I gotta think that Franny Jeffers will be one of the 6 open picks, right?

Ooooh good one. Jody Morris is another.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Personally, I'm hoping someone takes Ray Parlour.

 

[Eephus]

Don't know if any of you guys not in it have noticed the Great Sports Draft... there's a soccer category that Steve(?) and I are co-judging. Here's where it's at so far... interested to hear your thoughts.SOCCER PLAYER1. Pele2. Diego Maradona3. Franz Beckenbauer4. Ronaldinho5. Johann Cruyff6. Ronaldo7. Michel Platini8. Alfredo di Stefano9. Bobby Charlton10. Zinedine Zidane11. Mia Hamm12. Ference Puskas13. Zico14. Lev Yashin15. Gerd Muller16.17.18. 19. 20.

No Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

I gotta think that Franny Jeffers will be one of the 6 open picks, right?

almost forgot all about the jug eared k-unt

 

[Bonzai]

I'll give it a go. Of the ones listed so far:

SOCCER PLAYER

1. Pele

2. Diego Maradona

3. Johann Cruyff

4. Franz Beckenbauer

5. Alfredo di Stefano

6. Ferenc Puskas

7. Michel Platini

8. Lev Yashin

9. Ronaldo

10. Zinedine Zidane

11. Bobby Charlton

12. Gerd Muller

13. Zico

14. Ronaldinho

15. Mia Hamm

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

 

[Sammy3469]

We have just lost cabin pressure in Liverpool.

Just saw the replay of Blackpool/Liverpool from Sunday. It's going to be a long year. :(

They do have two new bids on the table. One from the dude that owns the Red Sox and one from Asia. Sounds like the board is split and apparently many would be fine with going into administration. -9 points this season might kill.

Sounds like they're going with Henry for 300 million pounds...sounds like a pretty sweet deal for Liverpool. Payoff all the debt, leave nothing for the bozo Hicks, and have a competant guy in Henry who has proven he can manage and improve a team that is a cultural icon. Sounds like a win-win for everyone involved that matters. I also love the RBS is telling Hicks to hit the road. Funny how these fancy financiers always forget that debt holders rule the roost when it comes time to pay the piper.

 

[The Gator]

Hicks> GTFO

 

[El Floppo]

I'll give it a go. Of the ones listed so far:SOCCER PLAYER1. Pele2. Diego Maradona3. Johann Cruyff 4. Franz Beckenbauer 5. Alfredo di Stefano6. Ferenc Puskas7. Michel Platini8. Lev Yashin 9. Ronaldo 10. Zinedine Zidane 11. Bobby Charlton12. Gerd Muller13. Zico14. Ronaldinho 15. Mia Hamm 16.17.18. 19. 20.

I have the first 5 and the last 2 in the same order... middle of the order gets a little shake-up.eta: .... thanks for taking the time.

 

[Kendall]

Hicks> GTFO

Normally I'm not one to curse, but there are not enough expletive's in any combination of languages that I want to say to this man.

 

[The Gator]

Sale can be approved by the league as early as Friday

http://www.football.co.uk/liverpool/league...ss1377068.shtml

 

[Steve Tasker]

Disappointed to see Benayoun out for a few months with an Achilles' injury. One of my favorites, very underrated player IMO.

 

[El Floppo]

Anybody else see this? Bolivian president- THE preseident- knees an opponent in the nads during a "friendly" game in La Paz vs the Mayor of La Paz's team.

 

[Brady Marino]

Hicks> GTFO

Normally I'm not one to curse, but there are not enough expletive's in any combination of languages that I want to say to this man.

Looking at what Henry is going to be forking over and it's effects, I guess I can go along with it. I'm not his biggest fan after the scummy Red Sox-Marlins fiasco in 2002.