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

[Sebowski]

Will they release who voted for who?

No.It might actually be an enjoyable tournament as long as you aren't Gay, Asian, Jewish, or prone to excessive drinking.

Wonder if they're going to pay their people to sit in the stadiums and cheer, cause I can't imagine anyone really wanting to take a 2-4 week vacation in a country no bigger than a square with 67 mile sides in the middle of no where and unbearable heat.

But you can arrive by water taxi.

 

[Leviathan]

Hmmmm....looks like I'm in for the '18 WC. Can't wait to yell "Wolverines!" In the middle of Red Square.

Qatar is a horrible choice.

 

[dparker713]

Hmmmm....looks like I'm in for the '18 WC. Can't wait to yell "Wolverines!" In the middle of Red Square.Qatar is a horrible choice.

Enjoy the Polonium Tea, I hear it makes your hair stand on end!

 

[derek245583]

Probably a stupid question and I could figure it out on my own if I wasnt lazy....

But, what local time are the games usually played? I am trying to figure out the ET translation for the Brazil, Qatar, and Russian WC's. Nothing like planning 12 years ahead.

 

[QuizGuy66]

LOL, looks like Democratic Party politicians are 0 for 2 in trying to influence international selection committees...

This has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with politic$.

Well, our two "world leaders", Pres. Obama and Bill Clinton each tried to "influence" a selection committee, Obama the IOC into giving the Olympics to Chicago and now Slick Willie tries to steer the WC to the US. And both struck out.

I assume that England's pathetic showing in the voting is the fault of anti-Cameron liberals too, right and not a failure of his Conservative Party. Right? The wingers never cease to amaze.-QG

 

[Major]

What the hell will the South American and European hotties be doing in Qatar?

Single-handedly liberalizing the Middle East (in Sepp Blatter's dreams).

Larissa Riquelme liberates the Middle East!

Forgot about this bird...now searching teh google (safe search off)

 

[dparker713]

LOL, looks like Democratic Party politicians are 0 for 2 in trying to influence international selection committees...

This has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with politic$.

Well, our two "world leaders", Pres. Obama and Bill Clinton each tried to "influence" a selection committee, Obama the IOC into giving the Olympics to Chicago and now Slick Willie tries to steer the WC to the US. And both struck out.

I assume that England's pathetic showing in the voting is the fault of anti-Cameron liberals too, right and not a failure of his Conservative Party. Right? The wingers never cease to amaze.-QG

Its all Prince William's fault really. If he'd just held off on the engagement a few more weeks...

 

[QuizGuy66]

Probably a stupid question and I could figure it out on my own if I wasnt lazy....But, what local time are the games usually played? I am trying to figure out the ET translation for the Brazil, Qatar, and Russian WC's. Nothing like planning 12 years ahead.

They don't use daylight savings time. I believe they will be 7 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time when the games are played.They are only 3 hours ahead of England and 1 hour ahead of most of Western Europe. It's actually tv friendly for there.As for the post that mentioned them giving away tickets - I believe that is exactly what is going to be happening. They'll claim it as good will toward the region and world's poor and put a smiley face on it. The Qatari government will literally underwrite the entire cost - FIFA will still make its money. The stadiums will be full - but the fan bases will be akin to the rooting section that North Korea brought along for the '10 World Cup - designated cheerers. The two largest countries for buying tickets in South Africa were the US and England. You will not see that for a Qatari World Cup.I'm not sure that it'll end up getting pulled. And if it is I'm not really sure we would automatically get it. For one thing, as things get close to '22, the '26 host will be known (and could be us already for all you know). Oddly, I think the plan B would probably be Australia since they are still in the same confederation. The political ramifications of a Mid-East World Cup getting moved to the United States would seem to be too big a hurdle IMO.One thing that yahoo reminded me is that the goofy island stadium will now be built. I hope Spain/Portugal never get as much as a sniff of World Cup hosting in my lifetime after this.Here's to hoping for Israel to qualify for 2022! -QG

 

[Steve Tasker]

Probably a stupid question and I could figure it out on my own if I wasnt lazy....But, what local time are the games usually played? I am trying to figure out the ET translation for the Brazil, Qatar, and Russian WC's. Nothing like planning 12 years ahead.

They don't use daylight savings time. I believe they will be 7 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time when the games are played.They are only 3 hours ahead of England and 1 hour ahead of most of Western Europe. It's actually tv friendly for there.As for the post that mentioned them giving away tickets - I believe that is exactly what is going to be happening. They'll claim it as good will toward the region and world's poor and put a smiley face on it. The Qatari government will literally underwrite the entire cost - FIFA will still make its money. The stadiums will be full - but the fan bases will be akin to the rooting section that North Korea brought along for the '10 World Cup - designated cheerers. The two largest countries for buying tickets in South Africa were the US and England. You will not see that for a Qatari World Cup.I'm not sure that it'll end up getting pulled. And if it is I'm not really sure we would automatically get it. For one thing, as things get close to '22, the '26 host will be known (and could be us already for all you know). Oddly, I think the plan B would probably be Australia since they are still in the same confederation. The political ramifications of a Mid-East World Cup getting moved to the United States would seem to be too big a hurdle IMO.One thing that yahoo reminded me is that the goofy island stadium will now be built. I hope Spain/Portugal never get as much as a sniff of World Cup hosting in my lifetime after this.Here's to hoping for Israel to qualify for 2022! -QG

Does Australia have the stadiums/infrastructure in place to host a Cup on short notice, though? The A-League has only been a professional league for 6 years. Looking at the commonly-used stadiums in their league, it looks like only 4 seat more than 40,000 fans....and only 2 stadiums larger than the SMALLEST US venue in 1994 (RFK Stadium). There are probably larger rugby/Aussie football stadiums out there, I'd assume, but I don't feel like researching.How were the ticket sales during the 1994 Cup? I was pretty young at the time, and don't really remember watching any of the games.I guess my thought isn't that Australia couldn't handle it; I'm sure they could. I'm more wondering how ticket sales would work, would FIFA turn down larger venues, etc. I find it hard to believe, given the success of the recent Cups in the US amongst soccer fans and non-soccer fans alike, that the US wouldn't be able to sell out every single game of the Cup. Maybe I'm way off the mark and Australia has the stadiums in place already.

 

[The Z Machine]

IIRC USA '94 had the highest attendance and the most sold out games ever for a WC. It's a given that the in the US, if there were 150k stadiums, they would be filled.

 

[NewlyRetired]

How were the ticket sales during the 1994 Cup? I was pretty young at the time, and don't really remember watching any of the games

ticket sales broke many records for both average and revenue. I would be surprised if the US still holds the revenue record since the ticket prices are higher and their are many more games but the US still holds the average attendance record (68,991).

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here are all the stadiums in Aussie.

http://www.worldstadiums.com/oceania/count...australia.shtml

 

[Txns8]

How were the ticket sales during the 1994 Cup? I was pretty young at the time, and don't really remember watching any of the games

ticket sales broke many records for both average and revenue. I would be surprised if the US still holds the revenue record since the ticket prices are higher and their are many more games but the US still holds the average attendance record (68,991).

1994 attendance is still a record and will be until we host again.

 

[NewlyRetired]

How were the ticket sales during the 1994 Cup? I was pretty young at the time, and don't really remember watching any of the games

ticket sales broke many records for both average and revenue. I would be surprised if the US still holds the revenue record since the ticket prices are higher and their are many more games but the US still holds the average attendance record (68,991).

1994 attendance is still a record and will be until we host again.

the average attendance will likely remain US for a long time be but the attendance revenue record I believe Germany now owns.Russia is a huge country, it will be interesting to see how ticket sales do there if the local population will support it.

 

[Moe.]

Probably a stupid question and I could figure it out on my own if I wasnt lazy....But, what local time are the games usually played? I am trying to figure out the ET translation for the Brazil, Qatar, and Russian WC's. Nothing like planning 12 years ahead.

They don't use daylight savings time. I believe they will be 7 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time when the games are played.They are only 3 hours ahead of England and 1 hour ahead of most of Western Europe. It's actually tv friendly for there.As for the post that mentioned them giving away tickets - I believe that is exactly what is going to be happening. They'll claim it as good will toward the region and world's poor and put a smiley face on it. The Qatari government will literally underwrite the entire cost - FIFA will still make its money. The stadiums will be full - but the fan bases will be akin to the rooting section that North Korea brought along for the '10 World Cup - designated cheerers. The two largest countries for buying tickets in South Africa were the US and England. You will not see that for a Qatari World Cup.I'm not sure that it'll end up getting pulled. And if it is I'm not really sure we would automatically get it. For one thing, as things get close to '22, the '26 host will be known (and could be us already for all you know). Oddly, I think the plan B would probably be Australia since they are still in the same confederation. The political ramifications of a Mid-East World Cup getting moved to the United States would seem to be too big a hurdle IMO.One thing that yahoo reminded me is that the goofy island stadium will now be built. I hope Spain/Portugal never get as much as a sniff of World Cup hosting in my lifetime after this.Here's to hoping for Israel to qualify for 2022! -QG

Does Australia have the stadiums/infrastructure in place to host a Cup on short notice, though? The A-League has only been a professional league for 6 years. Looking at the commonly-used stadiums in their league, it looks like only 4 seat more than 40,000 fans....and only 2 stadiums larger than the SMALLEST US venue in 1994 (RFK Stadium). There are probably larger rugby/Aussie football stadiums out there, I'd assume, but I don't feel like researching.How were the ticket sales during the 1994 Cup? I was pretty young at the time, and don't really remember watching any of the games.I guess my thought isn't that Australia couldn't handle it; I'm sure they could. I'm more wondering how ticket sales would work, would FIFA turn down larger venues, etc. I find it hard to believe, given the success of the recent Cups in the US amongst soccer fans and non-soccer fans alike, that the US wouldn't be able to sell out every single game of the Cup. Maybe I'm way off the mark and Australia has the stadiums in place already.

Just like you wouldn't want to use MLS stadiums when judging the US, I think the same would be true for Australia and the A-League. I'm sure a sport-crazy country like that has plenty of stadiums that are big enough.

 

[NewlyRetired]

MLS needed some good news on this dark day for the league and got it from Houston

Dynamo announce stadium agreement and ground breaking

 

[Steve Tasker]

Just like you wouldn't want to use MLS stadiums when judging the US, I think the same would be true for Australia and the A-League. I'm sure a sport-crazy country like that has plenty of stadiums that are big enough.

Looking at the link Andy just posted, I don't think that's the case. There's a cricket ground that seats 100,000, and the only other stadiums that seat 80,000+ are a horsetrack and an F1 racing track. The other largest stadiums are the A-League stadiums.

 

[scoobygang]

MLS needed some good news on this dark day for the league and got it from Houston

Dynamo announce stadium agreement and ground breaking

Also good for the league that a team of it's Generation Adidas players beat the Real Madrid reserves 2-1 (goals by Dilly Duka and Teal Bunbury). This despite the fact the GA team had maybe 2 true defenders. I think I read that Brek Shea played as a CB.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Does Australia have the stadiums/infrastructure in place to host a Cup on short notice, though? The A-League has only been a professional league for 6 years. Looking at the commonly-used stadiums in their league, it looks like only 4 seat more than 40,000 fans....and only 2 stadiums larger than the SMALLEST US venue in 1994 (RFK Stadium). There are probably larger rugby/Aussie football stadiums out there, I'd assume, but I don't feel like researching.How were the ticket sales during the 1994 Cup? I was pretty young at the time, and don't really remember watching any of the games.I guess my thought isn't that Australia couldn't handle it; I'm sure they could. I'm more wondering how ticket sales would work, would FIFA turn down larger venues, etc. I find it hard to believe, given the success of the recent Cups in the US amongst soccer fans and non-soccer fans alike, that the US wouldn't be able to sell out every single game of the Cup. Maybe I'm way off the mark and Australia has the stadiums in place already.

Sydney and Melbourne both have huge stadiums. You need to look at what they use for rugby and Aussie rules football rather than just soccer. Cricket grounds might also work.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Just like you wouldn't want to use MLS stadiums when judging the US, I think the same would be true for Australia and the A-League. I'm sure a sport-crazy country like that has plenty of stadiums that are big enough.

Looking at the link Andy just posted, I don't think that's the case. There's a cricket ground that seats 100,000, and the only other stadiums that seat 80,000+ are a horsetrack and an F1 racing track. The other largest stadiums are the A-League stadiums.

huh?ANZ in Sydney seats 83,000 and was built in 1999.

Melbourne also has this place, which is brand new but smaller.

They have 2 cities that have hosted the Olympics. I'm sure they could host the WC. Are 80,000+ seat venues a requirement? How many does Qatar have, or Russia, or just about anywhere but the US?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Just like you wouldn't want to use MLS stadiums when judging the US, I think the same would be true for Australia and the A-League. I'm sure a sport-crazy country like that has plenty of stadiums that are big enough.

Looking at the link Andy just posted, I don't think that's the case. There's a cricket ground that seats 100,000, and the only other stadiums that seat 80,000+ are a horsetrack and an F1 racing track. The other largest stadiums are the A-League stadiums.

huh?ANZ in Sydney seats 83,000 and was built in 1999.

Melbourne also has this place, which is brand new but smaller.

They have 2 cities that have hosted the Olympics. I'm sure they could host the WC. Are 80,000+ seat venues a requirement? How many does Qatar have, or Russia, or just about anywhere but the US?

80,000 was an arbitrary figure, and I think my point was lost.US Stadiums during the 1994 World Cup (capacity):

Rose Bowl (91,794)

Stanford Stadium (80,906)

Pontiac Silverdome (77,557)

Giants Stadium (75,338)

Cotton Bowl (63,998)

Soldier Field (63,117)

Citrus Bowl (61,219)

Foxborough (53,644)

RFK (53,142)

In contrast, per the link that Andy provided, these are 9 largest stadiums - of any kind - in Australia at the moment (note that I have left out the 130,000 Flemington Horse Racing Ground and the 80,000 Albert Park F1 Track, as they're not really soccer stadiums):

Melbourne Cricket Ground (100,000) - cricket and Aussie Rules Football

ANZ Stadium (83,500)

Etihad Stadium (56,347)

Suncorp Stadium (52,500)

AAMI Stadium (51,515) - Aussie Rules Football

Queensland Centre (48,400) - listed as a general-purpose venue

Sydney Football Stadium (45,500)

Princes Park (35,000) - listed as a general-purpose venue

Adelaide Oval (33,597) - cricket

My point was merely that if FIFA had to make a short-term decision (say, for example, FIFA determines that Brazil isn't capable of hosting with less than 2 years to prepare), the USA already has the stadiums in place that are sure to sell-out in record numbers. Maybe Australia could build them - I don't know about Australia's economy and I won't pretend to. Maybe stadium size and ticket sales play no real role in FIFA's decision-making, anyway.

 

[magichat]

Just like you wouldn't want to use MLS stadiums when judging the US, I think the same would be true for Australia and the A-League. I'm sure a sport-crazy country like that has plenty of stadiums that are big enough.

Looking at the link Andy just posted, I don't think that's the case. There's a cricket ground that seats 100,000, and the only other stadiums that seat 80,000+ are a horsetrack and an F1 racing track. The other largest stadiums are the A-League stadiums.

huh?ANZ in Sydney seats 83,000 and was built in 1999.

Melbourne also has this place, which is brand new but smaller.

They have 2 cities that have hosted the Olympics. I'm sure they could host the WC. Are 80,000+ seat venues a requirement? How many does Qatar have, or Russia, or just about anywhere but the US?

There's plenty of stadiums (Melbourne has 4 or 5 big enough alone), the main issue would be that Cricket/Australian Rules grounds arent particularly good for soccer (the playing area is too big so the atmosphere is rubbish). Thats why they built that rectangular one. The grounds with the big capacity needed are almost all built for Cricket/Aussie Rules or Olympics (the one in Sydney). Most of the Rugby grounds are in Sydney/Brisbane and arent very big.I cant see a WC ever coming here for one reason alone, the timezone doesnt work for TV for anyone except Asia. If theres a backup needed I'm pretty sure it's be the US.

Kinda hilarious here today, people thinking it's a betrayal of the highest order that we didnt win it. FFS we sent Elle McPherson to do the sales pitch..

Funny side is that guy who runs the Australian federation is an ancient guy who is a crony of all the FIFA heads and was really confident going in so obviously he felt his networks would do the job.. But Blatter has a long history of barefaced lying to the Australian federation over a lot of things.

 

[magichat]

In contrast, per the link that Andy provided, these are 9 largest stadiums - of any kind - in Australia at the moment (note that I have left out the 130,000 Flemington Horse Racing Ground and the 80,000 Albert Park F1 Track, as they're not really soccer stadiums):Melbourne Cricket Ground (100,000) - cricket and Aussie Rules FootballANZ Stadium (83,500)Etihad Stadium (56,347)Suncorp Stadium (52,500)AAMI Stadium (51,515) - Aussie Rules FootballQueensland Centre (48,400) - listed as a general-purpose venueSydney Football Stadium (45,500)Princes Park (35,000) - listed as a general-purpose venueAdelaide Oval (33,597) - cricketMy point was merely that if FIFA had to make a short-term decision (say, for example, FIFA determines that Brazil isn't capable of hosting with less than 2 years to prepare), the USA already has the stadiums in place that are sure to sell-out in record numbers. Maybe Australia could build them - I don't know about Australia's economy and I won't pretend to. Maybe stadium size and ticket sales play no real role in FIFA's decision-making, anyway.

Of them all, only Suncorp and the SFS would be ideal for soccer. Etihad is OK. All the others would be terrible venues.

 

[The Z Machine]

Every country that lost out thinks they got ####ed: USA, England, Spain, Australia

 

[SofaKings]

Every country that lost out thinks they got ####ed: USA, England, Spain, Australia

Might be time to start a different World Cup.

 

[The Gator]

Every country that lost out thinks they got ####ed: USA, England, Spain, Australia

Might be time to start a different World Cup.

 

[magichat]

Every country that lost out thinks they got ####ed: USA, England, Spain, Australia

Not sure why anyone expected anything else from FIFA, who make the IOC look like angels.Blatter's as compromised as anyone could possibly be, and only FIFA could proceed and get away with it as their delegates are in the process of being caught red handed dipping their snouts in the trough.Personally I hope it ends up being in Qatar, should be interesting to watch unfold if nothing else.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I should clarify my comment a bit.

I think the USA really is the default emergency option for just about any World Cup. Certainly that was the case for South Africa and probably is true for Brazil as well.

Qatar though could be a different case given the potential politics involving with moving the World Cup out of that country to here. Shockingly, we're not the most popular country in that part of the world. The prospect of us being that much more of a target (of course we already are) might make them shy away. Australia being in the same confederation led me to believe it would be the considered alternative. More likely would be either Europe or even perhaps Brazil (off their relatively recent World Cup at that point) as the plan B. As most of you surely know, plan B always exists - witness Mexico stepping in for Colombia in '86.

However, I don't there's going to be any issue with them building the stadiums. They have tons of money and are willing to spend whatever is necessary. They also have a 12-year lead time to get it all done. It would take a major upheaval there at that really doesn't happen in those small emirates really. The only other possible impediment would be war but again even though it's 12 years out I don't see that as likely.

If it weren't at our expense the sadistic side of me probably would favor Qatar just from the huge train wreck potential of it all. Be assured that FIFA will paper any difficulties over and minimize the headlines. It won't be hard it a country ruled in the fashion that Qatar is. The moaning that will happen in 2022 will have a great deal of value for sure. The only place that might be more fun as a host would be North Korea

I'll break down my opinion of why the various other countries failed when I get a chance just for the heck of it

-QG

 

[The Z Machine]

I'll break down my opinion of why the various other countries failed when I get a chance just for the heck of it

Please do. I enjoy your WC analysis.

 

[GoFishTN]

I was 16 when the US hosted the World Cup in 94. I can hardly believe I will be near 50 (probably older, possibly much older) before we host another.

 

[Texas Football]

I was 16 when the US hosted the World Cup in 94. I can hardly believe I will be near 50 (probably older, possibly much older) before we host another.

Could have been from Uruguay...Do they get 2030 by default?

 

[Sebowski]

I'll break down my opinion of why the various other countries failed when I get a chance just for the heck of it

Please do. I enjoy your WC analysis.

Always quality stuff, QG

 

[Sebowski]

What are the odds Woodward and Bernstein come out of retirement and expose FIFA's corruption?

Andy (I think) mentioned that Al-Jazeera had the vote count before it was actually in. I would love to see some real investigative reporters do some digging and come out with multiple articles and video segments trashing this decision. It doesn't make sense on any level, and we shouldn't have to stand for it. This should be front page opening news segment stuff. Instead ESPN has been up Lebron's ### all day for a regular season basketball game.

For the record, I'm with most of you guys in that I'd have been happy for Australia if they got it over us. It isn;t about who didn't get it, its about who did get it.

130 degree weather, poor transportation, lack of hotels, crazy laws, lack of security, proximity to terrorism...

How many airplanes can they even handle a day?

Thinking of writing Outside the Lines for the hell of it. Seems like the type of stuff they like to cover. Not sure how careful ESPN wants to be in not upsetting FIFA though.

 

[Moe.]

Real Sports imo.

 

[Sammy3469]

Classic

As it turns out, several of the FIFA voters were unaware (seven hours after the fact) that the round-by-round secret-ballot vote totals had been released to the public.

The result: By 11 p.m. on Thursday, at least three FIFA voters had told England '18 bid committee members that they had voted for them -- even though England only got two votes in a first-round elimination. And at least three voters had told the Australia '22 bid committee the same thing, even though only one had voted for the Aussies.

I guess none of these FIFA Execs want the FA gravy train to stop either. I applaud the FA for standing up to these thugs too Why even go through the process anymore. Just let these guys pick which countries they want since the actual bids don't matter. One point that I haven't seen mentioned anywhere is how depressing this Qatari event will be for the players. They literally will be inside for a month and a half. Training will be in underground facilities and they have to stay indoors the rest of the time. Sounds like a fun time if your Spanish or Brazilian yet both FAs went with this bid.

The entire thing is ludicrous to anyone besides the 14 men that voted for this thing

 

[El Floppo]

Classic

As it turns out, several of the FIFA voters were unaware (seven hours after the fact) that the round-by-round secret-ballot vote totals had been released to the public.

The result: By 11 p.m. on Thursday, at least three FIFA voters had told England '18 bid committee members that they had voted for them -- even though England only got two votes in a first-round elimination. And at least three voters had told the Australia '22 bid committee the same thing, even though only one had voted for the Aussies.

I guess none of these FIFA Execs want the FA gravy train to stop either. I applaud the FA for standing up to these thugs too Why even go through the process anymore. Just let these guys pick which countries they want since the actual bids don't matter. One point that I haven't seen mentioned anywhere is how depressing this Qatari event will be for the players. They literally will be inside for a month and a half. Training will be in underground facilities and they have to stay indoors the rest of the time. Sounds like a fun time if your Spanish or Brazilian yet both FAs went with this bid.

The entire thing is ludicrous to anyone besides the 14 men that voted for this thing

WATER TAXIS

 

[scoobygang]

I was 16 when the US hosted the World Cup in 94. I can hardly believe I will be near 50 (probably older, possibly much older) before we host another.

It could be worse, you could be British. They're going at least 56 years without a World Cup.

 

[Sammy3469]

I was 16 when the US hosted the World Cup in 94. I can hardly believe I will be near 50 (probably older, possibly much older) before we host another.

It could be worse, you could be British. They're going at least 56 years without a World Cup.

At least...sounds like they won't be bidding again for awhile.

 

[Tiny Dancer]

I was 16 when the US hosted the World Cup in 94. I can hardly believe I will be near 50 (probably older, possibly much older) before we host another.

It could be worse, you could be British. They're going at least 56 years without a World Cup.

Lots of countries have never hosted a World Cup at all. Like Qatar for example. I implore you to consider what the average Qatari soccer enthusiast would have gone through had they not been given the World Cup.:whilemyQatargentlyweeps:

 

[Native]

Projecting forward:'26. US or Europe, unless of course FIFA rewrites its rules yet again. Then China.'30. If US got '26 (or China), Europe is a mortal lock. Otherwise if Europe got '26 - China.'34 If the US hadn't gotten it (thorough bid or as back-up) then there's finally as clear a shot as can be had. -QG

Noted! This will be my sig for the next 24 years and then well see whos right.

 

[Native]

Does anyone have a link to the Qatar presentation? Would love to see it. I hate the decision like everyone else but Im curious to see how they dealt with the religious aspect. A Qatar pitch that promotes football as a a vehicle to make the Middle East more liberal could be very powerful if done correctly.

The US presentation was fantastic. They hit all the right chords and had an excellent group of speakers - each of whom touched on a different aspect of the US sales pitch.

 

[El Floppo]

Does anyone have a link to the Qatar presentation? Would love to see it. I hate the decision like everyone else but Im curious to see how they dealt with the religious aspect. A Qatar pitch that promotes football as a a vehicle to make the Middle East more liberal could be very powerful if done correctly.

The US presentation was fantastic. They hit all the right chords and had an excellent group of speakers - each of whom touched on a different aspect of the US sales pitch.

Here you go- Qatar.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Nasri with Messi-esque close control and a power finish to put Arsenal up 1-0.

Arsenal's best player this season, by far. What a season for him thus far.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Nasri with Messi-esque close control and a power finish to put Arsenal up 1-0.Arsenal's best player this season, by far. What a season for him thus far.

Dempsey with great individual skill to set up Kamara for the 1-1.Arsenal's defense with another brutal collapse, despite having a good ~70% of possession....but Dempsey did very well, so it's all good.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Nasri with Messi-esque close control and a power finish to put Arsenal up 1-0.Arsenal's best player this season, by far. What a season for him thus far.

Dempsey with great individual skill to set up Kamara for the 1-1.Arsenal's defense with another brutal collapse, despite having a good ~70% of possession....but Dempsey did very well, so it's all good.

Well, Arsenal's defense had a massive void because of a collision between Squillaci and Koscielny....Koscielny got ####ed up. He ended up being out of the play nursing a head injury, and his unmarked man, Kamara, scored the goal.Koscielny was since put on a stretcher and carted off. Johan Djourou on.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Nasri with Messi-esque close control and a power finish to put Arsenal up 1-0.Arsenal's best player this season, by far. What a season for him thus far.

Dempsey with great individual skill to set up Kamara for the 1-1.Arsenal's defense with another brutal collapse, despite having a good ~70% of possession....but Dempsey did very well, so it's all good.

Well, Arsenal's defense had a massive void because of a collision between Squillaci and Koscielny....Koscielny got ####ed up. He ended up being out of the play nursing a head injury, and his unmarked man, Kamara, scored the goal.Koscielny was since put on a stretcher and carted off. Johan Djourou on.

Why is Arsenal playing such a high line with Squillaci and Djourou back there?

 

[derek245583]

Man City is squandering a record amount of chances....they have hit 2 posts and forced numerous saves in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Still only up 1-0 and will probably blow it in stoppage time.

 

[derek245583]

What a goal by Arsenal...

Kolorav sent off for 2 yellows in like 7 minutes....

 

[GoFishTN]

OK, announcing the scores on ESPN2 is getting annoying.

 

[Bonzai]

Everton!