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

[Major]

I've been calling for Bradley's firing since the 2010 World Cup. We had a favorable draw which aided in our overall finish there. Fundamentally US Soccer is not on par with upper tier South American and European nations. I am in favor of hiring a European coach to take over the helm. In the past few months I watched all of the Dutch Euro qualifiers and the way they move the ball through the midfield and the speed they attack with is amazing. I am so jealous that a country the size of the Netherlands can play such a beautiful game and our great nation cannot find a group of players that can play with that same flair that the Dutch do.Nothing has changed from the World Cup up until now. US still is giving up an early goal and playing from behind in the majority of its games. They lack a true field general in the Midfield. They also do not understand how to change fields to create an advantage. It is disheartening when you are watching the game and you can see what a simple changing of fields can do to create opportunities and the US players decide to keep it on the original side.I really hope the US National Team gets its house squared away soon there is plenty of time until 2014.

Keeping him makes no sense. He's like the Gary Kubiak of soccer.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

I've been calling for Bradley's firing since the 2010 World Cup. We had a favorable draw which aided in our overall finish there.

Fundamentally US Soccer is not on par with upper tier South American and European nations. I am in favor of hiring a European coach to take over the helm. In the past few months I watched all of the Dutch Euro qualifiers and the way they move the ball through the midfield and the speed they attack with is amazing. I am so jealous that a country the size of the Netherlands can play such a beautiful game and our great nation cannot find a group of players that can play with that same flair that the Dutch do.

Nothing has changed from the World Cup up until now. US still is giving up an early goal and playing from behind in the majority of its games. They lack a true field general in the Midfield. They also do not understand how to change fields to create an advantage. It is disheartening when you are watching the game and you can see what a simple changing of fields can do to create opportunities and the US players decide to keep it on the original side.

I really hope the US National Team gets its house squared away soon there is plenty of time until 2014.

While I agree that rehiring Bradley was a mistake, the bolded part of your statement above is a failing of US Soccer. Gulati should be shown the door as well.

 

[PIK95]

Looking like Maicon to Real.

That would be a pretty sick back line.

Doesn't Sergio Ramos already play RB? Seems a bit strange to load up on 2 of the 3 best RBs in the world, especially when the new one isn't so new.

I know I heard earlier that his agent was spreading rumors he was unhappy. Chelsea has been linked to him.

Maybe he will play somewhere else position wise. He has really fallen off anyway imo.

 

[prefontaine]

I've been calling for Bradley's firing since the 2010 World Cup. We had a favorable draw which aided in our overall finish there.

Fundamentally US Soccer is not on par with upper tier South American and European nations. I am in favor of hiring a European coach to take over the helm. In the past few months I watched all of the Dutch Euro qualifiers and the way they move the ball through the midfield and the speed they attack with is amazing. I am so jealous that a country the size of the Netherlands can play such a beautiful game and our great nation cannot find a group of players that can play with that same flair that the Dutch do.

Nothing has changed from the World Cup up until now. US still is giving up an early goal and playing from behind in the majority of its games. They lack a true field general in the Midfield. They also do not understand how to change fields to create an advantage. It is disheartening when you are watching the game and you can see what a simple changing of fields can do to create opportunities and the US players decide to keep it on the original side.

I really hope the US National Team gets its house squared away soon there is plenty of time until 2014.

While I agree that rehiring Bradley was a mistake, the bolded part of your statement above is a failing of US Soccer. Gulati should be shown the door as well.

And on top of that, are we really comparing ourselves to the Netherlands? We're not in that category. We're not in that stratosphere. Who can honestly say they play more pleasing to the eye footy? Spain maybe but they stole all that #### from the Dutch. Brazil? Probably. No one else really stands out as even competition.

 

[Steve Tasker]

And on top of that, are we really comparing ourselves to the Netherlands? We're not in that category. We're not in that stratosphere. Who can honestly say they play more pleasing to the eye footy? Spain maybe but they stole all that #### from the Dutch. Brazil? Probably. No one else really stands out as even competition.

 

[Native]

So how do we teach Tiki Taka to our boys? It cant be THAT difficult, right?

 

[Christo]

Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez wants to leave the Premier League club for personal reasons, the Argentine said in a statement to media on Monday.Tevez, who joined City from arch-rivals Manchester United in 2009, had said in December he wanted to quit City, before withdrawing his transfer request a few days later."It is with great regret that I have to inform Manchester City of my wish to leave the club," the striker said in Monday's statement."

Does anyone care anymore? Every week it's he wants to stay, then he wants to go. Just shutup.

He's an awesome player who I love watching play. I very much care where he ends up. Arsenal could certainly use him.

I would love the Eto'o/Tevez swap rumored a couple of weeks ago.

I thought the "personal reasons" were his wanting to be with his kids who are in Argentina.

 

[JMon348]

Inter Milan's Dutch star, Wesley Sneijder, is edging closer and closer to a move to English Premier League champions Manchester United.Reports on their website, stated that Manchester United have gotten the go ahead to make a bid for the attacking goal scoring midfielder, from his current club Inter Milan.In the past, Inter have suggested that Sneijder would not be moving this summer and that the player was not for sale. Certainly, since the departure of previous manager Jose Mourinho, the player has expressed his desire to move away from Inter, then later his commitment.United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is in the market for a creative, attacking and scoring central midfielder, as he has lost the talent of the long serving Paul Scholes, who retired at the end of last season.United, bereft of goals from central midfield in recent times, will be keen to have the signature of Sneijder, who arguably is the best player in this position in the world at the moment.The Dutch playmaker has exception abilities with both feet and a rocket shot off both too. This makes Sneijder a weapon from set pieces and free kicks.Having played in the World Cup final for Holland and in that historic treble winning Inter team, the 27 year old Dutchman is vastly experienced. Maybe more critical of all for Ferguson, would be the Champions League winners' medal that Sneijder possesses.The United manager is desperate to regain the Champions League trophy that he has come so close to holding again, and to gain a player with the experience of having won it recently, would certainly be on Ferguson's wish list.United seem to be in pole position for Sneijder's signature, but Chelsea will also be in the mix and able to offer the player all that United can, as well as the glamorous lifestyle that London has to offer.But the signs are, that it may not be too long before Manchester United strengthen an already formidable squad, that won the title last year, with the world class talents of Wesley Sneijder.

 

[El Floppo]

Inter Milan's Dutch star, Wesley Sneijder, is edging closer and closer to a move to English Premier League champions Manchester United.Reports on their website, stated that Manchester United have gotten the go ahead to make a bid for the attacking goal scoring midfielder, from his current club Inter Milan.In the past, Inter have suggested that Sneijder would not be moving this summer and that the player was not for sale. Certainly, since the departure of previous manager Jose Mourinho, the player has expressed his desire to move away from Inter, then later his commitment.United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is in the market for a creative, attacking and scoring central midfielder, as he has lost the talent of the long serving Paul Scholes, who retired at the end of last season.United, bereft of goals from central midfield in recent times, will be keen to have the signature of Sneijder, who arguably is the best player in this position in the world at the moment.The Dutch playmaker has exception abilities with both feet and a rocket shot off both too. This makes Sneijder a weapon from set pieces and free kicks.Having played in the World Cup final for Holland and in that historic treble winning Inter team, the 27 year old Dutchman is vastly experienced. Maybe more critical of all for Ferguson, would be the Champions League winners' medal that Sneijder possesses.The United manager is desperate to regain the Champions League trophy that he has come so close to holding again, and to gain a player with the experience of having won it recently, would certainly be on Ferguson's wish list.United seem to be in pole position for Sneijder's signature, but Chelsea will also be in the mix and able to offer the player all that United can, as well as the glamorous lifestyle that London has to offer.But the signs are, that it may not be too long before Manchester United strengthen an already formidable squad, that won the title last year, with the world class talents of Wesley Sneijder.

Maicon and now Sneijder?####.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Man U having a pretty nice summer IMO.

 

[Christo]

Inter Milan's Dutch star, Wesley Sneijder, is edging closer and closer to a move to English Premier League champions Manchester United.Reports on their website, stated that Manchester United have gotten the go ahead to make a bid for the attacking goal scoring midfielder, from his current club Inter Milan.In the past, Inter have suggested that Sneijder would not be moving this summer and that the player was not for sale. Certainly, since the departure of previous manager Jose Mourinho, the player has expressed his desire to move away from Inter, then later his commitment.United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is in the market for a creative, attacking and scoring central midfielder, as he has lost the talent of the long serving Paul Scholes, who retired at the end of last season.United, bereft of goals from central midfield in recent times, will be keen to have the signature of Sneijder, who arguably is the best player in this position in the world at the moment.The Dutch playmaker has exception abilities with both feet and a rocket shot off both too. This makes Sneijder a weapon from set pieces and free kicks.Having played in the World Cup final for Holland and in that historic treble winning Inter team, the 27 year old Dutchman is vastly experienced. Maybe more critical of all for Ferguson, would be the Champions League winners' medal that Sneijder possesses.The United manager is desperate to regain the Champions League trophy that he has come so close to holding again, and to gain a player with the experience of having won it recently, would certainly be on Ferguson's wish list.United seem to be in pole position for Sneijder's signature, but Chelsea will also be in the mix and able to offer the player all that United can, as well as the glamorous lifestyle that London has to offer.But the signs are, that it may not be too long before Manchester United strengthen an already formidable squad, that won the title last year, with the world class talents of Wesley Sneijder.

Maicon and now Sneijder?####.

I thought the Maicon rumors were to Real Madrid.

 

[Spartans Rule]

I thought the Maicon rumors were to Real Madrid.

They are. Floppo was just reacting to the fact that him and Sneijder both appear to be leaving Inter.Guessing that these departures aren't going to make Eto'o want to stay either.

 

[El Floppo]

I thought the Maicon rumors were to Real Madrid.

They are. Floppo was just reacting to the fact that him and Sneijder both appear to be leaving Inter.Guessing that these departures aren't going to make Eto'o want to stay either.

Inter... C'MON!!!11!!!Signed,a fan.

 

[Christo]

I thought the Maicon rumors were to Real Madrid.

They are. Floppo was just reacting to the fact that him and Sneijder both appear to be leaving Inter.Guessing that these departures aren't going to make Eto'o want to stay either.

I keep forgetting he likes Milan's B-team.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Man U having a pretty nice summer IMO.

I remember reading rumors before the window opened that Sir Alex had his wishlist all drawn up: Sneijder, DeGea, Ashley Young. He just needed Glazer to show him the money. Apparently that happened.

 

[Bonzai]

Man U having a pretty nice summer IMO.

I remember reading rumors before the window opened that Sir Alex had his wishlist all drawn up: Sneijder, DeGea, Ashley Young. He just needed Glazer to show him the money. Apparently that happened.

<---- Happy camper. You can never tell, but I hope the latest reports are true.

 

[Sebowski]

If Man U get Sniejder they better quit their #####ing about floppers.

 

[The Gator]

2022 WC matches could be played in 3 - 30min periods

 

[Good Posting Judge]

2022 WC matches could be played in 3 - 30min periods

Why not four 22:30 quarters?

 

[guru_007]

United may be set to lose Wes Brown (pretty sure one United fan hated this guy, think it was B Maverick) and John O'Shea to Sunderland. And while neither is a world beater, both are very solid options that filled in well spot duty. I know you can't keep every piece to the puzzle, but I'd like to keep Brown. Smalling has been overwhelmed when thrown to the wolves at center back. Phil Jones is still too young that I'd feel comfortable playing in a key role....Vidic is a rock, Rio is not the player he used to be.

Gibson has also rumored to leave, another guy that servers a purpose. For my money, someone take Carrick off our hands, his deficiencies are definitely showing. Fletcher is o.k., but he takes too many late/poor tackles (in the vain of Neville and Scholes, but he'll never be close to the level of either).

Not a huge fan of bringing in Sneijder in, but it's very evident that central midfield is a big concern, and he's more than likely the best available option. For the life of me, I can't see him being a force in the epl. Overpriced, undersized, he goes to the ground VERY easily. He's great on set pieces, but I think he'll struggle mightily with the physical play in England. STill think they should look to Germany, read a few Schweinsteiger rumors, would love to see Diego still, plenty more lesser prices options out there. I guess they made a run at Modric, glad they didn't get him too. Dunno why Spurs asking so much for Krancjar, they are gonna sit him on the bench. I think he'd look great at OT.

Only guy rumored to United I think I wouldn't mind too much is Nasri. Beside the fact it weakens Arsenal, I think he would fit in nicely and is already familiar with English soccer.

Adam to Liverpool is a nice signing. I personally think Liverpool has had the best offseason if you include moves made mid season last year, including getting Daglish in there. They saw the mistakes they made and made moves to overcome them. Aqualini really thrived in Italy, and now he is expendable yet again to Liverpool. Cole signing has been piss poor, but they've moved on. Sure, they overspent on Carroll, but they could afford it after ditching the dead weight of Torres, and Carroll is still young....gonna be a fixture there for years and years to come.

Gonna need dig into this some more before giving final EPL predictions, just over a month away now, yeehaw....but preliminary top 6:

United

Chelsea

City

Liverpool

Spurs

Arsenal

For all the money's city;s thrown around, they are losing the heart and soul of that team if/when Tevez leaves. Silva is not good enough, Balotelli is a head case, whole bunch of talent thrown against the wall, some gonna stick, lots gonna fall off. Arsenal is in decline, think it's gonna show big time this year. Late year collapse last year showed their lack of heart (spear headed by their coach), Cesc gonna jump ship, Clichy gone, hopefully Nasri leaves, love RVP, but he's weak and always hurt. Spurs still a team on the come, just gotta figure out their forward situation, find a lineup that works. Best move for them this offseason was Harry sticking around and not going to Chelsea. Really feel Chelsea could fall, but not yet.

Italy gonna be real interesting this year. Lots of talent, lots of movement. Gonna put preliminary top at:

AC Milan

Juve

Inter

Roma

really almost put Roma at second, but for now, slide them into 4th. Milan just too much top to bottom. I love what Juve's done this offseason more than anyone I've paid attention to. Matri gonna be a household name, changing of the guard with Del Piero riding off into the sunset soon. Pirlo and Toni are nice gets, sure well past their best, but no longer needing to be....Sissoko and Melo are still a bit sketchy in the back, but all in all, think this team comes together nicely. And Inter, what's going on over there. Still rock solid on defense, but that attack is gonna be an issue. gonna see a lot of low scoring games

 

[El Floppo]

great stuff, guru

hope to have time to respond as best I can... probably won't.

still trying to respond to that US/Bradley post from earlier.

 

[Native]

Gervinho taking a medical at Arsenal.

I love this kids upside. He may be a case where hes more flash that substance, but he can also be a bona fide difference maker and thats what Arsenal needs. And only 10.7M pounds seems like good business, no?

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_7022798,00.html

 

[El Floppo]

Gervinho taking a medical at Arsenal.

I love this kids upside. He may be a case where hes more flash that substance, but he can also be a bona fide difference maker and thats what Arsenal needs. And only 10.7M pounds seems like good business, no?

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_7022798,00.html

Speaking of... what happened to United's Bebe? That guy might have been the single worst professional I've ever seen in the EPL.

 

[Sebowski]

Anyone watching Argentina-Columbia?

Argentina apparently can't get Aguero or Di Maria in the starting 11. :argentinaproblems:

 

[El Floppo]

Anyone watching Argentina-Columbia?

unless the wife vetoes, IN.

 

[Native]

Im watching. Tevez just got stepped on. Messi too. This is going to be a rough game.

 

[Native]

Gervinho taking a medical at Arsenal.

I love this kids upside. He may be a case where hes more flash that substance, but he can also be a bona fide difference maker and thats what Arsenal needs. And only 10.7M pounds seems like good business, no?

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_7022798,00.html

Speaking of... what happened to United's Bebe? That guy might have been the single worst professional I've ever seen in the EPL.

To be fair, he was only 19 at the time

 

[Native]

What a ball into the box by the Colombia winger. Should be 1-0 right now.

 

[Sebowski]

"Should be" 2-1 Colombia. Can't believe they didn't call that penalty, then can't believe Colombia missed another sitter

 

[Sebowski]

Colombia just pouring on the attack. Seems like a matter of time till they score.

 

[Sebowski]

Well, I just almost had a heart attack. Messi goes down with no contact holding his knee. That is almost always a bad sign. He looks fine though.

 

[B Maverick]

Yes I am ecstatic to see wes brown leave. He has been a subpar player for the last few years. He was easily beaten and gave up poor fouls. Smalling did an excellent job filling in as long as vidic was there too. The three of them rio smalling and vidic with jones will be fine in the center. With evra and both da silva bros brown can finally be let go

Fletcher and oshea have their place for depth bit nothing more. With the players coming in they won't have too many games with the first team so get something for them while you can

They still need a center mid as they have several good #2 centers but dont have the top guy. Can Nasri and sneidjer do it? Lets hope

 

[B Maverick]

As for bebe he is on a season long loan and will prob be sold for a loss

 

[PIK95]

So I'm taking my son to the Revs-Man U. match next week at Foxboro. Do the first teamers even make the trip? Will we know anyone in the game? I hope it's more fun than USA-Spain was for him.

 

[B Maverick]

So I'm taking my son to the Revs-Man U. match next week at Foxboro. Do the first teamers even make the trip? Will we know anyone in the game? I hope it's more fun than USA-Spain was for him.

Yes you will see a lot of the first teamers. Might not get all of them but it will be worth it. Imagine it like the 2nd and 3rd preseason NFL game. I am jealous. Nearest united game is Seattle so I won't get them live. Sister is heading up to see them with her arsenal loving husband.

 

[PIK95]

So I'm taking my son to the Revs-Man U. match next week at Foxboro. Do the first teamers even make the trip? Will we know anyone in the game? I hope it's more fun than USA-Spain was for him.

Yes you will see a lot of the first teamers. Might not get all of them but it will be worth it. Imagine it like the 2nd and 3rd preseason NFL game. I am jealous. Nearest united game is Seattle so I won't get them live. Sister is heading up to see them with her arsenal loving husband.

I got an email tonight saying we can watch the Man U. practice the day before also because I bought club seats. That should be cool.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Aguero has to start for Lavezzi next game, right?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Barca dates of note:

Spanish Super Cup: 8/14, 8/17 vs. RM. First leg at Bernabeu.

La Liga opener: 8/20-21 vs. Malaga.

Matchday #1 of UCL Group Stage: 9-13/14. (Group draw is 8/25)

FIFA Club World Cup, 12/8 - 12/18. Barca and Santos enter as semifinalists.

Clasico @ Bernabeu 12/10-11 (probably resched.)

Clasico @ Camp Nou 4/21-22.

 

[Slapdash]

Barca dates of note:Spanish Super Cup: 8/14, 8/17 vs. RM. First leg at Bernabeu.La Liga opener: 8/20-21 vs. Malaga.Matchday #1 of UCL Group Stage: 9-13/14. (Group draw is 8/25)FIFA Club World Cup, 12/8 - 12/18. Barca and Santos enter as semifinalists.Clasico @ Bernabeu 12/10-11 (probably resched.)Clasico @ Camp Nou 4/21-22.

I'm looking the most forward to July 30th vs. ManU in DC.

 

[JMon348]

Argentina with two straight disappointing draws, and are lucky they got a point in each game. Romero saved them in the first game, and Columbia missed a ton of chances last night.

Messi didn't play well last night. You can tell he is frustrated, I have never seen him miss a free kick like he did last night around the 80th minute just outside the box. It seems like he is playing the "Xavi" role too much instead of his normal role. I'm not sure if it's the coach or he just feels he needs to be of a play maker for this team. I know its a new coach and anything is an upgrade from Maradona but they are not playing well at all. He needs to find a way to get his play makers all in the game. Aguero played well again last night. Higuian created some goal scoring opportunities too. Di Maria was creating in the first game and didn't even play last night.

They have great strikers they can't even get on the field in Pastore and Milito. I know it's crazy and maybe I'm totally off but the coach might want to shake some things up and play Messi in a true creating midfield role and get some more strikers on the field. Whatever it is they need to do something because between the WC and Copa American, Argentina has not been living up to expectations.

           RomeroZanetti    Burdisso      Milito                    MascheranoZabaleta                 Cambiasso            MessiAguero      Tevez        Higuain

 

[JMon348]

Barca dates of note:Spanish Super Cup: 8/14, 8/17 vs. RM. First leg at Bernabeu.La Liga opener: 8/20-21 vs. Malaga.Matchday #1 of UCL Group Stage: 9-13/14. (Group draw is 8/25)FIFA Club World Cup, 12/8 - 12/18. Barca and Santos enter as semifinalists.Clasico @ Bernabeu 12/10-11 (probably resched.)Clasico @ Camp Nou 4/21-22.

I'm looking the most forward to July 30th vs. ManU in DC.

Ticket prices are crazy, and I have no idea how I will find a ticket, but I'm going to be at the game.

 

[JMon348]

Looks like Neymar will stay with Santos to play in the club World Cup and not be available until the January transfer window.

 

[B Maverick]

BREAKING NEWS: Sunderland complete signing of Wes Brown from Manchester United on four-year deal

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

8 goals in 7 matches in Copa America =

I love good soccer but the anemic scoring going on in Argentina is a little too much to bear.

Meanwhile, I enjoy watching the women's game for a variety of different reasons :hopesolo: and there's a goal scoring bonanza going on over there (60 goals in 24 matches)

 

[Christo]

8 goals in 7 matches in Copa America =

I love good soccer but the anemic scoring going on in Argentina is a little too much to bear.

Meanwhile, I enjoy watching the women's game for a variety of different reasons :hopesolo: and there's a goal scoring bonanza going on over there (60 goals in 24 matches)

Better link

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Argentina with two straight disappointing draws, and are lucky they got a point in each game. Romero saved them in the first game, and Columbia missed a ton of chances last night.

Messi didn't play well last night. You can tell he is frustrated, I have never seen him miss a free kick like he did last night around the 80th minute just outside the box. It seems like he is playing the "Xavi" role too much instead of his normal role. I'm not sure if it's the coach or he just feels he needs to be of a play maker for this team. I know its a new coach and anything is an upgrade from Maradona but they are not playing well at all. He needs to find a way to get his play makers all in the game. Aguero played well again last night. Higuian created some goal scoring opportunities too. Di Maria was creating in the first game and didn't even play last night.

They have great strikers they can't even get on the field in Pastore and Milito. I know it's crazy and maybe I'm totally off but the coach might want to shake some things up and play Messi in a true creating midfield role and get some more strikers on the field. Whatever it is they need to do something because between the WC and Copa American, Argentina has not been living up to expectations.

This is a good point, and it goes back to the World Cup. Argentina needs to either find attackers who will run into space (or at least be more in sync with Messi) and convert chances that Messi can create for them, or they need a midfielder who can distribute better so Messi can attack more. Can Pastore be that kind of midfielder? I don't see anyone else on the roster who could really fill that role. I also can't fathom how Di Maria doesn't get on the field - he was a constant threat on the left for Madrid last year and has to be able to give more to the side than what Lavezzi has given them so far.

 

[The Gator]

8 goals in 7 matches in Copa America =

I love good soccer but the anemic scoring going on in Argentina is a little too much to bear.

Meanwhile, I enjoy watching the women's game for a variety of different reasons :hopesolo: and there's a goal scoring bonanza going on over there (60 goals in 24 matches)

Better link

enjoying the WC also

 

[The Gator]

anyone know a place to get cheap knockoff jerseys? that site that was floating around this thread doesn't seem to be up and running anymore.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Partial stadium collapse for FC Twente (Netherlands)...they were increasing the capacity of one of their stands and the roof fell in, apparently trapping the construction workers. 1 believed dead and others injured.

Pic

 

[B Maverick]

Sunderland have completed the signing of John O'Shea from Manchester United on a four-year deal.

O'Shea arrives for an undisclosed fee and the move comes just hours after Wes Brown made the switch from Old Trafford.