***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[randall146]

Sorry if this has been addressed here already, but what are some good resources to learn about high level soccer?

I've been enjoying watching EPL lately and want to learn more but have had a hard time finding websites and podcasts that aren't way over my head. I've tried to follow Liverpool simply because Fenway Sports Group owns them, and it seems like a good time to jump on when they've got a new manager and system, but I'm open to whoever/whatever league. EPL does seem the most accessible though.

 

[Brady Marino]

Sorry if this has been addressed here already, but what are some good resources to learn about high level soccer?I've been enjoying watching EPL lately and want to learn more but have had a hard time finding websites and podcasts that aren't way over my head. I've tried to follow Liverpool simply because Fenway Sports Group owns them, and it seems like a good time to jump on when they've got a new manager and system, but I'm open to whoever/whatever league. EPL does seem the most accessible though.

I'm a pretty casual fan, and I follow EPL and Liverpool for the accessibility reasons you mentioned. La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga would be the ones I'd support if I weren't an EPL guy, but I have a hard time getting into them because I kind of feel like you do: it's over my head.For starters, EPL is fine.

 

[The Gator]

Sorry if this has been addressed here already, but what are some good resources to learn about high level soccer?I've been enjoying watching EPL lately and want to learn more but have had a hard time finding websites and podcasts that aren't way over my head. I've tried to follow Liverpool simply because Fenway Sports Group owns them, and it seems like a good time to jump on when they've got a new manager and system, but I'm open to whoever/whatever league. EPL does seem the most accessible though.

A lot of knowledge in this thread if you have any questions.SiriusXM has a soccer talk show Mon-Fri. Love it.

 

[Eephus]

What a terrible tournament for the Dutch. No one played well, and Willians was abysmal at left back. De Jong was bad, and Robben disappointed.

Holland wouldn't be Holland if they didn't occasionally turn in performances like this.

 

[Steve Tasker]

What are some podcasts that you guys listen to? I'm looking for maybe 2-3 per week (depending on length of the podcast). Any favorites?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

What a terrible tournament for the Dutch. No one played well, and Willians was abysmal at left back. De Jong was bad, and Robben disappointed.

Holland wouldn't be Holland if they didn't occasionally turn in performances like this.

I believe they said today that Holland had made the knockout stages in 11 straight WCs and Euros. If that's right it's actually amazing consistency (which surprised me).

 

[Eephus]

What a terrible tournament for the Dutch. No one played well, and Willians was abysmal at left back. De Jong was bad, and Robben disappointed.

Holland wouldn't be Holland if they didn't occasionally turn in performances like this.

I believe they said today that Holland had made the knockout stages in 11 straight WCs and Euros. If that's right it's actually amazing consistency (which surprised me).

That excluded Korea/Japan where they failed to qualify

 

[Major]

made Major some today

 

[bweiser]

Look, I love to watch soccer. Euro 2012, World Cup, Premier League, even the Union in MLS.

But the incessant diving and the blatant cheating ... I can see why there is so much hatred of the sport.

I mean, the ball is never placed inside the arc on a corner kick. It may seem trivial, but could you imagine LeBron James stepping 4 inches closer to the basket on every free throw and being inside the line? No, you can't.

End Rant.

 

[prefontaine]

But the incessant diving and the blatant cheating ... I can see why there is so much hatred of the sport.I mean, the ball is never placed inside the arc on a corner kick. It may seem trivial, but could you imagine LeBron James stepping 4 inches closer to the basket on every free throw and being inside the line? No, you can't. End Rant.

Just like every other use of lines in soccer, the law doesn't require the ball be in the circle, only some part of the ball touching it. And your analogy is awful

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

What are some podcasts that you guys listen to? I'm looking for maybe 2-3 per week (depending on length of the podcast). Any favorites?

Men in Blazers on Grantland Network is a must - usually comes out on Wednesdays. Very entertaining, very EPL-centric, though they are heavy into the Euros right now.

 

[Steve Tasker]

But the incessant diving and the blatant cheating ... I can see why there is so much hatred of the sport.

I mean, the ball is never placed inside the arc on a corner kick. It may seem trivial, but could you imagine LeBron James stepping 4 inches closer to the basket on every free throw and being inside the line? No, you can't.

End Rant.

Just like every other use of lines in soccer, the law doesn't require the ball be in the circle, only some part of the ball touching it. And your analogy is awful

And you're taught as a young player to place the ball right on the edge of the arc where the arch meets the touchline. In-swinger = where arc meets goalline touchline, out-swinger = where arc meets sideline touchline. The pros are probably slightly better as to where they can put the ball wherever the #### they want and put the corner kick wherever they want...

 

[Good Posting Judge]

The new phonebooks are here!

http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/barclays-premier-league-2012-13-fixtures-day.html

 

[Moe.]

DVRing Spain, and I'm going to try and synch the ESPN3 replay of Italy so I can watch both simultaneously tonight. ESPN3 is pretty good about not posting the results on the actual replay page so I'm hoping this works without me seeing spoilers. You gotta watch both games simultaneously this round. Seeing as how both spots are still up for grabs I hope we see a lot of attacking.

 

[PIK95]

Sorry if this has been addressed here already, but what are some good resources to learn about high level soccer?I've been enjoying watching EPL lately and want to learn more but have had a hard time finding websites and podcasts that aren't way over my head. I've tried to follow Liverpool simply because Fenway Sports Group owns them, and it seems like a good time to jump on when they've got a new manager and system, but I'm open to whoever/whatever league. EPL does seem the most accessible though.

EPL is what you want to watch imo. I support Liverpool so I won't argue with that choice. BTW, they are playing Roma at Fenway in late July. You should really try and get there. EPL is always on Fox soccer and ESPN on Saturday mornings from August until June so it's not hard to follow. Also the quality of play and officiating is top notch throughout the entire table imo. No diving really. No commercials is $$ for me. I watch most games. Also CLCF in Cranston is a top notch program if your into local talent.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Sorry if this has been addressed here already, but what are some good resources to learn about high level soccer?I've been enjoying watching EPL lately and want to learn more but have had a hard time finding websites and podcasts that aren't way over my head. I've tried to follow Liverpool simply because Fenway Sports Group owns them, and it seems like a good time to jump on when they've got a new manager and system, but I'm open to whoever/whatever league. EPL does seem the most accessible though.

EPL is what you want to watch imo. I support Liverpool so I won't argue with that choice. BTW, they are playing Roma at Fenway in late July. You should really try and get there. EPL is always on Fox soccer and ESPN on Saturday mornings from August until June so it's not hard to follow. Also the quality of play and officiating is top notch throughout the entire table imo. No diving really. No commercials is $$ for me. I watch most games. Also CLCF in Cranston is a top notch program if your into local talent.

The biggest problem with the EPL is that it's populated mainly with English players.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Sorry if this has been addressed here already, but what are some good resources to learn about high level soccer?

I've been enjoying watching EPL lately and want to learn more but have had a hard time finding websites and podcasts that aren't way over my head. I've tried to follow Liverpool simply because Fenway Sports Group owns them, and it seems like a good time to jump on when they've got a new manager and system, but I'm open to whoever/whatever league. EPL does seem the most accessible though.

EPL is what you want to watch imo. I support Liverpool so I won't argue with that choice. BTW, they are playing Roma at Fenway in late July. You should really try and get there. EPL is always on Fox soccer and ESPN on Saturday mornings from August until June so it's not hard to follow. Also the quality of play and officiating is top notch throughout the entire table imo. No diving really. No commercials is $$ for me. I watch most games. Also CLCF in Cranston is a top notch program if your into local talent.

Gator>hi

 

[The Gator]

Totally got clipped

 

[Slapdash]

Sorry if this has been addressed here already, but what are some good resources to learn about high level soccer?

I've been enjoying watching EPL lately and want to learn more but have had a hard time finding websites and podcasts that aren't way over my head. I've tried to follow Liverpool simply because Fenway Sports Group owns them, and it seems like a good time to jump on when they've got a new manager and system, but I'm open to whoever/whatever league. EPL does seem the most accessible though.

EPL is what you want to watch imo. I support Liverpool so I won't argue with that choice. BTW, they are playing Roma at Fenway in late July. You should really try and get there. EPL is always on Fox soccer and ESPN on Saturday mornings from August until June so it's not hard to follow. Also the quality of play and officiating is top notch throughout the entire table imo. No diving really. No commercials is $$ for me. I watch most games. Also CLCF in Cranston is a top notch program if your into local talent.

 

[PIK95]

Totally got clipped

Suarez is a dirtbag who should be playing in Italy or Spain. I hope we sell him this summer.

 

[PIK95]

Sorry if this has been addressed here already, but what are some good resources to learn about high level soccer?

I've been enjoying watching EPL lately and want to learn more but have had a hard time finding websites and podcasts that aren't way over my head. I've tried to follow Liverpool simply because Fenway Sports Group owns them, and it seems like a good time to jump on when they've got a new manager and system, but I'm open to whoever/whatever league. EPL does seem the most accessible though.

EPL is what you want to watch imo. I support Liverpool so I won't argue with that choice. BTW, they are playing Roma at Fenway in late July. You should really try and get there. EPL is always on Fox soccer and ESPN on Saturday mornings from August until June so it's not hard to follow. Also the quality of play and officiating is top notch throughout the entire table imo. No diving really. No commercials is $$ for me. I watch most games. Also CLCF in Cranston is a top notch program if your into local talent.

Guys that dive in the EPL get carded most of the time. The officials are great at that. Whenever I try to watch a Serie A match or "El Classico" I end up turning the channel because I can't take the fake dives. My opinion but I do watch pretty much every EPL match on TV. I think the refs are great there. It's very physical but I don't mind that at all. Drogba earned tons of respect from me as he was a great player even in a physical league like the EPL. Fernando Torres fell on his face whenever it got physical and now rides the pine dor Chelski.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Sorry if this has been addressed here already, but what are some good resources to learn about high level soccer?

I've been enjoying watching EPL lately and want to learn more but have had a hard time finding websites and podcasts that aren't way over my head. I've tried to follow Liverpool simply because Fenway Sports Group owns them, and it seems like a good time to jump on when they've got a new manager and system, but I'm open to whoever/whatever league. EPL does seem the most accessible though.

EPL is what you want to watch imo. I support Liverpool so I won't argue with that choice. BTW, they are playing Roma at Fenway in late July. You should really try and get there. EPL is always on Fox soccer and ESPN on Saturday mornings from August until June so it's not hard to follow. Also the quality of play and officiating is top notch throughout the entire table imo. No diving really. No commercials is $$ for me. I watch most games. Also CLCF in Cranston is a top notch program if your into local talent.

Guys that dive in the EPL get carded most of the time. The officials are great at that. Whenever I try to watch a Serie A match or "El Classico" I end up turning the channel because I can't take the fake dives. My opinion but I do watch pretty much every EPL match on TV. I think the refs are great there. It's very physical but I don't mind that at all. Drogba earned tons of respect from me as he was a great player even in a physical league like the EPL. Fernando Torres fell on his face whenever it got physical and now rides the pine dor Chelski.

Drogba can't go 10 minutes without faking an injury.

 

[The Z Machine]

Fernando Torres fell on his face whenever it got physical and now rides the pine for Chelski.

That's not why he rides the pine. It's because he can't even hit water falling out of a boat when shooting.

 

[Slapdash]

Sorry if this has been addressed here already, but what are some good resources to learn about high level soccer?

I've been enjoying watching EPL lately and want to learn more but have had a hard time finding websites and podcasts that aren't way over my head. I've tried to follow Liverpool simply because Fenway Sports Group owns them, and it seems like a good time to jump on when they've got a new manager and system, but I'm open to whoever/whatever league. EPL does seem the most accessible though.

EPL is what you want to watch imo. I support Liverpool so I won't argue with that choice. BTW, they are playing Roma at Fenway in late July. You should really try and get there. EPL is always on Fox soccer and ESPN on Saturday mornings from August until June so it's not hard to follow. Also the quality of play and officiating is top notch throughout the entire table imo. No diving really. No commercials is $$ for me. I watch most games. Also CLCF in Cranston is a top notch program if your into local talent.

Guys that dive in the EPL get carded most of the time. The officials are great at that. Whenever I try to watch a Serie A match or "El Classico" I end up turning the channel because I can't take the fake dives. My opinion but I do watch pretty much every EPL match on TV. I think the refs are great there. It's very physical but I don't mind that at all. Drogba earned tons of respect from me as he was a great player even in a physical league like the EPL. Fernando Torres fell on his face whenever it got physical and now rides the pine dor Chelski.

Drogba can't go 10 minutes without faking an injury.

Using Drogba as an example of a player that gets respect for not diving is pretty hilarious.

 

[Native]

Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Alonso, Silva, Torres, Iniesta. Subs: Valdes, Albiol, Javi Martinez, Juanfran, Pedro, Fabregas, Negredo, Mata, Llorente, Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas, Reina.

Croatia: Pletikosa, Vida, Corluka, Schildenfeld, Strinic, Vukojevic, Rakitic, Srna, Modric, Pranjic, Mandzukic. Subs: Kelava, Simunic, Buljat, Jelavic, Badelj, Vrsaljko, Dujmovic, Kalinic, Kranjcar, Perisic, Eduardo, Subasic.

 

[Native]

Italy: Buffon, Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Balzaretti, Pirlo, Marchisio, Thiago Motta, De Rossi, Di Natale, Cassano. Subs: Sirigu, Maggio, Ogbonna Obienza, Balotelli, Giaccherni, Borini, Montolivo, Bonucci, Giovinco, Diamanti, Nocerino, De Sanctis.

Rep of Ireland: Given, O'Shea, Dunne, St. Ledger, Ward, McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, Duff, Keane, Doyle. Subs: Westwood, Kelly, McShane, Walters, Gibson, Hunt, O'Dea, Long, Cox, Green, McClean, Forde.

 

[Premier]

So Spain could actually go home with Italian and Croatian wins right?

 

[Eephus]

Fernando Torres fell on his face whenever it got physical and now rides the pine for Chelski.

That's not why he rides the pine. It's because he can't even hit water falling out of a boat when shooting.

His tactical incompatibilty with Drogba was another reason. We'll find out in two months how legitimate this was.

 

[CBusAlex]

So Spain could actually go home with Italian and Croatian wins right?

Yep.scenarios

 

[Native]

Anyone catch the Irish fans belting out a roaring rendition of 'Fields of Athenry' at the end of their 4-0 thrashing by Spain last week? Just an amazing fan base - tons of heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPSyuwub6zg'>Irish Pride

 

[Christo]

The new phonebooks are here!

http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/barclays-premier-league-2012-13-fixtures-day.html

Heading to London next spring. Gotta find a weekend I can see QPR & Fulham!

There's my week:

Saturday, March 9th, 2013

Arsenal v Everton

Fulham v Chelsea

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester City v Wigan Athletic

Newcastle United v Stoke City

Norwich City v Southampton

Queens Park Rangers v Sunderland

Reading v Aston Villa

West Bromwich Albion v Swansea City

West Ham United v Manchester United

 

[Mjolnirs]

Anyone catch the Irish fans belting out a roaring rendition of 'Fields of Athenry' at the end of their 4-0 thrashing by Spain last week? Just an amazing fan base - tons of heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPSyuwub6zg'>Irish Pride

Yes it was posted earlier, but well worth a repost in my opinion.

 

[Mjolnirs]

OK, both matches at the half. As results are now: Italy wins the group and Spain are runners-up. Correct?

 

[Tremendous Upside]

OK, both matches at the half. As results are now: Italy wins the group and Spain are runners-up. Correct?

Correct

 

[The Z Machine]

OK, both matches at the half. As results are now: Italy wins the group and Spain are runners-up. Correct?

I believe that's correct.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

"(Carroll) made his job, he done his goal."

Oh, thanks Mike.

 

[Mjolnirs]

That would set up a possible Germany v Spain semi-final match.

 

[Eephus]

The new phonebooks are here!

http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/barclays-premier-league-2012-13-fixtures-day.html

Heading to London next spring. Gotta find a weekend I can see QPR & Fulham!

There's my week:

Saturday, March 9th, 2013

Arsenal v Everton

Fulham v Chelsea

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester City v Wigan Athletic

Newcastle United v Stoke City

Norwich City v Southampton

Queens Park Rangers v Sunderland

Reading v Aston Villa

West Bromwich Albion v Swansea City

West Ham United v Manchester United

AFC Wimbledon is hosting York City

 

[Sebowski]

Sorry if this has been addressed here already, but what are some good resources to learn about high level soccer?

I've been enjoying watching EPL lately and want to learn more but have had a hard time finding websites and podcasts that aren't way over my head. I've tried to follow Liverpool simply because Fenway Sports Group owns them, and it seems like a good time to jump on when they've got a new manager and system, but I'm open to whoever/whatever league. EPL does seem the most accessible though.

EPL is what you want to watch imo. I support Liverpool so I won't argue with that choice. BTW, they are playing Roma at Fenway in late July. You should really try and get there. EPL is always on Fox soccer and ESPN on Saturday mornings from August until June so it's not hard to follow. Also the quality of play and officiating is top notch throughout the entire table imo. No diving really. No commercials is $$ for me. I watch most games. Also CLCF in Cranston is a top notch program if your into local talent.

Guys that dive in the EPL get carded most of the time. The officials are great at that. Whenever I try to watch a Serie A match or "El Classico" I end up turning the channel because I can't take the fake dives. My opinion but I do watch pretty much every EPL match on TV. I think the refs are great there. It's very physical but I don't mind that at all. Drogba earned tons of respect from me as he was a great player even in a physical league like the EPL. Fernando Torres fell on his face whenever it got physical and now rides the pine dor Chelski.

Drogba can't go 10 minutes without faking an injury.

Using Drogba as an example of a player that gets respect for not diving is pretty hilarious.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Casillas bailed out Xabi there.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Quiet game for Torres. Looks like Silva gets another crack at striker.

 

[bweiser]

But the incessant diving and the blatant cheating ... I can see why there is so much hatred of the sport.I mean, the ball is never placed inside the arc on a corner kick. It may seem trivial, but could you imagine LeBron James stepping 4 inches closer to the basket on every free throw and being inside the line? No, you can't. End Rant.

Just like every other use of lines in soccer, the law doesn't require the ball be in the circle, only some part of the ball touching it. And your analogy is awful

yeah, and i can't tell you how often the ball is not touching the line. it's well outside of it.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

But the incessant diving and the blatant cheating ... I can see why there is so much hatred of the sport.I mean, the ball is never placed inside the arc on a corner kick. It may seem trivial, but could you imagine LeBron James stepping 4 inches closer to the basket on every free throw and being inside the line? No, you can't. End Rant.

Just like every other use of lines in soccer, the law doesn't require the ball be in the circle, only some part of the ball touching it. And your analogy is awful

yeah, and i can't tell you how often the ball is not touching the line. it's well outside of it.

How many American football plays contain an uncalled holding penalty? Looking for a real estimate here. 50%?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I don't feel great about this.

 

[Slapdash]

Spain bringing on Cesc when they really need Llorente.

 

[wazoo11]

So Spain could actually go home with Italian and Croatian wins right?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Spain needs to just hoof it out of there when Croatia's pushing up. They got way too cute with that exchange of passes, which led to a tricky-ish ball back to Casillas.

Regardless of result, this is a really poor showing by Spain. And esp. Del Bosque.

 

[Christo]

Croatia robbed! Clear penalty on that last corner. Clear offsides on Spain's goal.

 

[ffldrew]

that was close - too close IMO

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Croatia robbed! Clear penalty on that last corner. Clear offsides on Spain's goal.

On the thru-ball, or Ineista's pass over to Navas?