***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[El Floppo]

Grass or turf in Vancouver?

Eta: I know a job is better than no job, and being in the US/same hemisphere will make getting to camps and wcq easier, but other than that I don't see the upside for Boca.

I'm still completely blown away by what happened to Rangers. Its kinda like the Boston Redsox just going *poof*. Inconceivable.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Vancouver is turf

 

[El Floppo]

Thanks Ted.

Oh well, there goes Boca's legs. I don't see him surviving 2 years on turf witgoiut major injury. Imo, his chances of being around for Brazil just imploded.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Thanks Ted.Oh well, there goes Boca's legs. I don't see him surviving 2 years on turf witgoiut major injury. Imo, his chances of being around for Brazil just imploded.

yup, very very good point.Vancouver has the very latest and greatest turf, but no matter how good it is, you are right that it is worse on legs.One interesting thing to note though. Vancouver has a very solid back line already and some would argue that it is amongst the best in the league. So trading Boca to a team needing a center back (know any close to you Floppo that just happens to have a 3 DP slot open? ), might be in the cards.I think Boca to MLS was a relatively easy call. I have no idea about Bedoya or Edu in terms of where they will end up.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I'm still completely blown away by what happened to Rangers. Its kinda like the Boston Redsox just going *poof*. Inconceivable.

Is this the best known club ever to go under?I know a bunch have been close, but they always seem to be rescued one way or another. The supporters have to feel like crap especially when they had a small hand in pushing away some possible help.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Regarding Boca, there was reports that numerous teams officials were in Houston (including Stoke City) looking to scout and possibly work out a transfer to sign Cameron. If that happens, Houston would have a perfect opening for Boca if they could work out a trade.

Cameron has long hoped to sign with a club in Europe. That dream could become a reality as early as next week. Stoke City of the English Premier League has approached Major League Soccer in a bid to purchase Cameron's rights.Dynamo president Chris Canetti, coach Dominic Kinnear and Cameron acknowledge that there has been interest in Cameron from European clubs, but none of them would publicly divulge the team that made a bid recently."I would say some dialogue has opened up in terms of what it might take to get it done," Canetti said. "We haven't made an official offer. They haven't made an official. I don't know how serious they are or if they're just kicking the tires. Right now there's just initial dialogue that's starting up."

 

[Sebowski]

What are the chances France-Spain gets better rating than NASCAR in at least some markets today? Derek, you better be on this. And if you watch that NASCAR race you better not log in for it.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Nasri benched for France?

 

[LHUCKS]

Kind of a yawner thus far. France with a defensive alignment and Spain not really pushing in the final 3rd.

 

[The Z Machine]

Missed the first 35 mins and the DVR didn't pick it up because it was on ESPN2. Spain is so technical and so smooth on the ball. Its amazing how many of their passes never leave the ground.

 

[JaxBill]

Spain has been clinical with their possessions. Seems like every time France loses possession, Spain completes 8 or more passes moving the ball up the field.

 

[NewlyRetired]

This has been one of the least interesting games of the tournament.

France can't keep that ball to generate any offense.

Spain keeps the ball but rarely attacks with any real intent.

No passion, no urgency, nothing. Just Spain taking the air out of the ball time and again.

 

[Deamon]

Tomorrows will for sure be the most exciting. LIkely going to penalties.

 

[Sebowski]

This has been one of the least interesting games of the tournament. France can't keep that ball to generate any offense. Spain keeps the ball but rarely attacks with any real intent.No passion, no urgency, nothing. Just Spain taking the air out of the ball time and again.

I disagree. Spain is looking for the right pass to attack. Keeping their triangles and getting up the field. Constantly putting in through balls and taking little chances. Then when they lose the ball they are pitbulls on the "forecheck" I love watching it.

 

[Christo]

Holy crap, that was a snoozefest

 

[PIK95]

I agree with S Bowski but would add they really need a striker to be most effective. This false nine garbage is horrible imo.

 

[Ursa M]

Holy crap, that was a snoozefest

Astounding. A goal down and still not the slightest sign of an attempt to even it up. You'd think France were still in the group stages and a 1-0 defeat would take them through.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Holy crap, that was a snoozefest

Astounding. A goal down and still not the slightest sign of an attempt to even it up. You'd think France were still in the group stages and a 1-0 defeat would take them through.

It was pathetic. There was so little energy. Spain just sucks the life out of teams by never letting them see the ball.

 

[The Z Machine]

Holy crap, that was a snoozefest

Astounding. A goal down and still not the slightest sign of an attempt to even it up. You'd think France were still in the group stages and a 1-0 defeat would take them through.

It was pathetic. There was so little energy. Spain just sucks the life out of teams by never letting them see the ball.

Agreed. Even I thought it was boring.Is Germany playing the most attractive soccer right now? Probably. Either them or Portugal.

 

[Ursa M]

Holy crap, that was a snoozefest

Astounding. A goal down and still not the slightest sign of an attempt to even it up. You'd think France were still in the group stages and a 1-0 defeat would take them through.

It was pathetic. There was so little energy. Spain just sucks the life out of teams by never letting them see the ball.

Yet France had at least one spell where they passed it 30 successive times. At one point they'd reached thirty yards from goal before eventually retreating into their own half. No-one tried to overlap, no-one moved to make space, no-one tried a run through the defense to draw an opponent. I get that Spain are the best international team in the world but the French were beaten before they kicked off and seemed to be content with avoiding embarrassment.

 

[PIK95]

They were probably exhausted from chasing the Spanish around all match.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Holy crap, that was a snoozefest

Astounding. A goal down and still not the slightest sign of an attempt to even it up. You'd think France were still in the group stages and a 1-0 defeat would take them through.

It was pathetic. There was so little energy. Spain just sucks the life out of teams by never letting them see the ball.

Agreed. Even I thought it was boring.Is Germany playing the most attractive soccer right now? Probably. Either them or Portugal.

Spain has a mystique right now that almost no one seems to want to play with them (which is what made the Italy game so entertaining/surprising). Italy are no better than any of the teams left so hopefully someone will see that and try to play a bit with Spain. Will Portugal try and play or will they just bunker and hope? To be honest, I don't actually mind bunker play as long as it is mixed with some honest counter attacking.

 

[The Z Machine]

Holy crap, that was a snoozefest

Astounding. A goal down and still not the slightest sign of an attempt to even it up. You'd think France were still in the group stages and a 1-0 defeat would take them through.

It was pathetic. There was so little energy. Spain just sucks the life out of teams by never letting them see the ball.

Agreed. Even I thought it was boring.Is Germany playing the most attractive soccer right now? Probably. Either them or Portugal.

Spain has a mystique right now that almost no one seems to want to play with them (which is what made the Italy game so entertaining/surprising). Italy are no better than any of the teams left so hopefully someone will see that and try to play a bit with Spain. Will Portugal try and play or will they just bunker and hope? To be honest, I don't actually mind bunker play as long as it is mixed with some honest counter attacking.

Portugal will try to counter and press high on the Spanish back line. CRonaldo has plenty of experience playing this game at RM. Nani will be critical for service into the box, or on a diagonal run for CRonaldo.

 

[Sebowski]

Holy crap, that was a snoozefest

Astounding. A goal down and still not the slightest sign of an attempt to even it up. You'd think France were still in the group stages and a 1-0 defeat would take them through.

It was pathetic. There was so little energy. Spain just sucks the life out of teams by never letting them see the ball.

Yet France had at least one spell where they passed it 30 successive times. At one point they'd reached thirty yards from goal before eventually retreating into their own half. No-one tried to overlap, no-one moved to make space, no-one tried a run through the defense to draw an opponent. I get that Spain are the best international team in the world but the French were beaten before they kicked off and seemed to be content with avoiding embarrassment.

Not the first time we've seen France surrender...

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

FYI- the WashIngton Generals are beating the Globetrotters 6-4 in the 78th minute on FSC

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Goals from Rondon and Messi's third evens it up in the 85th

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Hey, just don't give up against Spain. Just that easy.

 

[JaxBill]

Holy crap, that was a snoozefest

Astounding. A goal down and still not the slightest sign of an attempt to even it up. You'd think France were still in the group stages and a 1-0 defeat would take them through.

It was pathetic. There was so little energy. Spain just sucks the life out of teams by never letting them see the ball.

Agreed. Even I thought it was boring.Is Germany playing the most attractive soccer right now? Probably. Either them or Portugal.

Spain has a mystique right now that almost no one seems to want to play with them (which is what made the Italy game so entertaining/surprising). Italy are no better than any of the teams left so hopefully someone will see that and try to play a bit with Spain. Will Portugal try and play or will they just bunker and hope? To be honest, I don't actually mind bunker play as long as it is mixed with some honest counter attacking.

Portugal will try to counter and press high on the Spanish back line. CRonaldo has plenty of experience playing this game at RM. Nani will be critical for service into the box, or on a diagonal run for CRonaldo.

Plus you would think that Portugal would want to keep pressing the offense to take advantage of the extra 2 days rest they'll have on Wed.

 

[NewlyRetired]

MLS notes:

* The epic poor season of Toronto continues. In mid week, up 3-1 over Houston, they give up two late goals to settle for draw. Then three of their players get arrested for public intoxication at a club after the game. Then last night at home they have a two goal lead over the Revs only to settle again for a draw with the Revs scoring in injury time. Not pretty up there. 1 win, 10 losses, 2 draws

* LA though appears to have found its footing. They thumped Vancouver 3-0 last night, giving them three straight wins and 9 points in the last week.

* In the any given Sunday nature of the league this year, one of worst teams, Philly, crushed second place Sporting KC 4-0 last night.

* Two fun games today both on national TV. Portland hosts Seattle right after Italy England on ESPN, and NY hosts DC after that on NBCSN.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I expect both teams to keep 9 men behind the ball from the start today. Hope I am wrong, but I do not expect this game to be a good one for the casual US fan.

some good news btw: Through the Group Stage, ESPN’s Euro 2012 Viewer Numbers Up 82 Percent Compared to Euro 2008

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Holy crap, that was a snoozefest

Astounding. A goal down and still not the slightest sign of an attempt to even it up. You'd think France were still in the group stages and a 1-0 defeat would take them through.

It was pathetic. There was so little energy. Spain just sucks the life out of teams by never letting them see the ball.

Agreed. Even I thought it was boring.Is Germany playing the most attractive soccer right now? Probably. Either them or Portugal.

Spain has a mystique right now that almost no one seems to want to play with them (which is what made the Italy game so entertaining/surprising). Italy are no better than any of the teams left so hopefully someone will see that and try to play a bit with Spain. Will Portugal try and play or will they just bunker and hope? To be honest, I don't actually mind bunker play as long as it is mixed with some honest counter attacking.

Portugal will try to counter and press high on the Spanish back line. CRonaldo has plenty of experience playing this game at RM. Nani will be critical for service into the box, or on a diagonal run for CRonaldo.

For what its worth, Portugal stomped Spain in a friendly 4-0 about a year ago with mostly A-side players involved. Spain might dominate the game, but Portugal won't be intimidated.Spain is fun to watch defensively, but I am bored by the Barca-minus-Messi show in attack.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Holy crap, that was a snoozefest

Astounding. A goal down and still not the slightest sign of an attempt to even it up. You'd think France were still in the group stages and a 1-0 defeat would take them through.

It was pathetic. There was so little energy. Spain just sucks the life out of teams by never letting them see the ball.

Agreed. Even I thought it was boring.Is Germany playing the most attractive soccer right now? Probably. Either them or Portugal.

Spain has a mystique right now that almost no one seems to want to play with them (which is what made the Italy game so entertaining/surprising). Italy are no better than any of the teams left so hopefully someone will see that and try to play a bit with Spain. Will Portugal try and play or will they just bunker and hope?

To be honest, I don't actually mind bunker play as long as it is mixed with some honest counter attacking.

Portugal will try to counter and press high on the Spanish back line. CRonaldo has plenty of experience playing this game at RM. Nani will be critical for service into the box, or on a diagonal run for CRonaldo.

For what its worth, Portugal stomped Spain in a friendly 4-0 about a year ago with mostly A-side players involved. Spain might dominate the game, but Portugal won't be intimidated.Spain is fun to watch defensively, but I am bored by the Barca-minus-Messi show in attack.

One of the lead stories on yahoo this morning is from a writer claiming that while Spain are two games away from history, that no one might be awake to see it. Writer was from England.

 

[Ursa M]

One of the lead stories on yahoo this morning is from a writer claiming that while Spain are two games away from history, that no one might be awake to see it. Writer was from England.

I'm from England too and it seems at least one of my countrymen has plenty of chutzpah to spare. England are hardly the world's most invigorating team to watch.

 

[LHUCKS]

I expect both teams to keep 9 men behind the ball from the start today. Hope I am wrong, but I do not expect this game to be a good one for the casual US fan.

some good news btw: Through the Group Stage, ESPN’s Euro 2012 Viewer Numbers Up 82 Percent Compared to Euro 2008

wow, that's great news for broadcasting in the US going foward.

 

[Slapdash]

One of the lead stories on yahoo this morning is from a writer claiming that while Spain are two games away from history, that no one might be awake to see it. Writer was from England.

I'm from England too and it seems at least one of my countrymen has plenty of chutzpah to spare. England are hardly the world's most invigorating team to watch.

Very ironic there.

 

[Christo]

One of the lead stories on yahoo this morning is from a writer claiming that while Spain are two games away from history, that no one might be awake to see it. Writer was from England.

I'm from England too and it seems at least one of my countrymen has plenty of chutzpah to spare. England are hardly the world's most invigorating team to watch.

Very ironic there.

England may not be pretty. But at least it attacks the final third more than 4-5 times per half.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Is Germany playing the most attractive soccer right now?

I gotta say, this was my perception watching that game last night. It's fascinating watching the close control that all of the Spanish players seem to possess, but damn, that game was a snoozer.

 

[LHUCKS]

I love watching Portugal personally. Italy has been quite entertaining as well, although they are my second most hated side.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Is Germany playing the most attractive soccer right now?

I gotta say, this was my perception watching that game last night. It's fascinating watching the close control that all of the Spanish players seem to possess, but damn, that game was a snoozer.

I could see something that boring during the first round but it was horrible for a QF. Arguably the worst game of the tournament. Both teams were to blame IMO, probably more France than Spain though.

 

[Slapdash]

One of the lead stories on yahoo this morning is from a writer claiming that while Spain are two games away from history, that no one might be awake to see it. Writer was from England.

I'm from England too and it seems at least one of my countrymen has plenty of chutzpah to spare. England are hardly the world's most invigorating team to watch.

Very ironic there.

England may not be pretty. But at least it attacks the final third more than 4-5 times per half.

Yet their shooting numbers last game were virtually identical to Spain's yesterday. And they only managed 3 shots while facing a much more attack-minded French squad early in the tournament.

 

[Christo]

One of the lead stories on yahoo this morning is from a writer claiming that while Spain are two games away from history, that no one might be awake to see it. Writer was from England.

I'm from England too and it seems at least one of my countrymen has plenty of chutzpah to spare. England are hardly the world's most invigorating team to watch.

Very ironic there.

England may not be pretty. But at least it attacks the final third more than 4-5 times per half.

Yet their shooting numbers last game were virtually identical to Spain's yesterday. And they only managed 3 shots while facing a much more attack-minded French squad early in the tournament.

So?

 

[Ursa M]

One of the lead stories on yahoo this morning is from a writer claiming that while Spain are two games away from history, that no one might be awake to see it. Writer was from England.

I'm from England too and it seems at least one of my countrymen has plenty of chutzpah to spare. England are hardly the world's most invigorating team to watch.

Very ironic there.

If you mean ironic that an England writer would criticize Spain, I couldn't agree more. England only ever seem to play with real verve when their backs are against the wall, e.g. against Sweden. They have a bunch of talent but seem to lack the confidence that talent ought to bring, so they play conservatively.

 

[Slapdash]

One of the lead stories on yahoo this morning is from a writer claiming that while Spain are two games away from history, that no one might be awake to see it. Writer was from England.

I'm from England too and it seems at least one of my countrymen has plenty of chutzpah to spare. England are hardly the world's most invigorating team to watch.

Very ironic there.

If you mean ironic that an England writer would criticize Spain, I couldn't agree more. England only ever seem to play with real verve when their backs are against the wall, e.g. against Sweden. They have a bunch of talent but seem to lack the confidence that talent ought to bring, so they play conservatively.

Yep, that's what I meant.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Is Germany playing the most attractive soccer right now?

I gotta say, this was my perception watching that game last night. It's fascinating watching the close control that all of the Spanish players seem to possess, but damn, that game was a snoozer.

I could see something that boring during the first round but it was horrible for a QF. Arguably the worst game of the tournament. Both teams were to blame IMO, probably more France than Spain though.

As much as Spain's tiki-taka can seem to be a football version of the four corners offense, I was more disappointed in the lack of urgency from the French. Once they went down a goal, you would have thought they would have fought harder to get the equalizer. There was very little high pressure put on Spain, which is probably the best way to attack them. For all their skill and talent, I think Spain is vulnerable at the back. Still, France showed very little inclination to put pressure on them, almost as if they were content with a one-goal loss as opposed to risking a greater defeat in an effort to level things.As for Spain, I don't place as much blame on them for this. They were up a goal and their opponent seemed content to sit back and absorb whatever attacking pressure Spain brought to bear. It made sense for them to probe and look for a good chance and then reset time and again if the opportunity wasn't there. They had a few more chances (Lloris made a great play coming off his line to deny Cesc in the second half) but France didn't force them to make any more plays out there, much to the disappointment of fans everywhere (except Spain).

 

[NewlyRetired]

Only once in Euro history have all the QF's been played with out at least one game going into extra time.

 

[Sebowski]

some good news btw: Through the Group Stage, ESPN’s Euro 2012 Viewer Numbers Up 82 Percent Compared to Euro 2008

Nice work, Derek

 

[derek245583]

some good news btw: Through the Group Stage, ESPN’s Euro 2012 Viewer Numbers Up 82 Percent Compared to Euro 2008

Nice work, Derek

Pretty pumped for the England match today. Not sure why I root for then....probably just because I watch more EPL than anything

 

[Sinn Fein]

I don't get the hate for Spain here. I like their style of play - it suits their personnel, which are smaller, quicker better ball handlers. It has produced the 2nd most goals and the fewest conceded, and they have 3 more shots on target per game than the Germans.

Certainly, if they had a better striker, they may have finished more of those chances, but they are creating more scoring opportunities than any other team in the tournament.

 

[GoFishTN]

I bet none of us are this dedicated.

A soccer fan in China has died after staying up for 11 straight nights to watch every game of Euro 2012, according to a report in Chinese newspaper Sanxiang Metropolis.

http://espnfc.com/us/en/news/1114008/reportfatigued-chinese-fan-dies.html

 

[Steve Tasker]

I don't get the hate for Spain here. I like their style of play - it suits their personnel, which are smaller, quicker better ball handlers. It has produced the 2nd most goals and the fewest conceded, and they have 3 more shots on target per game than the Germans.Certainly, if they had a better striker, they may have finished more of those chances, but they are creating more scoring opportunities than any other team in the tournament.

It's not really a hatred of Spain for me, but more of a surprise that their games have been somewhat boring so far. I'm generally indifferent to them, I don't care if they win or lose as long as they're not playing either the US or Italy, but I love watching them play because they've been so damn exciting in the past few years. I don't know if it's a matter of them not being on the top of their game - they did NOT look like a Euro-winning squad against Italy, though they did dominate a strong French team yesterday - or what, but the Germans have put on a more exciting brand of football (IMO) in their 4 games of the tournament so far. I still wouldn't bet against Spain if they were to play the Germans, because they're the best team in the world and capable of dominating any team out there, but we all know that prettiest performance doesn't always mean victory...