***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Was just pondering whether Ronaldo would be in the conversation for the best player I actually saw play during his career if he'd stayed healthy.

I'd already decided I'd take Messi, but did some digging into goals scored and came up with this...

Backing out his time in Brazil or at PSV, Ronaldo played 252 games for Barca, Inter, Real and Milan -- scoring 175 goals (69% of his appearances).

Messi has played 249 games, all for Barca, and has scored 201 goals (81% of his appearances). And I'd bet Messi sets up his teammates far more often as well.

If he'd managed not to miss almost four full seasons I'm pretty sure I'd take him over Christiano Ronaldo though.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

i'm relatively new to watching soccer, but it's hard for me to imagine anybody ever being better than Messi. when someone like me who knows very little about the game can watch for 2 minutes and say "hey, that guy is way better than everybody else on the field", you know its special

I think only thing keeping him from the undisputed title of GOAT is winning a World Cup.

I understand that this is the CW, but I just don't believe it to be true. Mascherano makes a dumb foul on somebody in a semifinal and draws a straight red, does that preclude Messi from being the GOAT?

The key word in my sentence was undisputed. Unfortunately, to answer your question, yes for the majority of people. It is the same logic that keeps Marino from ever entering the top of the top QB's discussion.

I am not saying I agree with it(I don't but I understand the arguement), I am just laying out the strong possibility that history, as written by the worlds soccer media in the future, will never unanimously put him above Pele or Maradona with out being the dominant player on a WC winning team.

Also, no Copa America titles, including losing in the quarter finals at home has hurt his international cv.

In terms of time left, it may just be 2014. He will likely be a part of the 2018 squad, but the chance to be the tournaments dominant player at 31 years old is diminished and the fact that the likelihood of a South American team winning in Europe is pretty low (has not happened since 1958)

Everything is lined up for him to end any discussion next year, playing in Brazil

I doubt Argentina will ever be talented enough at defense to make a deep push.

I don't follow the national team closely but would think Argentina is on the short list of favorites in 2014? I'm sure Brazil will be the favorite playing at home, but they are far from perfect, understanding we are over a year away. I would think anything short of a semi final would be a massive disappointment with that attack - Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Di Maria, Lavezzi...

 

[Slapdash]

i'm relatively new to watching soccer, but it's hard for me to imagine anybody ever being better than Messi. when someone like me who knows very little about the game can watch for 2 minutes and say "hey, that guy is way better than everybody else on the field", you know its special

I think only thing keeping him from the undisputed title of GOAT is winning a World Cup.

I understand that this is the CW, but I just don't believe it to be true. Mascherano makes a dumb foul on somebody in a semifinal and draws a straight red, does that preclude Messi from being the GOAT?

The key word in my sentence was undisputed. Unfortunately, to answer your question, yes for the majority of people. It is the same logic that keeps Marino from ever entering the top of the top QB's discussion.

I am not saying I agree with it(I don't but I understand the arguement), I am just laying out the strong possibility that history, as written by the worlds soccer media in the future, will never unanimously put him above Pele or Maradona with out being the dominant player on a WC winning team.

Also, no Copa America titles, including losing in the quarter finals at home has hurt his international cv.

In terms of time left, it may just be 2014. He will likely be a part of the 2018 squad, but the chance to be the tournaments dominant player at 31 years old is diminished and the fact that the likelihood of a South American team winning in Europe is pretty low (has not happened since 1958)

Everything is lined up for him to end any discussion next year, playing in Brazil

I doubt Argentina will ever be talented enough at defense to make a deep push.

I don't follow the national team closely but would think Argentina is on the short list of favorites in 2014? I'm sure Brazil will be the favorite playing at home, but they are far from perfect, understanding we are over a year away. I would think anything short of a semi final would be a massive disappointment with that attack - Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Di Maria, Lavezzi...

Argentina has a ton of wingers and strikers, but I think they're pretty lacking elsewhere. Messi has to play too deep to have his usual impact.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I don't follow the national team closely but would think Argentina is on the short list of favorites in 2014? I'm sure Brazil will be the favorite playing at home, but they are far from perfect, understanding we are over a year away. I would think anything short of a semi final would be a massive disappointment with that attack - Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Di Maria, Lavezzi...

And Zabaleta, at least, at RB. The Netherlands reached the final of the last WC with Johnny Heitenga, a spot starter of Everton, at CB. I don't see where Garay, just for example, is any worse. I think we tend to think the Argentinian defense is a mess because of Maradonna's insane team selections in 2010 (where he took no natural fullback and played Jonas in the back). It's not as if Brazil is flush at the back outside of Thiago Silva.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Was just pondering whether Ronaldo would be in the conversation for the best player I actually saw play during his career if he'd stayed healthy. I'd already decided I'd take Messi, but did some digging into goals scored and came up with this... Backing out his time in Brazil or at PSV, Ronaldo played 252 games for Barca, Inter, Real and Milan -- scoring 175 goals (69% of his appearances).Messi has played 249 games, all for Barca, and has scored 201 goals (81% of his appearances). And I'd bet Messi sets up his teammates far more often as well.If he'd managed not to miss almost four full seasons I'm pretty sure I'd take him over Christiano Ronaldo though.

Ronaldo was fantastic when healthy. I would not argue with anyone who put him as a top 10-20 player all time.

 

[Slapdash]

I don't follow the national team closely but would think Argentina is on the short list of favorites in 2014? I'm sure Brazil will be the favorite playing at home, but they are far from perfect, understanding we are over a year away. I would think anything short of a semi final would be a massive disappointment with that attack - Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Di Maria, Lavezzi...

And Zabaleta, at least, at RB. The Netherlands reached the final of the last WC with Johnny Heitenga, a spot starter of Everton, at CB. I don't see where Garay, just for example, is any worse. I think we tend to think the Argentinian defense is a mess because of Maradonna's insane team selections in 2010 (where he took no natural fullback and played Jonas in the back). It's not as if Brazil is flush at the back outside of Thiago Silva.

Disagree about Brazil, the back line is probably the stregnth of their current squad. Hard to get a better set of fullbacks than Marcelo and Alves.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Brazil +300

Spain +450

Argentina +500

Germany +800

Next tier around 20-1 is Belgium, England, Italy, France, Colombia...

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I think Argentina is well-suited to play the Barca style 4-3-3. It just involves making a few choices. Tevez, Kun, Lavezzi, Higuain, and Di Maria can't all play.

But Pastore can play a bit deeper in midfield alongside a guy like Biglia. You could put Mascherano behind them. And then pick the top 3 you want (I like Kun, Messi, and Higuain but you can drop Higuain for Lavezzi and play Messi through the middle). That's a side with excellent passing and workrate (the exception being Pastore) in midfield.

The back four isn't as good as Germany, but it has solid young players who play on good teams such as Porto.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Disagree about Brazil, the back line is probably the stregnth of their current squad. Hard to get a better set of fullbacks wingers pretending to be fullbacks than Marcelo and Alves.

Fixed

 

[Steve Tasker]

Galatasaray through!

CIM BOM BOM! Not only do they have the crazy fans, they also have a pretty good team. Burak Yilmaz is awesome.

FENER 4 LYFE

 

[Steve Tasker]

All I really have to say about yesterday's Barca game is that I'm pretty glad El Sharaawy is an Italian....I think he could be special in the long-term for the Azzurri.

 

[Slapdash]

Disagree about Brazil, the back line is probably the stregnth of their current squad. Hard to get a better set of fullbacks wingers pretending to be fullbacks than Marcelo and Alves.

Fixed

I think they are both good fullbacks despite the tactical decisions their coaches make to have them play further up the pitch. Even then, attacking up the flank is part of being a good fullback today.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Brazil +300Spain +450Argentina +500Germany +800Next tier around 20-1 is Belgium, England, Italy, France, Colombia...

Had been wondering about this too. Current WC 2014 odds for everyone at 1000-1 or better with implied %s:

Brazil 		4	20.00%Argentina 	5.5	15.38%Spain 		5.5	15.38%Germany 	9	10.00%England 	22	4.35%Holland 	24	4.00%Italy 		25	3.85%Belgium 	33	2.94%Colombia 	40	2.44%France 		43	2.27%Portugal 	45	2.17%Uruguay 	50	1.96%Mexico 		50	1.96%Russia 		66	1.49%Chile 		80	1.23%Croatia 	132	0.75%USA 		170	0.58%Ivory Coast 	180	0.55%Ecuador 	200	0.50%Sweden 		200	0.50%Ghana 		208	0.48%Japan 		250	0.40%Switzerland 	250	0.40%Nigeria 	300	0.33%South Korea 	400	0.25%Greece 		500	0.20%Australia 	500	0.20%Romania 	500	0.20%Czech Republic 	531	0.19%Denmark 	550	0.18%Poland 		569	0.18%Venezuela 	569	0.18%Ukraine 	655	0.15%Montenegro 	664	0.15%Egypt 		674	0.15%Senegal 	750	0.13%Bosnia-Herzego	750	0.13%Paraguay 	750	0.13%Norway 		750	0.13%Morocco 	750	0.13%South Africa 	750	0.13%Cameroon 	949	0.11%Ireland 	949	0.11%Turkey 		949	0.11%Benin 		949	0.11%Burkina Faso 	949	0.11%Congo 		949	0.11%Libya 		949	0.11%Sudan 		949	0.11%Serbia 		1000	0.10%Bolivia 	1000	0.10%Bulgaria 	1000	0.10%Peru 		1000	0.10%Slovakia 	1000	0.10%Mali 		1000	0.10%North Korea 	1000	0.10%

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Disagree about Brazil, the back line is probably the stregnth of their current squad. Hard to get a better set of fullbacks wingers pretending to be fullbacks than Marcelo and Alves.

Fixed

I think they are both good fullbacks despite the tactical decisions their coaches make to have them play further up the pitch. Even then, attacking up the flank is part of being a good fullback today.

I was being snarky, but I think there has to be something to the fact that Mourinho just does not trust Marcelo in big games. Marcelo is absurdly talented, but he's never been tactically sound and I have a hard time believing that a coach as tactically astute as Mourinho really grants him that type of license.Alves has been off song this year for Barca, which doesn't really justify letting him play so high. I'm open to the idea that he can play more disciplined if asked to.

But my point is that neither is the type of fullback who can mark a winger out of the game. Brazil no longer plays two DMs as they did under Dunga, so the fullbacks can't have the same type of license. And David Luiz is less reliable in defense paired with Silva than Lucio was. There will be games where fullback will be a position of strength for Brazil, but I'm not sure it will be when the rubber meets the road in the QFs and beyond. With that said, Rafael is coming around into a very good two way fullback. So maybe he'd help.

 

[jonessed]

I don't follow the national team closely but would think Argentina is on the short list of favorites in 2014? I'm sure Brazil will be the favorite playing at home, but they are far from perfect, understanding we are over a year away. I would think anything short of a semi final would be a massive disappointment with that attack - Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Di Maria, Lavezzi...

And Zabaleta, at least, at RB. The Netherlands reached the final of the last WC with Johnny Heitenga, a spot starter of Everton, at CB. I don't see where Garay, just for example, is any worse. I think we tend to think the Argentinian defense is a mess because of Maradonna's insane team selections in 2010 (where he took no natural fullback and played Jonas in the back). It's not as if Brazil is flush at the back outside of Thiago Silva.

Garay is much better than Heitenga. Not that Heitinga is poor, but Garay just happened to fall into the talent hole of RM for a few years where he fell off the radar.Outside of Garay there does seem to be quite a drop-off in central defense. They had a glut of world-class talent for some years with the likes of Samuel, Demechilis, Heinze, and Zanetti. It's kind of a shame there wasn't more overlap with the current crop of young, offensive talent.

 

[Mjolnirs]

It's going to be a cold night in Munich. Currently 28 F with 50% chance of precipitation.

 

[Slapdash]

I don't follow the national team closely but would think Argentina is on the short list of favorites in 2014? I'm sure Brazil will be the favorite playing at home, but they are far from perfect, understanding we are over a year away. I would think anything short of a semi final would be a massive disappointment with that attack - Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Di Maria, Lavezzi...

And Zabaleta, at least, at RB. The Netherlands reached the final of the last WC with Johnny Heitenga, a spot starter of Everton, at CB. I don't see where Garay, just for example, is any worse. I think we tend to think the Argentinian defense is a mess because of Maradonna's insane team selections in 2010 (where he took no natural fullback and played Jonas in the back). It's not as if Brazil is flush at the back outside of Thiago Silva.

Garay is much better than Heitenga. Not that Heitinga is poor, but Garay just happened to fall into the talent hole of RM for a few years where he fell off the radar.Outside of Garay there does seem to be quite a drop-off in central defense. They had a glut of world-class talent for some years with the likes of Samuel, Demechilis, Heinze, and Zanetti. It's kind of a shame there wasn't more overlap with the current crop of young, offensive talent.

It is weird seeing the words Demichilis and world-class talent in the same sentance. He always looked lost to me. No idea how he stayed at Bayern so long.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I don't follow the national team closely but would think Argentina is on the short list of favorites in 2014? I'm sure Brazil will be the favorite playing at home, but they are far from perfect, understanding we are over a year away. I would think anything short of a semi final would be a massive disappointment with that attack - Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Di Maria, Lavezzi...

And Zabaleta, at least, at RB. The Netherlands reached the final of the last WC with Johnny Heitenga, a spot starter of Everton, at CB. I don't see where Garay, just for example, is any worse. I think we tend to think the Argentinian defense is a mess because of Maradonna's insane team selections in 2010 (where he took no natural fullback and played Jonas in the back). It's not as if Brazil is flush at the back outside of Thiago Silva.

References to "argentinian defense" conjures up images for me of swarthy long haired gaucho dudes like Sergio Batista from '86 and' 90 teams. They're known for their attack theses days, but those Maradona teams that were so successful back in the day were an intimidating crew.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Disagree about Brazil, the back line is probably the stregnth of their current squad. Hard to get a better set of fullbacks wingers pretending to be fullbacks than Marcelo and Alves.

Fixed

I think they are both good fullbacks despite the tactical decisions their coaches make to have them play further up the pitch. Even then, attacking up the flank is part of being a good fullback today.

It was the hallmark of Cafu and Roberto Carlos as well, but they didn't have to rely on David Luiz to stay home when they went bombing forward.

 

[ffldrew]

Is this going to be the game where Wenger gets his ### pulled out of the fire with a miracle win ?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I wish I could place bets on things like "Arsenal gets an early first goal, does nothing for most of the rest of the game, but gets a late second to tie the score on aggregate but too late to get the third they need to avoid crashing out on away goals. Arsene Wenger hails the moral victory."

 

[Slapdash]

Galatasaray fans caught trying to dig tunnel into Schalke's stadium• Ticketless fans found burrowing with their bare handsSchalke's sporting director Horst Heldt has confirmed that a group of ticketless Galatasaray fans were caught trying to burrow into their stadium using their bare hands ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match.With the away section heavily oversubscribed and tickets trading hands at prices of up to €1,000 before kick-off, the group resorted to desperate measures, trying to dig through frozen ground under a perimeter fence.Heldt confirmed the incident before the game, which ended with a 4-3 aggregate victory for the Turkish club, saying: "Yes, that's right. Some supporters have tried to dig a tunnel with their bare hands."Galatasaray, featuring Didier Drogba up front, won the game 3-2, with Hamit Altintop scoring a stunning 30-yard goal to set them on the way. The Germans dominated the closing stages, but Umut Bulut snatched a win for the visitors in injury time.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Galatasaray fans caught trying to dig tunnel into Schalke's stadium• Ticketless fans found burrowing with their bare handsSchalke's sporting director Horst Heldt has confirmed that a group of ticketless Galatasaray fans were caught trying to burrow into their stadium using their bare hands ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match.With the away section heavily oversubscribed and tickets trading hands at prices of up to €1,000 before kick-off, the group resorted to desperate measures, trying to dig through frozen ground under a perimeter fence.Heldt confirmed the incident before the game, which ended with a 4-3 aggregate victory for the Turkish club, saying: "Yes, that's right. Some supporters have tried to dig a tunnel with their bare hands."Galatasaray, featuring Didier Drogba up front, won the game 3-2, with Hamit Altintop scoring a stunning 30-yard goal to set them on the way. The Germans dominated the closing stages, but Umut Bulut snatched a win for the visitors in injury time.

That's what Schalke gets for hiring Sgt. Schultz to head security.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

So how does the airport thing work? Do teams try to fake-out the fans and fly in earlier than scheduled?

 

[NewlyRetired]

NBC is turning out to be such a fantastic broadcaster for soccer. Look at what they have planned this weekend and just imagine the ideas they will have come EPL time.

Get ready for 'MLS Breakaway'

By Paul Kennedy

Trying to capitalize on the popularity of the NFL Red Zone, the game-day channel that provides back-and-forth coverage of all the Sunday afternoon football during the fall, NBC Sports Network will on Saturday air "MLS Breakaway," a two-and-a-half studio show covering four MLS games at the same time on Rivalry Week. It will part of an unprecedented 10 hours of continuous MLS coverage on NBC and NBC Sports Network.

The team of Arlo White, Kyle Martino and Russ Thaler will call the New York Red Bulls' home opener against D.C. United on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET and then head to the new NBC Sports Group International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn., to host "MLS Breakaway," beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET.

The studio show explains a few unusual start times (all ET) for the four games they'll cover: Montreal-Toronto FC (4 p.m.), Philadelphia-New England (5 p.m.); Columbus-San Jose (5:30 p.m.); and Real Salt Lake-Colorado (6 p.m.).

“Our goal is to be the destination for soccer fans, and MLS Rivalry Saturday provides a perfect vehicle for them to enjoy the games they love,” Pierre Moossa, Coordinating Producer for NBC Sports Group’s soccer coverage, said in a statement. “During MLS Breakaway, Arlo, Kyle and Russ will guide viewers through all the exciting soccer action and provide a balance between all four games.”

Before and after "MLS Breakaway," NBC Sports Network will air two full games of its own: Sporting Kansas City-Chicago (3 p.m. ET) and Seattle-Portland (8 p.m. ET).

 

[Slapdash]

NBC is turning out to be such a fantastic broadcaster for soccer. Look at what they have planned this weekend and just imagine the ideas they will have come EPL time.

Get ready for 'MLS Breakaway'

By Paul Kennedy

Trying to capitalize on the popularity of the NFL Red Zone, the game-day channel that provides back-and-forth coverage of all the Sunday afternoon football during the fall, NBC Sports Network will on Saturday air "MLS Breakaway," a two-and-a-half studio show covering four MLS games at the same time on Rivalry Week. It will part of an unprecedented 10 hours of continuous MLS coverage on NBC and NBC Sports Network.

The team of Arlo White, Kyle Martino and Russ Thaler will call the New York Red Bulls' home opener against D.C. United on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET and then head to the new NBC Sports Group International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn., to host "MLS Breakaway," beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET.

The studio show explains a few unusual start times (all ET) for the four games they'll cover: Montreal-Toronto FC (4 p.m.), Philadelphia-New England (5 p.m.); Columbus-San Jose (5:30 p.m.); and Real Salt Lake-Colorado (6 p.m.).

“Our goal is to be the destination for soccer fans, and MLS Rivalry Saturday provides a perfect vehicle for them to enjoy the games they love,” Pierre Moossa, Coordinating Producer for NBC Sports Group’s soccer coverage, said in a statement. “During MLS Breakaway, Arlo, Kyle and Russ will guide viewers through all the exciting soccer action and provide a balance between all four games.”

Before and after "MLS Breakaway," NBC Sports Network will air two full games of its own: Sporting Kansas City-Chicago (3 p.m. ET) and Seattle-Portland (8 p.m. ET).

Imagine this for the Champions League.

 

[NewlyRetired]

NBC is turning out to be such a fantastic broadcaster for soccer. Look at what they have planned this weekend and just imagine the ideas they will have come EPL time.

Get ready for 'MLS Breakaway'

By Paul Kennedy

Trying to capitalize on the popularity of the NFL Red Zone, the game-day channel that provides back-and-forth coverage of all the Sunday afternoon football during the fall, NBC Sports Network will on Saturday air "MLS Breakaway," a two-and-a-half studio show covering four MLS games at the same time on Rivalry Week. It will part of an unprecedented 10 hours of continuous MLS coverage on NBC and NBC Sports Network.

The team of Arlo White, Kyle Martino and Russ Thaler will call the New York Red Bulls' home opener against D.C. United on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET and then head to the new NBC Sports Group International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn., to host "MLS Breakaway," beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET.

The studio show explains a few unusual start times (all ET) for the four games they'll cover: Montreal-Toronto FC (4 p.m.), Philadelphia-New England (5 p.m.); Columbus-San Jose (5:30 p.m.); and Real Salt Lake-Colorado (6 p.m.).

“Our goal is to be the destination for soccer fans, and MLS Rivalry Saturday provides a perfect vehicle for them to enjoy the games they love,” Pierre Moossa, Coordinating Producer for NBC Sports Group’s soccer coverage, said in a statement. “During MLS Breakaway, Arlo, Kyle and Russ will guide viewers through all the exciting soccer action and provide a balance between all four games.”

Before and after "MLS Breakaway," NBC Sports Network will air two full games of its own: Sporting Kansas City-Chicago (3 p.m. ET) and Seattle-Portland (8 p.m. ET).

Imagine this for the Champions League.

That would be awesome! It will be interesting what happens with the next round of Champions League bidding. This will come after the next MLS contract is up. Fox retains the Champions League through the 2014-2015 season.

Speaking of the Champions League, the games will be played to a much wider audience next year. Fox Sports 1 debuts in August and is expected to be in 90 million homes, more than double what Fox Soccer broadcasts to.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Hopefully seeing Barcelona net 4 and Galatasaray with 3 away will remind Jupp and his charges that they still have to show up today.

I guess not.Man was that ugly. Bayern had plenty of opportunities but not a single shot had any pace. The only players on Bayern that seemed to have any urgency was Lahm, as always, and Robben, even if greedy. On occasion Martinez seemed to wake up, but not much.Schweinstieger and Ribery were sorely missed.A side note on the match ... That was the first match that Bayern didn't score a goal in since a 0:0 draw at home against Mainz last April. (at least from what I can see)

 

[NewlyRetired]

If LA takes care of business at home tomorrow, there should be 2 MLS teams in the semi finals which would be a first. While Houston is ahead in their match, I fear they are going to get run off the park in Mexico tomorrow.

As expected Houston got smoked 3-0 tonight and they are out. LA is up 1-0 in first half on a header by Gonzo.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

NBC is turning out to be such a fantastic broadcaster for soccer. Look at what they have planned this weekend and just imagine the ideas they will have come EPL time.

Get ready for 'MLS Breakaway'

By Paul Kennedy

Trying to capitalize on the popularity of the NFL Red Zone, the game-day channel that provides back-and-forth coverage of all the Sunday afternoon football during the fall, NBC Sports Network will on Saturday air "MLS Breakaway," a two-and-a-half studio show covering four MLS games at the same time on Rivalry Week. It will part of an unprecedented 10 hours of continuous MLS coverage on NBC and NBC Sports Network.

The team of Arlo White, Kyle Martino and Russ Thaler will call the New York Red Bulls' home opener against D.C. United on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET and then head to the new NBC Sports Group International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn., to host "MLS Breakaway," beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET.

The studio show explains a few unusual start times (all ET) for the four games they'll cover: Montreal-Toronto FC (4 p.m.), Philadelphia-New England (5 p.m.); Columbus-San Jose (5:30 p.m.); and Real Salt Lake-Colorado (6 p.m.).

“Our goal is to be the destination for soccer fans, and MLS Rivalry Saturday provides a perfect vehicle for them to enjoy the games they love,” Pierre Moossa, Coordinating Producer for NBC Sports Group’s soccer coverage, said in a statement. “During MLS Breakaway, Arlo, Kyle and Russ will guide viewers through all the exciting soccer action and provide a balance between all four games.”

Before and after "MLS Breakaway," NBC Sports Network will air two full games of its own: Sporting Kansas City-Chicago (3 p.m. ET) and Seattle-Portland (8 p.m. ET).

Imagine this for the Champions League.

That would be awesome! It will be interesting what happens with the next round of Champions League bidding. This will come after the next MLS contract is up. Fox retains the Champions League through the 2014-2015 season.

Speaking of the Champions League, the games will be played to a much wider audience next year. Fox Sports 1 debuts in August and is expected to be in 90 million homes, more than double what Fox Soccer broadcasts to.

The distribution on Fox Sports 1 increases, but what I'm curious about, and this applies to NBC as well with the EPL next year, is the level of coverage we'll get outside the matches going forward, especially if ratings stay static. I'd hate to lose the level of pre and post game coverage we currently get on FSC due to its specific niche status, but it seems inevitable. Not that the coverage is awesome, but its better than nothing.For example, will Fox continue to show all Champs League games the way FSC currently does or will we now only get one game a day like in the old ESPN2 days? Same with the EPL, will the double and tripleheaders go away? I think theres more of a chance NBC goes all out , but I guess we'll find out either way. Also, did NBC get FA Cup rights in addition to EPL?

 

[NewlyRetired]

The distribution on Fox Sports 1 increases, but what I'm curious about, and this applies to NBC as well with the EPL next year, is the level of coverage we'll get outside the matches going forward, especially if ratings stay static. I'd hate to lose the level of pre and post game coverage we currently get on FSC due to its specific niche status, but it seems inevitable. Not that the coverage is awesome, but its better than nothing.For example, will Fox continue to show all Champs League games the way FSC currently does or will we now only get one game a day like in the old ESPN2 days? Same with the EPL, will the double and tripleheaders go away? I think theres more of a chance NBC goes all out , but I guess we'll find out either way. Also, did NBC get FA Cup rights in addition to EPL?

I can"t speak to pre and post game shows but i am all but certain the amount of CL games Fox will show will not change. With the CL games being in a time slot Fox needs live programming for, it is a perfect match. In fact if and when the rebranding is complete you might see multiple live CL games across Fox Sports 1, 2, and 3. As for how NBC handles the EPL is depends on how you look at it. If you just compare FSC with NBCSN, I think Fox is going to come out way ahead. But NBC fully intends to use multiple channels including NBC and Telemundo. So the overall package should be just as good. Here are some notes that came out last October ======1. NBC will make all Premier League matches available for viewing.2. All of the Premier League games will be shown live. Games will not be shown on tape delay.3. NBC’s English-language networks will show 6 live Premier League games a week. One or two of NBC’s cable will be used along with NBC Sports Network. Other games will be streamed live.4. NBC Sports Network will be the main channel to watch most EPL games.5. Approximately 18-20 Premier League matches per season will be shown live on free-to-air NBC, primarily on Saturdays.6. Telemundo and mun2 will show Spanish-language coverage of the Premier League in the U.S.7. Among the TV channels where Premier League matches may be viewable are NBC, NBC Sports Network, Telemundo and mun2; among other channels which could include CNBC, MSNBC, USA and Bravo.8. Matches will also be live-streamed on the NBC Sports Live Extra platform across web, tablet and mobile devices.9. Mid-week Premier League games will be available digitally or through some sort of arrangement with MVPDs (multichannel video programming distributors) on some sort of pay TV package.10. NBC’s coverage of the Premier League will begin with the 2013-14 season (in August, 2013) and will end with the 2015-16 season (in May, 2016).11. NBC will include pre- and post-match shows, as well as highlight and weekly wrap-up programs12. NBC may partner with BT on production. The two media companies have already had early talks regarding a deal.13. It’s a near guarantee that NBC Sports soccer commentator Arlo White will be a prominent role in the coverage of the Premier League.14. NBC will be in an acquisition mode to hire talent for its coverage of the Premier League.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The distribution on Fox Sports 1 increases, but what I'm curious about, and this applies to NBC as well with the EPL next year, is the level of coverage we'll get outside the matches going forward, especially if ratings stay static. I'd hate to lose the level of pre and post game coverage we currently get on FSC due to its specific niche status, but it seems inevitable. Not that the coverage is awesome, but its better than nothing.For example, will Fox continue to show all Champs League games the way FSC currently does or will we now only get one game a day like in the old ESPN2 days? Same with the EPL, will the double and tripleheaders go away? I think theres more of a chance NBC goes all out , but I guess we'll find out either way. Also, did NBC get FA Cup rights in addition to EPL?

I can"t speak to pre and post game shows but i am all but certain the amount of CL games Fox will show will not change. With the CL games being in a time slot Fox needs live programming for, it is a perfect match. In fact if and when the rebranding is complete you might see multiple live CL games across Fox Sports 1, 2, and 3. As for how NBC handles the EPL is depends on how you look at it. If you just compare FSC with NBCSN, I think Fox is going to come out way ahead. But NBC fully intends to use multiple channels including NBC and Telemundo. So the overall package should be just as good. Here are some notes that came out last October ======1. NBC will make all Premier League matches available for viewing.2. All of the Premier League games will be shown live. Games will not be shown on tape delay.3. NBC’s English-language networks will show 6 live Premier League games a week. One or two of NBC’s cable will be used along with NBC Sports Network. Other games will be streamed live.4. NBC Sports Network will be the main channel to watch most EPL games.5. Approximately 18-20 Premier League matches per season will be shown live on free-to-air NBC, primarily on Saturdays.6. Telemundo and mun2 will show Spanish-language coverage of the Premier League in the U.S.7. Among the TV channels where Premier League matches may be viewable are NBC, NBC Sports Network, Telemundo and mun2; among other channels which could include CNBC, MSNBC, USA and Bravo.8. Matches will also be live-streamed on the NBC Sports Live Extra platform across web, tablet and mobile devices.9. Mid-week Premier League games will be available digitally or through some sort of arrangement with MVPDs (multichannel video programming distributors) on some sort of pay TV package.10. NBC’s coverage of the Premier League will begin with the 2013-14 season (in August, 2013) and will end with the 2015-16 season (in May, 2016).11. NBC will include pre- and post-match shows, as well as highlight and weekly wrap-up programs12. NBC may partner with BT on production. The two media companies have already had early talks regarding a deal.13. It’s a near guarantee that NBC Sports soccer commentator Arlo White will be a prominent role in the coverage of the Premier League.14. NBC will be in an acquisition mode to hire talent for its coverage of the Premier League.

Also, EPL Talk recently reported that NBC gave a full presentation of their intended coverage plans to the EPL suits and they supposedly came away very impressed.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Beautiful goal by Villarreal.

 

[NewlyRetired]

LA goes through to semi's after a well played 4-1 win today.

That matches two MLS teams (Seattle and LA) against two very good Liga MX sides (Santos and Monterrey) in the semi finals.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Did some digging - looks like even though Fox lost the EPL rights to NBC, they retain FA Cup rights through 2018, so they'll be able to still show English football, just on a more limited calendar basis.

Andy, what kind of TV coverage do you think Fox gives something like CCL next year when FSC goes away? Maybe that's where FS2/3 come in, but apart from that, the time slots don't work at all. Especially this time of year, assuming Fox gets Big East hoops TV rights as has been rumored, or other media rights as they ramp up.

I just really don't want to go back to the TV stone ages, I don't think we will for the big leagues and for MLS, but I also love that these days we get to see all kinds of niche tournaments like CCL, Gold Cup, Club World Cup, the USOC final (though not anymore for me since Comcast dropped GolTV for BeIN), etc.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Did some digging - looks like even though Fox lost the EPL rights to NBC, they retain FA Cup rights through 2018, so they'll be able to still show English football, just on a more limited calendar basis.Andy, what kind of TV coverage do you think Fox gives something like CCL next year when FSC goes away? Maybe that's where FS2/3 come in, but apart from that, the time slots don't work at all. Especially this time of year, assuming Fox gets Big East hoops TV rights as has been rumored, or other media rights as they ramp up.

I think it will be fine if Fox will do a good job with the CL next year. People will likely have to get used to looking at multiple channels when the rebrand finishes but I think the same amount of games will be available. As for the FA Cup, you probably noticed that Fox used the mothership to show the FA Cup games after they lost the EPL deal so i think that tournament will get more exposure than ever before next season.With ESPN jumping into bed with Liga MX and beIN grabbing all the smaller properties and NBC jumping in with two feet and Fox still needing to protect their WC, I have no worries about any lack of soccer on TV over the next few years. The upcoming MLS contract is the next big shoe to drop. That will alter the landscape a bit. ESPN seems to be preparing to lose MLS. Hard to guess though. If you told me two years ago NBC was going to be such a big player I would have laughed. Guess you can't even rule out CBS at this point when you think of that.

 

[Mjolnirs]

If you watched the Bayern-Arsenal match yesterday I'm sure you noticed and heard the announcers comment on the poor atmosphere.Evidently the Bayern management have instituted a policy for CL matches that restricts access to the main cheering section.From a Bayern message board:

The club is still enforcing the new Champions League entrance policy, which means that approximately 60% of supporters cannot enter blocks 112 and 113. The other 40% of regular supporters show solidarity with those Südkurvenfans not allowed to enter the sector. The end result is a few hundred non-regulars standing in the Südkurve and the bottom part of 112/113 being completely empty. From the information I have, this state will continue for the rest of the season, unless the management brings about change quickly.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I wish I could place bets on things like "Arsenal gets an early first goal, does nothing for most of the rest of the game, but gets a late second to tie the score on aggregate but too late to get the third they need to avoid crashing out on away goals. Arsene Wenger hails the moral victory."

Moral victory sucks, but I think Gooner fans have reason to be proud of the team for the fight the guys had in them in a tough place. Meanwhile, for all the talk of German resurgence, it is the Spanish league that put three teams through to the QF, clearly establishing La Liga as the current leader in Europe. The EPL clubs have some work to do if they expect to be competitive in Europe, especially if Platini puts some teeth into FFP. It was only a few years ago that 3 of 4 semifinalists in the CL were English I think 2 or 3 years in a row.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is the match schedule of the 2013 Gold Cup:

July 7 - Rose Bowl, Los Angeles, CA

Canada vs Martinique, 5:30 p.m. ET

Mexico vs Panama, 8:00 p.m. ET

July 8 - Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ

El Salvador vs Trinidad and Tobago, 7:00 p.m. ET

Haiti vs Honduras, 9:00 p.m. ET

July 9 - Jeld-Wen Field, Portland, OR

Costa Rica vs Cuba, 8:30 p.m. ET

Belize vs United States, 11:00 p.m. ET

July 11 - CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA

Panama vs Martinique, 8:30 p.m. ET

Mexico vs Canada, 11:00 p.m. ET

July 12 - Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FL

Trinidad and Tobago vs Haiti, 7:00 p.m. ET

Honduras vs El Salvador, 9:30 p.m. ET

July 13 - Rio Tinto Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT

United States vs Cuba, 4:00 p.m. ET

Costa Rica vs Belize, 6:30 p.m. ET

July 14 - Sports Authority Field, Denver, CO

Martinique vs Mexico, 4:00 p.m. ET

Panama vs Canada, 6:30 p.m. ET

July 15 - BBVA Compass Field, Houston, TX

El Salvador vs Haiti, 7:00 p.m. ET

Honduras vs Trinidad and Tobago, 9:30 p.m. ET

July 16 - Rentschler Field, Hartford, CT

Cuba vs Belize, 5:30 p.m. ET

United States vs Costa Rica, 8:00 p.m. ET

July 20 - Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA - Quarterfinals

A2 vs B2, 3:00 p.m. ET

A1 vs B3/C3, 6:00 p.m. ET

July 21 - M & T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD - Quarterfinals

B1 vs C2, 4:00 p.m. ET

C1 vs A3/B3, 7:00 p.m. ET

July 24 - Cowboys Stadium, Dallas, TX - Semifinals

C1 vs A3/B3 vs B1/C2

A1 or B3/C3 vs A2/B2

July 28 - Soldier Field, Chicago, IL - Final

Winners of both semifinals face in championship game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

From Soccer America

FA CUP VIEWING RECORD. FOX Soccer’s broadcast of Sunday's Manchester United-Chelsea match was the network’s most-watched FA Cup match ever, according to Nielsen Media Research. The match, which finished in a 2-2 tie, drew 460,000 viewers, making it the fifth most-watched contest of any kind in FOX Soccer history.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Fox will be broadcasting every game from the world cup including up to three on the mothership. Shame that it is likely to be a watered down tournament. Many are expecting US, Mexico, Panama, Honduras and Costa Rica to send B level squads.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Mexico has released their roster for the Honduras WCQing game. A pretty large 7 changes from the first game

Mexico Roster:

GOALKEEPERS: Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio, France), Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca)

DEFENDERS: Severo Meza (Monterrey), Jonny Magallon (Leon), Francisco Javier Rodriguez (Club America), Hector Moreno (Espanyol, Spain), Hugo Ayala (Tigres) Diego Reyes (Club America), Jorge Torres Nilo (Tigres)

MIDFIELDERS: Carlos Salcido (Tigres), Jesus Zavala (Monterrey), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Jesus Molina (Club America), Hector Herrera (Pachuca), Javier Aquino (Villarreal, Spain), Andres Guardado (Valencia, Spain), Angel Reyna (Pachuca)

FORWARDS: Giovani Dos Santos (Real Mallorca, Spain), Oribe Peralta (Santos Laguna) Javier Hernandez (Man. United, England), Omar Bravo (Atlas), Raul Alonso Jimenez (Club America)

 

[CletiusMaximus]

US Men confirm a friendly against current Euro darling Belgium May 29 in Cleveland. That could be fun depending on who they send to play it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

US Men confirm a friendly against current Euro darling Belgium May 29 in Cleveland. That could be fun depending on who they send to play it.

That is very likely to be Belgium's and the US's full squad (US might be missing MLS players). Both teams have a WCQier on June 7th so this game would effectively be an excellent warm up game for the qualifier.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Could be good shtick if we have all US ballboys in gigantic protective hamster balls.

 

[Steve Tasker]

US Men confirm a friendly against current Euro darling Belgium May 29 in Cleveland. That could be fun depending on who they send to play it.

Damn, wish that was a weekend.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Could be good shtick if we have all US ballboys in gigantic protective hamster balls.

Took me awhile, but Maybe they could add some of those red 'Danger' triangles and and inscribe the hamster balls with 'Hazard' - 'Ball Boys at Work' just in case it was too subtle.

 

[The Gator]

hope the Lazio game will air somewhere.... want to see what a game is like with no fans.

nb4 Chivas joke

 

[NewlyRetired]

hope the Lazio game will air somewhere.... want to see what a game is like with no fans. nb4 Chivas joke

@ Chivas poke (so true sadly).To answer your question, the Lazio game is on Fox Soccer tonight at 6:00pm (delayed)

 

[CletiusMaximus]

WTF Spurs...