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

[Steve Tasker]

Am I the only one who was kinda lukewarm about Julian Green last night? I didn't see anything worrisome, but he didn't look like a breakout superstar to me. He looked like a talented 18 year old making his first senior international appearance. That's not to say that he shouldn't be in consideration for the final 23, but I don't know if he should be a lock like some seem to be talking about.

 

[Sebowski]

How did the crowd come off? I'll do full phx report when I get home. Lots of media around town. CNN interviewed a bunch of us, so when they find that damn plane they might assure a report on the outlaws.

AO crowd was good, I think there were a lot of people like myself who don't know all of the chants and the pockets that did weren't loud enough to really get it as an entire section but there was certainly lots of chanting and singing in different pockets. I was also at the edge so maybe if I was more in the thick of it it would have been different.With it also being 70% Mexico it was definitely an "away" game in terms of getting cheers going on a larger basis.

Great atmosphere and vibe though, everyone I the section was very nice.

Yeah, I was there too. I was just asking about how it sounded on tv. What section were you in?

 

[ffldrew]

Am I the only one who was kinda lukewarm about Julian Green last night? I didn't see anything worrisome, but he didn't look like a breakout superstar to me. He looked like a talented 18 year old making his first senior international appearance. That's not to say that he shouldn't be in consideration for the final 23, but I don't know if he should be a lock like some seem to be talking about.

I think he is a lock in the 23 as the quid pro quo for committing to the US over Germany - time on the field during the WC will be a different story

 

[The Gator]

How did the crowd come off? I'll do full phx report when I get home. Lots of media around town. CNN interviewed a bunch of us, so when they find that damn plane they might assure a report on the outlaws.

AO crowd was good, I think there were a lot of people like myself who don't know all of the chants and the pockets that did weren't loud enough to really get it as an entire section but there was certainly lots of chanting and singing in different pockets. I was also at the edge so maybe if I was more in the thick of it it would have been different.With it also being 70% Mexico it was definitely an "away" game in terms of getting cheers going on a larger basis.

Great atmosphere and vibe though, everyone I the section was very nice.

Yeah, I was there too. I was just asking about how it sounded on tv. What section were you in?

Sounded good if you were cheering for Mexico.

Maybe less pool breaking into and more singing, Susan.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Am I the only one who was kinda lukewarm about Julian Green last night? I didn't see anything worrisome, but he didn't look like a breakout superstar to me. He looked like a talented 18 year old making his first senior international appearance. That's not to say that he shouldn't be in consideration for the final 23, but I don't know if he should be a lock like some seem to be talking about.

Here is my take

*The poor kid has probably been watching low intensity German friendlies his whole life and figured this should be a great setting to get his feet wet. The US Mexico friendlies are probably in the top 1% of friendlies in terms of how hard the players play.

*I am not sure we could have found a more difficult friendly for him to debut in. Sure, Mexico is not Brazil, but their intensity was high when he came in and the huge crowd (I am sure just a tiny bit bigger than the crowds he plays in front of in the 4th division) all made this harder for him.

*He looked like a deer in the headlights on the bench looking around the stadium during the first half while Yedlin, who also had jitters his first game against SK, looked very comfortable next to him.

*He is only 18 playing at basically a semi pro level right now and this had to have been a huge step up for him. People love to believe that training equates to playing real games but it doesn't. Nothing can replace the intensity of a real game (of which the US Mexico friendly is close to being as any other)

*A camp cup cake game would have been more appropriate for a debut but not much we can do about that now.

*He needs to get loaned out to a Bundesliga 2 side next season to start integrating into the pro game to get ready for the Gold Cup which I am hoping will be his first real chance to shine for the US (he will be 20 by the time the Gold Cup starts)

*He was obviously nervous, and his mistaken header led directly to the second goal and he was off on some of his passes

*The good news for me is that even with all the nerves and bad touches, he appeared to settle in after he hurt his shoulder

*This was my first time seeing him outside of youtube videos and was expecting Yedlin type speed, but he seemed kind of slowish. Hopefully that was just nerves not wanting to run at players.

*Worst case is he becomes an asset for the next cycle. At least people know now that he is not some savior and we can watch him with hope like we do all young players.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Am I the only one who was kinda lukewarm about Julian Green last night? I didn't see anything worrisome, but he didn't look like a breakout superstar to me. He looked like a talented 18 year old making his first senior international appearance. That's not to say that he shouldn't be in consideration for the final 23, but I don't know if he should be a lock like some seem to be talking about.

The biggest issue with Julian Green is that people keep referring to him using terms like "breakout superstar" - including unfortunately Jurgen Klinsmann as well as many popular US Soccer journos. The only reason he should be a lock for the 23 is if that is what Klinsmann promised him as quid pro for committing this early. I think we would all do the kid a favor by considering him a possibly useful player in 2018, but no more than a passenger this summer.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Am I the only one who was kinda lukewarm about Julian Green last night? I didn't see anything worrisome, but he didn't look like a breakout superstar to me. He looked like a talented 18 year old making his first senior international appearance. That's not to say that he shouldn't be in consideration for the final 23, but I don't know if he should be a lock like some seem to be talking about.

The biggest issue with Julian Green is that people keep referring to him using terms like "breakout superstar" - including unfortunately Jurgen Klinsmann as well as many popular US Soccer journos. The only reason he should be a lock for the 23 is if that is what Klinsmann promised him as quid pro for committing this early. I think we would all do the kid a favor by considering him a possibly useful player in 2018, but no more than a passenger this summer.

Interestingly, if you look at this thread, it appears no one in here bought into the over done hype, which was way over done by too many people.

This summer is all but lost anyway. It is not like taking Green over Shea is going to make any sort of difference so I am kind of ok if he gets selected to the 23 even if technically he might not deserve it and gets the experience of being there even if he does not play. It can only help him for the future.

 

[El Floppo]

Am I the only one who was kinda lukewarm about Julian Green last night? I didn't see anything worrisome, but he didn't look like a breakout superstar to me. He looked like a talented 18 year old making his first senior international appearance. That's not to say that he shouldn't be in consideration for the final 23, but I don't know if he should be a lock like some seem to be talking about.

The biggest issue with Julian Green is that people keep referring to him using terms like "breakout superstar" - including unfortunately Jurgen Klinsmann as well as many popular US Soccer journos. The only reason he should be a lock for the 23 is if that is what Klinsmann promised him as quid pro for committing this early. I think we would all do the kid a favor by considering him a possibly useful player in 2018, but no more than a passenger this summer.

Interestingly, if you look at this thread, it appears no one in here bought into the over done hype, which was way over done by too many people.

This summer is all but lost anyway. It is not like taking Green over Shea is going to make any sort of difference so I am kind of ok if he gets selected to the 23 even if technically he might not deserve it and gets the experience of being there even if he does not play. It can only help him for the future.

That seems to be the consensus in here. The cost of nabbing him now as an untested kid with promise outweighs the loss of a fringe player.

Dammit... was just thinking about the Serbian (Croatian?) CB kid who the US lost- now HE could be a use right now.

And #### Rossi for good measure

 

[El Floppo]

On world cup topic-

@OliverKayTimes: Bad news for Benteke, Villa, Belgium: Christian Benteke has torn his achilles tendon. No World Cup for him. #avfc

Release the Kraken!!!

I hate hearing about national players getting hurt right before the WC... heartbreaking.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Am I the only one who was kinda lukewarm about Julian Green last night? I didn't see anything worrisome, but he didn't look like a breakout superstar to me. He looked like a talented 18 year old making his first senior international appearance. That's not to say that he shouldn't be in consideration for the final 23, but I don't know if he should be a lock like some seem to be talking about.

The biggest issue with Julian Green is that people keep referring to him using terms like "breakout superstar" - including unfortunately Jurgen Klinsmann as well as many popular US Soccer journos. The only reason he should be a lock for the 23 is if that is what Klinsmann promised him as quid pro for committing this early. I think we would all do the kid a favor by considering him a possibly useful player in 2018, but no more than a passenger this summer.

Interestingly, if you look at this thread, it appears no one in here bought into the over done hype, which was way over done by too many people.

This summer is all but lost anyway. It is not like taking Green over Shea is going to make any sort of difference so I am kind of ok if he gets selected to the 23 even if technically he might not deserve it and gets the experience of being there even if he does not play. It can only help him for the future.

That seems to be the consensus in here. The cost of nabbing him now as an untested kid with promise outweighs the loss of a fringe player.

Dammit... was just thinking about the Serbian (Croatian?) CB kid who the US lost- now HE could be a use right now.

And #### Rossi for good measure

With Rossi's injury history, it appears that Nevan Subotic was the bigger loss given our issues at CB.

 

[guru_007]

Zlatan out for four weeks.......

 

[El Floppo]

Am I the only one who was kinda lukewarm about Julian Green last night? I didn't see anything worrisome, but he didn't look like a breakout superstar to me. He looked like a talented 18 year old making his first senior international appearance. That's not to say that he shouldn't be in consideration for the final 23, but I don't know if he should be a lock like some seem to be talking about.

The biggest issue with Julian Green is that people keep referring to him using terms like "breakout superstar" - including unfortunately Jurgen Klinsmann as well as many popular US Soccer journos. The only reason he should be a lock for the 23 is if that is what Klinsmann promised him as quid pro for committing this early. I think we would all do the kid a favor by considering him a possibly useful player in 2018, but no more than a passenger this summer.

Interestingly, if you look at this thread, it appears no one in here bought into the over done hype, which was way over done by too many people.

This summer is all but lost anyway. It is not like taking Green over Shea is going to make any sort of difference so I am kind of ok if he gets selected to the 23 even if technically he might not deserve it and gets the experience of being there even if he does not play. It can only help him for the future.

That seems to be the consensus in here. The cost of nabbing him now as an untested kid with promise outweighs the loss of a fringe player.

Dammit... was just thinking about the Serbian (Croatian?) CB kid who the US lost- now HE could be a use right now.

And #### Rossi for good measure

With Rossi's injury history, it appears that Nevan Subotic was the bigger loss given our issues at CB.

tbh- I actually feel bad for Rossi. But #### him nonetheless

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Am I the only one who was kinda lukewarm about Julian Green last night? I didn't see anything worrisome, but he didn't look like a breakout superstar to me. He looked like a talented 18 year old making his first senior international appearance. That's not to say that he shouldn't be in consideration for the final 23, but I don't know if he should be a lock like some seem to be talking about.

The biggest issue with Julian Green is that people keep referring to him using terms like "breakout superstar" - including unfortunately Jurgen Klinsmann as well as many popular US Soccer journos. The only reason he should be a lock for the 23 is if that is what Klinsmann promised him as quid pro for committing this early. I think we would all do the kid a favor by considering him a possibly useful player in 2018, but no more than a passenger this summer.

Interestingly, if you look at this thread, it appears no one in here bought into the over done hype, which was way over done by too many people.

This summer is all but lost anyway. It is not like taking Green over Shea is going to make any sort of difference so I am kind of ok if he gets selected to the 23 even if technically he might not deserve it and gets the experience of being there even if he does not play. It can only help him for the future.

That seems to be the consensus in here. The cost of nabbing him now as an untested kid with promise outweighs the loss of a fringe player.

Dammit... was just thinking about the Serbian (Croatian?) CB kid who the US lost- now HE could be a use right now.

And #### Rossi for good measure

I think Green over Shea is an easy decision. I think Green over Brad Davis is a harder decision. Brad Davis has no business starting a World Cup game for the USMNT, but I can see a situation where his dead ball delivery could worth it a 25 minute run in a game. So he's in sort of the same position as Green in that they're both highly specialized bench players brought in for a specific purpose.

The reason why I'd still take Green over Davis, however, is because I think Zusi and Landon are about 95% as good as Davis in dead ball situations.

 

[El Floppo]

Green's defensive liabilities not a concern to anybody? As a "specialist", he'd only see the WC field as an offensive spark with little concern for defensive duties... right?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Green's defensive liabilities not a concern to anybody? As a "specialist", he'd only see the WC field as an offensive spark with little concern for defensive duties... right?

Not a bit. He was unable to slow his guy down on the second goal. The same thing happened on the other side a few times, and the CBs did their jobs. I think its just hindsight bias to remember Green's.

What I liked about Green, and which is very rare for a kid his age, is that his movement was excellent. He also wasn't afraid to get on the ball and even play around some pressure. So while I'd have loved to have seen a goal or something, I thought he did fine for his first time under live bullets.

 

[The Gator]

Herrera pays big compliment to Bradley

 

[Slapdash]

they will cave.

The whole thing is bull#### to begin with.

Sure, but you know he'd love it if La Masia get kneecapped here.

 

[bagger]

How did the crowd come off? I'll do full phx report when I get home. Lots of media around town. CNN interviewed a bunch of us, so when they find that damn plane they might assure a report on the outlaws.

AO crowd was good, I think there were a lot of people like myself who don't know all of the chants and the pockets that did weren't loud enough to really get it as an entire section but there was certainly lots of chanting and singing in different pockets. I was also at the edge so maybe if I was more in the thick of it it would have been different.With it also being 70% Mexico it was definitely an "away" game in terms of getting cheers going on a larger basis.

Great atmosphere and vibe though, everyone I the section was very nice.

Yeah, I was there too. I was just asking about how it sounded on tv. What section were you in?

118.

 

[bagger]

Green's defensive liabilities not a concern to anybody? As a "specialist", he'd only see the WC field as an offensive spark with little concern for defensive duties... right?

Not a bit. He was unable to slow his guy down on the second goal. The same thing happened on the other side a few times, and the CBs did their jobs. I think its just hindsight bias to remember Green's.

What I liked about Green, and which is very rare for a kid his age, is that his movement was excellent. He also wasn't afraid to get on the ball and even play around some pressure. So while I'd have loved to have seen a goal or something, I thought he did fine for his first time under live bullets.

i thought green did well for first time ever, in a hostile environment. With that said he did get pushed around a bit but he seemed aggressive with the ball and I think some if the criticisms will be tempered with a bit more experience.

 

[El Floppo]

Green's defensive liabilities not a concern to anybody? As a "specialist", he'd only see the WC field as an offensive spark with little concern for defensive duties... right?

Not a bit. He was unable to slow his guy down on the second goal. The same thing happened on the other side a few times, and the CBs did their jobs. I think its just hindsight bias to remember Green's.

What I liked about Green, and which is very rare for a kid his age, is that his movement was excellent. He also wasn't afraid to get on the ball and even play around some pressure. So while I'd have loved to have seen a goal or something, I thought he did fine for his first time under live bullets.

i thought green did well for first time ever, in a hostile environment. With that said he did get pushed around a bit but he seemed aggressive with the ball and I think some if the criticisms will be tempered with a bit more experience.

To be fair- I actually liked what he did out there, with all the obvious caveats (first game, hostile environment, young, etc). He showed extreme comfort with the ball at his feet and did well to get himself involved (hello, Jozy).

On the flip, he was a little less quick than I expected and played smaller as well (as you say- got bounced around a bit easily by the meskins).

He also had some spacing issues defensively- but that's to be expected as he works his way into the system and gets used to the players. I just don't know if those kind of things get ironed out by Brazil, and that's what makes me nervous about his inclusion.

But it's the first time seeing the kid, so I'm happy to hold out hope that there's a lot more to him than what he showed last night.

 

[bentley]

Someone just added me to a Twitter list called "interesting LFC fans." Feeling the need to improve my tweeting game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Herrera pays big compliment to Bradley

“I didn’t necessarily look at it as so differently than normal other than now you’re playing with a guy in Kyle who does a good job of being disciplined and taking care of things in front of the defenders,” Bradley said. “It means that I’m able to have a little more freedom, have the ability to be a little more two-way and be more up-and-down. It’s certainly something I enjoy.”

That has to be directed at Jones.

 

[Sinn Fein]

I think all of the criticisms of Green are spot on - he lacks strength, experience, he looked a little lost defending on a few occasions (but he did track back, just not marking anyone in particular). Some of that can be coached - he has had very little time with the USMNT staff - some won't be fixed by this summer. But I think the skills he does offer, offset the deficiencies, if he is used appropriately - he is not coming into the game to help preserve a 1-goal lead.

I liked that he attacked with the ball (and I liked that his teammates were feeding him the ball, I thought LD went out of his way a couple times to try, unsuccessfully, to get the ball to Green), I liked a number of his passes -they didn't all work, but I liked the thought. At this stage I prefer Green in a cameo role, than Shea - both are limited, but even a green-Green offers more upside than Shea.

 

[El Floppo]

I'm not sure yet about Green vs Shea. Shea has that ability to explode past people which I didn't see from Green yet. Also has some size on him to at least contest balls in the air and muscle guys. Also is a lefty. looking forward to seeing more of Green so I can hopefully discount Shea completely.

 

[The Z Machine]

I think Shea needs to get taught a lesson about being a professional and taking his training more seriously.

 

[El Floppo]

I think Shea needs to get taught a lesson about being a professional and taking his hair more seriously.

 

[Slapdash]

One of the odder things in the FIFA vs. Barcelona case so far is that FIFA decided on the punishment over 4 months ago without announcing it, preventing Barca from using the winter transfer window in anticipation. The FIFA Secretary General is unaware why that delay took place.

 

[The Gator]

Can Barcelona and Barcelona B both be in La Liga Segunda at the same time?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Atletico and Real are next, apparently.

 

[Slapdash]

Atletico and Real are next, apparently.

Just underlines how ridiculous this all is. Valencia also has a young Korean they will be in trouble for too. Maybe Z will chance his tune now.

 

[Sebowski]

How did the crowd come off? I'll do full phx report when I get home. Lots of media around town. CNN interviewed a bunch of us, so when they find that damn plane they might assure a report on the outlaws.

AO crowd was good, I think there were a lot of people like myself who don't know all of the chants and the pockets that did weren't loud enough to really get it as an entire section but there was certainly lots of chanting and singing in different pockets. I was also at the edge so maybe if I was more in the thick of it it would have been different.With it also being 70% Mexico it was definitely an "away" game in terms of getting cheers going on a larger basis.

Great atmosphere and vibe though, everyone I the section was very nice.

Yeah, I was there too. I was just asking about how it sounded on tv. What section were you in?

Sounded good if you were cheering for Mexico.

Maybe less pool breaking into and more singing, Susan.

<_<

Not sure when I'll get around to watching the broadcast, but I didn't hear a peep from the Mexicans until they scored. Then it was like a bomb went off and we realized, that yeah, were pretty out numbered. But honestly, until that goal it felt like we were dominating the stands. It could be because I was right into the middle of it though. Then when the Mexicans took over the game the AO section really started to die down. It was pretty weird. Everyone just kind of stopped singing for a bit. My buddy and I did our best to get things going agin standing on the aisle railings and getting chants and flag waving starting back up. It is weird, because that EJ goal came right when we hit a peak there and it felt like we contributed just a little bit.

To digress a bit. Like I mentioned, CNN had a crew there to put together a package on the Outlaws. I met the crew at the hotel and they took some shots of our room and my group. We gave them some San Diego beers and talked for a bit. Good peoples. They sought our group out at the tailgate as well and interviewed us, then they were right there when we were standing on the railings. They looked like they git some great shots and I really hope to see them one way or another (would it be weird to stalk those guys and get them emailed?)

Back to the crowd thing, bagger mentioned that a lot of people didn't know the chants. That is somewhat expected. It is interesting to be in these sections in Seattle, Columbus, San Diego, LA, and now Phoenix in less than a year and see the different subtle and not so subtle dynamics that make a big difference. I hope to be in San Francisco in May as well to tie up an awesome calendar year of live USMNT.

 

[The Z Machine]

Atletico and Real are next, apparently.

Just underlines how ridiculous this all is. Valencia also has a young Korean they will be in trouble for too. Maybe Z will chance his tune now.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Zlatan out for a month and potentially the CL semis. :(

 

[Slapdash]

I was just signing some 14 year old Brazilians to the Wolverhampton youth academy in FIFA13.....should I be expecting a transfer ban soon?

 

[GoFishTN]

Report: Romelu Lukaku to leave Chelsea this summer – Tottenham and Everton in talks

In my dreams.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Bang up job, Jose!

 

[The Gator]

Chelsea, where young players go to die

 

[Sinn Fein]

I was just signing some 14 year old Brazilians to the Wolverhampton youth academy in FIFA13.....should I be expecting a transfer ban soon?

No but expect a PM from Homer and Wet Dreams

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Report: Romelu Lukaku to leave Chelsea this summer – Tottenham and Everton in talks

In my dreams.

They would be foolish to sell him before the World Cup. Lukaku's value can only go up, possibly way up if he performs in Brazil. I don't know who else Belgium has at CF now that Benteke is out, but it seems almost certain the pressure will be on the Kraken's young shoulders and it will be interesting to see how he responds.

 

[Sammy3469]

I can't find the link, but one of the cnnsi guys had this grand conspiracy theory that UEFA's (Platani's) Nation's Cup thing was their attempt to force FIFA into keeping the '22 in Qatar. I can't help but think this FIFA/Spanish football "investigation" is their way of fighting back. You want your Qatari Cup...fine, but we'll deflate you and your brands in the process.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Report: Romelu Lukaku to leave Chelsea this summer – Tottenham and Everton in talks

In my dreams.

They would be foolish to sell him before the World Cup. Lukaku's value can only go up, possibly way up if he performs in Brazil. I don't know who else Belgium has at CF now that Benteke is out, but it seems almost certain the pressure will be on the Kraken's young shoulders and it will be interesting to see how he responds.

The couldn't sell him if they wanted to until July, right?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Report: Romelu Lukaku to leave Chelsea this summer – Tottenham and Everton in talks

In my dreams.

They would be foolish to sell him before the World Cup. Lukaku's value can only go up, possibly way up if he performs in Brazil. I don't know who else Belgium has at CF now that Benteke is out, but it seems almost certain the pressure will be on the Kraken's young shoulders and it will be interesting to see how he responds.

The couldn't sell him if they wanted to until July, right?

My recollection is that it starts in June, but I'm not certain. In any event, its hard to believe the club has already set a value as is being reported. A good world cup performance has doubled or tripled player values in the past. I don't really believe they've already decided definitively to sell Lukaku, but have been surprised before, particularly with the current manager. For Chelsea transfer news, FBG Native seems to have a better grip on the team's plans than I do.

 

[Jaysus]

Boo!

Taylor Twellman

Verified account‏@TaylorTwellman
Hearing @MLS trade being announced soon with @PhilaUnion shipping Jack McInerney to @impactmontreal for Andrew Wenger and more.

 

[Sammy3469]

Report: Romelu Lukaku to leave Chelsea this summer – Tottenham and Everton in talks

In my dreams.

They would be foolish to sell him before the World Cup. Lukaku's value can only go up, possibly way up if he performs in Brazil. I don't know who else Belgium has at CF now that Benteke is out, but it seems almost certain the pressure will be on the Kraken's young shoulders and it will be interesting to see how he responds.

The couldn't sell him if they wanted to until July, right?

My recollection is that it starts in June, but I'm not certain. In any event, its hard to believe the club has already set a value as is being reported. A good world cup performance has doubled or tripled player values in the past. I don't really believe they've already decided definitively to sell Lukaku, but have been surprised before, particularly with the current manager. For Chelsea transfer news, FBG Native seems to have a better grip on the team's plans than I do.

They can sell to other EPL teams at the end of the season, but the transfer window for non-EPL teams opens July 1

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Report: Romelu Lukaku to leave Chelsea this summer – Tottenham and Everton in talks

In my dreams.

They would be foolish to sell him before the World Cup. Lukaku's value can only go up, possibly way up if he performs in Brazil. I don't know who else Belgium has at CF now that Benteke is out, but it seems almost certain the pressure will be on the Kraken's young shoulders and it will be interesting to see how he responds.

The couldn't sell him if they wanted to until July, right?

My recollection is that it starts in June, but I'm not certain. In any event, its hard to believe the club has already set a value as is being reported. A good world cup performance has doubled or tripled player values in the past. I don't really believe they've already decided definitively to sell Lukaku, but have been surprised before, particularly with the current manager. For Chelsea transfer news, FBG Native seems to have a better grip on the team's plans than I do.

They can sell to other EPL teams at the end of the season, but the transfer window for non-EPL teams opens July 1

Then I agree with CM. They would be insane to sell to Spurs or the Toffees before the World Cup.

 

[Slapdash]

Alex Ferguson has accepted a position at Harvard Business School.

 

[The Gator]

Alex Ferguson has accepted a position at Harvard Business School.

If you haven't read this...do it.

 

[The Z Machine]

So, who starts for Belgium at GK in Brazil? Both Mignolet and Courtois are having excellent seasons.

 

[The Gator]

I think it has to be Courtois

 

[Sammy3469]

By PAUL LOGOTHETIS

Madrid (AP) -- FIFA's decision to slap Barcelona with atransfer ban is a clear message to Europe's top clubs to follow

the rules when signing international youth players.The governing body of world soccer banned the Spanish

champions from any activity in the next two transfer windows forbreaching international regulations in signing up to 10 youth

players. Spanish sports lawyers contacted by The Associated Press on

Friday said it was a complicated case in which Barcelona'schances of prevailing on appeal were slim, and the message may

already have been sent.