The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
NOOOO! 
Great pass, but please finish, Freddy.
Great pass, but please finish, Freddy.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter jpeace121
- Start date
The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
15 minutes left to conjure up another miracle. Can't believe the U.S. is losing this match.
Ferrari in for Zizzo.
Ferrari in for Zizzo.
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The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
These close calls are just rubbing salt in the wound - now its Ferrari botching one.
The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
That sucked - this loss stings badly.
jpeace121
Footballguy
I'm at a loss as to why Rongen played Seitz, unless Seitz was able to do a wonderful acting job in pregame warmups. It was abundantly obvious that Seitz was not 100%, and I think his lack of mobility caused big problems for the defense. I'm not sure Perk doesn't get to that ball to avoid the second goal. Seitz is a trooper, no doubt, and played great for the team when he was in there, but it seems like he should have put the team first and let a healthier keeper in that game.
And, for all the greatness that Adu displayed during that tournament, I think it was a bit of selfishness that was the end of this team's tournament. Don't know exactly what minute it was, I think it was around 117 or so, Adu had the ball on the left side of goal, near the end line, with two drawback options wide open around the penalty spot. Instead, he blasted a shot with his left foot (the poorer decision of the two seeing as he was on the left side of goal), and sprayed a shot off target. Sure, if he scores, he a genius, but there's so little chance of that, while a ball laid back provides a sitter for one of two open players in the box. I don't want to take anything away from what he did in the rest of the tournament, because he was outstanding, but that seemed like a really poor choice at the worst possible moment.
And, for all the greatness that Adu displayed during that tournament, I think it was a bit of selfishness that was the end of this team's tournament. Don't know exactly what minute it was, I think it was around 117 or so, Adu had the ball on the left side of goal, near the end line, with two drawback options wide open around the penalty spot. Instead, he blasted a shot with his left foot (the poorer decision of the two seeing as he was on the left side of goal), and sprayed a shot off target. Sure, if he scores, he a genius, but there's so little chance of that, while a ball laid back provides a sitter for one of two open players in the box. I don't want to take anything away from what he did in the rest of the tournament, because he was outstanding, but that seemed like a really poor choice at the worst possible moment.
whoknew
Footballguy
Nice job Andy.
Cowboys#1
Footballguy
At this one as well.. total crap job by the U.S today. The Americans looked like they really changed their game plan after the Austrians scored, no more attacking from the wing, just long pass to mid and had NO MOVEMENT through the attacking field at all. You can't go one against 5 and expect to get positive results.
Also, the U.S goalie was a disaster, he was clearly hurt, didn't take any goal kicks, the kicks he did take had no height or distance on them and he could never support his defenders making them work harder. He should have never been in the game and the loss should fall almost entirely on him.
The U.S defenders also did a horrible job of clearing the ball, the Austrians had one guy with any semblance of finishing skill (the striker) and they were really not in a lot of danger of being outskilled, yet every time the ball was in the box they shanked it out to touch or made a mess of it and handed the Austrians the win.
Quite embarassing for the U.S.
Also, the U.S goalie was a disaster, he was clearly hurt, didn't take any goal kicks, the kicks he did take had no height or distance on them and he could never support his defenders making them work harder. He should have never been in the game and the loss should fall almost entirely on him.
The U.S defenders also did a horrible job of clearing the ball, the Austrians had one guy with any semblance of finishing skill (the striker) and they were really not in a lot of danger of being outskilled, yet every time the ball was in the box they shanked it out to touch or made a mess of it and handed the Austrians the win.
Quite embarassing for the U.S.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Yeah I was there, and it was pretty disappointing. The defense looked like absolute ####. I was complaining all game about Wallace, and he started to pick it up in the 2nd half. The 2nd yellow was a questionable call, as it sure looked like a bit of a dive, but either way, Wallace has to be a lot more careful when he's already been booked once. Sturgis made me nervous a few times as well. One guy who I thought played pretty well was Julian Valentin....I could see him making an impact at the senior level someday.
Another observation was that our attack got very flat circa 60 minutes or so. I don't know if it's because they were tired or what, but it really slowed down. The great runs down the flank from Rogers and great 1v1 plays by Adu were somewhat non-existent past about 60 mins.
In all, there's not really much else to say. We didn't deserve to win, flat out, and the end result was the right one. Disappointing sure, but that's the way it goes.
Another observation was that our attack got very flat circa 60 minutes or so. I don't know if it's because they were tired or what, but it really slowed down. The great runs down the flank from Rogers and great 1v1 plays by Adu were somewhat non-existent past about 60 mins.
In all, there's not really much else to say. We didn't deserve to win, flat out, and the end result was the right one. Disappointing sure, but that's the way it goes.
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D_House
Footballguy
3-0 Brazil. They won ugly, but they won, and nobody picked them to, either.
LHUCKS
Footballguy
Brazil's defense was noticably better than Argentina's.
D_House
Footballguy
They had the early goal and played a physical, defensive, counterattacking style throughout. Very well done. I was rooting for them, I just thought the win was ugly. They earned it for sure.
D_House
Footballguy
The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
Certainly - they pressured Argentina throughout. Plus it wasn't the Albiceleste's day - Riquelme hit the post on what would have been a beautiful equalizer, the own goal (though that was caused by an excellent pass by Dani Alves) and Messi's goal was offsides because the ball ricocheted from a Brazilian to an Argentinian to Messi.Overall though, Brazil played ruthless soccer. They were much stronger in the air, more physical, and played more direct soccer. A well-deserved win.
D_House
Footballguy
Brazil defends Copa America title, but it isnt' prettyPretty much sums up how I felt about the game.D_House said:
Sammy3469
Footballguy
Yeay, pretty dissappointing overall. In the end our formation was much too predictable. We either had Adu in the center left (for the most part) or Rogers on the left trying to get down the flank. Zizzo for the most part was invisible and Beltran never provided any overlapping support (which is one of the many problems I have with Rongen, we basically tried to beat teams with 5 guys going forward, Altidore, Adu, Zizzo, Rogers, and one of DMs and never varied our attack). When that happens the team gets very easy to defend. It's pretty evident we still lack skill getting the ball out of the back though it may be formation related with only one CM (Adu) in front of Bradley/Szetela. Both theose guys had trouble finding Zizzo or Rogers on the flanks, so they ended up passing it a lot between themselve and the backs who clearly lacked passing ability. It almost seemed we played too wide (I don't know if that's even possible since I love playing width), but we pretty clearly were stymied by high pressure the entire tourney (see South Korea, Uruguay, or Austria). I think the solution would have been a diamond 4-4-2, but Rongen was too stubborn to try. In any case, if the object is to find 4-5 guys out of ever U-20 team, I think we probably did. I liked Altidore, Adu, Seitz (when healthy), Sturgis, and Rogers. While Bradley and Szetela both need to improve, it's also pretty evident they both havea future. Zizzo is dangerous when given space, but he pretty obviously needs to get into a pro environment pretty quickly. I also think Wallace has the physical gifts (good size/speed combo) to turn into something special down the line and I like Sarkodie's positioning as a CB. He seems to get how the position should be played.
JaxBill
Footballguy
EPL clubs Newcastle & Portsmouth and Scottish premier Rangers raided by police in corruption probe-
http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/news_story/?ID=213730&hubname=
http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/news_story/?ID=213730&hubname=
Bonzai
Footballguy
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
Was just coming to post this.JaxBill said:
(Newcastle fan)
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
They haven't really said what it was about. Only that it doesn't have anything to do with the report that went out recently regarding shady transfers. Former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness was named in that. I'm really hoping that Newcastle doesn't get slammed for mistakes made by the previous regime. Things are actually looking up for Newcastle this season.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
The latest:
Link
Link
What I take from that, is that they are investigating Graeme Souness, in terms of the Newcastle part of it. I could be wrong on that, but he was first named by name in the report on illegal transfers, and now this. Good to see it's not Newcastle that is being investigated.
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Mjolnirs
Footballguy
The German Liga Pokal will start this weekend and be shown on Gol TV.
Saturday at 10am (eastern) Schalke 04 v Karlsruher
Saturday at noon Bayern München v Werder Bremen
Tuesday at 2:30pm Schalke/Karlruher winner v Nürnberg
Wednesday at 2:30pm Bayern/Bremen winner v Stuttgart
Saturday 7/28 the championship match, not sure of the time.
Luci Toni is already sidelined for Bayern, but they should have newcomers Miroslav Klose and Frank Ribery available.
Saturday at 10am (eastern) Schalke 04 v Karlsruher
Saturday at noon Bayern München v Werder Bremen
Tuesday at 2:30pm Schalke/Karlruher winner v Nürnberg
Wednesday at 2:30pm Bayern/Bremen winner v Stuttgart
Saturday 7/28 the championship match, not sure of the time.
Luci Toni is already sidelined for Bayern, but they should have newcomers Miroslav Klose and Frank Ribery available.
Steelnation
Footballguy
The German Liga Pokal will start this weekend and be shown on Gol TV.Saturday at 10am (eastern) Schalke 04 v KarlsruherSaturday at noon Bayern München v Werder BremenTuesday at 2:30pm Schalke/Karlruher winner v NürnbergWednesday at 2:30pm Bayern/Bremen winner v StuttgartSaturday 7/28 the championship match, not sure of the time.Luci Toni is already sidelined for Bayern, but they should have newcomers Miroslav Klose and Frank Ribery available.
Bayern will be back with a vengance this year. The Bundesliga is their's for the taking....
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CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
what about the Champions League?(just kidding - Bayern and Rumenigge had an awesome off-season and their fans are rightfully very excited).for MLS fans, how about Grant Wahl's colum in yesterday's SI.com? Some interesting comments from AEG's Tim Leiweke.
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Mjolnirs
Footballguy
No CL
, but they should make a solid run at the UEFA Cup.I read a report from one of their friendlies last week that had a funny comment. They played some lower level team away and as the fans poured onto the field for autographs the PA announcer was heard to say "Please be careful of the Bayern players, they were very expensive."
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Souness is interesting, because he managed Rangers years and years ago. Maybe they're investigating events from back then?And what about Portsmouth....maybe there was a reason they came out of nowhere and did so well this year....
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I just realized that Offa's avatar is the logo for the Spur. Shows how much I pay attention to avatars (and the EPL).
Native
Footballguy
The MLS All stars are playing tonight against the Scottish CLub Celtic FC. Should be a good game.
Also, I wanted to make a comment about the whole Beckham fiasco. Yes, the media attention is unbearable, but it certainly has given the MLS some more visibility. They just said on tv that Jay Jay Okacha (Nigeria abd Bolton) and Denislon (Brazil and Sevila I think) are both close to signing with MLS clubs. Slowly, the league is beginning to attract more and more talented players. Even if these guys are slightly past their prime, they still have recignizable name value in soccer circles and will help draw additional talent in the future.
Ill say this - the guys running the MLS are no dummies. While its going to be extremely difficult to convince the American Public that soccer is a sport worth watching, the Senior MLS brass are playing their cards shrewdly. Theyre doing the things they need to do to at least give themselves a chance to succeed. They know Beckham isnt going to save the MLS by himself - but the exposure he is creating can attract many more top players which will improve the product on the pitch.
Also, I wanted to make a comment about the whole Beckham fiasco. Yes, the media attention is unbearable, but it certainly has given the MLS some more visibility. They just said on tv that Jay Jay Okacha (Nigeria abd Bolton) and Denislon (Brazil and Sevila I think) are both close to signing with MLS clubs. Slowly, the league is beginning to attract more and more talented players. Even if these guys are slightly past their prime, they still have recignizable name value in soccer circles and will help draw additional talent in the future.
Ill say this - the guys running the MLS are no dummies. While its going to be extremely difficult to convince the American Public that soccer is a sport worth watching, the Senior MLS brass are playing their cards shrewdly. Theyre doing the things they need to do to at least give themselves a chance to succeed. They know Beckham isnt going to save the MLS by himself - but the exposure he is creating can attract many more top players which will improve the product on the pitch.
jpeace121
Footballguy
I could be wrong, but I think I just heard that ESPN will be broadcasting Euro '08. Now, I'm sure that just means that they'll show the Championship match at 3.00 AM on tape delay and that the rest of the matches will be on the Ocho or something, but its progress, and I'll take it.
Oh, and I know that Beckham will help this league. I've said as much. But, as usual, ESPN doesn't know when to stop. They're going to sicken the dedicated fans with all this coverage designed to lure in the casual fan that doesn't have anything else to watch tonight because So you think you can Dance isn't on tonight.
Hey ESPN, we know that Goldenballs is awesome. You don't have to bash our heads in to remind us. Ease off just a tad. Kthx.
OK, whats the O/U on the number of times they show him sitting in the press box with Garth Brooks (
) during this telecast (spoiler - they've already shown him twice, and the match hasn't even started yet)?
Oh, and I know that Beckham will help this league. I've said as much. But, as usual, ESPN doesn't know when to stop. They're going to sicken the dedicated fans with all this coverage designed to lure in the casual fan that doesn't have anything else to watch tonight because So you think you can Dance isn't on tonight.
Hey ESPN, we know that Goldenballs is awesome. You don't have to bash our heads in to remind us. Ease off just a tad. Kthx.
OK, whats the O/U on the number of times they show him sitting in the press box with Garth Brooks (
) during this telecast (spoiler - they've already shown him twice, and the match hasn't even started yet)?
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
Native
Footballguy
God that was awful. Beckham actually spoke very nicely and has a reasonably good perspective on his role here as a player and ambassador of the sport. But the announcer was drooling all over him - reporting to the audience what fast food joints Beckhams been eating at and talking about Beckhams wife as if theyre fast friends. It was really, really shameful.
Man do I hate the media. :barf:
Man do I hate the media. :barf:
Anyone catch Chile/Argentina under 20 semi final?
If not let me give you a rundown. Chile were overly physical bordering on dirty, Argentina were fakers (1 or 2 really embarassing ones, including the one that got a Chilean player sent off), the ref was bad (this type of game is one of THE toughest games to try to ref), but Chile's actions topped them all. They had little hissy fits throughout the game, and almost broke out in an all out brawl during and at the end of the game with a mob mentality surrounding the ref.
Then after the match, this:
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/238059
All this is par course for many South American teams in defeat, but I hope FIFA comes down hard on them. Ladies and gentleman, soccer's next generation.
If not let me give you a rundown. Chile were overly physical bordering on dirty, Argentina were fakers (1 or 2 really embarassing ones, including the one that got a Chilean player sent off), the ref was bad (this type of game is one of THE toughest games to try to ref), but Chile's actions topped them all. They had little hissy fits throughout the game, and almost broke out in an all out brawl during and at the end of the game with a mob mentality surrounding the ref.
Then after the match, this:
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/238059
and
Ugly, ugly stuff
All this is par course for many South American teams in defeat, but I hope FIFA comes down hard on them. Ladies and gentleman, soccer's next generation.
Steelnation
Footballguy
I like Schalke and Bayern tomorrow, what do you guys think?The German Liga Pokal will start this weekend and be shown on Gol TV.Saturday at 10am (eastern) Schalke 04 v KarlsruherSaturday at noon Bayern München v Werder BremenTuesday at 2:30pm Schalke/Karlruher winner v NürnbergWednesday at 2:30pm Bayern/Bremen winner v StuttgartSaturday 7/28 the championship match, not sure of the time.Luci Toni is already sidelined for Bayern, but they should have newcomers Miroslav Klose and Frank Ribery available.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Holy crap! Pepper sprayed and tasered after getting whomped 3-0. That's going down ugly.
I wouldn't say that's "par for the course" for SA teams, since I don't think I've really heard about such a melee after a game with the police directly involved. Sure sometimes it's on the pitch after the final whistle, but not with the police... that's a new one to me.
I wouldn't say that's "par for the course" for SA teams, since I don't think I've really heard about such a melee after a game with the police directly involved. Sure sometimes it's on the pitch after the final whistle, but not with the police... that's a new one to me.
Cowboys#1
Footballguy
The Chilean players and coaches should be embarassed. The better team won yesterday, sure there were a lot of dives and a ton of fouls but Chile had NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING going for them during this game, they had a guy sent off at 15' with a straight red and after that were content to let Argentina dictate pace. Couple that with them crying over every foul and it really makes for an ugly scene. What happened after the final whistle and on the bus is inexcusable and is a black eye for soccer.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Agreed. Didn't watch the game, but that truly is a shameful way to behave. They should be sanctioned (the U20 program that is). I don't care what happens on the field, there is absolutely ZERO reason to act in that fashion.
Mjolnirs
Footballguy
Schalke should take Nürnberg, but I'm not sure on Bayern. Lots of new players to break in and Bremen is no slouch.I like Schalke and Bayern tomorrow, what do you guys think?The German Liga Pokal will start this weekend and be shown on Gol TV.Saturday at 10am (eastern) Schalke 04 v KarlsruherSaturday at noon Bayern München v Werder Bremen
That's because in South American league play the cops are leading the chase for the ref as he scales the fence after the final whistle.
I think it's getting to the point where these major soccer leagues, and also international matches, need to allow referees to review tapes of this ridiculous diving that is ruining the sport.
Some of these dives are so obvious that you can spot them at full speed. Many, many more are obvious on slow motion.
If refs had the power to go back and identify dives, which would result in a game or two suspension, I think that players would go back to trying to win honestly.
I know that the following only applies to the US, but if soccer wants to lose the stigma of being a "pansy sport", which it is considered by many Americans, it can't afford to let the average fan who is just tuning in to give the sport a chance, see all the players making themselves fall down and following it with an exruciatingly, pained face and rolling around or flailing their arms, only to be back to running at full speed sixty seconds later.
End of rant.
Some of these dives are so obvious that you can spot them at full speed. Many, many more are obvious on slow motion.
If refs had the power to go back and identify dives, which would result in a game or two suspension, I think that players would go back to trying to win honestly.
I know that the following only applies to the US, but if soccer wants to lose the stigma of being a "pansy sport", which it is considered by many Americans, it can't afford to let the average fan who is just tuning in to give the sport a chance, see all the players making themselves fall down and following it with an exruciatingly, pained face and rolling around or flailing their arms, only to be back to running at full speed sixty seconds later.
End of rant.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
So Beckham's debut is supposedly tonight....do you guys think he'll play? I think he's gotta get in for the 2nd half...maybe even the last 30 if his ankle is really that bad.
Actually, I'm more interested in seeing some of Chelsea's guys....Scott Sinclair and Alex in particular. Sinclair featured in 1 EPL game last year I think....supposed to be one of the next great strikers, along the lines of Theo Walcott, only a year or 2 older I think. Also, I'd like to see Claudio Pizarro paired up with either Drogba or Kalou up front.....Sheva is a bum.
Actually, I'm more interested in seeing some of Chelsea's guys....Scott Sinclair and Alex in particular. Sinclair featured in 1 EPL game last year I think....supposed to be one of the next great strikers, along the lines of Theo Walcott, only a year or 2 older I think. Also, I'd like to see Claudio Pizarro paired up with either Drogba or Kalou up front.....Sheva is a bum.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I guess Alex might not be able to play....oh well....one of my favorites, Florent Malouda should play as well...it's a shame that he moved to Chelsea...
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