I thought I would begin the thread with some humor... This is good! :)
http://www.youtube.com/v/DlJEt2KU33I
Match Schedule
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/
Television Schedule
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2014/06/09/2014-world-cup-preview-tv-listings-and-game-schedule/
That was great!
Best show on TV
so true!
What happens outside the stadiums may make as much news as what happens inside...
http://news.yahoo.com/sao-paulo-metro-strike-suspended-fears-loom-ahead-010032425--finance.html
Anybody here going? Went? Knows someone? I have been to Recife and Natal...
Pretty cool... 8)
http://fivethirtyeight.com/interactives/world-cup/
Hopefully, John Oliver's absolutely amazing FIFA rant will bring more attention to issues involving World Cup for which many journalists (football and otherwise), advocacy groups, unions, social organizations, and individuals have long sought attention.
FIFA has conducted some despicable business that filled their coffers whilst draining resources from locals (and local businesses) in S. Africa and Brazil. They have remained mostly silent on migrant worker conditions in Qatar. There is a new FIFA bribery scandal about every year. The organization is flawed to say the least.
...and like Oliver, I'm still excited for WC.
Quote from: JaxByDefault on June 10, 2014, 01:31:05 PM
Hopefully, John Oliver's absolutely amazing FIFA rant will bring more attention to issues involving World Cup for which many journalists (football and otherwise), advocacy groups, unions, social organizations, and individuals have long sought attention.
Or, maybe not. At least if Sepp Blatter has his way.
Quote(Reuters) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter launched a scathing attack on those he said were "plotting to destroy" world soccer's governing body, and branded some of the criticism of the Qatar World Cup award for 2022 as racist.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/09/uk-soccer-fifa-blatter-idUKKBN0EK1OF20140609 (http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/09/uk-soccer-fifa-blatter-idUKKBN0EK1OF20140609)
Blatter won't let the World Cup move out of Qatar on his watch. They paid him too much.
when I am in the states I can't watch my Italian league games. So i found this site that I watch games that aren't televised on. So if your favorite team isn't being broadcast watch it here :) fırstrowsports.eu/
oh and go Italy!!!!
Thurs. June 12
Group A: Brazil vs. Croatia
4 p.m.
Sao Paulo
Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 12, 2014, 07:25:39 AM
Thurs. June 12
Group A: Brazil vs. Croatia
4 p.m.
Sao Paulo
Gonna have to bank on Brazil for this match
Brazil should win, but don't sleep on Croatia. Probably have a top 5-10 midfield of all WC teams with Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, and others. Plus guys elsewhere like Mandzukic, Olic, Srna, and Lovren. They've always been one of my favorite teams to watch, as they mix technical skills well with physicality.
Watch out for Rakitic, he just signed for Barcelona and is in great form.
I like Croatia personally, but brazil seems to always be so damn good when it matters most lol I do hope to see something other than the typical finalists though. That is one reason why I like the college basketball march madness :)
Apart from Italy that is... Gotta root for the team.
That was a pretty decent match for the most part.
Good ones today?
Where are people going to watch?
Quote from: AuditoreEnterprise on June 12, 2014, 06:41:36 PM
That was a pretty decent match for the most part.
The better team won, but the referee ruined the game with that ridiculous PK.
Spain-Netherlands is one of the best group stage matchups, though the Dutch aren't as good on paper as they usually are. Definitely one to watch.
So Croatia got screwed yesterday. Obviously the PK call was bad, but they also had a 50/50 call go against them that took away a goal and on Brazil's 3rd goal, Rakitic was clearly fouled by Ramires, which led to the breakaway. Brazil is very lucky Mandzukic was suspended, or they easily could have lost or drawn. Croatia were the more dangerous team for a lot of the game.
Going to be very hard to beat Brazil + refs in the tourney.
Quote from: CityLife on June 13, 2014, 08:21:01 AM
Spain-Netherlands is one of the best group stage matchups, though the Dutch aren't as good on paper as they usually are. Definitely one to watch.
So Croatia got screwed yesterday. Obviously the PK call was bad, but they also had a 50/50 call go against them that took away a goal and on Brazil's 3rd goal, Rakitic was clearly fouled by Ramires, which led to the breakaway. Brazil is very lucky Mandzukic was suspended, or they easily could have lost or drawn. Croatia were the more dangerous team for a lot of the game.
Going to be very hard to beat Brazil + refs in the tourney.
Agree with what you said about Spain-Netherlands. I'll also be watching the Cameroon-Mexico game if for no other reason than to root against our bitter rivals. :) I also want to see how Chile looks in the 6 pm game vs. Australia - they're sort of the darkhorse pick to make it out of the group at the expense of the Netherlands.
You're right about that 50/50 call. Usually any time you even breathe on a goalkeeper they blow the whistle so that wasn't as egregious as the PK call. I'd like to see them retroactively give Fred a yellow card for diving. I know it won't happen but he certainly deserved a card for that. And on the last goal, yeah, that looked like a foul. Also, on Brazil's first and last goals...the Croatian goalkeeper was really flat-footed and slow to react.
Quote from: Ajax on June 13, 2014, 08:17:58 AM
Quote from: AuditoreEnterprise on June 12, 2014, 06:41:36 PM
That was a pretty decent match for the most part.
The better team won, but the referee ruined the game with that ridiculous PK.
I agree. I do hope that doesn't happen down the line in the more important games
Pain for Spain... wow! 8)
Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 13, 2014, 04:53:08 PM
Pain for Spain... wow! 8)
They got spanked by netherlands lol that hurts to lose to #15 when your the number 1 team lol
shocking! they pretty much tanked after the second goal.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on June 13, 2014, 05:30:07 PM
shocking! they pretty much tanked after the second goal.
It looked like they panicked. I dont think Spain was expecting netherlands to play that solid. I have been impressed with all their clubs they even did really well in the world baseball classic.
That Spain match was just ugly if you were looking for a Spain victory and lovely if your were an Oranje fan out for revenge. I could actually see the moment Iker Casillas broke (and got angry) after the second goal. He's prone to poor decision-making on challenges anyway so I figured the score could get out of hand quickly. Netherlands dominated Spain's usually solid midfield. I have no love for Netherlands as a national side, but the Robbin's quick footwork goal was great and kick from the spot was awarded in error.
Spain is aging -- and everyone has tiki-taka's number now -- but they lost their first match last WC, too. To Switzerland. They're not gone yet.
I'd like to say I'm surprised that goals were scored off of terrible penalty calls in the box and goals were lost to errant offside decisions in the course of the first three World Cup matches; but it's World Cup, so I'm not.
Costa rica win was great. Ivory coast did fantastic. Of course italy game was awesome, but im a bit biased there lol
France game was pretty great. Without the red card it may have been closer, but that's soccer
Quote from: AuditoreEnterprise on June 15, 2014, 11:40:00 AM
Costa rica win was great. Ivory coast did fantastic. Of course italy game was awesome, but im a bit biased there lol
I believe you mean the Italy match was
horrible. ;) Actually, England played well -- better than many expected -- but they just could not finish. Italy put forth best performance in a while, despite missing Buffon in goal. I'm no Azzuri supporter, but Pirlo is just a legend. Gutsy performance.
Bit rough to have called the second goal in the France match an own-goal. Bad break for Honduras goalie and denied Benzema a hat trick.
Yea that 2nd goal really had the coach fired up lol
USA! USA! USA! USA!
I'm naming my kid John Brooks, I don't care if she hates it!!!!!!!
ZUSI!!!! and of course BROOKS!!!Lynches at the beach was absolutely rocking tonight. In retrospect I am very happy Ghana got the equalizer (it was well-deserved and they were threatening the entire match) because it heightened the drama and intensity. What a finish!!
Absolutely... What a finish! Saw that Ghana goal coming for 30 minutes. Hope we can recover from the injuries. I thought Team USA conditioning was one advantage we had...
A very stressful, but very fun last 20-30 minutes of that match. Terrific goal by Brooks. Much deserved win.
Ghana dominated the game. US can't play like that again and expect to win.
Yeah, I was very frustrated with our play. Backline needs to gel and midfield looked weak, too. Bradley was not the hero he normally is. I really hope that it was more about Ghana's athleticism that caused us problems.
Fingers crossed for good health and lets repeat the Portugal shocker!!
so a bunch ov 'roided up millionaires kicking a ball around was worth displacing and killing many ov Brazil's poor?
Quote from: KuroiKetsunoHana on June 17, 2014, 12:04:11 PM
so a bunch ov 'roided up millionaires kicking a ball around was worth displacing and killing many ov Brazil's poor?
Roided up?
Quote from: pierre on June 17, 2014, 12:10:35 PM
Quote from: KuroiKetsunoHana on June 17, 2014, 12:04:11 PM
so a bunch ov 'roided up millionaires kicking a ball around was worth displacing and killing many ov Brazil's poor?
Roided up?
oh, are they not? i was under the impression all professional athletes are. even if they're not, it doesn't change the point.
Belgium have far too stacked a side to play this flatly.
Spain eliminated...
^ this is so very sad. I've been crying for hours
What a terrible end for a dominant side. It happens. No side lasts forever in football. If anything, it proves just how much 1) everyone has figured out this version of tiki-taka, 2) Spain was mismanaged by Del Bosque (poor sub choices made too late; lots of talent on the bench) since last Euros, 3) Spain misses Puyol, and 4) Spain were already crumbling at the Confed last year rather than Brazil being so dominant.
Glad I got to see a lot of that Spain side at their peak playing club ball. Not that it's the only thing that made a trip to Spain worth it. :)
Spain was disappointing. I was also not too pleased with the sportsmanship out of Cameroon. I was rooting for them too...
I am really upset about the referee not making a call on the Suarez biting incident. People who have histories of doing that should not even be allowed to play on that type of stage. Such a shame to see a team that was already a man up have to resort to those types of tactics.
That being said I am actually looking forward to the USA Germany game. :)
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/Ocklawaha/CRITICAL%20Cartoons%20and%20Fun%20Stuff/ScreenShot2014-06-24at53408PM_zpsd164221d.png)
4 - 1 COLOMBIA!
Te Amo Colombia!
Quote from: Ocklawaha on June 24, 2014, 06:03:16 PM
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/Ocklawaha/CRITICAL%20Cartoons%20and%20Fun%20Stuff/ScreenShot2014-06-24at53408PM_zpsd164221d.png)
4 - 1 COLOMBIA!
Te Amo Colombia!
I am not even gonna lie... Colombia is extremely impressive!
Here we go. The match begins at 12... on a workday... argggghhh. I can go someplace and watch a half... but how can I watch the second half at work? Is there an app for that? Live broadcast via the 'net?
Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 26, 2014, 07:58:00 AM
Here we go. The match begins at 12... on a workday... argggghhh. I can go someplace and watch a half... but how can I watch the second half at work? Is there an app for that? Live broadcast via the 'net?
There's an ESPN Watch app that works pretty well on my Android tablet and phone. It's free once you put in your login info for your data provider.
I assume they have it for iPhones too but I don't speak that language.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 26, 2014, 07:58:00 AM
Here we go. The match begins at 12... on a workday... argggghhh. I can go someplace and watch a half... but how can I watch the second half at work? Is there an app for that? Live broadcast via the 'net?
If you don't have espn, I've found the best bet is to stream from the Univision site:
http://futbol.univision.com/ (http://futbol.univision.com/)
The streams are on the right side of the page, under En Vivo Oy.
Quote from: Crabernacle on June 26, 2014, 08:20:17 AM
Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 26, 2014, 07:58:00 AM
Here we go. The match begins at 12... on a workday... argggghhh. I can go someplace and watch a half... but how can I watch the second half at work? Is there an app for that? Live broadcast via the 'net?
If you don't have espn, I've found the best bet is to stream from the Univision site:
http://futbol.univision.com/ (http://futbol.univision.com/)
The streams are on the right side of the page, under En Vivo Oy.
Thanx Crab... login needed?
Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 26, 2014, 08:24:04 AM
Thanx Crab... login needed?
Nope, just click the link and enjoy.
Awesome! I predict an afternoon of "non-productivity"! 8)
Germany is NOT playing for a tie...
seems pretty fast paced...
Halftime observations from the uninformed...
My very basic spanish is completely useless watching soccer on Univision...lol
Germany is the better team...
The germans seem quicker... better passing... more "technical"?
Americans seem "faster" in the open field
The germans are getting many more shots on goal... our goalie is a busy man...
Hang on guys...
^^ Yes I am at work and everytime I look Germany has the ball. Go USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We lose yet advance... we were playing for a tie or 1-0 loss the whole game.
But we advance... U-S-A...U-S-A...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10483815_914461841912686_3948619307990298390_o.jpg)
The Pizzapocalypse in the Avondale MM finally happened at lunch today.
A tie felt like a loss. And a loss felt like a win. This World Cup has me so confused.
I have to say Thank you to Crabernacle!
http://variety.com/2014/digital/news/espn-video-streaming-service-crashes-during-usa-germany-world-cup-match-1201251221/#
QuoteESPN Live Stream Crashes During USA-Germany World Cup Match
Many users across the U.S. were unable to access ESPN's WatchESPN video-streaming service as the USA-Germany match in the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicked off at noon Eastern time on Thursday.
An ESPN rep said the sports programmer was "investigating some limited issues due to unprecedented demand." WatchESPN viewership for the first half of the USA-Germany match peaked at more than 1.4 million concurrent viewers.
During the match, WatchESPN peaked at 1.7 million concurrent users — a record for the service — but that was across all live streams, not just the USA-Germany match. The pivotal Portugal-Ghana match was streaming at the same time, along with ESPN's live Wimbledon coverage.
The match was a critical one for the U.S. national soccer team. Despite its 1-0 loss to Germany, the Americans advanced to the round of 16 after Portugal beat Ghana 2-1.
Univision Communications, which holds the Spanish-language broadcast and Internet-streaming rights to the 2014 World Cup, apparently did not have similar issues delivering the live stream online. In fact, Univision Digital delivered 750,000 live concurrent streams for the USA vs. Germany match, a record for the company. "Our live stream absolutely did not experience any outages," a rep said.
The WatchESPN issues may have been related to the infrastructure that handles the authentication process to verify a user's pay-TV subscription, which ESPN requires to access the service. (Univision's Internet stream is available free to all users in the initial rounds, but will require authenticated pay-TV logins starting July 4.) ESPN declined to provide details on the WatchESPN problems except to note the service saw record demand over a short period of time.
Seriously. We play Ghana, and frankly don't play great and get the win. We play Portugal, and I felt like we played excellent and get the tie that felt horrible, yet prior to the game I said I'll take the tie, and then we play Germany, lose, and we all high-fived.
Weird,
I love the lead ups to the knock-out rounds - it's a three game collective body of work. This has been by far my favorite World Cup to date.
Only losing 1-0 to Germany is an accomplishment in itself and something that a lot of people may not realize. Germany has arguably the best keeper in the world, and just about every player in their lineup is in the top 10 in the world at their position (excluding 3 of the 4 defenders... only Hummels would be imo).
Portugal were losing to Germany 2-0 before they even got their red card and were well on their way to getting blown out. Germany were in complete control and would have won by 3 or 4 goals even without the card, they took their foot off the gas in the 2nd half. Germany had a goal differential of +26 in the World Cup qualifying and destroyed both Ireland and Austria, which are both respectable teams. Basically, Germany has the ability to blow out decent teams.
Not only did we beat Ghana and tie Portugal, but we gave Germany a game, which Portugal didn't. Portugal could have EASILY scored another couple goals against Ghana. If we had been down 2-0 to Germany at any point, there is no doubt Portugal would have stepped it up and made a run at catching our goal differential.
Belgium have a lot of individual talent, but haven't played great yet. I like our chances as underdogs with nothing to lose.
Quote from: CityLife on June 27, 2014, 11:33:26 AM
Only losing 1-0 to Germany is an accomplishment in itself and something that a lot of people may not realize. Germany has arguably the best keeper in the world, and just about every player in their lineup is in the top 10 in the world at their position (excluding 3 of the 4 defenders... only Hummels would be imo).
Portugal were losing to Germany 2-0 before they even got their red card and were well on their way to getting blown out. Germany were in complete control and would have won by 3 or 4 goals even without the card, they took their foot off the gas in the 2nd half. Germany had a goal differential of +26 in the World Cup qualifying and destroyed both Ireland and Austria, which are both respectable teams. Basically, Germany has the ability to blow out decent teams.
Not only did we beat Ghana and tie Portugal, but we gave Germany a game, which Portugal didn't. Portugal could have EASILY scored another couple goals against Ghana. If we had been down 2-0 to Germany at any point, there is no doubt Portugal would have stepped it up and made a run at catching our goal differential.
Belgium have a lot of individual talent, but haven't played great yet. I like our chances as underdogs with nothing to lose.
And we've done it without Jozy, who has been considered a crucial component to the attack. Dempsey has done a decent job moving up top, but since they were forced to do that it means the team is weaker in two positions than it was at the beginning of the Ghana game. We've also done it in spite of the fact that the guy who everyone thinks is our best player (Bradley) has not lived up to the high standards he's set over the past few years.
Tip of the hat to Jurgen for maneuvering this team out of the group. On paper, we've already played two European teams that are better than Belgium. I feel good about Tuesday.
Spanish broadcasters are way more fun to watch bridge troll
Quote from: AuditoreEnterprise on June 27, 2014, 05:18:10 PM
Spanish broadcasters are way more fun to watch bridge troll
True, I turned the volume low because I was trying to finish some work but the announcer's excitement always escalated in volume at the critical moments. Thanks for the link.
Quote from: Ajax on June 27, 2014, 01:22:05 PM
And we've done it without Jozy, who has been considered a crucial component to the attack. Dempsey has done a decent job moving up top, but since they were forced to do that it means the team is weaker in two positions than it was at the beginning of the Ghana game. We've also done it in spite of the fact that the guy who everyone thinks is our best player (Bradley) has not lived up to the high standards he's set over the past few years.
Tip of the hat to Jurgen for maneuvering this team out of the group. On paper, we've already played two European teams that are better than Belgium. I feel good about Tuesday.
Bradley has played better since the Ghana match and it seems defensively he's played up to his standard...just hasn't been able to create and connect as he has in the past. Also seemed like they let Jones push forward with much more freedom...at times almost like he took over Jozy's position. Lots of positives.
Backline still worries me a lot...seem decent when they're settled but so many mistakes here and there. And I wonder how that closed scrimmage with Belgium will affect this match!
Swiss fans have copied our Green Bay Packer fans... I like the cheddar version better...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BqL7z17IYAEYRIR.png:large)
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on June 27, 2014, 06:48:29 PM
Quote from: Ajax on June 27, 2014, 01:22:05 PM
And we've done it without Jozy, who has been considered a crucial component to the attack. Dempsey has done a decent job moving up top, but since they were forced to do that it means the team is weaker in two positions than it was at the beginning of the Ghana game. We've also done it in spite of the fact that the guy who everyone thinks is our best player (Bradley) has not lived up to the high standards he's set over the past few years.
Tip of the hat to Jurgen for maneuvering this team out of the group. On paper, we've already played two European teams that are better than Belgium. I feel good about Tuesday.
Bradley has played better since the Ghana match and it seems defensively he's played up to his standard...just hasn't been able to create and connect as he has in the past. Also seemed like they let Jones push forward with much more freedom...at times almost like he took over Jozy's position. Lots of positives.
Backline still worries me a lot...seem decent when they're settled but so many mistakes here and there. And I wonder how that closed scrimmage with Belgium will affect this match!
I went back and watched the USA-Portugal game and Bradley isn't playing that badly...he's just set such a high standard over the years that it just seems like he's playing poorly. He's playing out of position because it's what the team needs. I've just noticed that his first touch isn't as reliable as I'm accustomed to seeing from him, and his passes aren't as precise as usual. I'm sure the fact that he's run farther than every other player in the tournament may have something to do with that, but it's happening all the time, not just late in games.
Yeah, I'm still a little worried about the backline, but Omar looked pretty good against Germany (after that initial whiff right in front of the goal!) I wonder if Johnson will be able to attack more against Belgium - he really didn't get to move forward very much because Germany had us pinned back.
The closed-door scrimmage with Belgium never happened. I think Belgium cancelled it just a few hours before it was supposed to take place because they said traffic was too thick.
I think Belgium should be nervous (not that we can over look Hazard, Mertens, et al). They haven't looked great in any of their games, they're seeing that CONCACAF teams are taking European teams to the wire, and they play with 4 centerbacks in the back. If we can get some fast guys out there to run at them, we could really create some mismatches. I've heard that Kompany is hurt, although at this stage I doubt anyone is at 100%.
After multiple close calls... France finally puts a ball in goal... FR-1 Nig-0
Nigeria finally puts a ball in goal... unfortunately it was their own... France advances... 2-0
Quote from: Ajax on June 30, 2014, 12:58:32 PM
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on June 27, 2014, 06:48:29 PM
Quote from: Ajax on June 27, 2014, 01:22:05 PM
And we've done it without Jozy, who has been considered a crucial component to the attack. Dempsey has done a decent job moving up top, but since they were forced to do that it means the team is weaker in two positions than it was at the beginning of the Ghana game. We've also done it in spite of the fact that the guy who everyone thinks is our best player (Bradley) has not lived up to the high standards he's set over the past few years.
Tip of the hat to Jurgen for maneuvering this team out of the group. On paper, we've already played two European teams that are better than Belgium. I feel good about Tuesday.
Bradley has played better since the Ghana match and it seems defensively he's played up to his standard...just hasn't been able to create and connect as he has in the past. Also seemed like they let Jones push forward with much more freedom...at times almost like he took over Jozy's position. Lots of positives.
Backline still worries me a lot...seem decent when they're settled but so many mistakes here and there. And I wonder how that closed scrimmage with Belgium will affect this match!
I went back and watched the USA-Portugal game and Bradley isn't playing that badly...he's just set such a high standard over the years that it just seems like he's playing poorly. He's playing out of position because it's what the team needs. I've just noticed that his first touch isn't as reliable as I'm accustomed to seeing from him, and his passes aren't as precise as usual. I'm sure the fact that he's run farther than every other player in the tournament may have something to do with that, but it's happening all the time, not just late in games.
Yeah, I'm still a little worried about the backline, but Omar looked pretty good against Germany (after that initial whiff right in front of the goal!) I wonder if Johnson will be able to attack more against Belgium - he really didn't get to move forward very much because Germany had us pinned back.
The closed-door scrimmage with Belgium never happened. I think Belgium cancelled it just a few hours before it was supposed to take place because they said traffic was too thick.
I think Belgium should be nervous (not that we can over look Hazard, Mertens, et al). They haven't looked great in any of their games, they're seeing that CONCACAF teams are taking European teams to the wire, and they play with 4 centerbacks in the back. If we can get some fast guys out there to run at them, we could really create some mismatches. I've heard that Kompany is hurt, although at this stage I doubt anyone is at 100%.
I've read that Jozy is ready to play...will be interesting to see if/how we use him. Did not know that the scrimmage was canceled! I guess that is a good thing for both sides.
German game was sloppy in the rain, and Portugal was in the humidity of the rainforest. These aren't good excuses but simply contributing factors. And it's a good point that Bradley is playing out of position.
Now there's this...
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/6/30/5857462/usa-beligum-2014-world-cup-referee-djamel-haimoudi
Klinsmann expressed his displeasure about the referee selection.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 30, 2014, 01:51:58 PM
Nigeria finally puts a ball in goal... unfortunately it was their own... France advances... 2-0
Nigeria fought hard, but France was beating down that goalie. It was only a matter of time.
(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/e3c0272ee05ea3ba6e71a9d9f102f7e0059f5c02/c=4-0-2048-1536&r=x513&c=680x510/local/-/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2014/06/30/1404180484000-FIFA.jpg)
LOL, that's very funny. Go USA!!!!!!
I certainly am... but I am equally sure it will quickly fade when the World Cup is over.
Great Cartoon Urb! 8)
Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 30, 2014, 12:45:14 PM
Swiss fans have copied our Green Bay Packer fans... I like the cheddar version better...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BqL7z17IYAEYRIR.png:large)
You're right about the inspiration, although Swiss cheese is notable for it's holes, not cheddar.
Looks like everyone was stunned by our defeat at the hands of Belgium. In the opinion of this admitted novice and soccer noob... we were lucky to get where we did... and are really not in the same class as the other quarter finalists. With the exception of our goaltending we were awful.
My observations....
Our only credible attack... was counterattack. Completely unable to move the ball consistantly upfield.
Poor ball handling. Dribbling and passing skills were simply not as good the remaining teams.
Our team may have been more athletic... but the remaining teams certainly seem more skillful.
Like the Olympics... it was fun and but it is unlikely that I watch beyond the World Cup... until 4 years from now...
Copa América (United States/2016) will be huge in my opinion - it's the first time that the tournament has been hosted outside of South America and I expect much of the young talent that we've seen teasers from will have begun to emerge. If ESPN grabs hold of it and dedicates half of the marketing effort thrown at the World Cup, it will be well received in this country.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_Am%C3%A9rica_Centenario
Quote"Congratulations USA. Now that you know what it's like to have your soul ripped out by a game of football, you're in the gang.
— Paul Sinha (@paulsinha) July 1, 2014"
Quote from: blizz01 on July 02, 2014, 09:28:10 AM
Copa América (United States/2016) will be huge in my opinion - it's the first time that the tournament has been hosted outside of South America and I expect much of the young talent that we've seen teasers from will have begun to emerge. If ESPN grabs hold of it and dedicates half of the marketing effort thrown at the World Cup, it will be well received in this country.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_Am%C3%A9rica_Centenario
Quote"Congratulations USA. Now that you know what it's like to have your soul ripped out by a game of football, you're in the gang.
— Paul Sinha (@paulsinha) July 1, 2014"
I really hope we can get a Copa America game or two in here in Jacksonville.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 02, 2014, 06:51:30 AM
Looks like everyone was stunned by our defeat at the hands of Belgium. In the opinion of this admitted novice and soccer noob... we were lucky to get where we did... and are really not in the same class as the other quarter finalists. With the exception of our goaltending we were awful.
My observations....
Our only credible attack... was counterattack. Completely unable to move the ball consistantly upfield.
Poor ball handling. Dribbling and passing skills were simply not as good the remaining teams.
Our team may have been more athletic... but the remaining teams certainly seem more skillful.
Like the Olympics... it was fun and but it is unlikely that I watch beyond the World Cup... until 4 years from now...
Good points. Regarding the counterattack - this is something we're going to have to use against the big boys until we can get those technically-skilled players that other countries have. But the counterattack is a valuable (and valid) weapon. If you look at yesterday's game, we out-possessed Belgium (53% possession for the US, and I think it went up to something like 65% during the two overtime periods) and both of Belgium's goals were on counterattacks.
I'm happy that you and many other "non-soccer fans" came along for the ride. The more the merrier! I'm sort of the same way with NHL and other sports - I don't really pay much attention until playoffs, but when they come around I do enjoy the games.
But if you would, please keep an eye out for the next 3 summers because the US Men's team will be involved in tournaments every summer leading up to the 2018 World Cup. We've got the Gold Cup next summer (competing against teams in our region including fellow World Cup participants Mexico, Costa Rica and Honduras), then we have the Copa America in 2016 - this will be played in the US, and will include all of the South American countries that are in the World Cup - Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, etc. We could possibly compete in the 2017 Confederations Cup which is always held the year before the World Cup in the same country that will be hosting the World Cup. So it's seen as a sort of way for the teams to get a little familiar with the surroundings ahead of time. 2017 will also be important for our Olympic team, which consists of mostly under-23 year olds, with 3 exemptions for over-age players. So, if you're so inclined, you don't have to hang up your brand new USA jersey just yet. ;)
^And of course, there's always the prospect of additional "Friendlies" being played at Everbank along the way as well....
This article covers what Ajax said but a little more in depth.
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/7/1/5862612/us-soccer-2015-gold-cup-womens-world-cup
DAMN!