On January 17th, Jax will be hosting matches between two German clubs and two Brazilian clubs. The German clubs include Bayer Leverkusen and FC Koln and the Brazilian clubs include Corinthians and Fluminese. This is considerably bigger than Fulham or the MLS exhibitions we've gotten. Obviously nowhere near the US friendly's though.
Leverkusen are probably somewhere between one of the top 10-20 best club teams in the entire world (currently ranked 19 in UEFA's cumulative 5 year ranking). They've made the Champions League round of 16 two of the past 3 years and are on pace to do so again this season. They've got genuine star players like Heung Min-Son who is South Korea's best player; Hakan Calanghou, who is already one of the best free kick takers in the world at 20; and Lars Bender who would have played for Germany at the World Cup if he wasn't hurt. FC Koln are a really young team and will probably finish in the mid to lower half of the Bundesliga, which is a very competitive league. It's the 3rd best overall in Europe after Spain and England, but probably the deepest year in year out. Koln do have a great GK, Timo Horn who has a shot at being Germany's #1 someday.
Corinthians and Fluminese are big clubs in Brazil and combined have won 3 of the last 4 league titles. Corinthians have a couple decent players like Paolo Guerrero who played for Hamburg and Bayern Munich; Jadson who played for Shaktar; Nicolas Lodeiro who plays for Uruguay; Renato Augusto who played for Leverkusen; and Elias who has 17 caps for Brazil. Fluminese has Fred, Brazil's whipping boy at the last World Cup, but still a decent player; and an 18 year old phenom named Robert Kenedy (true story).
Germany takes a winter break, so this is really just a warmup for their teams before their season starts back up. Still a great event for Jax and an opportunity to see some very high level soccer.
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2014/11/04/brazil-and-germany-soccer-to-face-off-in.html
Wow, this is really cool.
Great event for Jacksonville
Quote from: CityLife on November 04, 2014, 09:03:34 AM
On January 17th, Jax will be hosting matches between two German clubs and two Brazilian clubs. The German clubs include Bayer Leverkusen and FC Koln and the Brazilian clubs include Corinthians and Fluminese. This is considerably bigger than Fulham or the MLS exhibitions we've gotten. Obviously nowhere near the US friendly's though.
Leverkusen are probably somewhere between one of the top 10-20 best club teams in the entire world (currently ranked 19 in UEFA's cumulative 5 year ranking). They've made the Champions League round of 16 two of the past 3 years and are on pace to do so again this season. They've got genuine star players like Heung Min-Son who is South Korea's best player; Hakan Calanghou, who is already one of the best free kick takers in the world at 20; and Lars Bender who would have played for Germany at the World Cup if he wasn't hurt. FC Koln are a really young team and will probably finish in the mid to lower half of the Bundesliga, which is a very competitive league. It's the 3rd best overall in Europe after Spain and England, but probably the deepest year in year out. Koln do have a great GK, Timo Horn who has a shot at being Germany's #1 someday.
Corinthians and Fluminese are big clubs in Brazil and combined have won 3 of the last 4 league titles. Corinthians have a couple decent players like Paolo Guerrero who played for Hamburg and Bayern Munich; Jadson who played for Shaktar; Nicolas Lodeiro who plays for Uruguay; Renato Augusto who played for Leverkusen; and Elias who has 17 caps for Brazil. Fluminese has Fred, Brazil's whipping boy at the last World Cup, but still a decent player; and an 18 year old phenom named Robert Kenedy (true story).
Germany takes a winter break, so this is really just a warmup for their teams before their season starts back up. Still a great event for Jax and an opportunity to see some very high level soccer.
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2014/11/04/brazil-and-germany-soccer-to-face-off-in.html
Nice write-up! I consider myself a pretty hardcore soccer fan, but I learned quite a bit from your post. Thanks for the background on the teams. Really looking forward to this, and I hope Jacksonville can have a strong showing so we can host more of these types of events. I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for some Copa America games in 2016.
Finally an opportunity to meet Lars Bender and lobby him to move to north London! He'd look great in an Arsenal jersey...
Quote from: Gamblor on November 04, 2014, 01:31:18 PM
Finally an opportunity to meet Lars Bender and lobby him to move to north London! He'd look great in an Arsenal jersey...
But will Arsene spend the money? Lol
^^^ :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Plus I think he believes the DM position doesn't exist anymore, or atleast hasn't for the last ten years.
Cool news.
Keep hoping for that DM, Gamblor. You want one of ours? Ohhhhh... never mind. ;)
Quote from: Gamblor on November 04, 2014, 01:47:38 PM
^^^ :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Plus I think he believes the DM position doesn't exist anymore, or atleast hasn't for the last ten years.
Patrick Vieira. Le sigh.
Quote from: JaxByDefault on November 04, 2014, 01:59:16 PM
Cool news.
Keep hoping for that DM, Gamblor. You want one of ours? Ohhhhh... never mind. ;)
Lol figures you'd pop up to rub that in, and yes I would like one of yours! Would you like some of my Alexis? Mmmm, you know you want some of him....
Think you're going to get one of these at the end ByDefault?
(http://redlondon.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/golden-trophy.jpg?w=470)
Quote from: Ajax on November 04, 2014, 03:05:15 PM
Quote from: Gamblor on November 04, 2014, 01:47:38 PM
^^^ :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Plus I think he believes the DM position doesn't exist anymore, or atleast hasn't for the last ten years.
Patrick Vieira. Le sigh.
Don't forget Petit... those were the days
I'm there.
tickets are on sale now, I got mine on ticketmaster.com, but they are probably available at the box office with less fees. They have on field seats for $150, and regular seats for $30+ fees or $40+ fees. It looks like the $40 ones are in the touchdown club sections. The online site has a space to enter discount codes for jaxsport members, armada season ticket holders and codes from local youth clubs. I think it is pretty much a bargain for a two quality games ,,, I hope Jax shows up to represent.
looking forward to the games, looks like the weather should be ok.
What is the attendance expectation for this game? 10k?
The article in the bizjournal stated over 4000 sold.
Appears we need a Taylor Swift concert after the game.
Leverkusen-Corinthians is potentially the most talent that has played in Jacksonville in recent years. By my estimation, there were only 3 or 4 players that could potentially start for Leverkusen (Fabian Johnson, Howard, Obi Mikel, and Onazi) that played in the US-Nigeria game. Conversely, Leverkusen has about 12-20 guys that would start for the US.
If Jacksonville wants to get known as a soccer town, it has to get at least 10-15k for this game.
Some info concerning the Florida Cup.
http://jacksonville.com/mattaboutjax
Quote from: CityLife on January 14, 2015, 11:06:16 AM
Appears we need a Taylor Swift concert after the game.
Leverkusen-Corinthians is potentially the most talent that has played in Jacksonville in recent years. By my estimation, there were only 3 or 4 players that could potentially start for Leverkusen (Fabian Johnson, Howard, Obi Mikel, and Onazi) that played in the US-Nigeria game. Conversely, Leverkusen has about 12-20 guys that would start for the US.
If Jacksonville wants to get known as a soccer town, it has to get at least 10-15k for this game.
National team games always do better than club ones in this country. People know the players. I know two on Leverkusen and I watch the Bundesliga casually
Quote from: fsquid on January 15, 2015, 11:18:54 PM
Quote from: CityLife on January 14, 2015, 11:06:16 AM
Appears we need a Taylor Swift concert after the game.
Leverkusen-Corinthians is potentially the most talent that has played in Jacksonville in recent years. By my estimation, there were only 3 or 4 players that could potentially start for Leverkusen (Fabian Johnson, Howard, Obi Mikel, and Onazi) that played in the US-Nigeria game. Conversely, Leverkusen has about 12-20 guys that would start for the US.
If Jacksonville wants to get known as a soccer town, it has to get at least 10-15k for this game.
National team games always do better than club ones in this country. People know the players. I know two on Leverkusen and I watch the Bundesliga casually
I'm not suggesting it should draw anything like a national team game. Just highlighting that there is a lot of talent that people should be interested in. Said it in the first post, but Leverkusen made the Champions League final 16 and have for the past 3 seasons.
I pretty much only watch college football and soccer, so I know a lot about the Champions League caliber teams, especially in England, Spain, and Germany. I'll give a quick rundown of the talent on Leverkusen for those going or interested in going.*With it being an exhibition, they may not play their A team
GK-Bernd Leno-possible heir apparent to Manuel Neuer. Potentially a top 10 GK in the world. Still only 22
CB-Emir Spahic-Starter for Bosnia at World Cup, solid player
CB-Omar Toprak-Very good CB. Plays for Turkey
CB-Papadapoulous-Was one of the most promising defenders in Europe. Recovering from an injury. Started for Greece in Euro 2012 at age 20
RB-Tin Jedvaj-Young talent from Croatia. Already has 2 senior caps for Croatia at 19
LB-Wendell-Won best fullback in Brazil last season
CM-Simon Rolfes-Once a very good player, but aging. Has 26 caps for Germany.
CM-Lars Bender-Starter for Germany in Euro 2012. Missed WC due to injury. Perennial transfer target of Arsenal
CM-Hakan Calhanoglu-Amazing free kick taker. Very talented, with potential to be world class. Chelsea has attempted to sign him
Wing-Gonzalo Castro-Good player. Would play for half the national teams in Europe. Stuck behind a loaded group in Germany
Wing-Karim Bellerabi-Breakout player, just broke into a very talented German National team. Will be an exciting player to watch
AM-Julian Brandt-Touted as the next Marco Reus, Mario Gotze type player. Potential world class player. Only 18
Striker-Stefan Kiessling-Very good goal scorer that doesn't fit into the German National team. Scored 130 Bundesliga goals
Strike/Wing-Heung Min Son-Quite possibly the best Asian player. South Korea's star player. Likely the best player in this tournament
Striker-Josip Drmic-Starter for a good Switzerland team in the World Cup
There are about 5 or 6 young players for Leverkusen with huge futures in European soccer. Very exciting for them to come to Jax.
The Orlando matches were at the Disney Wide World of Sports complex. Looked like the stands were mostly full but that is a very small venue.
Quote from: copperfiend on January 16, 2015, 09:15:11 AM
The Orlando matches were at the Disney Wide World of Sports complex. Looked like the stands were mostly full but that is a very small venue.
Yea there were only 2k there. Thursday night in the burbs can't compete with Everbank on a Saturday.
BTW Leverkusen beat Fluminese 3-0 and Cologne (Koln) beat Corinthians 1-0. Looks like Leverkusen played a lot of their best players. Hopefully they play them this weekend too.
Is it just me or has there been a lack of marketing/advertising for this? I first heard about it here, and a lot of my friends who actually watch and play soccer seemed to have only vaguely heard about this.
Quote from: TPC on January 16, 2015, 09:46:27 AM
Is it just me or has there been a lack of marketing/advertising for this? I first heard about it here, and a lot of my friends who actually watch and play soccer seemed to have only vaguely heard about this.
I agree completely. We were waiting to see what the weather was going to be like. Plan on heading to the stadium tomorrow and buying tickets then.
Yeah, it wasn't very well advertised. It sounds like a good event though.
Quote from: CityLife on January 16, 2015, 08:36:35 AM
I pretty much only watch college football and soccer, so I know a lot about the Champions League caliber teams, especially in England, Spain, and Germany. I'll give a quick rundown of the talent on Leverkusen for those going or interested in going.*With it being an exhibition, they may not play their A team
GK-Bernd Leno-possible heir apparent to Manuel Neuer. Potentially a top 10 GK in the world. Still only 22
CB-Emir Spahic-Starter for Bosnia at World Cup, solid player
CB-Omar Toprak-Very good CB. Plays for Turkey
CB-Papadapoulous-Was one of the most promising defenders in Europe. Recovering from an injury. Started for Greece in Euro 2012 at age 20
RB-Tin Jedvaj-Young talent from Croatia. Already has 2 senior caps for Croatia at 19
LB-Wendell-Won best fullback in Brazil last season
CM-Simon Rolfes-Once a very good player, but aging. Has 26 caps for Germany.
CM-Lars Bender-Starter for Germany in Euro 2012. Missed WC due to injury. Perennial transfer target of Arsenal
CM-Hakan Calhanoglu-Amazing free kick taker. Very talented, with potential to be world class. Chelsea has attempted to sign him
Wing-Gonzalo Castro-Good player. Would play for half the national teams in Europe. Stuck behind a loaded group in Germany
Wing-Karim Bellerabi-Breakout player, just broke into a very talented German National team. Will be an exciting player to watch
AM-Julian Brandt-Touted as the next Marco Reus, Mario Gotze type player. Potential world class player. Only 18
Striker-Stefan Kiessling-Very good goal scorer that doesn't fit into the German National team. Scored 130 Bundesliga goals
Strike/Wing-Heung Min Son-Quite possibly the best Asian player. South Korea's star player. Likely the best player in this tournament
Striker-Josip Drmic-Starter for a good Switzerland team in the World Cup
There are about 5 or 6 young players for Leverkusen with huge futures in European soccer. Very exciting for them to come to Jax.
Great write up! That little note about Bender, so true! I'm sure guys like me screaming and pulling our hair out for a DM in Holloway/Islington has a little something to do with it ;D
Oh and to agree with everyone, ya the advertising was poor... the talent will not be
Quote from: TPC on January 16, 2015, 09:46:27 AM
Is it just me or has there been a lack of marketing/advertising for this? I first heard about it here, and a lot of my friends who actually watch and play soccer seemed to have only vaguely heard about this.
The only advertising I know of is radio commercials on 1010xl
Part of the poor marketing is due to us being in the English sphere of media influence. They've duped most casual soccer fans in the US into thinking the EPL is the only league that matters. I think its quite possible that the sports community in Jax doesn't even realize one of the 15 or so best club teams in the world is playing here. Corinthians is also solid. Finished 4th in Brazil (1 point from 2nd).
To further this point, I'd be willing to bet that 90% of casual sports fans in the US would say the EPL is the best league in the world, bar none. That is what the media tells them after all.
La Liga is actually the highest rated league in the world by a substantial margin and that isn't just from Barcelona and Real Madrid. Their middle tier teams have performed very well in the Europa League. EPL is 2nd and the Bundesliga is right behind them in 3rd.
The local soccer clubs have been trying to sell tickets.
Quote from: Gamblor on January 16, 2015, 11:16:20 AM
Quote from: CityLife on January 16, 2015, 08:36:35 AM
I pretty much only watch college football and soccer, so I know a lot about the Champions League caliber teams, especially in England, Spain, and Germany. I'll give a quick rundown of the talent on Leverkusen for those going or interested in going.*With it being an exhibition, they may not play their A team
GK-Bernd Leno-possible heir apparent to Manuel Neuer. Potentially a top 10 GK in the world. Still only 22
CB-Emir Spahic-Starter for Bosnia at World Cup, solid player
CB-Omar Toprak-Very good CB. Plays for Turkey
CB-Papadapoulous-Was one of the most promising defenders in Europe. Recovering from an injury. Started for Greece in Euro 2012 at age 20
RB-Tin Jedvaj-Young talent from Croatia. Already has 2 senior caps for Croatia at 19
LB-Wendell-Won best fullback in Brazil last season
CM-Simon Rolfes-Once a very good player, but aging. Has 26 caps for Germany.
CM-Lars Bender-Starter for Germany in Euro 2012. Missed WC due to injury. Perennial transfer target of Arsenal
CM-Hakan Calhanoglu-Amazing free kick taker. Very talented, with potential to be world class. Chelsea has attempted to sign him
Wing-Gonzalo Castro-Good player. Would play for half the national teams in Europe. Stuck behind a loaded group in Germany
Wing-Karim Bellerabi-Breakout player, just broke into a very talented German National team. Will be an exciting player to watch
AM-Julian Brandt-Touted as the next Marco Reus, Mario Gotze type player. Potential world class player. Only 18
Striker-Stefan Kiessling-Very good goal scorer that doesn't fit into the German National team. Scored 130 Bundesliga goals
Strike/Wing-Heung Min Son-Quite possibly the best Asian player. South Korea's star player. Likely the best player in this tournament
Striker-Josip Drmic-Starter for a good Switzerland team in the World Cup
There are about 5 or 6 young players for Leverkusen with huge futures in European soccer. Very exciting for them to come to Jax.
Great write up! That little note about Bender, so true! I'm sure guys like me screaming and pulling our hair out for a DM in Holloway/Islington has a little something to do with it ;D
Thanks. Wenger just signed a 17 year old DM from Poland. That should solve it. ;)
Quote from: CityLife on January 16, 2015, 01:53:48 PM
Thanks. Wenger just signed a 17 year old DM from Poland. That should solve it. ;)
Actually Coq has played really well since returning from loan. I don't think we'll need another (first team capable now) though, cause we never have injuries... :'(
So I'm watching the Bayern Leverkusen-Corinthians match...is the entire crowd on just one side of the stadium? Hope I'm wrong but it doesn't look like much of a crowd which would be a shame since it's an interesting game so far.
Probably the same set up as they have done for the MLS matches where everyone enters through one of the clubs and only one side of seating is open.
Events like this is why a smaller soccer venue would be nice.
Games were fun. Crowd was at least half Corinthain supporters - they were loud and enthusiastic. Two guys from different Corinthian supporters groups got in an argument over whose banner to put where that was heated enough to get the police involved, don't see that between jags fans :)
Soccer was good. 8 goals in two games. The crowd was limited to the lower bowl on the east side, attendance was announced at 7 thousand and change.
Great value to see 4 quality teams play for less than $50 a ticket. We were right on the midfield line and in the third row, great experience to see the game up so close.
The only negative I can think of was feeling bad for the Korean couple next to us decked out in Bayer gear, Son never made it ion the pitch and they were obviously big fans.
They really could have promoted and marketed this game a great deal more. We found out about it simply by luck.
Good games and decent crowd. Of the 7k there, probably 3-5k were Brazilians, who were great. Unfortunately, not enough locals really came out. Price points and lack of marketing hurt. I play on an adult soccer team, and only one other guy knew about the game and that is because his kid got to walk out with the players.
Leverkusen, unfortunately didn't really play their A team, but still played enough good players to make it worthwhile. I thought both Calhangolu and Bellarabi showed some talent, Brandt was a letdown. They didn't play Son (who is at The Asian Cup with South Korea), Toprak, Papadapolous, Jedvaj, and Donati. Kiessling got hurt after 10 minutes. They were playing 4 youth players not even on the roster in the 2nd half.
2nd game was the better. Koln were playing a little more of their A team and was really moving the ball well.
Hopefully they do this every year and get bigger crowds next time.