Official General FIFA Thread

[s0phr0syne]

In the grand scheme of things, I'm a relative novice to all things soccer/futbol. Can someone explain the logic that Bosque seems to be using with his starting 11 line-up?

If he was just going for his best players, I understand the 4-6-0 formation where there are just rotating midfielders up top (Fabregas, Iniesta, or Silva).

But if he's going to start a true forward up top (Torres, Negredo, Llorente), what is the logic of not having any of the pure wingers in the game concurrently (Navas, Pedro Martinez)? And what's worse, when he has these two speed demons in the game late, tearing down the flanks and looking for targets in the box, there's not a single person waiting in the box? So when he has strikers, he has no one generating crosses (unless you count the full backs), and then when he puts the wingers in, there's no one waiting to capitalize....? What am I missing here...

[gyldenlove]

In the grand scheme of things, I'm a relative novice to all things soccer/futbol. Can someone explain the logic that Bosque seems to be using with his starting 11 line-up?

If he was just going for his best players, I understand the 4-6-0 formation where there are just rotating midfielders up top (Fabregas, Iniesta, or Silva).

But if he's going to start a true forward up top (Torres, Negredo, Llorente), what is the logic of not having any of the pure wingers in the game concurrently (Navas, Pedro Martinez)? And what's worse, when he has these two speed demons in the game late, tearing down the flanks and looking for targets in the box, there's not a single person waiting in the box? So when he has strikers, he has no one generating crosses (unless you count the full backs), and then when he puts the wingers in, there's no one waiting to capitalize....? What am I missing here...

Del Bosque prefers to play 4-5-1 but he realizes that he has no striker who is currently good enough to play alone on top, so rather than play with a player who is not among the 15 best on the roster he has chosen to play his best players. If David Villa was not injured you would see him play up front in every game.

The strategy he likes is short area passing where the forward is used to create space for the offensive mid fielders and vice versa. What he wants to do is control the ball in midfield, get his offensive midfielders in the space between the opposition midfield and defense and use them to create an opening in the defense for a runner or an attacker to go through and recieve the ball in stride.

Using crosses into the box is a very English way to play, some teams play with 1 or 2 central offensive midfielders behind a single forward and the game plan is to pass the ball either deep or with short quick passes to the forward with his back to the goal so he can drop the ball to an offensive mid fielder who will then have space to force the defense to move which will create a seam for the forward to turn and run.

[Swedish Extrovert]

I think its a time of possession technique. Wear them down, then strike at the end. Spain = the Broncos with Tebow, am I right?

[canadianbroncosfan]

The only downfall of Ronaldo not kicking, is the inability to blame the loss on him. Otherwise, BRILLIANT

[Dutch]

Well, here we go again. Time to see if Germany can finally get it done against the Italians. Should be a great match and much more entertaining than yesterday's.

[gyldenlove]

Well, here we go again. Time to see if Germany can finally get it done against the Italians. Should be a great match and much more entertaining than yesterday's.

This game will have 200% more forwards on the field at the start of the game than the one yesterday.

[Dutch]

This game will have 200% more forwards on the field at the start of the game than the one yesterday.

Heh heh heh......that alone should help make it more entertaining. Good one, by the way!:rofl:^5

[Cmac821]

Still have no idea how the German's forward is named Gomez, really stands out compared to his teammates

Edit: His full name Mario Gomez Garcia

[Smiling Assassin27]

Germany's come to play.

[Dutch]

Balotelli is having a fantastic game. Wow. 2 goals and Germany have a huge hole to dig out of.

[Smiling Assassin27]

Holy.

Shiite.

[Doggcow]

Congrats on another win Spain.

[OrangeSe7en]

Balotelli is having a fantastic game. Wow. 2 goals and Germany have a huge hole to dig out of.

Quite honestly, the quality in his first goal was in the service that was provided to him.

[Dutch]

Germany will have to bring on more of their offensive minded players at the half. Italy's ball movement has been superior to Germany's to this point. Let the timekilling histrionics begin on Italy's part, I'm looking at you Cassano.

[Beantown Bronco]

ESPN chat comment: Has anyone ever gotten a hat trick and a red card in the same match in a major international tournament? I predict Mario to be the first...

[Dutch]

Quite honestly, the quality in his first goal was in the service that was provided to him.

True, but he finished. More than can be said for any of our Dutch players with the same opportunities. The second was a fantastic power shot with pace. The no-call on the handball on Italy's goalline at the start of the game was huge (led to Germany's first corner kick). Refs swollowed the whistles on that one. Germany is going to have to bring in some more of their offensive minded players at the half and pray they don't get killed on the counter.

Halftime: Smoke, fresh beers, headcall....back in 15.....come on Germany, make a game of it.

[Dutch]

Anyone else surprised at the difficulties Germany is having with so many of their first touches? Seems to be a little out of character for them.


Italy on the other hand is showing some really nice ball movement and beautiful first touch control......


Balotelli.....tick, tick, tick...........

[Schism]

Anyone else surprised at the difficulties Germany is having with so many of their first touches? Seems to be a little out of character for them.

They've really been poor. The decision to start Kroos was bizarre, he's hardly played in the tournament.

Italy are a very good team though, I don't expect they'll be a pushover in the final by any means if they finish this game off.

[Dutch]

They've really been poor. The decision to start Kroos was bizarre, he's hardly played in the tournament.

Italy are a very good team though, I don't expect they'll be a pushover in the final by any means if they finish this game off.

Very out of character for Germany in the ball handling department. Keeper dodged a bullet there....

[broncoblue]

IVE GOT ITALY TO WIN EUROS AT 14/1 AND IN A SWEEP AND A CHEEKY FIVER ON SPAIN AT 9/2

[OrangeSe7en]

Anyone else surprised at the difficulties Germany is having with so many of their first touches? Seems to be a little out of character for them.


Italy on the other hand is showing some really nice ball movement and beautiful first touch control......


Balotelli.....tick, tick, tick...........

What happens with Italy, is that people often forget that they're a soccer power because their style of play is something like that of Greece. They're more focused on defense than a lot of soccer powers. The problem is, they're really not like Greece in spite of their style of play. Their individual players have incredible skill that's on par with all the other soccer powers at most times over the years.

[Dutch]

What happens with Italy, is that people often forget that they're a soccer power because their style of play is something like that of Greece. They're more focused on defense than a lot of soccer powers. The problem is, they're really not like Greece in spite of their style of play. Their individual players have incredible skill that's on par with all the other soccer powers at most times over the years.

Agreed. I just don't think they have what it takes to dismantle Spain. Then again, I don't think Germany would have done any better based on their showing today. Hugely disappointed in Germany today. Looks like they still haven't got the maturity needed to win at this level.

[Dutch]

How in God's name do you not put that final free kick long range into the box? The ref gives you a gift and you piss it away with a short pass up the side at the end of the 4 min stoppage time? Stupid, stupid, stupid. Italy deserved the win, period. Just don't see how they win against Spain. We'll see. Looking forward to Sunday and hope for a good/entertaining game.

[OrangeSe7en]

Agreed. I just don't think they have what it takes to dismantle Spain. Then again, I don't think Germany would have done any better based on their showing today. Hugely disappointed in Germany today. Looks like they still haven't got the maturity needed to win at this level.

Meh. Germany typically has a bad game in tournaments and it's usually the 2nd game. That didn't happen this time. The truth is that soccer is a game where you drastically rely on some bounces going your way. And it's really not typical that you'll get the same game twice in a row. This was the game where Germany was vulnerable. They weren't getting the bounces. Italy is typically strong defensively. But also, Italy was able to capitalize on some chances (which also doesnt always happen). Germany had been riding a grune Wella up until this point. This was the rough patch they needed to find their way past. Obviously, it didn't happen. Germany is still extremely young though too. Today might help them in the long run.

[OrangeSe7en]

How in God's name do you not put that final free kick long range into the box? The ref gives you a gift and you piss it away with a short pass up the side at the end of the 4 min stoppage time? Stupid, stupid, stupid. Italy deserved the win, period. Just don't see how they win against Spain. We'll see. Looking forward to Sunday and hope for a good/entertaining game.

Italy can win. It's the same as it always is with them. If Italy wins in their back end, it kind of neutralizes Spain winning at midfield. Italy also has the striker that's more in form now.

[Smiling Assassin27]

How in God's name do you not put that final free kick long range into the box? The ref gives you a gift and you piss it away with a short pass up the side at the end of the 4 min stoppage time? Stupid, stupid, stupid. Italy deserved the win, period. Just don't see how they win against Spain. We'll see. Looking forward to Sunday and hope for a good/entertaining game.

In a lot of ways, it'll be like looking in the mirror for Spain, especially if they start Torres up front. But in the end, Spain's bench depth and midfield are superior to Italy's, so they get the 1-0 win. But with Spain's back line, it will get dicey. Oh, and Buffon is sick, so watching it go 1-0 italy or pk's is not all that impossible.

[brncs_fan]

Italy played a fantastic match and deserved the win. Hope they follow that performance up with a win against Spain.

[canadianbroncosfan]

For me a Spain v. Italy final is the equivalent of the Chargers v. Lions Super Bowl.

[s0phr0syne]

For me a Spain v. Italy final is the equivalent of the Chargers v. Lions Super Bowl.

:troll::kiddingme

[gyldenlove]

For me a Spain v. Italy final is the equivalent of the Chargers v. Lions Super Bowl.

I would call it a 49ers (Spain - all defense, no offense) v. Steelers (Italy - good balance, always pretty successful but you always have the feeling they are about to fall apart and secretly everybody hates them).

[Smiling Assassin27]

Ravens-Giants

[Binkythefrog]

I would call it a 49ers (Spain - all defense, no offense) v. Steelers (Italy - good balance, always pretty successful but you always have the feeling they are about to fall apart and secretly everybody hates them).

I wouldn't call Spain a "defensive" team. Since they are so good in their midfield, their ball possession is top notch. Most teams you see them play end up packing tons of defenders in the box and hoping to counterattack and since teams are now aware of their style, their games can get pretty boring as Spain just pass it around while their opponents just sit back and defend. Spain also doesn't have a true striker as they have played Fabergas up front, who is more an attacking midfielder type since Fernando Torres is getting old and slow.

During Euro 2012 qualifying they scored 26 goals in 8 games (most of any team who played 8 games) only behind Germany (34), the Netherlands (37), and Sweden (31), who all played 10 games. Greece, which won its qualifying group only scored 14 goals in 10 matches and Italy only scored 20. 51 teams participated in qualifying.

[gyldenlove]

I wouldn't call Spain a "defensive" team. Since they are so good in their midfield, their ball possession is top notch. Most teams you see them play end up packing tons of defenders in the box and hoping to counterattack and since teams are now aware of their style, their games can get pretty boring as Spain just pass it around while their opponents just sit back and defend. Spain also doesn't have a true striker as they have played Fabergas up front, who is more an attacking midfielder type since Fernando Torres is getting old and slow.

During Euro 2012 qualifying they scored 26 goals in 8 games (most of any team who played 8 games) only behind Germany (34), the Netherlands (37), and Sweden (31), who all played 10 games. Greece, which won its qualifying group only scored 14 goals in 10 matches and Italy only scored 20. 51 teams participated in qualifying.

Spain is good at scoring against bad teams, but their offense is definitely lacking. Of the 26 goals they scored in qualification, 10 came against Lichtenstein (a country with fewer citizens than Boulder and roughly the same number of soccer players as CU) they have won only 6 of the 88 games they have played in official competitions ever and are the 3rd lowest ranked team in Europe, I don't think there is a single professional player on the roster.

In the Uefa tournament they repeated by scoring 4 goals against the worst team in the tournament (Ireland) and scoring a combined 4 goals against Croatia, Italy, Portugal and France - that is a lower per game scoring than teams such as Denmark, Germany, Russia, Sweden and the same as Greece, England, Portugal. Italy has scored 6 goals in 5 games but were gifted 2 by Ireland so their scoring is also 4 goals in 4 games against decent teams.

The 49ers used to have the most explosive offense in the league, but what they did have doesn't matter. In this tournament Spain has played boring and defensive and have scored a pitiful amount of goals against good teams - if it wasn't because they set records defensively they would not be in the final.

[Binkythefrog]

Spain is good at scoring against bad teams, but their offense is definitely lacking. Of the 26 goals they scored in qualification, 10 came against Lichtenstein (a country with fewer citizens than Boulder and roughly the same number of soccer players as CU) they have won only 6 of the 88 games they have played in official competitions ever and are the 3rd lowest ranked team in Europe, I don't think there is a single professional player on the roster.

In the Uefa tournament they repeated by scoring 4 goals against the worst team in the tournament (Ireland) and scoring a combined 4 goals against Croatia, Italy, Portugal and France - that is a lower per game scoring than teams such as Denmark, Germany, Russia, Sweden and the same as Greece, England, Portugal. Italy has scored 6 goals in 5 games but were gifted 2 by Ireland so their scoring is also 4 goals in 4 games against decent teams.

The 49ers used to have the most explosive offense in the league, but what they did have doesn't matter. In this tournament Spain has played boring and defensive and have scored a pitiful amount of goals against good teams - if it wasn't because they set records defensively they would not be in the final.

Didn't know that they put up 10 against Litchtenstein, that's a good point. I still think though that their possession really saps their goal scoring numbers since the natural response is to sit back and defend as teams know Spain are easily capable of brilliant moments if their defense lapses. I agree that Spain doesn't score much, but that might be a result of their own skill in the midfield and lack of a true striker.

I think the final will probably be a fairly boring game once again, but I'm hoping for a bit more drama.

[Atwater His Ass]

I want to see Torres and Balotelli tearing it up in a 5-4 gun slinging shoot out. Don't care who wins.

[canadianbroncosfan]

:troll::kiddingme

Sorry, I meant that I hate both teams immensely. Not comparing them to the actual teams as far as style.

[gyldenlove]

Didn't know that they put up 10 against Litchtenstein, that's a good point. I still think though that their possession really saps their goal scoring numbers since the natural response is to sit back and defend as teams know Spain are easily capable of brilliant moments if their defense lapses. I agree that Spain doesn't score much, but that might be a result of their own skill in the midfield and lack of a true striker.

I think the final will probably be a fairly boring game once again, but I'm hoping for a bit more drama.

Spain with David Villa up front used to score quite a lot of goals, but now that they play 4-6-0 it is all about possession and defense. They win by not surrendering goals, they are setting records left and right for how few goals they give up, which is obviously partly on Cassilas and the defense but mostly on the team concept and not taking risks.

You would expect their play style to be punished on counter attacks but they never get caught with fewer than 3 people back.

[jerseyboiler120]

Looks like another 0-0 game thru 7 hours of play, and then 5 guys trying to fool the goaltender. The only game it'ly has played in about 10 years that wasn't a complete snoozer was their first half against Germany the other day. Otherwise grass growing has more action.

[s0phr0syne]

Agh!

Feels like I've been waiting forever for this game, can't wait....

[paperstacks1980]

ive got a c-note on ITALIA!!!

[Beantown Bronco]

ive got a c-note on ITALIA!!!

Too bad. Had you told me you were going to do that earlier, I would've offered to take $50 from your wallet, kick you in the nuts and call it even.

You would've saved $50.

[Dutch]

Once again, into the breach. Much more open and quicker paced start to the match.

Is there anybody out there? (channeling Pink Floyd)

[Dutch]

Wow! That was a thing of beauty. What a sweet goal. 1-0 Spain. Should open things up even more.

Fantastic ball for the second goal.....pass on a dime with perfect pace. Wonderful goal....brilliant. 2-0 Spain. Italy in big trouble now....

[Dutch]

ive got a c-note on ITALIA!!!

Not looking good, Bro'.

[Dutch]

In a lot of ways, it'll be like looking in the mirror for Spain, especially if they start Torres up front. But in the end, Spain's bench depth and midfield are superior to Italy's, so they get the 1-0 win. But with Spain's back line, it will get dicey. Oh, and Buffon is sick, so watching it go 1-0 italy or pk's is not all that impossible.

Er, no.

Half time.....


Now Italy down to 10 men with no subs left and 30 min to play....ouch. Only a matter of time until a clinching 3rd goal at this point.....

and there it is for Torres....

Well 500+ min without conceeding a goal in this tourney. Amazing, and a testament to the quality of defense and goal tending for the Spanish. Now the conversation turns to Brazil in 2014. No European team has ever won a World Cup in South America. Frankly, I don't think it will happen this time either. Brazil and Argentina are a bit young and down at the moment, but Uraguay (winners of the first ever World Cup) and the rest of the South American squads are looking really good. Right now, South America is by far the most competitive division in WC qualifying in the world. I don't think Spain gets another. If they do, you have to put them up there with Pele's Brazillian team as the best ever.

Nice assist by Torres for #4....

By the way, congrats on another successful lap around the sun!:yayaya:

[Beantown Bronco]

Balotelli.....what a little b*tch. Sore loser.

Maybe he'll medal for the Italian diving team in a few weeks.

[Dutch]

Balotelli.....what a little b*tch. Sore loser.

Maybe he'll medal for the Italian diving team in a few weeks.

Yeah, pretty classless. He had two quality chances and failed miserably on both. It is pretty funny that it seems easier to root against Italy, regardless if that means rooting for Spain. Maybe something about the Romans, eh?


By the way, nice to see you here. Thought I was an autonomous collective (ie. group of one) there for a bit!:wave: I'm used to talking to myself, but taking it to the internet is a bit weird.

[Beantown Bronco]

I don't think Spain gets another. If they do, you have to put them up there with Pele's Brazillian team as the best ever.

Nice assist by Torres for #4....

Looks like a lot of the "pundits" are already putting Spain up there as the best ever, if you listen to some of the post game shows. I wasn't really alive for any of the Brazilian run, so I'm not one to judge, but I do know this: they're easily on the best run I've ever seen.

[Dutch]

Looks like a lot of the "pundits" are already putting Spain up there as the best ever, if you listen to some of the post game shows. I wasn't really alive for any of the Brazilian run, so I'm not one to judge, but I do know this: they're easily on the best run I've ever seen.

They are definately in the conversation. Again, it comes down to not being able to compare across eras. The 1970+ Brazillian team was amazing. Followed by the Dutch "Total Futbal" teams. Throw in the Argentinian teams of the late 70's/early 80's, then the West German squads of the late 80's. Tough call. I will say this. If...and I mean a BIG IF, Spain wins the WC in 2014 in Brazil. They will have to be put at the front of the line. No European team has EVER won a WC in South America. They do that, it will cement them as the greatest ever.

[DontBeMessin]

You do realize that UEFA is putting this tournament on right? I left the first few posts of yours alone, but now you're calling us out for being right.

It's the UEFA Euro 2012 cup. Goddamn raider fans.

OOPS... Made a mistake... The Thread is called the FIFA when it's UEFA... And thus should have been named as such...

[DontBeMessin]

Former Liverpool player Fernando Torres with the Golden Boot!!!! :)

[Beantown Bronco]

Former Liverpool player Fernando Torres with the Golden Boot!!!! :)

I heard we landed on the moon too.

[Swedish Extrovert]

OOPS... Made a mistake... The Thread is called the FIFA when it's UEFA... And thus should have been named as such...

WTF is the FIFA? You mean the FIFA World Cup?

You do realize that UEFA is a confederate division of FIFA, right?

What you're saying makes absolutely no sense. Is like saying "This is a General NFL thread, so we can't talk about the AFC West."

The original thread title was for the UEFA tourney, but other FIFA discussion got into the mix on about page 3.

[Swedish Extrovert]

I heard we landed on the moon too.

I'm not too familiar with DontBeMessins posts, as I never click on any of his threads, but when he leaches into another thread and I have to read him... I swear, I know people with down syndrome that have more common sense than he does.

The sad thing is that I'm not joking. My cousin Kimmy recently won a gold medal in gymnastics at the Colorado Special Olympics, and could probably outwit DontMeMessin on an IQ test.

[canadianbroncosfan]

Former Liverpool player Fernando Torres with the Golden Boot!!!! :)

You mean Chelsea striker Fernando Torres

Go BLUES!!!!

[Swedish Extrovert]

If he continues at this pace he will be GOAT

OBTW... the reason the US sucks at Association Football itsn't because of lack of interest. Soccer is the most popular youth sport in the country... it's that the US doesn't develop the soccer talent that it has. If we put the time and resources into developing talent that early, we'd be on par with some of the world powerhouses.

Look at Messi and how he developed and also that 9-year old Argentinean kid that Real Madrid just signed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS6OKvVa94c

[JJG]

OBTW... the reason the US sucks at Association Football itsn't because of lack of interest. Soccer is the most popular youth sport in the country... it's that the US doesn't develop the soccer talent that it has. If we put the time and resources into developing talent that early, we'd be on par with some of the world powerhouses.

Look at Messi and how he developed and also that 9-year old Argentinean kid that Real Madrid just signed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS6OKvVa94c

First touch and ball control are what really separate most players at the higher levels and critical to the game of soccer. It seems these skills are not pushed early. The "good" players are usually good early on because they are more athletically gifted. When they no longer have such a large physical advantage, they have nothing to fall back on and get frustrated. They end up leaving for sports that better show their athletic abilities.

The second part is we just don't have the culture for it just yet. Yea, a lot of youth play, but there is not much national exposure to the higher levels of the game and it has very little exposure in most inner-cities. It's very hard to compete with other countries who have soccer academies scooping up and cultivating really young players. They have much better player development and coaching their entire lives.

Having said that, it is amazing how far we've come in the last 20 years.

[gyldenlove]

First touch and ball control are what really separate most players at the higher levels and critical to the game of soccer. It seems these skills are not pushed early. The "good" players are usually good early on because they are more athletically gifted. When they no longer have such a large physical advantage, they have nothing to fall back on and get frustrated. They end up leaving for sports that better show their athletic abilities.

The second part is we just don't have the culture for it just yet. Yea, a lot of youth play, but there is not much national exposure to the higher levels of the game and it has very little exposure in most inner-cities. It's very hard to compete with other countries who have soccer academies scooping up and cultivating really young players. They have much better player development and coaching their entire lives.

Having said that, it is amazing how far we've come in the last 20 years.

Player development is about funneling talented young athletes into situations where they recieve the best possible coaching as well as competition on their level.

In the States most good athletes at a young age end up in some form of high school sports program, basketball, baseball, football or track and field mostly with a few spilling into swimming.

[Dutch]

First touch and ball control are what really separate most players at the higher levels and critical to the game of soccer. It seems these skills are not pushed early. The "good" players are usually good early on because they are more athletically gifted. When they no longer have such a large physical advantage, they have nothing to fall back on and get frustrated. They end up leaving for sports that better show their athletic abilities.

The second part is we just don't have the culture for it just yet. Yea, a lot of youth play, but there is not much national exposure to the higher levels of the game and it has very little exposure in most inner-cities. It's very hard to compete with other countries who have soccer academies scooping up and cultivating really young players. They have much better player development and coaching their entire lives.

Having said that, it is amazing how far we've come in the last 20 years.


Try last 40. We are light years ahead of where we were even 15 years ago. It will come. Might be another 20 before it happens, but it will happen. For now, Europe and South America better enjoy it while it lasts. Once we reach that point, it will be all over but the crying from them. We have a pool of 300 million+ to draw from. It is inevitable. Better coaching. More people from soccer mad countries immigrating here all the time. More exposure than ever to the world game. It will happen in my lifetime.

[Swedish Extrovert]

First touch and ball control are what really separate most players at the higher levels and critical to the game of soccer. It seems these skills are not pushed early. The "good" players are usually good early on because they are more athletically gifted. When they no longer have such a large physical advantage, they have nothing to fall back on and get frustrated. They end up leaving for sports that better show their athletic abilities.


THe ball control thing is absolutely true. The US is fit and a very physically strong team, and would absolutely keep pace with the likes of Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands if they had any semblance of ball control. (We don't and probably never will.)


The second part is we just don't have the culture for it just yet. Yea, a lot of youth play, but there is not much national exposure to the higher levels of the game and it has very little exposure in most inner-cities.


This will snowball, but I doubt the US will ever have a major Association Football presence. That said, I think it can continue to develop and get up there almost to the level the NHL is at right now.


It's very hard to compete with other countries who have soccer academies scooping up and cultivating really young players. They have much better player development and coaching their entire lives.


That's my point :yayaya:

[Swedish Extrovert]

Anyone watch the MLS All-Stars beat Chelsea tonight? Or the Rapids beat Swansea City last night?

[WinningMatters]

I thought the MLS all star game was awesome. Pontius is going to be a stud for the USMNT in the upcoming years.

[Smiling Assassin27]

Japan beats Spain pretty badly in Olympic soccer. Really should've been worse than 1-0.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Japan beats Spain pretty badly in Olympic soccer. Really should've been worse than 1-0.

Not exactly spain's A team out there...or F team

[Smiling Assassin27]

Not exactly spain's A team out there...or F team

True that.

[Dutch]

I know, I know. We are back in On Season Mode, so move if need be.
Fantastic effort from our national team. I know it was only a friendly, but we've only manage one tie....one, in 75 years of playing in Mexico. Many rate the Azteca Stadium there as the toughest home pitch advantage in all of soccer. 7K+ ft above sea level, 100K+ a-hole fans (Tim Howard was getting hit in the eyes with green and red lazer pointers the whole game), and the halftime celebration of their Olympic Gold medal. Great defense, quality goal to win it, and Tim Howard stood on his head to protect the lead. Huge, huge win. Congrats to Klinsman and the team. I think he may be the guy to finally get our National Team to the next level. (God I hate the Mexican National team....like Raider hate the Mexican National team, this is sweeeeet!):strong:

[Doggcow]

Suck it Mexico

[Kid A]

****ing awesome. Howard playing out of his mind, a late goal stunning the Azteca crowd, 75 year curse against the arch-rival snapped...good stuff.

Friendlies or not, winning in Italy and now Mexico for the 1st times ever ain't a bad start for Klinsman.

[maven]

I know, I know. We are back in On Season Mode, so move if need be.
Fantastic effort from our national team. I know it was only a friendly, but we've only manage one tie....one, in 75 years of playing in Mexico. Many rate the Azteca Stadium there as the toughest home pitch advantage in all of soccer. 7K+ ft above sea level, 100K+ a-hole fans (Tim Howard was getting hit in the eyes with green and red lazer pointers the whole game), and the halftime celebration of their Olympic Gold medal. Great defense, quality goal to win it, and Tim Howard stood on his head to protect the lead. Huge, huge win. Congrats to Klinsman and the team. I think he may be the guy to finally get our National Team to the next level. (God I hate the Mexican National team....like Raider hate the Mexican National team, this is sweeeeet!):strong:

You puss. There's no need to move the thread.

Good write though. Mexico City elevation is tough along with the smog. Wonder how long the national team was there before the game. Anyway, good for the Americans. It's a big win. There should be absolutely no reason to not qualify for World Cup 2014.

[Swedish Extrovert]

DONT move this thread... the general NHL and NBA threads are on the main forum, so why not FIFA? If it's moved, it will die.

On that note, great game today against our neighbors to the south.

Also, I know Germany lost, but did anyone see the save by ter Stegen on the penalty on Messi? After I saw that, I thought Germany had a chance... but, I mean it was a lot of Germany's reserves vs. Argentina's A squad, soo...

Also, anyone following the premier league? What's the deal with van Persie right now?

[Dutch]

DONT move this thread... the general NHL and NBA threads are on the main forum, so why not FIFA? If it's moved, it will die.

On that note, great game today against our neighbors to the south.

Also, I know Germany lost, but did anyone see the save by ter Stegen on the penalty on Messi? After I saw that, I thought Germany had a chance... but, I mean it was a lot of Germany's reserves vs. Argentina's A squad, soo...

Also, anyone following the premier league? What's the deal with van Persie right now?

Man U. Just announced this evening.

[maven]

Also, anyone following the premier league? What's the deal with van Persie right now?

He's going to ManU

[Swedish Extrovert]

He's going to ManU

Yeah I know...

Why?

Is this a Kroenke being cheap sort of thing?

Unfortunately I have a feeling Christian Eriksen is going to end up at ManU, too.

[maven]

Yeah I know...

Why?

Is this a Kroenke being cheap sort of thing?

Unfortunately I have a feeling Christian Eriksen is going to end up at ManU, too.

He doesn't want to play for Arsenal. Personally, I think it's a good move for Arsenal to see him go.

I'm personally not a huge premiership fan, but I follow along.

[ludo21]

I like that a Mexican - American made the goal

[Swedish Extrovert]

Colorado Rapids sign Hendry Thomas from BPLs Wigan Athletic.

A defensive midfielder... wont help the Rapids overcome the inability to put teams away, but hopefully help stop all of the late goals allowed.

[s0phr0syne]

DONT move this thread... the general NHL and NBA threads are on the main forum, so why not FIFA? If it's moved, it will die.



They done did it. Really unfortunate that this thread get's moved to somewhere else. RIP Fifa thread.

[TheElusiveKyleOrton]

They done did it. Really unfortunate that this thread get's moved to somewhere else. RIP Fifa thread.

Don't really understand why.

Silly, stupid. But on the bright side, THE NBA THREAD WILL BE COMING SOON TO A MAIN FORUM NEAR YOU.

[Smiling Assassin27]

Frickin' spain takes their foot off the gas and france ties it with 3 seconds left in injury time in Spain. that stings a bit.

[ZachKC]

MLS Season starts soon. Preseason already underway.

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