Official World Cup, Champions League, Premiere League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A, MLS Thread

[maven]

Well, it's the offseason. Why not start a thread about it. Come post, talk, and flame away.

:yayaya:

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lf3ujpMJD71qdifheo1_500.gif

World Cup:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/index.html

Champions League:

http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/index.html

Barclays Premiere league standings:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables/_/league/eng.1/barclays-premier-league?cc=5901

German Bundesliga standings:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables/_/league/ger.1/german-bundesliga?cc=5901

La Liga standings:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables/_/league/esp.1/spanish-la-liga?cc=5901

Ligue 1 standings:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables/_/league/fra.1/french-ligue-1?cc=5901

Serie A standings:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables/_/league/ita.1/italian-serie-a?cc=5901

[maven]

Beckham to PSG? Expected to sign a deal soon.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1320998/david-beckham-to-sign-deal-with-paris-st.-germain,-reports-say?cc=5901

[maven]

Beckham to PSG? Expected to sign a deal soon.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1320998/david-beckham-to-sign-deal-with-paris-st.-germain,-reports-say?cc=5901

:sunshine:

[maven]

Nice contribution! And I will expect more!

Anyway, I like the signing of Beckham. He's still fit to play and could help PSG grab a title. At worst, sell some gear and make $$$. Excited to see him back! woohooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DBruleU]

I like Balotelli moving to Milan. I can't stand the lad, but Milan had to do something with their haul they received for Ibra and Thiago Silva last summer.

Balotelli gives them that huge Striker they missed with Ibra.

[maven]

I like Balotelli moving to Milan. I can't stand the lad, but Milan had to do something with their haul they received for Ibra and Thiago Silva last summer.

Balotelli gives them that huge Striker they missed with Ibra.

I like him. Adds flavor.

Good to see Milan spend some of the $$$ they received from the guys you mentioned. They are currently in 5th place so a move like this is good. Lots of games left.

[maven]

What do you guys all think about players like Drogba(former shanghai) and Sneijder playing in turkey, Hulk in russia, anelka in china(back to Juventus) etc? Seems to be more opportunities out there. Pretty cool.

[LetsGoBroncos]

So ready for the World Cup. I'm scared to death that the U.S. may not qualify, we look like garbage right now. I'm assuming we will lose @ Honduras and @ Mexico which are 2 out of our first 3 games. If that happens we will be in a position where we have to string some wins together right off the bat. I'll die if I wait 4 years and we don't even make it.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Beckham to PSG? Expected to sign a deal soon.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1320998/david-beckham-to-sign-deal-with-paris-st.-germain,-reports-say?cc=5901

:sunshine:

Beckham in the Eredivise?

Ajax or GTFO.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Whoops.... I was thinking PSV Eindhoven

[Requiem]

http://thenextasset.com/floorplan/jquery-mousewheel/images/netherlands-knvb-cup-i8.jpg

[Swedish Extrovert]

Hell yeah, Nederland

[Atwater His Ass]

I like Drogba signing with Galatasaray. He basically won the champion's league for Chelsea last season and will be a very impactful player for them. When he's in form, there's not a player in the world that can defend him with his combination of strength and skill.

[McDman]

I took work off Wednesday for the WCQ game!

How long before people come in calling soccer gay?

[SonOfLe-loLang]

So ready for the World Cup. I'm scared to death that the U.S. may not qualify, we look like garbage right now. I'm assuming we will lose @ Honduras and @ Mexico which are 2 out of our first 3 games. If that happens we will be in a position where we have to string some wins together right off the bat. I'll die if I wait 4 years and we don't even make it.

Yeah, i kind of have a feeling we might not either. We have a lot of interesting pieces and talent, but they just don't seem to go together. And there's some really intriguing young talent that probably hasnt developed enough yet.

[DBruleU]

I've all but lost interest in the USMNT. It's disappointing to me that they have not come further along then they have in the past decade. I like Klinnsman, but I'm not sure he will get it done.

I'll wait to see how they look the more we get in WCQ matches. I am pleased to see how well Altidore is doing in Holland.

[McDman]

Yeah, i kind of have a feeling we might not either. We have a lot of interesting pieces and talent, but they just don't seem to go together. And there's some really intriguing young talent that probably hasnt developed enough yet.

I still can't decide if I like Klinsy yet but I can't see us missing the WC. Even if we can't 4th we have two play in game.

[maven]

So ready for the World Cup. I'm scared to death that the U.S. may not qualify, we look like garbage right now. I'm assuming we will lose @ Honduras and @ Mexico which are 2 out of our first 3 games. If that happens we will be in a position where we have to string some wins together right off the bat. I'll die if I wait 4 years and we don't even make it.

I think they take the 1st game/draw. There is absolutely no excuses. They should qualify. If not, fire 'em all!

USA
Costa Rica
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Panama

Top 3 qualify. 4th place will likely play New Zealand to qualify for the World Cup.

Game time for those out there if you don't know.

February 6
4PM Eastern

[Atwater His Ass]

I've all but lost interest in the USMNT. It's disappointing to me that they have not come further along then they have in the past decade. I like Klinnsman, but I'm not sure he will get it done.

I'll wait to see how they look the more we get in WCQ matches. I am pleased to see how well Altidore is doing in Holland.

I'm in the same boat. However I will acknowledge that the talent pool for the US is pretty slim and there is practicaly no depth.

I guess that's what happens when the best athletes in the country focus on other sports, soccer gets the left overs.

[maven]

I like Drogba signing with Galatasaray. He basically won the champion's league for Chelsea last season and will be a very impactful player for them. When he's in form, there's not a player in the world that can defend him with his combination of strength and skill.

He carried that team. It's an interesting signing along with Sneijder. Two chances in the champions league this year and next. currently Galatasaray leads 5 pts.

[maven]

Ajax or GTFO.

Super Jews!

[Atwater His Ass]

Shanghai claims they will file a grievance with FIFA now to block the Drogba signing, citing that he is still under contract with them.

Apparantly Drogba wasn't getting paid, or only partially paid, then claimed Shanghai was in breach of contract, clearing the way for the galatasaray move.

lolChina

[elsid13]

Nice contribution! And I will expect more!

Anyway, I like the signing of Beckham. He's still fit to play and could help PSG grab a title. At worst, sell some gear and make $$$. Excited to see him back! woohooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Forget Beckham, the signing of Lucas is more important. PSG is really spending the money to become a elite club.

[McDman]

This thread seriously needs to get to the second page. Don't post massive pictures.

[elsid13]

Brek Shea moving to Stoke is also interesting. Shea needs that EPL experience and should help us on the national team.

[Requiem]

This thread seriously needs to get to the second page. Don't post massive pictures.

I will do it every page from now on -- probably even five times per page.

[maven]

Forget Beckham, the signing of Lucas is more important. PSG is really spending the money to become a elite club.

well duh...

But, I think this an excellent signing. It will help raise PSG awareness as a club, sell jerseys, etc. He still can and will play. PSG is spending like gangbusters.

Allez les bleus!

2014

:flower:

[maven]

Brek Shea moving to Stoke is also interesting. Shea needs that EPL experience and should help us on the national team.

He will get a chance to play and prove himself. It's a good move. He's still very young.

[maven]

I will do it every page from now on -- probably even five times per page.

We don't need to see a bunch of chokers on every page.

:~ohyah!:

[s0phr0syne]

Just watched the US Canada game on Espn3...not too much to take away from it that I could find.


I don't watch any MLS, so it was interesting to hear the hype about Gonzalez. Looks like there will be some good blocks at CB with Cameron, Gonzalez, and Goodson. What's with the US looking for a new left back (per commentary crew)? I thought fabian johnson had looked really good there

Looking forward to seeing the WCQ start off next week.

[McDman]

The US v. Canada game was the single most boring game I have ever watched. I just don't get why Jurgen puts certain people in positions they clearly don't belong. He insisted on playing Danny Williams at RM for so long and it made no sense.

Also, why put Gatt on the left side?

I really hope Shea can develop into a solid LM. We have some hope if Gatt can gain some field vision and play on the right. We'd have to fast, strong wingers. Both have a long way to go though.

[McDman]

The US v. Canada game was the single most boring game I have ever watched. I just don't get why Jurgen puts certain people in positions they clearly don't belong. He insisted on playing Danny Williams at RM for so long and it made no sense.

Also, why put Gatt on the left side?

I really hope Shea can develop into a solid LM. We have some hope if Gatt can gain some field vision and play on the right. We'd have to fast, strong wingers. Both have a long way to go though.

[McDman]

Also, here is to hoping Holden can heal up quickly.

[DBruleU]

The US v. Canada game was the single most boring game I have ever watched. I just don't get why Jurgen puts certain people in positions they clearly don't belong. He insisted on playing Danny Williams at RM for so long and it made no sense.

Also, why put Gatt on the left side?

I really hope Shea can develop into a solid LM. We have some hope if Gatt can gain some field vision and play on the right. We'd have to fast, strong wingers. Both have a long way to go though.

Yeah, that game sucked big time. Really no one of note playing in that game either.

I swear, the USSF has done a piss poor job developing players. We need to do what France does and just accept every high level talent from South America into the US and train them here. While we are at it, go to Africa and get the talent there before they go to France and Italy.

I'm starting to think the MLS should seriously look into changing their on season to match Europe. I know we have brutal winters, and it would be tough, but Europe has played in some pretty cold winters recently.

[Atwater His Ass]

The problem is the US doesn't have the infastructure to train and develop players like most all other countries in the world do. The investment required just isn't there currently. This was one of the main things Klinnsman wanted to change when he came on board. The MLS is modeled after American sports, with the draft, playoffs, etc., to keep interest in the American sporting public who just by and large doesn't understand promotion and relegation and I'm not sure MLS is a deep enough league to be ran in that fashion anyway.

MLS teams need to establish their own acadamies to develop young talent. Letting kids go through the current system and relying on colleges to develop them further will never achieve the results that people want. I know some MLS teams are doing this, but it needs to be a point of focus for the league to develop players for the national team, not colleges and youth club traveling teams.

About Shea...well I've never really been impressed by him. But I love seeing Americans pack up and head over to Europe. Anytime a young player can get some time in Europe is a great thing and to me is by far the best thing they can do to advance their game mentally and technically. Getting the experience of playing in the EPL and training with an EPL team will grow him quite a bit.

[elsid13]

Chelsea with all the talent they have and money should be so much better then they are. The Blues are playing like a mid level La Liga team.

[McDman]

My Magpies pulled off a huge one today. Sissoko looks like he is going to fill in very nicely for losing Ba.

[Mediator12]

The problem is the US doesn't have the infastructure to train and develop players like most all other countries in the world do. The investment required just isn't there currently. This was one of the main things Klinnsman wanted to change when he came on board. The MLS is modeled after American sports, with the draft, playoffs, etc., to keep interest in the American sporting public who just by and large doesn't understand promotion and relegation and I'm not sure MLS is a deep enough league to be ran in that fashion anyway.

MLS teams need to establish their own acadamies to develop young talent. Letting kids go through the current system and relying on colleges to develop them further will never achieve the results that people want. I know some MLS teams are doing this, but it needs to be a point of focus for the league to develop players for the national team, not colleges and youth club traveling teams.

About Shea...well I've never really been impressed by him. But I love seeing Americans pack up and head over to Europe. Anytime a young player can get some time in Europe is a great thing and to me is by far the best thing they can do to advance their game mentally and technically. Getting the experience of playing in the EPL and training with an EPL team will grow him quite a bit.

This!

MLS does have the developmental Academy attached to it, but that is the worst run pile of BS I have ever seen. I have friends who run the one in INDY with Carmel United SC. The structure is so freaking terrible for the players and PARENTS pay the costs to have their kids play, instead of the teams bringing the Kids into their academies like Europe.

The biggest problem with the USMNT, is we have third tier Athletes competing with other countries top level athletes. It means the US never has a chance to win the one v one battles across the field to make a difference. Hell, the USSF had the audacity to print T-shirts that said "outwork them" last year admitting they had no chance of beating them with talent, athleticism, and Skill. They appealed to the American sense of hard work, but for goodness sake don't embrace that as our redeeming trait!

As a multi-sport Coach, Soccer and Football, I see the difference in the level of athlete from 8 years old-high school playing the sports by a long shot. I also watch the "Semi-Pro" Baseball teams Like the Indiana Lids who produce Major League Prospects every year and have like 10 MLB's on active rosters. The level of commitment and the level of athlete that Football, Basketball, and Baseball youth sports have is far superior to the Elite Soccer athlete in this country.

That is where The US fails. It is a testament to the US that they can still compete at all with this failing. It is because they are tactically aware and proficient, plus they have ZERO superstars (yes Dempsey is the closest thing ever), and play a total team game that they can compete. Watch the skill level difference between the US and ANY other National team and you can see how technically deficient our best really are.

I still support them, but there are no longer any players there I played with professionally or against in the mens Open Cups. I had played with and against the Brian McBride, Claudio Reyna, Harke, Cobi Jones, Chris Klein etc. I also Coached Demarcus Beasely and others on the regional teams growing up. I have put four kids into MLS right now and Dozens into college soccer.

I still go to England and learn training methods from greats like Rene Meulensteen who is Manchester Uniteds Academy and first team technical director under Sir Alex Ferguson. What they do to develop athletes at a young age differs dramatically in scope with what Americans allow their young soccer players to do. The critical years are 7-12 years old and most Kids playing soccer are playing rec style with dad as a coach and learning all the ways NOT to play soccer. In fact, they get Zero effective technical development at all playing rec soccer.

So, I left coaching higher level kids and started working with this age group on purpose. I work almost exclusively with training the youngest the right way to play. We train 4 times as much as we play games. Parents just are not trained that kids need to practice and get 800-1000 touches on the ball as many days as possible versus winning a U8 rec game where their kid may get 40 touches if he is the best player on the field. They believe it is good if their kid scores 5 goals against kids who would rather not even be there, versus having their kid learn how to master the ball and be able to kick it more than 10 yards without using their toe with both feet.

Until the level of training matches that of countries abroad, where some of these poor kids do not have xbox, Ipads, or nintendo DS's and they play pickup soccer to pass the time, the US will continue to be good enough to compete, but Never close to being an Elite team internationally despite the stupid FIFA world rankings. They will be a team good enough to draw results against Mediocre competition, but never good enough to beat 3 elite teams in a row in an international competition.

[elsid13]

Yeah I never can see a La Masia style academy ever in the US.

[McDman]

This!

MLS does have the developmental Academy attached to it, but that is the worst run pile of BS I have ever seen. I have friends who run the one in INDY with Carmel United SC. The structure is so freaking terrible for the players and PARENTS pay the costs to have their kids play, instead of the teams bringing the Kids into their academies like Europe.

The biggest problem with the USMNT, is we have third tier Athletes competing with other countries top level athletes. It means the US never has a chance to win the one v one battles across the field to make a difference. Hell, the USSF had the audacity to print T-shirts that said "outwork them" last year admitting they had no chance of beating them with talent, athleticism, and Skill. They appealed to the American sense of hard work, but for goodness sake don't embrace that as our redeeming trait!

As a multi-sport Coach, Soccer and Football, I see the difference in the level of athlete from 8 years old-high school playing the sports by a long shot. I also watch the "Semi-Pro" Baseball teams Like the Indiana Lids who produce Major League Prospects every year and have like 10 MLB's on active rosters. The level of commitment and the level of athlete that Football, Basketball, and Baseball youth sports have is far superior to the Elite Soccer athlete in this country.

That is where The US fails. It is a testament to the US that they can still compete at all with this failing. It is because they are tactically aware and proficient, plus they have ZERO superstars (yes Dempsey is the closest thing ever), and play a total team game that they can compete. Watch the skill level difference between the US and ANY other National team and you can see how technically deficient our best really are.

I still support them, but there are no longer any players there I played with professionally or against in the mens Open Cups. I had played with and against the Brian McBride, Claudio Reyna, Harke, Cobi Jones, Chris Klein etc. I also Coached Demarcus Beasely and others on the regional teams growing up. I have put four kids into MLS right now and Dozens into college soccer.

I still go to England and learn training methods from greats like Rene Meulensteen who is Manchester Uniteds Academy and first team technical director under Sir Alex Ferguson. What they do to develop athletes at a young age differs dramatically in scope with what Americans allow their young soccer players to do. The critical years are 7-12 years old and most Kids playing soccer are playing rec style with dad as a coach and learning all the ways NOT to play soccer. In fact, they get Zero effective technical development at all playing rec soccer.

So, I left coaching higher level kids and started working with this age group on purpose. I work almost exclusively with training the youngest the right way to play. We train 4 times as much as we play games. Parents just are not trained that kids need to practice and get 800-1000 touches on the ball as many days as possible versus winning a U8 rec game where their kid may get 40 touches if he is the best player on the field. They believe it is good if their kid scores 5 goals against kids who would rather not even be there, versus having their kid learn how to master the ball and be able to kick it more than 10 yards without using their toe with both feet.

Until the level of training matches that of countries abroad, where some of these poor kids do not have xbox, Ipads, or nintendo DS's and they play pickup soccer to pass the time, the US will continue to be good enough to compete, but Never close to being an Elite team internationally despite the stupid FIFA world rankings. They will be a team good enough to draw results against Mediocre competition, but never good enough to beat 3 elite teams in a row in an international competition.

Good post.

I think soccer is going to get bigger and bigger here. Especially with all of the CTE stuff in football.

Along with restructuring, there needs to be some sort of inner city development as well. All of the ridiculous athletes that live in those areas play basketball.

[McDman]

http://m.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2013/02/Klinsmann-Names-24-Players-for-First-Final-Round-FIFA-World-Cup-Qualifier.aspx

New roster for Wednesday's game. No big surpises.

I think we do something like this. (I'm on my phone so I canmt make a good chart)


G: Howard
RB: Chandler
D: Cameron
D. Bocanegra
LB: Johnson
RM: Zusi
M: Bradley
DM: Jones (Maybe Williams here as Jones hasn't played recently)
LM: Johnson
F: Dempsey
S: Altidore. (I want to say Gomez bc Jurgen likes him a lot but Jozy has been in great form as of late)

[ludo21]

Gus Johnson to call World Cup games in 2018!

pretty sweet move by FOX

[maven]

US soccer kits leaked:

http://todosobrecamisetas.blogspot.com/2013/02/exclusive-nike-usa-centenary-home.html#more

[maven]

Article on Bob Bradley in Egypt:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130205/bob-bradley-egypt/

[McDman]

US soccer kits leaked:

http://todosobrecamisetas.blogspot.com/2013/02/exclusive-nike-usa-centenary-home.html#more

They look nice.

I took work off tomorrow for the game.

[maven]

They look nice.

I took work off tomorrow for the game.

Yah, also in the link are some other countries. Portugal looks awesome. The Dutch went back to red white blue(don't like).

I'll be watching as well. It's going to be a difficult qualifier, but I expect a win versus Honduras. We will see.

:sunshine:

[McDman]

Yah, also in the link are some other countries. Portugal looks awesome. The Dutch went back to red white blue(don't like).

I'll be watching as well. It's going to be a difficult qualifier, but I expect a win versus Honduras. We will see.

:sunshine:

I'm not expecting a win really. We have no speed or wing play with this roster. If they bunker down we have no weapons to beat that.

[maven]

bicycle kick. heh

1-1

UP the possession and get up another goal.

[Smiling Assassin27]

patented US defensive lapse and down we go...

[SonOfLe-loLang]

****in US

[s0phr0syne]

I guess McDman was right to be skeptical....I'm still shocked by how poor the performance looked.

No real convincing possession, and looked like could have been scored on 2 or 3 times in the opening 15 min.

[Mediator12]

This was just poor chemistry and terrible mentality. The US played like a B level college team and nonchalant when Honduras had the ball. When are we supposed to be better again? The 1998 team would have beaten the crap out of the US team tonight.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Plus it was like a gazillion degrees out there

[SonOfLe-loLang]

It'd help to have donovan back

[Atwater His Ass]

The US just isn't very good. The expectations for this team are way to high. The only reason we play in world cups is because our region is so weak; the US is not a top 32 team.

I mean, it's pretty bad when 4 of your best players are Germans that have no chance to play for Germany, and since their fathers are American servicemen, they take the opportunity to at least get consistent playing time at the international level and be a part of some world cups by joining the US instead.

When the US does get a real quality player (Rossi) who was raised in the states, he takes the chance to play for Italy instead. Can't say I blame him, it's just a reflection on how bad the US team really is and a nod to his exceptional skill level that he can actually play for a quality top international side.

Outside of Dempsey, Howard, and Bradley, the rest of the top 24 players are either not playing regular club football, or playing in 2nd/3rd tier leagues, or plodding away on sides that are fighting relegation or if lucky, mid table. These guys also generally aren't getting the experience of playing in the champions league; if they are lucky, maybe they get some europa league action every few years or so. That's just not a good place to be drawing the majority of your international players.

Look at Cameron for example, how horrible he played. At this level, you shouldn't be having to play a guy out of position at center back. You play guys out of position in midfield or forwards, and it's usually to get your absolute best 11 on the field, not because of a necessity from lack of depth and talent. Oneywu, who is supposed to be one of our better center backs, can't even get playing time at Malaga and isn't called up. Bocenegra plays for a 2nd tier Spanish side. Also he's our captain, but he can't crack the starting 11 to kick off world cup qualifying in an environment where his veteran leadership could have been utilized.

The team is just a mess and has been for awhile. They just don't have any real international talent outside a handful of players.

[maven]

The US just isn't very good. The expectations for this team are way to high. The only reason we play in world cups is because our region is so weak; the US is not a top 32 team.

I mean, it's pretty bad when 4 of your best players are Germans that have no chance to play for Germany, and since their fathers are American servicemen, they take the opportunity to at least get consistent playing time at the international level and be a part of some world cups by joining the US instead.

When the US does get a real quality player (Rossi) who was raised in the states, he takes the chance to play for Italy instead. Can't say I blame him, it's just a reflection on how bad the US team really is and a nod to his exceptional skill level that he can actually play for a quality top international side.

Outside of Dempsey, Howard, and Bradley, the rest of the top 24 players are either not playing regular club football, or playing in 2nd/3rd tier leagues, or plodding away on sides that are fighting relegation or if lucky, mid table. These guys also generally aren't getting the experience of playing in the champions league; if they are lucky, maybe they get some europa league action every few years or so. That's just not a good place to be drawing the majority of your international players.

Look at Cameron for example, how horrible he played. At this level, you shouldn't be having to play a guy out of position at center back. You play guys out of position in midfield or forwards, and it's usually to get your absolute best 11 on the field, not because of a necessity from lack of depth and talent. Oneywu, who is supposed to be one of our better center backs, can't even get playing time at Malaga and isn't called up. Bocenegra plays for a 2nd tier Spanish side. Also he's our captain, but he can't crack the starting 11 to kick off world cup qualifying in an environment where his veteran leadership could have been utilized.

The team is just a mess and has been for awhile. They just don't have any real international talent outside a handful of players.

Good post. Rossi was left off the 2010 team so that bit him in the ass. He's a traitor to the US!:giggle: The game should've ended in a draw. As mentioned, poor chemistry and no heart. And yes obviously throw in the lack of talent. The team should still qualify. They have to win the next game @home v Costa Rica by multiple goals if possible.

[maven]

http://i.imgur.com/DGyl4zg.jpg

[Smiling Assassin27]

man, how about jamaica drawing with mexico...

[ludo21]

man, how about jamaica drawing with mexico...

that is HUGE for US...

Got to win the Costa Rica game, and get some road draws.

[SleepingTiger]

The US just isn't very good. The expectations for this team are way to high. The only reason we play in world cups is because our region is so weak; the US is not a top 32 team.

Exactly, that is why I think the Eurocup is better. Many teams that will qualify for the world cup will not qualify for the Eurocup.


I mean, it's pretty bad when 4 of your best players are Germans that have no chance to play for Germany


To be fair, the German squad is loaded with talent. Many world cup players will not make the German squad.

When the US does get a real quality player (Rossi) who was raised in the states, he takes the chance to play for Italy instead. Can't say I blame him, it's just a reflection on how bad the US team really is and a nod to his exceptional skill level that he can actually play for a quality top international side.

he is a traitor. However, he trained mostly in Italy, so i can see why he decided on the Italy instead.

Outside of Dempsey, Howard, and Bradley, the rest of the top 24 players are either not playing regular club football, or playing in 2nd/3rd tier leagues, or plodding away on sides that are fighting relegation or if lucky, mid table. These guys also generally aren't getting the experience of playing in the champions league; if they are lucky, maybe they get some europa league action every few years or so. That's just not a good place to be drawing the majority of your international players.

I think Donovan has proved his worth at Everton. Jermain Jones is a good talent. We also have some very young players coming up.


The team is just a mess and has been for awhile. They just don't have any real international talent outside a handful of players.


I would give them a few more matches before calling it quits. You don't need a strong club players to be an effective world cup team. Look at the English and Dutch team. Incredible club players, but always under achieve. Yes, the Dutch team made the finals last world cup, but they might as well stay home during euro cup.

Also teams like Korea, Japan and several African teams always do well in the world cup without star club players.

[Atwater His Ass]

My point about the German born players and Rossi, is that the US cannot develop it's own players. The youth system is a joke and MLS doesn't do near enough to develop local talent in their each teams region. Running like the NFL is a good business move to keep the league afloat, but relying on college's to groom the youth will never work. It's already an uphill battle even getting young players interested past age 14 or so, having to compete with basketball, football, and baseball. So soccer is already at best, getting the third tier athletes. Having academies and offering those young prospects an education in addition to soccer training would give some of those families pause and consider signing them up for that in lieu of paying astronomical monies to charter their kids around on touring youth club teams in any sport.

I'm not "giving up" on this team over one game. The entire 18 months or so of Klinnsman's hiring has not worked out. One off's against Mexico and Italy doesn't constitute progress. I was a huge proponent of hiring him, especially seeing how he turned that German team around into a juggernaught, but it seems that he's the wrong coach with the wrong players to make it work.

I mean, it was never about just qualifying for the world cup. It was about making progress and being competitive once we get there. We've had decades of qualifying and then getting embarrassed, sans the 2002 cup where we got robbed against Germany.

As far as "less talented" teams from Africa and Asia...I would still argue that those players are among the absolute best athletes those countries have to offer. They are more talented then most of the US players and many of those teams had big names playing in top leagues on top clubs.

Lastly in regards to Donovan, he's obviously one of the best American players ever. But I still consider him somewhat of a disappointment for never breaking out of his comfort zone after in didn't work out in Germany when he was younger. One half season successful loan spell at Everton doesn't prove much, other than, perhaps he should have given it an honest shot years before in the EPL, which is obvioulsy a much better league for Americans to play in than the Bundesliga. I also thought the US never used him correctly, mostly isolating him out on a wing. He was the best player, you want him touching the ball. I've always argued they should have played him in the middle as a playmaker combining with Dempsey, getting them both as many touches as possible. When they did things like play Dempsey as a sole striker with Donovan on the left wing, it was hard to even watch that crap.

[McDman]

Sigh.

[SleepingTiger]

My point about the German born players and Rossi, is that the US cannot develop it's own players. The youth system is a joke and MLS doesn't do near enough to develop local talent in their each teams region.

I agree with you, but the European countries have been developing players for centuries now. Soccer in America is very much in its infancy. I want to point out that its the club teams that develop all these talents, not the national team itself. Look at Ajax, they hand select these kids at 10yrs old and develop them into the Sneiders and Van der Vaart. Then sell them off at a huge transfer fee to finance their youth program. MLS club teams don't have the expertise, the finance or the know how to run a program like that of Ajax.


I mean, it was never about just qualifying for the world cup. It was about making progress and being competitive once we get there. We've had decades of qualifying and then getting embarrassed, sans the 2002 cup where we got robbed against Germany.

I think you're asking for alot. We are not on a even playing field. Until America takes soccer seriously (top 3 sport), making it past the group stage is the best you can ask for.

As far as "less talented" teams from Africa and Asia...I would still argue that those players are among the absolute best athletes those countries have to offer. They are more talented then most of the US players and many of those teams had big names playing in top leagues on top clubs.

Again, they have one or two players on good club teams, but beyond that they are just like many of the American players playing for 2nd tier clubs.

Lastly in regards to Donovan, he's obviously one of the best American players ever. But I still consider him somewhat of a disappointment for never breaking out of his comfort zone after in didn't work out in Germany when he was younger. One half season successful loan spell at Everton doesn't prove much, other than, perhaps he should have given it an honest shot years before in the EPL, which is obvioulsy a much better league for Americans to play in than the Bundesliga.

No, I think he proved himself even if its for half the season in Everton. He made an impact on that team, the team knows it and the fans as well.

I also thought the US never used him correctly, mostly isolating him out on a wing. He was the best player, you want him touching the ball. I've always argued they should have played him in the middle as a playmaker combining with Dempsey, getting them both as many touches as possible. When they did things like play Dempsey as a sole striker with Donovan on the left wing, it was hard to even watch that crap.

I think they wanted Donovan in space so he can make runs and create. He is no Xavi or Iniesta where he can be a play maker in the middle.
Watching Dempsey as the sole striker is painful. But what will you do when you got guys like Demerit, Specter and Bornstein playing defense.

[Atwater His Ass]

We are in violent agreement over the lack of the US developing talent. Look at what England did just a couple of years ago, re-instituting the home grown rule in the EPL to help groom English players for the national side in a league that the FA felt was losing some of its focus. One of the pillars for MLS is to develop players for the national side, they just aren't doing a good job of it currently and it's partially the fault of how the league is ran, with a college draft like the NFL does. That encourages teams not to develop local talent and to just rely on colleges to do it. And the next 2 generations of young American talent doesn't look to promising either. It's going to be a long haul for the USMNT for awhile, espcially when you look over the border and see how much young talent Mexico has developed recently.

I will disagree that they don't know how to develop academies. The models from other countries are there to use, as you pointed out. The problem is the start up costs and that it will take a long time to see the returns, i.e., actually developing players takes years and commitment. But I feel this is a real must do for MLS. And they need to do it in a way that makes it attractive for families that maybe would normally push their kids to a different sport, but because of what the academy can offer their kids, they choose soccer instead. Soccer needs a competitve advantage to land these young athletes since the glamour appeal with other sports isn't a battle soccer will ever win in this country. It's obviously not like how a club like Ajax has every kid in the country dreaming to be a part of their youth system. American soccer has to develop its own advantages and play them to maximum effect to secure the kids.

American soccer under Klinsmann was supposed to be attractive, effective football. That was the deal, and why it took 5 years to get him. Understandbly, with the players he has, it's not really possible to play in a similiar style to a Spain or the shear talent of a Brazil. But he hasn't really changed the culture at all. In fact, at least under Bradley, we knew who we were and what we did. We sat back, ground out wins, counter attacked, stifled and out worked opponents. Now who knows? The regression is clear, and that is what is so disappointing.

Just consider this. In the first game of the hexagonal round, on the road, against a better team in CONCACAF, Klinsmann trots out a backline that has NEVER played in a match together before. Not once. Never. Given the circumstances, how is that acceptable?

[elsid13]

Interest ESPN piece on USA youth development problems

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/soccerusa/id/1009?cc=5901

[maven]

Helping the team to a 2-0 win over Marseille.

:yayaya:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/25/sports/soccer/david-beckham-lifts-paris-st-germain-over-marseille.html?_r=0

David Beckham celebrated his Paris St.-Germain debut by helping to create the second goal as first-place P.S.G. beat Marseille, 2-0, in Paris.

:thumbs:

[FantomForce]

Tomorrow 1 pm going to watch with my class Real Madrid vs Barcelona. Going to be fun if you want to come. Plus we will be filling out worksheets in Spanish about the condicional and verbos reflexivos. How much fun will this BE?????!!!!

[huh??]

I think soccer is going to get bigger and bigger here. Especially with all of the CTE stuff in football.

Along with restructuring, there needs to be some sort of inner city development as well. All of the ridiculous athletes that live in those areas play basketball.

I've noticed recently that there has been a much bigger push by ESPN, Sirius Radio and other outlets for more soccer exposure. It's likely to take a while to gain decent broad-spectrum acceptance, but I hope by then, there will be a more adequate development system in place. Imagine if all the inner-city kids that play a pick-up game of hoops after school did the same with a soccer ball.

*edit* Ha! Ha! I just basically quoted your statements, and reiterated them. I didn't get much sleep.

[maven]

Tomorrow 1 pm going to watch with my class Real Madrid vs Barcelona. Going to be fun if you want to come. Plus we will be filling out worksheets in Spanish about the condicional and verbos reflexivos. How much fun will this BE?????!!!!

Loss 1-3 today versus Real and down 0-2 in the Champions League. They do have La Liga pretty much won, but interesting none the less in regards to Barca.

[maven]

Beckham to start vs Marseille in the French cup!

^5

http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/live-coverage/week=23/index.html

http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/General/01/91/87/53/1918753_w1.jpg

[Atwater His Ass]

Watched Everton get absolutely rocked at home by Wigan in the FA Cup. lol.

[McDman]

Watched Everton get absolutely rocked at home by Wigan in the FA Cup. lol.

Tim Howard apparently has two broken bones in his back.

Shiiiiiiiiiiit!

[maven]

Tim Howard apparently has two broken bones in his back.

Shiiiiiiiiiiit!

wow really? He's going to miss at least a couple of qualifiers. His backup is the guy from Aston Villa right?

PSG looked awful versus Valencia the other day. They advance in the Champions League, but man it didn't look good. Anyone watch the manu Real Madrid game? Was that some BS or what with the red card.

[Atwater His Ass]

Guzan is the backup, but Friedel has been somewhat posturing for an international comeback over the last couple of days.

That red card was horrible. Completely changed the game. Although I don't question Ferguson much, I do question why he couldn't find a place for Rooney in that starting XI. I don't buy it was a tactical ommission what so ever. We'll see if he plays a role tomorrow in the cup against Chelsea.

Last comment on the united game though, I just hate negative tactics. You have the away goal advantage and are at home. Take the game to Madrid and just beat them. Really disappointing approach from United imo. I guess Chelsea won it doing that last season, and to their credit they beat Barcalona and Bayern along the way, but it sure makes for a dull game. Also, screw Italy. Just because.

Looking forward to the continued Bale show and watching Tottenham win Europa league.

[maven]

Guzan is the backup, but Friedel has been somewhat posturing for an international comeback over the last couple of days.

That red card was horrible. Completely changed the game. Although I don't question Ferguson much, I do question why he couldn't find a place for Rooney in that starting XI. I don't buy it was a tactical ommission what so ever. We'll see if he plays a role tomorrow in the cup against Chelsea.

Last comment on the united game though, I just hate negative tactics. You have the away goal advantage and are at home. Take the game to Madrid and just beat them. Really disappointing approach from United imo. I guess Chelsea won it doing that last season, and to their credit they beat Barcalona and Bayern along the way, but it sure makes for a dull game. Also, screw Italy. Just because.

Looking forward to the continued Bale show and watching Tottenham win Europa league.

Don't understand the Rooney snub. Why sit him? Coming in at the 70? some minute mark down 1-2. odd. And your right about the tactics. I don't like that style of play.

Drogba was superhuman for Chelsea last year during the champions league.

I have read that they are talking about the winner of the Europa league could get an auto qualifier for the champions league. I think that's a great idea.

[elsid13]

Don't understand the Rooney snub. Why sit him? Coming in at the 70? some minute mark down 1-2. odd. And your right about the tactics. I don't like that style of play.

Drogba was superhuman for Chelsea last year during the champions league.

I have read that they are talking about the winner of the Europa league could get an auto qualifier for the champions league. I think that's a great idea.

Evidently Rooney is on his way out. It should interesting to see who sir Alex goes after if that is true

[Atwater His Ass]

Anything of course is possible in club football. And with Rooney's staggering salary coupled with the fact that Ferguson is still upset about Rooney holding out a couple of years ago, I wouldn't be surprised to see him gone. If so however, United should have sold him last year when they would have gotten twice as much as they'll get this coming off-season. Not convinced Welbeck or Hernandez are suitable replacements though. Even with the fitness and commitment issues, I still think United would be crazy to get rid of him.

I'm not sure I see Rooney being a regular in top tier teams, such as Manchester City, Bayern, Madrid or Barcelona; they all just have too much talent to ensure regular playing time. There are few other teams that could afford his wage demands and I don't really see him playing for a 2nd tier club. So in effect, Rooney needs to be careful how he plays this, if United hasn't already made the decision.

If they do sell Rooney though, I don't think Ferguson will necessarily go after anyone significant. I think he see's Welbeck and Hernandez as serviceable with Van Pierse as the real "replacement". And don't forget they just signed Kagawa who can play in that deep role that Rooney plays best just behind the single striker. So although they may sign a marginal or younger replacement, they don't a one for one swap that can start from day 1.

[Atwater His Ass]

Rooney scored perhaps one of the worst defended free kicks I've ever seen. lolChelsea. Oh yeah, don't start John Terry either. David Luiz wut?

I guess Gus Johnson is ok, not my favorite, but he messes up the player names quite a bit. For example, he keeps getting Hernandez and Rooney mixed up. How is that even possible??? Pretty embarrassing. But this other yahoo they have on here is terrible. Not even going to bother finding out what his name is. He sounds like some dad trying to commentate on his kids game on a home DVD or something.

I much prefer when FSC just taps into the local announcers, i.e., the Martin Tylers of the world. Don't like it when they try to "Americanize" the callers, just always turns out bad since they are below par.

[elsid13]

I agree Gus Johnson doing EPL games just doesn't sound right.

BTW with amount of talent the Blues have on that team, why aren't they better??? There is something fundamentally wrong with that club.

[Atwater His Ass]

Roman Abramovich.

Doesn't matter the players you buy if you can't establish any sense of club stability. Di Matteo wins the champions league for him and his reward is to be fired during the next season.

[elsid13]

Roman Abramovich.

Doesn't matter the players you buy if you can't establish any sense of club stability. Di Matteo wins the champions league for him and his reward is to be fired during the next season.

He is the George Steinbrenner of EPL. Hazard really energized that team when he came on, he going to be very special soon.

[Atwater His Ass]

They definately have a ton of fire power with their attacking players. If they could be allowed to stabalize with a system and a manger for a few seasons, they could be really special.

[elsid13]

I still think they need a striker, Torres has lost it and Ba is alright. I could see them making a play for Cavani of Napoli. That would be scary.

[Atwater His Ass]

Would be hilarious if they bought Rooney. But he doesn't really fit well for their current sole striker approach.

Hey, but maybe they'll hire an non-interim manager and they'll change it up again. I use the term "non-interim" to mean at least 1 but no more than 2 full seasons in charge!

[Atwater His Ass]

Barcelona completly dismanteling AC Milan 4-0.....milan played like **** the entire match and couldn't even manage to defend AT ALL with reach in tackles and fouls all game....at least if that is your game plan, just execute it. More so when you're an Italian club and that style is in your DNA...

Hilarious, because all they needed to do was play a little bit positive and try to get a single goal which would have changed everything for them. For them to come out in that negative style, they deserved what they got and I was happy to see Barcelona take it to them and be successful while doing it.

Losing 4-0 while playing defensive counter-attacking football is a humiliation....why not, even after halftime, come out and attack and fight for the win? An away goal means so much...but they just wanted to grind it out, keep Barca from scoring and go for the eventual penalties. ****'em.

First time in the history of champions league a play a team came back to win the tie after losing the first leg 2-0.

[Muddled]

He is the George Steinbrenner of EPL. Hazard really energized that team when he came on, he going to be very special soon.

Pretty good at kicking ballboys too.

[McDman]

Even more good news. Fabian Johnson may miss both qualifiers now.

[elsid13]

Even more good news. Fabian Johnson may miss both qualifiers now.

We will see if US Soccer has done its job and got the depth a WC contender needs to be successful.

[maven]

He is the George Steinbrenner of EPL. Hazard really energized that team when he came on, he going to be very special soon.

He was special at Lille. I liked him a lot.

[maven]

Barcelona completly dismanteling AC Milan 4-0.....milan played like **** the entire match and couldn't even manage to defend AT ALL with reach in tackles and fouls all game....at least if that is your game plan, just execute it. More so when you're an Italian club and that style is in your DNA...

Hilarious, because all they needed to do was play a little bit positive and try to get a single goal which would have changed everything for them. For them to come out in that negative style, they deserved what they got and I was happy to see Barcelona take it to them and be successful while doing it.

Losing 4-0 while playing defensive counter-attacking football is a humiliation....why not, even after halftime, come out and attack and fight for the win? An away goal means so much...but they just wanted to grind it out, keep Barca from scoring and go for the eventual penalties. ****'em.

First time in the history of champions league a play a team came back to win the tie after losing the first leg 2-0.

Amazing performance!

[maven]

Bayern versus Arsenal.

Porto v Malaga

On soon.

[Atwater His Ass]

Arsenal played like crap, couldn't string any passes together. The best pass of the game was in the 3rd minute when Walcott setup Girourd. It was all down hill from there.

I always do enjoy watching a world class player in Robben who cannot use his right foot at all. I never understand how the defender ever falls for it when he cuts to his left foot. He does it EVERY TIME.

[spiralism]

Arsenal played like crap, couldn't string any passes together. The best pass of the game was in the 3rd minute when Walcott setup Girourd. It was all down hill from there.

I always do enjoy watching a world class player in Robben who cannot use his right foot at all. I never understand how the defender ever falls for it when he cuts to his left foot. He does it EVERY TIME.

Bayern were even worse. Looked so complacent tonight. Robben is a one trick pony yes. He's also a greedy **** who hides in the big matches (two missed 1v1s in world cup final, missed penalty last champs league final)

[maven]

Bayern were even worse. Looked so complacent tonight. Robben is a one trick pony yes. He's also a greedy **** who hides in the big matches (two missed 1v1s in world cup final, missed penalty last champs league final)

squeaked by on away goals. When he's off, he's ****ing off. And yah he hasn't been in form since 2010.

And Malaga?

[elsid13]

He was special at Lille. I liked him a lot.

I thought he was really good in Ligue 1, but I wanted to see how he played in EPL, which has better competition and more physical play.

[maven]

Quarter-final draw
Málaga CF (ESP) v Borussia Dortmund (GER)
Real Madrid CF (ESP) v Galatasaray AŞ (TUR)
Paris Saint-Germain FC (FRA) v FC Barcelona (ESP)
FC Bayern München (GER) v Juventus (ITA)

Ties take place on 2/3 and 9/10 April.

[maven]

Some nice match ups. Ughhh, didn't want to see PSG draw Barca. Juve and Bayern should be a heck of a match.

[maven]

Quarter-finals (4 & 11 April)*
Chelsea FC (ENG) v FC Rubin Kazan (RUS)
Tottenham Hotspur FC (ENG) v FC Basel 1893 (SUI)
Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) v S.S. Lazio (ITA)
SL Benfica (POR) v Newcastle United FC (ENG)

* All games kick off at 21.05CET except the Rubin v Chelsea second leg, which begins at 18.00CET

[SleepingTiger]

whois going to the WC qualifier tonight? seats are fairly affordable, i would go if i was in Denver.

[gyldenlove]

Denmark just pummelled the Czech Republic 3-0 in the qualifier.

[Swedish Extrovert]

I like soccer in the winter weather.

[McDman]

Wild game. We have to keep the pressure up.

[elsid13]

I wonder if they let this game go to full time.

[Heyneck]

Colombia is kicking ass towards the World Cup!!! We haven't had a team this good in about a decade. A Great Manager makes all the difference in the world.

[ludo21]

Azteca tonight.... a draw would be amazing.

Go TEAM USA!

[McDman]

A draw would be very nice. A win would be orgasmic.

[Conklin]

USA, that is all

[theAPAOps5]

Only in Soccer is a 0-0 tie a good thing! Good defensive effort by the US!

[McDman]

Very awesome result.

[SleepingTiger]

i guess Klinsman does know what he is doing. Beesler and Omar did a very good job on Chicharito (sp). I feel bad for Beasley as he was getting raped all night. It is unfair to have him play LB though as he is a natural winger.

Very disappointed to see Altidore being pulled at the 55 minute mark. So in goes Eddie Johnson and he had a total of 2 touches. I have to give it up to Klinsman again. If it was Bradley, he would of pulled Altidore and put in a Beckerman or another defender. Klinsman had enough balls to sub in one fwd and put another one in to keep some pressure on the Mexicans. I guess he saw something Altidore did and pulled him.

On the two controversial non penalty calls. The first one Chicharito acted like he was Atwatered in the back. Damn guy went flying, deserves a freaking 10 for that dive.
The second one, Edu should of gotten a yellow with a penalty for the Mexicans.

Speaking of, Edu sucks! how many times did this guy loose the ball right outside the penalty box with his stroll in the park dribbling. We need Jones back!

Overall, a win for the US and another heartbreaker for the Mexicans. Clearly the Mexican squad is very talented. We need Donovan back to make the next match more competitive.

[Kid A]

Besler is a kid from my hometown, basically down the street from me (didn't know him, but still), so it has been fun seeing him rise in his MLS career and now hold up well on the international stage.

Dodged a bullet on the non-penalty / Mexico remaining snakebit on their finishing. But we're a long long way from a time when we can nitpick a draw in Azteca. About as good a four day stretch for US soccer as they could have hoped given the circumstance, can approach the rest of the Hex with renewed confidence, swagger and, hopefully, health.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Got a little fortunate, but we'll take it

[srphoenix]

I dont normally get into soccer, but this was a fun game to watch. It's too bad the header we had go in early into the game got called off. It didn't look like a foul to me, but then neither did 80% of the plays that were called. I guess I'm just use to sports where you don't go down unless you've really been forced down.

Go USA!

[Mediator12]

Tremendous result, and a lot more confidence in possession. Some, not good, like Edu on top of his penalty area as was mentioned earlier. Some terrific to relieve the pressure and penetrate a porous midfield like Bradley's almost chance in the first half.

What still concerns me going forward is the outside channel defense. Mexico was able to continually win the 1v1 out there and they were extremely fortunate to not connect on multiple opportunities. I was real proud of Demarcus, who I coached at camp when he was little, as he played as well as he could with an early yellow. However, he needed a lot more help and Zusi was constantly struggling with his positioning on the other side.

The US deserved that result, but more so Mexico playing poorly and not cohesive in the final third. I hope they adjust their outside defense, but overall it was a quality result in a terribly difficult place to get one.

[McDman]

Tremendous result, and a lot more confidence in possession. Some, not good, like Edu on top of his penalty area as was mentioned earlier. Some terrific to relieve the pressure and penetrate a porous midfield like Bradley's almost chance in the first half.

What still concerns me going forward is the outside channel defense. Mexico was able to continually win the 1v1 out there and they were extremely fortunate to not connect on multiple opportunities. I was real proud of Demarcus, who I coached at camp when he was little, as he played as well as he could with an early yellow. However, he needed a lot more help and Zusi was constantly struggling with his positioning on the other side.

The US deserved that result, but more so Mexico playing poorly and not cohesive in the final third. I hope they adjust their outside defense, but overall it was a quality result in a terribly difficult place to get one.

I thought Beasley did really well cinsidering he isn't a left back. Biggest thing of the night was seeing Gonzalez clean up. If he can play like that all of the time we will have a huge lift.

I really hope Donovan comes back and Johnson gets healhty.

[Atwater His Ass]

US played well in the 1st half, with some controlling posession. Got completely dominated in the 2nd half. Good effort though.

Mexico was great in space and on the ball, but couldn't get the final pass in. Guzan only had to make one key save the whole game, in spite of Mexico dominating the match.

[Kid A]

Bayern. Good lord. Benefit of a couple no-calls, but still, they looked 4 goals better than Barca. Here's hoping Dortmund can make it an all Bundesliga final.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2521661/crazymunich.gif

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2521781/sourgrapesbarcelona.gif

[Swedish Extrovert]

NOT reading posts OR checking the news, because I have to watch replay of the Bayern/FC Barcelona game... so I'm out of the loop.

Bayern/Barca was the semi right?

That means there are two others.... can someone PM me who the other two are in the semi without revealing any scores... I think it's down to four teams - Barca, Bayern and two others... I just want to know who the two others are and when they play.

[maven]

NOT reading posts OR checking the news, because I have to watch replay of the Bayern/FC Barcelona game... so I'm out of the loop.

Bayern/Barca was the semi right?

That means there are two others.... can someone PM me who the other two are in the semi without revealing any scores... I think it's down to four teams - Barca, Bayern and two others... I just want to know who the two others are and when they play.

The game is on in a couple of hours.

Dortmund vs Real Madrid

[maven]

Bayern. Good lord. Benefit of a couple no-calls, but still, they looked 4 goals better than Barca. Here's hoping Dortmund can make it an all Bundesliga final.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2521661/crazymunich.gif


Barca knocked out PSG(sad, lost on away goals which i h8), and well i'm tired of those Barca ****s. They got f'n throttled by Bayern yesterday.:thumbs:

[Kid A]

Lewandowski with a hat trick 55 minutes in.

[Kid A]

Make that 4 for Lewandowski (on a penalty).

So far this week: Bundesliga 8 - La Liga 1

[Smiling Assassin27]

Germany 8
Spain 1

Bayern can't be stopped.

[elsid13]

Looks like it is going to be Bundesliga final in London.

[Swedish Extrovert]

K... I'm all caught up... thanks to everyone who PMed me about the times.

I'm glad you did because I really wasn't expecting TWO Bundesliga blowouts.

Huge mistake for Barca by playing Messi. He looked like he was at about 35 percent out there.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Barca knocked out PSG(sad, lost on away goals which i h8), and well i'm tired of those Barca ****s. They got f'n throttled by Bayern yesterday.:thumbs:

It was close, though... PSG almost pushed through and they probably should have.

[spiralism]

I kinda felt Barca had it coming, they'd been pushing their luck...but i didn't for the life of me think Mourinho's Real would get pasted like they did tonight. More locker room quarrels is the rumour, that team is more dysfunctional with their coaching staffs over the years than the Raiders in Al Davis's latter years.

[Swedish Extrovert]

LOL Bayern 7-0 over Barcelona on aggregate.... didn't see that one coming.

[gyldenlove]

LOL Bayern 7-0 over Barcelona on aggregate.... didn't see that one coming.

That Bayern team is very very good. They have been absolutely dominating the Bundesliga this year.

[Kid A]

Sad, sad Messi in a puffy coat.

http://media.tumblr.com/a2793e6027b3108d08bb59a745515f47/tumblr_mm51vetuNq1re1qw1o1_500.png

On to Bayern vs a bunch of players who will be on Bayern next year.

[socalorado]

Sad, sad Messi in a puffy coat.

http://media.tumblr.com/a2793e6027b3108d08bb59a745515f47/tumblr_mm51vetuNq1re1qw1o1_500.png

On to Bayern vs a bunch of players who will be on Bayern next year.

Question.
I heard this clown, whos never scored a World Cup goal, and who's constantly called the best, just decided he didnt want to play in this game.
Is this true, and that he just played in a league game, not a few days ago and just up and decided he didnt want to play in this game, and used the injury excuse as his reason why?
I honestly dont know, i dont follow this stuff, but i was wondering.

[SlyEli]

Question.
I heard this clown, whos never scored a World Cup goal, and who's constantly called the best, just decided he didnt want to play in this game.
Is this true, and that he just played in a league game, not a few days ago and just up and decided he didnt want to play in this game, and used the injury excuse as his reason why?
I honestly dont know, i dont follow this stuff, but i was wondering.

messi has never scored a world cup goal? riiiighttt...

[socalorado]

messi has never scored a world cup goal? riiiighttt...

I dont follow soccer, but i heard this no talent ass clown has never scored a goal in a World Cup, yet hes supposed to be this incredible player.
So i spent all of 15 seconds of my life (i want them back) checking,
He actually scored 1 goal against Serbia and Montenegro, who are a powerhouse in soccer, in the 2006 WC after Argentina were winning 5-0 in garbage time. So yeah i see why folks say hes never scored a WC goal.

My question stands though. Did this bert and ernie lookin clown just vagina- out on playing in the game yesterday, or was he legitimately injured?

[maven]

I dont follow soccer, but i heard this no talent ass clown has never scored a goal in a World Cup, yet hes supposed to be this incredible player.
So i spent all of 15 seconds of my life (i want them back) checking,
He actually scored 1 goal against Serbia and Montenegro, who are a powerhouse in soccer, in the 2006 WC after Argentina were winning 5-0 in garbage time. So yeah i see why folks say hes never scored a WC goal.

My question stands though. Did this bert and ernie lookin clown just vagina- out on playing in the game yesterday, or was he legitimately injured?

He's injured. In the second match versus PSG he couldn't play. PSG went up on aggregate, he finally subbed in around the 60th minute, provided a huge spark to the team, and they scored a goal to advance in the Champions League. He didn't do much out there because of his hamstring, but provided a lift. Barca's offense revolves around him, and without him they flat out suck. He's basically running around with 1 leg out there. No Messi, no Barca.

[maven]

I kinda felt Barca had it coming, they'd been pushing their luck...but i didn't for the life of me think Mourinho's Real would get pasted like they did tonight. More locker room quarrels is the rumour, that team is more dysfunctional with their coaching staffs over the years than the Raiders in Al Davis's latter years.

Mourinho will head back to EPL.

[socalorado]

He's injured. In the second match versus PSG he couldn't play. PSG went up on aggregate, he finally subbed in around the 60th minute, provided a huge spark to the team, and they scored a goal to advance in the Champions League. He didn't do much out there because of his hamstring, but provided a lift. Barca's offense revolves around him, and without him they flat out suck. He's basically running around with 1 leg out there. No Messi, no Barca.

Thank you. Thats what i wanted to know.

[maven]

Germany 8
Spain 1

Bayern can't be stopped.

Thats funny. I do expect Germany to win the WC next year.

[maven]

On to Bayern vs a bunch of players who will be on Bayern next year.

That's the crazy part.

[elsid13]

Question.
I heard this clown, whos never scored a World Cup goal, and who's constantly called the best, just decided he didnt want to play in this game.
Is this true, and that he just played in a league game, not a few days ago and just up and decided he didnt want to play in this game, and used the injury excuse as his reason why?
I honestly dont know, i dont follow this stuff, but i was wondering.

I would never call Messi a clown, he is amazing player and if his hamstring would let him I would have bet he would have played.

[elsid13]

Mourinho will head back to EPL.

Chelsea he here come

[elsid13]

That's the crazy part.

It kinda sad that Dortmund is about its best Midfielder(Götze) and maybe their best striker(Lewandowski) to them.

[spiralism]

Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has announced his retirement after the end of the season, ending a 26 year reign at the club. Holy ****. :(

[maven]

Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has announced his retirement after the end of the season, ending a 26 year reign at the club. Holy ****. :(

Can't coach 4ever. Props to him.

Moyes is in now.

[maven]

It kinda sad that Dortmund is about its best Midfielder(Götze) and maybe their best striker(Lewandowski) to them.

It is. Dortmund on an amazing run, then what after this? Back to being a little fish again in a big ocean.

[Swedish Extrovert]

I just recently started following MLS... and I was wondering if there is always this much turnaround.

It seem like for the last three years, the Rapids have changed about 9 of their 11 starters every offseason.

The only Rapids still in the starting 11 from when I started following them (in mid 2010) are Drew Moor and Jamie Smith.

[spiralism]

It is. Dortmund on an amazing run, then what after this? Back to being a little fish again in a big ocean.

Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Eriksen are supposedly coming in as replacements though, they'll be alright if that's the case.

[Swedish Extrovert]

I'm going to be pissed when Eriksen leaves Ajax.

That's what I don't like about world football: there are good teams, playing in average leagues (Ajax in the Eredivisie), that will never be able to pull off a champions cup because the top players they develop always end up playing elsewhere. (See Van Persie, Robin; Sneijder, Wesley; and Robben, Arjen). And more recently, Gregory van der Wiel.

Ajax would be a pretty dominant team if they played in the same league as BPL/Bundesliga teams.

Hup Holland!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/79/Ajax_Amsterdam.svg/200px-Ajax_Amsterdam.svg.png
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/284335_10150261433744288_3880272_n.jpg

/rant

[Swedish Extrovert]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sd38KUjmOho" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[spiralism]

I'm going to be pissed when Eriksen leaves Ajax.

That's what I don't like about world football: there are good teams, playing in average leagues (Ajax in the Eredivisie), that will never be able to pull off a champions cup because the top players they develop always end up playing elsewhere. (See Van Persie, Robin; Sneijder, Wesley; and Robben, Arjen). And more recently, Gregory van der Wiel.

Ajax would be a pretty dominant team if they played in the same league as BPL/Bundesliga teams.

Hup Holland!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/79/Ajax_Amsterdam.svg/200px-Ajax_Amsterdam.svg.png
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/284335_10150261433744288_3880272_n.jpg

/rant

What match was that? Hup Holland indeed, love Amsterdam!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/8106_559209440768120_205999255_n.jpg

[SonOfLe-loLang]

I'm going to be pissed when Eriksen leaves Ajax.

That's what I don't like about world football: there are good teams, playing in average leagues (Ajax in the Eredivisie), that will never be able to pull off a champions cup because the top players they develop always end up playing elsewhere. (See Van Persie, Robin; Sneijder, Wesley; and Robben, Arjen). And more recently, Gregory van der Wiel.

Ajax would be a pretty dominant team if they played in the same league as BPL/Bundesliga teams.

Hup Holland!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/79/Ajax_Amsterdam.svg/200px-Ajax_Amsterdam.svg.png
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/284335_10150261433744288_3880272_n.jpg

/rant

I'm still sore over holland losing the World Cup, and with it, a lot of money for me. I wonder how often Robben replays that wide shot in his mind! But I do love Amsterdam...what an amazing city.

[gyldenlove]

Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Eriksen are supposedly coming in as replacements though, they'll be alright if that's the case.

Eriksen should stay another 2 years in ajax, he is not ready for prime time in a top league yet. 2 more years, then he will be primed for taking over a top squad in Spain, England, Italy or Germany.

[Swedish Extrovert]

What match was that? Hup Holland indeed, love Amsterdam!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/8106_559209440768120_205999255_n.jpg

Amsterdam arenA... sometime in September/Octoberish.... Netherlands vs. Holland in the 2012 EUEFA cup qualifier.

Holland 4, Sweden 1...
(Sorry the video is in Dutch)
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gqr4ZyD_Dlw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I'm Swedish, so yeah I like Sweden too. But I've lived in the Netherlands.

[Swedish Extrovert]

I'm still sore over holland losing the World Cup, and with it, a lot of money for me. I wonder how often Robben replays that wide shot in his mind! But I do love Amsterdam...what an amazing city.

Beautiful, indeed... and the best place to study abroad.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Anyone watch Copa Del Rey this year? It seems like any time Real Madrid gets involved in a big match, it just becomes a real slugfest... the manager gets ejected, as well as Christiano Ronaldo for that kick to Gabi Fernandez's face.

I freaking hate Real Madrid.

[maven]

I'm still sore over holland losing the World Cup, and with it, a lot of money for me. I wonder how often Robben replays that wide shot in his mind! But I do love Amsterdam...what an amazing city.

what's up with you? Why would you take the dutch over espana that game? Spaniards were rolling leading up to the WC, and it was their destiny to finally win one.

The dam? Young eastern euro hookers, excellent booze, and all the vices any man could want. Excellent city and very unique amongst the world.

[maven]

Anyone watch Copa Del Rey this year? It seems like any time Real Madrid gets involved in a big match, it just becomes a real slugfest... the manager gets ejected, as well as Christiano Ronaldo for that kick to Gabi Fernandez's face.

I freaking hate Real Madrid.

No <3 for the Royals? :giggle:

Atletico takes the Copa.

Ancelotti has asked to leave PSG to join Real Madrid.