International Soccer Thread...

[Joseph Zarr]

On 3/24/2022 at 9:24 PM, Cool Hand Lucroy said:

Draw, okay.

But man. That game was right there. Cue the defiant, gloating Triple G presser while we shake our heads at the unwillingness to press and really showcase the most talented generation of players in US history.

 

 

Indeed. AND, in fairness, Pulisic has to finish that first half chance. And, well, that 2nd half attempt by (insert big striker's name here) has to at least go on target. What the heck was that shank? LOL. 

[OldHeidelberg]

No help from El Salvador and Canada now in great shape to lay down in the last game in Panama to burn us. Have to get it done tonight.

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

What a half from the US.  Could be the best I've ever seen (maybe save for the second half of the 2010 WC vs. Slovenia--with VAR, that would've been a 3-2 win instead of a 2-2 draw).

We won't get that Q in the official standings, but anything but a 5 goal loss (6 if they can grab one more) in San Jose clinches it. 

 

[OldHeidelberg]

We didn't have to sweat out that one too long, fun win and a Pulisic hat trick. That should do it, would still love a win in San Jose.

[Samurai Bucky]

That's more like it.  LFG!

[Joseph Zarr]

A pretty incredible overall performance given the quantity of injuries and unavailable(s). The weird thing is, that type of Output is what you can see in the overall talent pool of this Squad. BUT, they so rarely put it all together. We can only hope it's a sign of things to come.

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

African qualifiers today we're wild. Cameroon scored with the final kick to advance on away goals. Senegal beat Egypt in a controversial penalty shootout with laser pointers all over the place....soccer is a crazy game, unrivaled for emotion, shenanigans, and excitement.

[stoutdude04]

The laser pointers were a joke. Hated seeing that.

[Samurai Bucky]

14 hours ago, Cool Hand Lucroy said:

African qualifiers today we're wild. Cameroon scored with the final kick to advance on away goals. Senegal beat Egypt in a controversial penalty shootout with laser pointers all over the place....soccer is a crazy game, unrivaled for emotion, shenanigans, and excitement.

It is interesting how many people I know say, "Soccer is boring."  I got roped into coaching it when my kids were younger and became a student of the game.

Then you get other people saying how, "Baseball is boring."  Perhaps soccer isn't as boring as some people think.  When I watch UEFA Champions League or World Cup qualifiers, the fans are akin to the student section at Camp Randall.  It is also cool at the World Cup Qualifiers how you can hear the fans sing their national anthem.  Too bad that doesn't happen in the US.

[madbad2000]

10 hours ago, Samurai Bucky said:

It is interesting how many people I know say, "Soccer is boring."  I got roped into coaching it when my kids were younger and became a student of the game.

Then you get other people saying how, "Baseball is boring."  Perhaps soccer isn't as boring as some people think.  When I watch UEFA Champions League or World Cup qualifiers, the fans are akin to the student section at Camp Randall.  It is also cool at the World Cup Qualifiers how you can hear the fans sing their national anthem.  Too bad that doesn't happen in the US.

Soccer can absolutley be boring.  Baseball can as well.  There is also a big difference between normal league games vs World Cup matches/Champions League/Major Rivalries of Super Teams.  The level of fan excitement is great to see and the level of play usually peaks similar to playoff level of other sports.  It's also unique to see the level of Nationalism that takes place in soccer.  I married into a German family, so anytime Die Mannschaft are going it becomes a major discussion in the family.  The problem I have is that soccer is built to keep games close which leads to many issues such as the importance of a random bounce or penalty.  My theory is that by keeping games close, it creates an atmosphere where fans of both sides are on the edge of their seats and into the match because at any moment one play can win/lose it for you.  It also helps mask the huge disparity between the have and have nots (Super teams, super countries, etc).  Makes it feel like you at least have a shot no matter who you are or creates small "wins."  When Watford draws Manchester United (Feb 26th), Man U fans are mostly meh and Watford fans will be happy they held their own even though they are still staring down relegation.   I hate the offsides rule with a passion and would probably watch more soccer if it was gone.  I hate that flopping is universally loathed and mocked yet it still gets called way too much and it can be a viable strategy or turn the tide of a match.  I also hate the substitution rules.

I think the US is not huge on soccer because of the many options that are available.  Professionally it competes against the NFL, MLB, NHl, NBA, College Football and probably even College Basketball.  That is not only for viewership, but also for talent.  Looking at a lot of other countries, they don't have near the professional options for competition for viewership or salary.  Could soccer work here?  Probably.  I'd pay more attention to it over the NBA for sure.  It's also hard to argue for players going overseas for major money vs staying here and dominating MLS.  I would assume that basketball fans in Europe probably hate seeing their major stars come to the NBA and cash their 9 figure checks instead of staying back in Greece or Lithuania.

[Joseph Zarr]

I think it's fair to say backing into that 3rd spot in CONCACAF with a 2-0 loss on the road to the Ticos is about as USMNT as it gets. Here's hoping they get healthy and find a stretch of inspired attacking soccer despite their HC and unimaginative leadership. 

[Jimbo]

I said it upthread and will say it here, the draw against MEX was the difference.

 

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

Draw Friday. Will be interesting to see what the groups look like. Big for the US to get pot 2, as that'll keep them away from Germany and the Netherlands.

This USMNT is still all potential. I hope it gets fulfilled as we get into November. The team can make a run, that's for sure. 

[Joseph Zarr]

35 minutes ago, Cool Hand Lucroy said:

Draw Friday. Will be interesting to see what the groups look like. Big for the US to get pot 2, as that'll keep them away from Germany and the Netherlands.

This USMNT is still all potential. I hope it gets fulfilled as we get into November. The team can make a run, that's for sure. 

Absolutely and indeed. I'm looking forward to a Qatar, USA, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia group myself. That would be just swell for the young lads. What I find somewhat fascinating in the FIFA process is the seeding of your Finish in the respective Qualifiers really means relative squat whereas your overall play in Friendlies; previous World Cups; and tournaments clearly is dictating your global ranking and, hence, truly dictating your Pot ranking. I have absolutely zero idea how we are ranked one slot beneath Mexico, at present, given we beat them in 2 straight tourney Finals; tied them in Azteca; and they are generally a mild trainwreck at present. Anywho, onward and upward.

 

As a sidebar: I still can't believe Italy misses its 2nd tourney in a row. I never thought I'd see the day. Truly.

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

And Canada end up in Pot 4 as the clear class of CONCACAF. I seem to remember the US missing out on a top seed in a previous year (14, maybe?), so I'll take the upper half position this time.

I look forward to seeing the US and Ghana in the same group again ?.

I do think we'll end up with a decent draw for some reason. Here's hoping.

 

[Samurai Bucky]

Is it me, or does the World Cup Mascot look like Krillen from Dragonball Z?

It is probably just me...

[Samurai Bucky]

England

US

Iran

Scotland / Wales / Ukraine

Should be fun.

[Joseph Zarr]

Yuppers. That's an entertaining group. Competitive for sure and, well, not overwhelming. That is a Group the USMNT should look at knowing they can move into the next Stage of the Competition if they play up to their potential. At first glance, Canada has a very tough group but what I find most interesting is there doesn't appear to be a true 'Group of Death' in this overall Draw. Several competitive groups but, even with Spain and Germany in the same group, one can say the overall competitiveness was spread pretty fairly which is quite awesome as a soccer fan.

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

5 hours ago, Julio Muchacho said:

Yuppers. That's an entertaining group. Competitive for sure and, well, not overwhelming. That is a Group the USMNT should look at knowing they can move into the next Stage of the Competition if they play up to their potential. At first glance, Canada has a very tough group but what I find most interesting is there doesn't appear to be a true 'Group of Death' in this overall Draw. Several competitive groups but, even with Spain and Germany in the same group, one can say the overall competitiveness was spread pretty fairly which is quite awesome as a soccer fan.

?

[young guns]

Is that a blanket with a head?

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

Wondered if we wanted to change the thread title to just "Soccer Thread" or something? Was thinking of starting a separate one for club and UEFA discussion, but maybe it's best to just post that here anyway.

Really enjoyed Chelsea/Real Madrid yesterday. I thought Chelsea was going to pull off the stunner down 2 on aggregate, but Benzema just too much.

I've been following Newcastle for a few years now, and they've been playing well lately. Should stave off relegation and then spend some big money, though I feel pretty crappy about the new ownership group in other ways. Still, looking forward to a fun Premier League build-up with an earlier start and a great title race to end the year. Would like to see Liverpool pull it off.

[FVBrewerFan]

Crazy how close Everton is to relegation.  City/Liverpool will be battling for the league title, playing each other this weekend in the FA Cup semis, and could potentially face off in the Champions League final.  

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

On 4/15/2022 at 1:53 PM, FVBrewerFan said:

Crazy how close Everton is to relegation.  City/Liverpool will be battling for the league title, playing each other this weekend in the FA Cup semis, and could potentially face off in the Champions League final.  

Everton's righted the ship a bit, but yeah. Every point is still vital for them, and it was really touch-and-go for a minute there. They may be right back in the thick of it if they can't grab something from their match today.

Liverpool look like the best side in the Premier to me by a a little ways. City is banged-up, and I'm surprised the Reds are an underdog to win the league. I know the schedule is tougher, and they'll have to spend energy on the FA Cup, so you know. Long way to go, I guess, but man. They look sharp.