Real Football

[King of Kailua]

Woke up this morning and lo and behold Celtic is playing Manchester United live on ESPN! in about the 8th minute in Celtic has scored!!! 1-0 Celtic so far in the first half. Go Celtic!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m78blSsS9Y8

[ogopogo]

I'm watching it right now. Hope Celtic wins, can't stand Man U.

[burnwood]

I thought you said "Real football"?

[ouch]

For the Americans in the audience, a score of 1-0 is roughly equivalent to an NFL score of 73-3.

[SepticTank]

For the Americans in the audience, a score of 1-0 is roughly equivalent to an NFL score of 73-3.

and even more surprisingly football involves significant interface of 'foot' and 'ball' :lol:

[King of Kailua]

And for the fans, Celtic playing Man U. is full on Braveheart style Scotland vs England.

GO SCOTLAND!

[TimmyBoston]

Real football? :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: :lol::lol::lol::lol:

[King of Kailua]

Real Madrid vs. Juventus on ESPNC right after this Celtic vs. Man U. Match.

Champions League Heaven :tongue:

Celtic still leads Man U. in the 80th minute. RENALDO BE DAMNED!

Oh crap I jinxed it Renaldo assists on a Giggs header to even the score 1-1!! :eek:

Game over 1-1!! :mad:

Man U. and Villareal are on top of their group (E) heading towards the Champions League final.

[labrat_333]

:18: Why do I always have to work when the good games are on? Sound like a great game I enjoy both teams.

[spinyeel]

You Yanks have to import Aussies to kick your strange shaped ball properly.:rolleyes:How many times in a game of American Football is does the ball actually touch a boot?:rolleyes:Football Shcmutball.:biggrin:

[clipperuk]

You Yanks have to import Aussies to kick your strange shaped ball properly.:rolleyes:How many times in a game of American Football is does the ball actually touch a boot?:rolleyes:Football Shcmutball.:biggrin:

Always laugh at their 'World Series' too - with just how many countries particpating? :lol:

[180gVinyl]

Real football? :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: :lol::lol::lol::lol:
Yes Timmy,


It is real football, as opposed to the padded variation of rugby that is popular in the U.S. How many times does the foot make contact with the ball in the NFL?

Regarding the above match:

My least favourite team on the planet versus my least favourite team in Scotland fails to stir any interest I'm afraid

[soapbox]

Normally I'd acknowledge that "real football" is in fact, "footy" or "soccer." But when the University of Alabama is ranked #1... sorry guys, "real football" is played with an oblong ball, pads, and whiskey (er, for the fans). Roll Tide!

[180gVinyl]

Normally I'd acknowledge that "real football" is in fact, "footy" or "soccer." But when the University of Alabama is ranked #1... sorry guys, "real football" is played with an oblong ball, pads, and whiskey (er, for the fans). Roll Tide!

With regard to "college ball"

I watched "We Are Marshall" a couple of days ago - the tale of Marshall University's attempts to rebuild its "Thundering Herd" team following a plane crash in 1970

[ogopogo]

Always laugh at their 'World Series' too - with just how many countries particpating? :lol:
Hey, Canada won it once :biggrin:

[philamac]

Hey, Canada won it once :biggrin:

Twice I think? 1992 and 1993.

Its not often I contribute a fact to sports discussions though.

[ouch]

I've listened to these arguments and have concluded that soccer is "real football".

Of course, this is their idea of real tennis-
http://suarts.org/files/minisites/2655/badminton_416.jpg

[SepticTank]

that's a badminton cock... Real Tennis (http://www.irtpa.com/) is a completely different game altogether...

[chickpea]

I've listened to these arguments and have concluded that soccer is "real football".

Of course, this is their idea of real tennis-
http://suarts.org/files/minisites/2655/badminton_416.jpg

At least in real tennis everyone can see your COCK:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[chickpea]

Ala real football

http://www.infovisual.info/03/img_en/032%20Foot%20(plantar%20view).jpg

http://tracychristman.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/soccer_ball.jpg


VS


http://www.dallascowboysjersey.org/images/emmittsmithjersey.jpg



Let's see, which one seems a contradiction in terms....:tongue_sm

[King of Kailua]

Ala real football


Let's see, which one seems a contradiction in terms....:tongue_sm

Empirically proven!!!:biggrin: The Dallas Cowboys play a game called Gridiron (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gridiron_football)

[ant4177]

Don't hate us because we play beautiful football.

[Henrique]

Let's see, which one seems a contradiction in terms....:tongue_sm


Can we please lock this thread, please? There's nothing left to say... :biggrin:

[King of Kailua]

Don't hate us because we play beautiful football.

Ahh, love the beautiful game!

I was happy to see that the U.H. Warriors actually won a gridiron game today though. Aggies be damned. The Warriors are now 5-5.

[King of Kailua]

Congratulations to FC Barcalona, Treble cup champions!

Man U. seemed a bit confused after that first goal.

[ogopogo]

Congratulations to FC Barcalona, Treble cup champions!

Man U. seemed a bit confused after that first goal.

AHHH... Spoiler Alert! Won't be able to watch it until later :mad:

You're lucky that Barca won so I'm in a good mood... or else. :a13:

J/K... Congratulations to FCB, my favorite Euro team.

How was the match?

[rm71]

Congratulations Barcelona FC!!

It was a good game and Manchester United were outplayed. Lionel Messi is a champ!

[ouch]

I see this thread has been re-opened after six months of hibernation.


Does that mean that somebody finally scored??? :lol:

[ouch]

"I watched hours and hours of soccer last week...and I almost saw a goal!!"
--Homer Simpson

[Bushranger]

Man U = The most popular and most despised Football team on earth..... Australia's equivalent is "Collingwood Football Club". booooooo

Our Football - the fastest footy on earth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgnM9gNlMgk)

[rm71]

Man U = The most popular and most despised Football team on earth..... Australia's equivalent is "Collingwood Football Club". booooooo

Our Football - the fastest footy on earth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgnM9gNlMgk)

Yep. I'm glad Barcelona won and Collingwood is going nowhere this year.

[philamac]

"I watched hours and hours of soccer last week...and I almost saw a goal!!"
--Homer Simpson

and that is the whole point, scoring a goal is an exception to normal events....it is really, really, really difficult to do.

It is why fans go nuts when one is scored, and why there are some goals that we can recall in intimate, precise, slow motion detail many years after. David Healy's third goal against Spain for Northern Ireland in September 2006is one such for me. Some of tonight's Barca team were there:lol::w00t::lol:

[richmondesi]

For the Americans in the audience, a score of 1-0 is roughly equivalent to an NFL score of 73-3.

So how does that work? Is 1-1 like an NFL score of 73-76? :rolleyes:

[ogopogo]

It was a good game and Manchester United were outplayed. Lionel Messi is a champ!

Finally watched it... Messi is amazing. Guardiola's done good, I like his style of football.

[King of Kailua]

Finally watched it...

Sorry about that ogopogo!! :redface:

I should have known that of course Barca would win. Their kit sponsor was UNICEF and Man U.'s was AIG ((doh!)) :001_rolle

http://img.skitch.com/20090528-qupygpje21t3738ys9wbb2qcjt.preview.jpg (http://skitch.com/mharing/bt7ut/barcelona-unicef-home-0607)

http://img.skitch.com/20090528-83w49rwy43e71yneif79qbqkny.preview.jpg (http://skitch.com/mharing/bt7uw/manu)

[ogopogo]

Sorry about that ogopogo!! :redface:

I should have known that of course Barca would win. Their kit sponsor was UNICEF and Man U.'s was AIG ((doh!)) :001_rolle
No problem.

Haha, good call on the sponsors.

[rm71]

Nice to see some of our American friends appreciating the world game.:001_smile

[VfBStuttgart]

Just got back from a way-too-late at the bar "evening." It was well worth it, as Barca dominated (after that initial 10 minutes and putting one in the net). I can hardly explain how much I love Barca and hate Man-U. For me, those two teams in the final was perfect. I was either going to have a joyous night of celebration or wallow in my own anger for the next couple of weeks.

[Tordu]

Fore sure Barça is the best technical team on this planet with a perfect organisation in defence also.
Iniesta is the best player this season , better than Messi.

But i have to say that this style of football, even if its the most difficult to play, can be quite boring to watch some time.

They are so good in controling the game that they take very little risk .
This year only Chelsea has been capable to jostle them.

[King of Kailua]

USA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_soccer_team) just beat the #1 ranked national team in the world; Spain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain_national_football_team) by a score of 2-0 in the Confederations (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederations_Cup) Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_FIFA_Confederations_Cup) semi-final!
:jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump:
We will play Brazil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_national_football_team) (the 2008 Cup champions) or South Africa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_football_team) (the host country) for the final!

[mretzloff]

USA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_soccer_team) just beat the #1 ranked national team in the world, Spain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain_national_football_team) by a score of 2-0 in the Confederations (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederations_Cup) Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_FIFA_Confederations_Cup) semi-final!
:jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump:
We will play Brazil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_national_football_team) (the 2008 Cup champions) or South Africa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_football_team) (the host country) for the final!

:mad: I missed it. I meant to watch it but I feel asleep. Oh well. I'm proud that the US did something. I doubt they'll beat Brazil, who'll probably beat South Africa.

I can't wait until next summer. The World Cup, in my opinion, is the most exciting sporting event ever.

[King of Kailua]

The World Cup, in my opinion, is the most exciting sporting event ever.

Concur!!! :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

[mretzloff]

Concur!!! :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

I think the fun of it is more supporting your country's team and national pride than the actual game itself. Either way, that and the UEFA are my two favorite sporting events.

[King of Kailua]

The world Cup of Rugby is awesome as well!

Fox used to carry the Tri-Nations, and New Zealand Club games on their "soccer channel", but alas no more. I really miss seeing the All Blacks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGseEaK9w0g).

[richmondesi]

:a47::a47::a47::a47::a47::a47::a47::a47::a47::a47:

[Henrique]

Congratulations. It was a very entertaining match. USA played with fire in their bellies.

[richmondesi]

Congratulations. It was a very entertaining match. USA played with fire in their bellies.

did you watch it? I'm curious if the US team outplayed Spain, or if they outscored them. I seriously expected single digit shots on goal out of us

[Henrique]

did you watch it? I'm curious if the US team outplayed Spain, or if they outscored them. I seriously expected single digit shots on goal out of us

USA started very well. With easily 2-3 goal opportunities in the first 15 minutes. They could even have scored a bicycle kick. Spain was clearly surprised but reacted and were gaining the upper hand when USA scored.

After the half time Spain came very strongly. I really admired the togetherness of USA team in that period: GK, defenders and midfielders blocking every shot, right and left.

But USA kept on being very fast on the break and continued to be dangerous. Then they seized an enormous collective defensive lapse (including Sergio Ramos, one of the best defenders in the world) and managed to score the second.

A very fun game to watch. :thumbup:

[richmondesi]

Very cool! I seriously thought we would loose 3 or 4 nil...

I wish I could have watched it

[Henrique]

Very cool! I seriously thought we would loose 3 or 4 nil...

I wish I could have watched it

I'm sure you can find better than this, but here's a 5 minute highlight clip.

http://www.tvgolo.com/futebol.php?subaction=showfull&id=1245871218&archive=&start_from=&ucat=49&

[New2DEShaving_Montreal]

I am really interested in the HISTORY of American 'FOOT'BALL. I want to know WHO the first person was that started using the terms "FOOT" with Ball, even though the only thing I have ever seen is the KICKOFF in American Football, or the Goal Kick. I can understand the game well enough, but I don't get the use of the word FOOT. So if anyone has any idea on just who this person was, I'd like to know.
Another interesting thing I want to know is why the REAL Football is called Soccer...

[galopede]

The world Cup of Rugby is awesome as well!

Now we're talking, a proper game!

Gareth

[rm71]

Well done USA!! I was hoping they would do OK as I didin't wany the usual suspects winning everything. If the USA get a good draw for the World Cup next year, they could surprise a few people. Unfortunately, I doubt they will beat Brazil though- still you never know.

[King of Kailua]

:a50: The USA vs. the samba kings starts on ESPN now!! :a50:

The half time score is USA up 2-0 against the five time World Cup champions!!. A cool & sweet goal by Dempsey in the ninth minute, followed up with the second at about the twenty ninth minute by Donovan. Kaka has been shut down so far and Brazil looks pissed off. USA look awesome! For the first time ever the USA leads Brazil 2-0 in the first ever FIFA final the USA as ever been in! YeeHaw!

[ogopogo]

I couldn't believe it. U.S. up by 2 at half time. I missed Brazil's goal because I had gone out to pick up some lunch at half time.

Very good saves by Tim Howard. But that last one at around minute 60 was a goal. Still, so far a very good performance by the U.S.

[ogopogo]

Luis Fabiano ties it up. :frown:

[mretzloff]

Aww, I really thought the US had this. They really blew it in the second half. Their defense was golden in the first half, but wow, they really disappeared in the second half.

[Magicpixie]

I am really interested in the HISTORY of American 'FOOT'BALL. I want to know WHO the first person was that started using the terms "FOOT" with Ball, even though the only thing I have ever seen is the KICKOFF in American Football, or the Goal Kick. I can understand the game well enough, but I don't get the use of the word FOOT. So if anyone has any idea on just who this person was, I'd like to know.
Another interesting thing I want to know is why the REAL Football is called Soccer...

Real football is called soccer as a contraction of Association Football I believe.

[King of Kailua]

Damn. :frown:

We just didn't have the depth for the second half. Once Brazil subbed those three players I got worried and my fears were realized. We played to our strengths and won the first half, but got a bit gassed in the second.

Brutal goal by Fabiano in the beginning of the second half and yup, that should have been a goal by Kaka in the sixtieth. But no matter Brazil 3-2 USA. Brazil kept throwing their strength into the match until the end and that is what won it for them. Big props to the USA for getting to the final. Now if we can get some depth, we might be able to bring closure to our games. Tim Howard gets the Golden Glove for the tournament. He had tons of great saves.

The USA still needs to qualify for The World Cup.

[castlecraver]

Very sad for the US.

People will be encouraged by the first half performance but moral victories and building opportunities get us nowhere. If Spain was not a fluke and we're ever to be taken seriously as a top-flight contender, we have to be able to hold onto leads like that in big matches. Period.

[richmondesi]

While what you say is true, there is a learning curve in terms of how to compete with the elite. Just like any sport, there are always the elite teams and those that are not. To become elite, there are tough losses. The US is not elite in football right now. We've never even been able to be taken seriously in the men's game. We have to learn how to compete with the best. This is definitely a step in the right direction. We need depth and experience, and we've gained some valuable experience here lately. :thumgup1:

[King of Kailua]

We need a relegation system in our club play. Maybe a tournament modeled after England's FA cup.

[Kevan]

did you watch it? I'm curious if the US team outplayed Spain, or if they outscored them. I seriously expected single digit shots on goal out of us

In the Spain game, the US won simply because they were clinical with their chances. They basically had 3 chances and scored two, then defended as if their lives depended on it. Spain constantly cut them open and made them look like amateurs. The US players got slow as the second half wore on...their fitness needs improvement. Spain played attractive, flowing football but their lauded strikers looked impotent. Chance after chance was ended with a shot off target.

As for the final today, the US did exactly what they needed to. They came out and surprised Brazil and got them off their game. But in the second half, they sat back and defended, which is the wrong thing to do against a creative and energetic team like Brazil.

I'm an American, a huge football/soccer fan, and I have never rated the US team. They just CAN'T learn from their mistakes. Year after year it's the same thing. I was genuinely surprised today as they rushed out to a 2-0 lead, but the second half showed them get lazy and defend like crap. They stopped contesting the ball and let Brazil exert their influence when it got to 2-1.

Altidore, Dempsey, and Donovan have shown how much they've improved after playing in Europe. Onyewu is and has always been crap...I have no idea why he's still in the team. Howard should be the #1 goalkeeper for a long time to come.

If they get their energy and fitness levels to higher standards, and improve the defense and midfield, they'll get better and I expect to see them compete next year in the World Cup.

[The Knize]

Brazil really is that good. It probably would not have made sense for the US to have won. That would be too random, and would not really be good for soccer worldwide. But the US played well and with real confidence and fire.

Scoring twice against Brazil is quite the achievement by itself.

[Kevan]

The key here is that they played with confidence and fire for ONE HALF. Defense is crap, midfield is mediocre, and the US team has no idea how to close a game.

Sorry to be blunt, but too many excuses have been made for this team over the past 3 years.

[King of Kailua]

I hate those damn horns! They sound like a giant swarm of angry bees.


The key here is that they played with confidence and fire for ONE HALF. Defense is crap, midfield is mediocre, and the US team has no idea how to close a game.

Sorry to be blunt, but too many excuses have been made for this team over the past 3 years.

Depth depth depth...We haven't got it. :frown:

[Kevan]

I hate those damn horns! They sound like a giant swarm of angry bees.

Yep. FIFA wants to ban them and I agree with that proposition, but it's almost impossible to.

[King of Kailua]

Yep. FIFA wants to ban them and I agree with that proposition, but it's almost impossible to.

I've never heard those horns in European games. Maybe I'm thinking mostly about The Bundesliga, and The English Premiere League. I think those fans would rather chant, sing and whistle than blow some ((bwaarping)) horn. I wonder if those leagues prohibit them?

[maj3289]

In the Spain game, the US won simply because they were clinical with their chances. They basically had 3 chances and scored two, then defended as if their lives depended on it. Spain constantly cut them open and made them look like amateurs. The US players got slow as the second half wore on...their fitness needs improvement. Spain played attractive, flowing football but their lauded strikers looked impotent. Chance after chance was ended with a shot off target.

As for the final today, the US did exactly what they needed to. They came out and surprised Brazil and got them off their game. But in the second half, they sat back and defended, which is the wrong thing to do against a creative and energetic team like Brazil.

I'm an American, a huge football/soccer fan, and I have never rated the US team. They just CAN'T learn from their mistakes. Year after year it's the same thing. I was genuinely surprised today as they rushed out to a 2-0 lead, but the second half showed them get lazy and defend like crap. They stopped contesting the ball and let Brazil exert their influence when it got to 2-1.

Altidore, Dempsey, and Donovan have shown how much they've improved after playing in Europe. Onyewu is and has always been crap...I have no idea why he's still in the team. Howard should be the #1 goalkeeper for a long time to come.

If they get their energy and fitness levels to higher standards, and improve the defense and midfield, they'll get better and I expect to see them compete next year in the World Cup.




ding ding ding

[Kevan]

Depth depth depth...We haven't got it. :frown:

It's because the MLS sucks. Promising, energetic players come from college and go into the MLS instead of Europe. MLS makes mediocre players look like they can light the world on fire, but what ends up happening is that it stunts promising players' growth.

I know the argument that we must support the domestic game here, blah blah, and if we don't our league won't get better. No. The MLS needs more competetion....the CONCACAF Champion's League is a step in the right direction, but it's also no coincidence that players who ply their trade in Europe are better

[Kevan]

I've never heard those horns in European games. Maybe I'm thinking mostly about The Bundesliga, and The English Premiere League. I think those fans would rather chant, sing and whistle than blow some ((bwaarping)) horn. I wonder if those leagues prohibit them?
Spanish, South American, and Mexican, and MLS fans have horns, but they don't blow them in the same fashion as the buzzing bee horns. The English, Italians, and Germans would rather get drunk and sing/chant, which is almost a neutral background noise that you can tune out.

The annoying horns sem to be mostly an African/Asian phenomenon, even though they're available the world over.

[richmondesi]

It's because the MLS sucks. Promising, energetic players come from college and go into the MLS instead of Europe. MLS makes mediocre players look like they can light the world on fire, but what ends up happening is that it stunts promising players' growth.

I know the argument that we must support the domestic game here, blah blah, and if we don't our league won't get better. No. The MLS needs more competetion....the CONCACAF Champion's League is a step in the right direction, but it's also no coincidence that players who ply their trade in Europe are better

I agree with this. We should support the domestic league only to the extent that it provides the best competition in the world. If it doesn't, our best players should go to the league that does. Just like the rest of the world sends their best players to the MLB, NBA, and NHL; we should send our best players to Europe. If and only if we can provide the level of competition here in the States that they get in Europe, then we can talk about supporting our domestic league. $.02

[King of Kailua]

CONCACAF is a step in the right direction. Yes

MLS sucks. Yes.

Donovan played for a short time with Bayern, and then decided to return home to the MLS. Huh?

I fear getting started on a discussion about MLS because I get so bored watching those games. I don't want to even regard the problem. But it is a problem. The league has a cancer that needs a cure; relegation.

[Kevan]

I think I remember reading that Donovan impressed initially at Bayern, and then fell off the wagon. Or maybe he wanted to go back to the US for his family's sake? Something went on there.

I agree that relegation would be beneficial for MLS, but the problem is implementing it. The simplest solution would be to combine MLS more concretely with USL and make USL the "lower" league(s), but that would still create a mess, with the US's fascination with conferences. How would they decide the promoted/relegated teams from MLS? The MLS currently has 15 teams and the USL 22, with MLS divided into "east" and "west" so you can't conceivably have a play-off between the bottom 4 teams (2 from each "conference") to see who stays up in MLS while having a straight table/points competition in USL (since USL has no "conferences"). Teams would cry foul.

* Unless they do a promotion play-off among the top 4 USL teams to see who gets promoted to MLS, like the European model.

But things would be a lot simpler with an even number of MLS teams, no conferences, and the Champion decided by points alone. Just leave play-offs to decide relegation to/promotion from USL.

[ogopogo]

I agree that we need a relegation system, we do have a lack of depth problem.

I don't think it would be that complicated to have a relegation system with the USL. Simply take the 2 lowest rank (by a point system) MLS teams within two seasons and have a playoff with the 2 champions or highest rated USL teams within that same time period. #1 and 2 of that playoff go to the MLS.

[mretzloff]

Brazil really is that good. It probably would not have made sense for the US to have won. That would be too random, and would not really be good for soccer worldwide. But the US played well and with real confidence and fire.

Scoring twice against Brazil is quite the achievement by itself.

How would a US victory not be good for soccer? Upsets are always good for sports; they attract more fans and balance the game out.

[JimBow]

Ala real football

http://www.infovisual.info/03/img_en/032%20Foot%20(plantar%20view).jpg

http://tracychristman.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/soccer_ball.jpg


VS


http://www.dallascowboysjersey.org/images/emmittsmithjersey.jpg



Let's see, which one seems a contradiction in terms....:tongue_sm

Bleh, a mere technicality.

[Kevan]

How would a US victory not be good for soccer? Upsets are always good for sports; they attract more fans and balance the game out.

It wouldn't have attracted more fans. It would've be a temporary blip on the radar. We have too many sports here that people flock to above soccer. Even kids who play soccer as youngsters eventually move to something else because the money isn't in soccer like it is with the NFL, MLB, NBA or whatever.

Hell, I'd bet that 90% of the people whose curiosity was piqued by the progress of the US team don't even know what the Confederations Cup is.

[JimBow]

USA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_soccer_team) just beat the #1 ranked national team in the world; Spain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain_national_football_team) by a score of 2-0 in the Confederations (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederations_Cup) Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_FIFA_Confederations_Cup) semi-final!
:jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump:
We will play Brazil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_national_football_team) (the 2008 Cup champions) or South Africa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_football_team) (the host country) for the final!
Unfortunately, I don't think we've got a chance.

[richmondesi]

It wouldn't have attracted more fans. It would've be a temporary blip on the radar. We have too many sports here that people flock to above soccer. Even kids who play soccer as youngsters eventually move to something else because the money isn't in soccer like it is with the NFL, MLB, NBA or whatever.

Hell, I'd bet that 90% of the people whose curiosity was piqued by the progress of the US team don't even know what the Confederations Cup is.

I agree. It would gain some "fair weather" fans. Until the US becomes consistently good, and we loose our myopia in terms of the rest of the world, Soccer won't be as big a sport as it should be. While I don't think it will ever be as big as the other sports, I do think that it has a place in this market.

[King of Kailua]

Screw MLS. Bring back the NASL! I miss Team Hawaii (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_Hawaii).

http://img.skitch.com/20090629-dmpxg25uxytrd78gedhcs5phd3.preview.jpg (http://skitch.com/mharing/bi53q/team-hawaii-77-road-team.jpg)

Argh. Ok, I'm for a USL relegation system with MLS with an FA style Tourney to hype things up amongst the clubs....And bring back Pele and the NY Cosmos! Kyle Rote Jr. and the Dallas Tornados can suck it! So can the San Diego Aztecs!

[King of Kailua]

Anyone catching all the Champions League Matches going on?

I've been missing most and I finally had a brief moment to catch the beginning of Rangers @Ibrox playing Sevilla. I missed most of the game but read that the Rangers lost (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2009/09/30/champions-league-rangers-1-sevilla-4-86908-21711351/). I hope I get to catch another game from this group. :cool:

[ogopogo]

This week I caught 2 games.

FC Porto vs Atl. Madrid... I'm a fan of Falcao so I was pretty happy when he scored that back-heel goal. His first goal in the Champions League.

I also watched most of the Barça-Dynamo Kiev match. Barça didn't disappoint :smile:

[richmondesi]

This week I caught 2 games.

FC Porto vs Atl. Madrid... I'm a fan of Falcao so I was pretty happy when he scored that back-heel goal. His first goal in the Champions League.

I also watched most of the Barça-Dynamo Kiev match. Barça didn't disappoint :smile:

I'm actually really starting to appreciate this game much more than I used to. It's remarkable the skill that those guys have

[ogopogo]

Yep, and the CL is a good showcase for that. You really see some of the best football in this tourney.

[rm71]

Yep, and the CL is a good showcase for that. You really see some of the best football in this tourney.

+1. Love the Champions League.

Didn't George Best play in America in the late seventies?

[ogopogo]

+1. Love the Champions League.

Didn't George Best play in America in the late seventies?


He played for a couple of teams, including the L.A. Aztecs. Johan Cruyff also played for the Aztecs :eek:. Too bad it was before my time and I never got a chance to see them.

[King of Kailua]

Here is the match day schedule (http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/md=3.html) for the next round of Champions League play on October 20-21. It gets exciting now that we are in group stage!

ESPN or Fox should have at least a couple of those games televised in the U.S.

[Tordu]

I suggest to watch the Liverpool / Olympique Lyonnais Match for this gameweek.

It should be some real open and attacking football , in one of the best stadium in europe.

[King of Kailua]

Anyone seen this flick yet?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYzsswqPk6s

[King of Kailua]

Just turned on the match PFC CSKA Moskva (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PFC_CSKA_Moscow) v. Manchester United (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_United) going on live now on the Fox Soccer Channel. 0-0 @ 51 minutes.

[Biffo]

Normally I'd acknowledge that "real football" is in fact, "footy" or "soccer." But when the University of Alabama is ranked #1... sorry guys, "real football" is played with an oblong ball, pads, and whiskey (er, for the fans). Roll Tide!

an OBLONG ball? do that make it hard to roll?

[Blaine]

Sigh... On the off chance someone reads, cares and learns something:

"Football" is a classification of games played on, not with, your feet. Contrast to games played sitting down or on horseback. This is a debatable theory, however, there are games called derived from "football" where kicking the ball is illegal. Olympic Handball as an example is a 'football'. This gives credence to the 'foot as in on foot'. This is not a stretch of the imagination for the english language. For example, you wouldn't expect a "footsoldier" to go around kicking people.

The proto-sport Football evolved into several sports. Rugby Football, Gaelic Football, Aussie Rules Football, Grid Iron Football and Association Football being notable offspring.

The main reason Americans call Grid Iron Football "football" is... the word is available. We refer to Association Football as Soccer (derived from 'soc' part of association). Much the same way as large portions of the world drop the "Association" tag from "Football", we drop "Grid Iron" from "Football".

Furthermore, Grid Iron Football and Rugby Union Football are closer to the original European Football (Mob Football) than Association Football is. If anyone has a claim to the adjective-less title of 'football', it'd be Rugby Football not Association Football.

And finally, the pads used in the NFL offer surprisingly little protection since they are essentially weapons. Professionals have pads on the shoulders and head. Given a choice between getting hit in the chest with a helmet or a bare head, I'll take the bare head 6 days a week and twice on Sundays. It's also brutally unfair to consider it 'wimpy' considering the absurd amount of diving to draw penalties that occur in international soccer.

In conclusion, I support Sheffield United and just wish I could see Championship league games over here. I will giggle my ass off if France fails to make the World Cup and I also watch every game the US team plays.

Thanks for listening.

[King of Kailua]

Lyon v (http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=2000028/match=2000413/report=rp.html)s Liverpool (http://video.uefa.com/Video/Competitions/ucl/Season=2010/Matchday=4/Match=2000413/vod_popupFlash.html) was fun to watch yesterday at least from the hampster wheel at the gym. I gather the game was live on 4Nov. Watched 1st 1/2 and from 70:00. Late goals from both. Lyon looked strong early. A good match.

I'm officially kicking the cold bird on T.V now so I've cut off the cable and network 'scept for the innerweb. I'm missing live C League finals right now at home so that's a bummer :thumbdown

Any good C League coverage on the net you particularly turn to?

Here's the latest for the knockout rounds of the final (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009–10_UEFA_Champions_League_group_stage). (as of 11Nov.) :thumbup1:

[King of Kailua]

It's right around the corner. I can't wait! :thumbup:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMophHw6iX4&feature=player_embedded#!

[Fairlight]

Not that I am terribly impressed with American Football either, but of all the sports the rest of the world could pick, *soccer* is the "real" football? Couldn't you pick a LESS boring game, like rugby or cricket?

Soccer is like the only game I can think of that's more worthy of ridicule than American Football. Probably because it's the only game I can think of that's more homoerotic than American football. ;)

[SRock]

I thought you said "Real football"?

Agreed! :lol:

There is only one kind of real Football! Soccer is for the gents who aren't tough enough to play "real football".

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs51/i/2009/326/0/5/SuperManning_by_SuspiciousMinds.jpg


For the Americans in the audience, a score of 1-0 is roughly equivalent to an NFL score of 73-3.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: Exactly why it is so insufferably boring to watch!

[Kevan]

MLS, Mexican football, South American football, and Italian football are all pretty boring IMO.

The Premier League, Eredivisie, Bundesliga and -- in most cases -- La Liga are a different matter. Great stuff. Not boring at all. And often, more exciting than watching The Titans struggle against the Ravens, 23-20.

But.....I will say that the World Cup this year is in Africa, so that means horns. Lots of horns. Constantly blaring, annoying, ceaseless horns.

*sigh*

[King of Kailua]

The Premier League, Eredivisie, Bundesliga and -- in most cases -- La Liga are a different matter. Great stuff. Not boring at all. And often, more exciting than watching The Titans struggle against the Ravens, 23-20.

Concur. The Bundesliga was the first professional version of The Beautiful game that I got to see. When I was younger the only real football one got to see on tv was a show called Soccer Made in Germany (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOTchs7zDGI) which was hosted by Toby Charles. A classic. It was my introduction to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and Franz Beckenbauer.

Don't forget Brazil. The home of Pele, who basically brought the game to many Americans for the first time. A true ambassador and a legend!


But.....I will say that the World Cup this year is in Africa, so that means horns. Lots of horns. Constantly blaring, annoying, ceaseless horns.
Oh lord the horns. (((Bwwaaaaaaa Bwaaaaaaaa))) :cursing:

[rm71]

American footbal - all those helmets and not a motorcross bike in sight:lol:

[King of Kailua]

Defense aside this looked like it was an awesome game. That final goal was amazing! The Mother's fans that left early missed out. And yes it was a tie, a well earned and very exciting one to boot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsdR-KoB_pQ&feature=player_embedded

[SRock]

American footbal - all those helmets and not a motorcross bike in sight:lol:

Touche! :lol: