Everything Soccer

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

So I hear this Neymar kid is kinda good at soccer....

To be fair he was going up against Mexico. I wonder how he would do against a superior CONCACAF team, like Panama or Barbados.

 

[ACamp1900]

So I hear this Neymar kid is kinda good at soccer....

Yes, though to hear it said today Brazil wouldn't make it to the final round of WC qualifying without him... It's not like Hulk, Luiz, Oscar, paulinho and others are scrubs....

 

[notredomer23]

So I watched the US-U20 game against Spain, the best team in the world at that level too. Spain won 4-1, but to be fair to the USA, they are apparently without 4 usual starters, and Spain scored some beauties.

I am particularly excited about Luis Gil. What a goal he scored and he belonged on the field with the Spaniards. Apparently Real Salt Lake(his current club) is expecting some big buyers from Europe for him after this tournament

 

[RuntheBall]

I hope Japan destroys Mexico.

 

[notredomer23]

I hope Japan destroys Mexico.

Yup. I am watching the U20 game Mexico and Greece. It pisses me off that Mexico has like 3 or 4 people in their lineup who are natural born US citizens.

 

[notredomer23]

Mexico just completely outclassed Greece at the U20s but it looks like Greece is going to win 2-1... Love it.

 

[NDinL.A.]

So I watched the US-U20 game against Spain, the best team in the world at that level too. Spain won 4-1, but to be fair to the USA, they are apparently without 4 usual starters, and Spain scored some beauties.

I am particularly excited about Luis Gil. What a goal he scored and he belonged on the field with the Spaniards. Apparently Real Salt Lake(his current club) is expecting some big buyers from Europe for him after this tournament

First off, the USA played some very attractive soccer and actually held the ball longer than Spain in the first half, which is pretty dang insane. But really, Spain created far more chances and it actually could have been a lot worse. But still, I was impressed with the American team's attitude - they took their game to Spain and didn't bunker down like most teams do (and that is why so many people call Spain's style boring, when in fact their men's team is just extraordinarily patient and pick their spots while holding the ball.)

Also, I know I'm biased, but Spain is getting dangerously close to being the greatest dynasty of all-time (some analysts are already calling them that). Think about this list:

* Euro Champs 2008
* WC Champs 2010 (first European national team to lift the World Cup trophy outside of Europe)
* Euro Champs 2012
* UEFA European Under-21 Champions 2011
* UEFA European Under-21 Champions 2013
* UEFA European Under-19 Champions 2011
* UEFA European Under-21 Champions 2012
* November 2006 and June 2009 Spain went undefeated for a record-equaling 35 consecutive matches.
* First official team to win three consecutive major titles

And think about the SECOND team they threw out vs Tahiti: Torres, Javi Martinez, Cazorla, Azpilicueta, David Villa, Mata, Silva, Reina, Navas (he'll star for Man City this year) etc. That is an INSANE line-up for a first team...all of those guys play for the top clubs in Europe, and they can't even crack the line-up for Spain.

And the forwards you saw vs. the USA...wow. Future looks bright as well. After DECADES of being the biggest choke artists this side of the Cubs, it's amazing the run Spain is on. Had to get this off my chest; I'll get off my high horse now (and watch us never win another big tourney again LOL - actually, I see real issues for the WC team; the defense is VERY suspect and Xavi has seen better days)...

 

[RuntheBall]

I'm watching Mexico vs Japan and enjoying the game so far. Been flicking over to Italy-Brazil, how is that game going? Which are you guys watching/ would recommend?

 

[notredomer23]

I'm watching Mexico vs Japan and enjoying the game so far. Been flicking over to Italy-Brazil, how is that game going? Which are you guys watching/ would recommend?

Italy and Brazil has been back and forth. Brazil playing better though. Both teams playing hard, but I expect Brazil to win because Italy is without Pirlo and De Rossi.

I know Balotelli is a headcase, but I have loved watching him playing ever since his City days. If/when he gets the mental aspect down, he will be a top 5 player in the world.

 

[notredomer23]

* November 2006 and June 2009 Spain went undefeated for a record-equaling 35 consecutive matches.

Which team beat them, please remind me :idea:

 

[RuntheBall]

Can't believe Mexico-Japan is tied 0-0 at the half. So many chances for both sides. I think Japan is being a bit too patient with the ball, especially when the ball is in the box. Looking for the extra pass a bit too much IMO, but Mexico hasn't made it easy with there numbers around the ball.

 

[NDinL.A.]

Which team beat them, please remind me :idea:

USA baby lol. I root HARD for my Yanks, so I was good with it (kind of lol)...

Italy and Brazil has been back and forth. Brazil playing better though. Both teams playing hard, but I expect Brazil to win because Italy is without Pirlo and De Rossi.

I know Balotelli is a headcase, but I have loved watching him playing ever since his City days. If/when he gets the mental aspect down, he will be a top 5 player in the world.

Spain-Italy or Spain-Brazil (or both?) is ging to be AWESOME. It's tournaments like these that get me thrugh the dog days of summer...

 

[notredomer23]

Italy brazil all square at 1-1... Really unimpressed by Neymar thus far.

 

[notredomer23]

WTF eff me as soon as I say that he scores a beauty

 

[RuntheBall]

Damn Mexico

 

[notredomer23]

3-1 Brazil now... I am really hoping italy can steal a goal or two back to make things a little more interesting.

But honestly, WTF Italy. Two games in a row now allowing 3 goals????

 

[notredomer23]

3-2 now... Italy steals one back. Brazil making a mess of things on that play. Italy scores and they probably also had what should have been 2 PKs on that one

 

[RuntheBall]

Weird call there. Guess they're counting it.

 

[notredomer23]

WOW Italy just freaking crushed a header at the goal but bounced about 30 yards off the crossbar. Italy is controlling the game now.

 

[RuntheBall]

Chicharito hat-trick



just kidding lolz

 

[RuntheBall]

Brazil scores. Fred makes it 4-2. Bummer, was hoping to see some drama at the end...hopefully Japan can pull even!

 

[notredomer23]

4-2 Brazil now. Spain is going to destroy Italy

 

[RuntheBall]

So it will likely be:

Spain vs. Italy

and

Brazil vs. Uruguay

European game and a South American Game.

I think it will be a Spain-Brazil final with Spain on top. Brazil is a bit too vulnerable in the back. Plus Spain... yikes they are good.

 

[NDinL.A.]

4-2 Brazil now. Spain is going to destroy Italy

No, it's gonna be a game. Pirlo makes a HUGE difference, and Spain's defense can be had. Should be fun (providing we beat/tie Nigeria tomorrow...not a done deal at all).

 

[notredomer23]

No, it's gonna be a game. Pirlo makes a HUGE difference, and Spain's defense can be had. Should be fun (providing we beat/tie Nigeria tomorrow...not a done deal at all).

Unless Buffon plays the game of his career, Spain will score at least 3. Italy's back line has been putrid the past two matches. I could see Italy scoring a couple on you guys though. I hope its better than the Euro final.

 

[notredomer23]

Sunderland, Fulham, and Everton have been showing interest in Altidore???

 

[Cackalacky]

This is our local USL Club pitch. Really nice.

Inside the clubhouse is a pub with ridiculous amounts of memorabilia such as:

The pub is old english style and is littered with tons of various autographed club jerseys, balls, vintage jerseys, boots,. International and club level stuff. Awesome. Tons of history. Its like a museum. Just thought I would share. I was drunk and taking pictures.

The Liverpool jersey has cards with Steve Nicol, Dalglish, Ian Rush, and Whelan.

 

[ACamp1900]

No Johnstone signature???.. The shame.

I liked the first half of those pics... Great stuff...

 

[Cackalacky]

No Johnstone signature???.. The shame.

I liked the first half of those pics... Great stuff...

There was so much stuff to choose from I might have missed it lol. They had a full on wall for Leeds when they were good in the Men's lou. I felt awkward taking pictures in there. That was the team with Viduka, Keene, Fowler, Alan Smith, etc.

Valderama's shoes, A van Nistelroy monument.... geez I could have sat in there all night.
It really is a cool place. You can hang out there before the match, walk down the stairs to the pitch, and go back during half time. Full bar, food, everything.

Also had a bunch of Man U stuff but f' them.

 

[ACamp1900]

So basically they have a bunch of Celtic stuff, then a bunch of crap from teams that have never won a quadruple... Gotcha.




In seriousness, sounds cool man