Everything Soccer

[Rogue219]

This is why I am in favor of NOT expanding these fields any further. World Cup, Euros, Champions League, Europa League. Watering it down makes these drubbings more likely to occur.

 

[NDty9]

This is why I am in favor of NOT expanding these fields any further. World Cup, Euros, Champions League, Europa League. Watering it down makes these drubbings more likely to occur.

Agreed! It should be an absolute HONOR to make the World Cup/Euros. Not just an everyone gets to participate thing

 

[Rogue219]

Chile's keeper kept that match yesterday respectable.

Thailand gets a goal vs Sweden in a 6-1 loss. USA looks dominant again. I think it puts a little more context into the 13-0 drubbing last week, which is likely a million light years out of the sports news cycle now.

 

[Irish YJ]

Chile's keeper kept that match yesterday respectable.

Thailand gets a goal vs Sweden in a 6-1 loss. USA looks dominant again. I think it puts a little more context into the 13-0 drubbing last week, which is likely a million light years out of the sports news cycle now.

It will be interesting to see what he lineup is vs Sweden. Not sure I like totally resting some of the players the game before their biggest match.

To all those still bitching about the 13-0 game and the celebrations, Alex says "kiss my...."

 

[nlroma1o]

AS Roma is an absolute dumpster fire!!! Totti had a press conference this morning, resigning from his director position, and completely exposing the clueless Jim Pollatta organization, and confirming what we all knew the truth was. That Baldini was pulling all the strings, Monchi was clueless, and Pallotta was taken for a fool. Ever since the summer of 2016 Pallottas org has been making terrible player acquisitions, player contracts that were far too expensive, and worst of all, squandered the clubs best active players, and not using assets to their advantage such as Totti in a director role.

 

[Rogue219]

AS Roma is an absolute dumpster fire!!! Totti had a press conference this morning, resigning from his director position, and completely exposing the clueless Jim Pollatta organization, and confirming what we all knew the truth was. That Baldini was pulling all the strings, Monchi was clueless, and Pallotta was taken for a fool. Ever since the summer of 2016 Pallottas org has been making terrible player acquisitions, player contracts that were far too expensive, and worst of all, squandered the clubs best active players, and not using assets to their advantage such as Totti in a director role.

I'd take Lorenzo Pellegrini at Anfield before you could say "Allez Allez Allez". I believe Klopp is an admirer of the lad, too. Italians historically have not done well in England, but if Jurgen legitimately wants the player, he has my complete trust as a supporter.

I like Under on that team as well. He can play either wing or attacking midfield. He'd be a nice fit for LFC.

Manolas probably has the most value on that squad in terms of who would fetch the highest transfer fee.

 

[Old Man Mike]

IMO, Liverpool is a "System" team. If you cannot or will not play the System, you cannot "beat out" so-called lesser talents like Henderson or Wynaldum, even if you are allegedly uber-talented. Keita, Lallana, Shakiri et al are REAL good, but Liverpool sinks a little when they are in, usually, because they don't quite have the successful semi-maniacal gangster pressing attitude of Henderson and Wynaldum, or, if like Shakiri they WANT to do it, they haven't quite got the knack of it yet --- this gangster pressing takes a lot of "bravery" of instant commitment. Even the talented and borderline thug Fabinho was mediocre at first in the System and has just been growing into it --- despite his roughneck defensive quality.

I can't visualize a better attack three at doing this System than what Liverpool has --- Bobby Firminho's endless hustling harassment is something almost no other "9" would do. Who will run more than Robertson? Alexander-Arnold is getting there, plus he has the great crosses. Where are these guys going to improve and still be The System?

I believe that Liverpool as is can catch City, just because some folks have a little more ceiling in their games and they can put a stop to some of those draws. They need to do it now, before the rigors of age begin to slow some of the guys down a step --- the Great Milner is obviously already there; how long can Henderson and Wynaldum keep doing the running of two players each? ... and Bobby.

 

[NorthDakota]

It will be interesting to see what he lineup is vs Sweden. Not sure I like totally resting some of the players the game before their biggest match.

To all those still bitching about the 13-0 game and the celebrations, Alex says "kiss my...."

Well hello

 

[Irish YJ]

Well hello

hello back lol

she sure isn't shy

 

[Rogue219]

https://www.skysports.com/football/...sted-over-awarding-of-world-cup-2022-to-qatar

Former UEFA president Michel Platini has been arrested as part of an investigation into alleged corruption relating to the decision to award Qatar the 2022 World Cup

A surprise to no one.

 

[NDty9]

https://www.skysports.com/football/...sted-over-awarding-of-world-cup-2022-to-qatar

Former UEFA president Michel Platini has been arrested as part of an investigation into alleged corruption relating to the decision to award Qatar the 2022 World Cup

A surprise to no one.

Nailed it there... God i wish they could retract this so badly. There have been thousands of deaths of workers (severelyyyy underpaid) preparing for this event, and still they do not seem to be ready. Not to mention that its going to be in the Winter (January) of 2022. Just shitty all around.

 

[dublinirish]

[/B]

Nailed it there... God i wish they could retract this so badly. There have been thousands of deaths of workers (severelyyyy underpaid) preparing for this event, and still they do not seem to be ready. Not to mention that its going to be in the Winter (January) of 2022. Just shitty all around.

dude you are speaking about Saudi/the Emirates/Bahrain/Oman there. Whole cities built on the backs of what accounts to slave labour

 

[NDty9]

dude you are speaking about Saudi/the Emirates/Bahrain/Oman there. Whole cities built on the backs of what accounts to slave labour

I didnt want to use the word " Slave " , but its 100% what is going on! no way around it. They use them as slaves, then send their bodies back to their poor families, in coffins. All to get this place ready for a sketchy ass world cup. It should all just be scrapped and the cup should go to a city that is prepared for it!

 

[Rogue219]

dude you are speaking about Saudi/the Emirates/Bahrain/Oman there. Whole cities built on the backs of what accounts to slave labour

(Wants to post Manchester City joke, takes deep breath.)

To award a World Cup to a country with zero infrastructure in place to support it was really really....interesting.

In other news, it appears that Real Madrid's crazy transfer week is over and Manchester City's is about to begin. Frank Lampard is the new manager of Chelsea. Derby County approached Steven Gerrard to replace him, Gerrard says he's staying at Rangers. Frank can carry on the Chelsea tradition of winning a trophy and leaving soon thereafter, as Mr. Sarri has now done having won Europa League and moving on to Juventus.

The more things change, the more they stay in the same in sports.

 

[NorthDakota]

It should rotate between areas with infrastructure in place.

I'd suggest they consider doing;
Northern Europe(England, Germany, or France)
Southern Europe (Spain/Portugal, or Italy)
America (United States/Mexico)

MAYBE allow South America to also host. But that's how you end up with those stadiums built in Brazil and shit that arent getting used in any meaningful way.

You could always allow smaller countries to host a group or something. If Germany is hosting, give Poland, Denmark, and Austria a group to host.

If England is hosting, make sure Scotland and Ireland are getting some games.

Whoever is hosting the World Cup shouldn't be building stadiums to accommodate it, I understand if they want to modernize some stadiums or something but the countries I have suggested are all probably doing that organically anyway or can easily manage that.

 

[ACamp1900]

(Wants to post Manchester City joke, takes deep breath.)

To award a World Cup to a country with zero infrastructure in place to support it was really really....interesting.

In other news, it appears that Real Madrid's crazy transfer week is over and Manchester City's is about to begin. Frank Lampard is the new manager of Chelsea. Derby County approached Steven Gerrard to replace him, Gerrard says he's staying at Rangers. Frank can carry on the Chelsea tradition of winning a trophy and leaving soon thereafter, as Mr. Sarri has now done having won Europa League and moving on to Juventus.

The more things change, the more they stay in the same in sports.

All while the powers that be behind the decision make back-handed comments about the inequities and such of US on a fairly regular basis...

 

[Rogue219]

Russia and Qatar had zero business winning those bids. Corruption to the utmost degree. England and the USA should have had those bids. Now we're going to have a North American joint hosting session instead, which for me absolutely sucks unless you're Mexico and Canada.

The South American country I can think of that is worth hosting is Argentina. I don't know of the rest outside of Brazil and that situation being a complete dance with the devil shit show. I assume Uruguay and Chile have the means to support a World Cup? Honestly asking. I really don't know.

 

[dublinirish]

(Wants to post Manchester City joke, takes deep breath.)

To award a World Cup to a country with zero infrastructure in place to support it was really really....interesting.

In other news, it appears that Real Madrid's crazy transfer week is over and Manchester City's is about to begin. Frank Lampard is the new manager of Chelsea. Derby County approached Steven Gerrard to replace him, Gerrard says he's staying at Rangers. Frank can carry on the Chelsea tradition of winning a trophy and leaving soon thereafter, as Mr. Sarri has now done having won Europa League and moving on to Juventus.

The more things change, the more they stay in the same in sports.

its much easier for FIFA to work with dictatorships really.

 

[notredomer23]

The South American country I can think of that is worth hosting is Argentina. I don't know of the rest outside of Brazil and that situation being a complete dance with the devil shit show. I assume Uruguay and Chile have the means to support a World Cup? Honestly asking. I really don't know.

What's the capacity requirement for the World Cup? For some reason 35K jumps out to me, but let's say its 40K. Argentina already has 12 stadia over 40K. Compare that to Uruguay, who has 1, and Chile who has 2. Argentina seems like the logical next choice for a South American World Cup, so it will surely be awarded to Venezuela.

 

[dublinirish]

What's the capacity requirement for the World Cup? For some reason 35K jumps out to me, but let's say its 40K. Argentina already has 12 stadia over 40K. Compare that to Uruguay, who has 1, and Chile who has 2. Argentina seems like the logical next choice for a South American World Cup, so it will surely be awarded to Venezuela.

the violence last year in the Copa Libredores final between River and Boca probably has put Argentina on the shit list.

 

[ACamp1900]

the violence last year in the Copa Libredores final between River and Boca probably has put Argentina on the shit list.

You're prob correct, but when set against the rest of the greater dialogue here this is pretty ridiculous...

 

[Rogue219]

its much easier for FIFA to work with dictatorships really.

Certainly seems so.

 

[Rogue219]

What's the capacity requirement for the World Cup? For some reason 35K jumps out to me, but let's say its 40K. Argentina already has 12 stadia over 40K. Compare that to Uruguay, who has 1, and Chile who has 2. Argentina seems like the logical next choice for a South American World Cup, so it will surely be awarded to Venezuela.

Brazil's new guy is a real humanitarian. Maybe they get another crack at it soon. Again, I'm just spitballing here, but it would seem to me that there aren't a lot of options when you look at capacity, infrastructure, etc. Seems like your best options are in Europe?

the violence last year in the Copa Libredores final between River and Boca probably has put Argentina on the shit list.

And there is this. You want to be able to attract people to the gates from outside of the country so they spend money and such. If people don't feel safe, they won't go.

Maybe going Bill the Butcher Gangs of New York is the way to go....play the games on a pitch on a barge out in the water.

 

[fightingirish26]

you could pretty much host a world cup in buenos aires

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">you should see what Buenos Aires is like, shit ton of teams in the greater BsAs region. <a href="https://t.co/lS2XZofG66">pic.twitter.com/lS2XZofG66</a></p>— July Transfer Window Curtains (@101singer) <a href="https://twitter.com/101singer/status/1137736716754853894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Rogue219]

Bradley seems to be coming down the end of his rope. Looks slower mentally and physically. Last night was a win and they needed it. Still don't know if the USMNT can win the Gold Cup, but last night was positive at worst.

Pulisic was the best player on the pitch last night and I think he knew damn well that was the case.

Roll with it to the next match.

 

[fightingirish26]

Bradley seems to be coming down the end of his rope. Looks slower mentally and physically. Last night was a win and they needed it. Still don't know if the USMNT can win the Gold Cup, but last night was positive at worst.

Pulisic was the best player on the pitch last night and I think he knew damn well that was the case.

Roll with it to the next match.

sorry, last night was a shit show. 4-0 or not.

 

[Rogue219]

sorry, last night was a shit show. 4-0 or not.

No need to apologize. The hand wringing is a plenty. I only have so much piss for all the half empty glasses.

Was it great? No. Was it a win to start the tournament off on? Yes.

 

[notredomer23]

sorry, last night was a shit show. 4-0 or not.

Yeah, but we did learn Tyler Boyd is the truth at least. I know it's Guyana but he's got pace and creativity that this team is lacking as whole.

 

[Old Man Mike]

I liked several things about the game.

Both Arriola and Boyd attacking down the flanks, and even Lima showing constant toughness, want-it, and hustle. I liked Zimmerman when he would "take the space given" and enter dangerous passes center and left. I liked Zardes up top, which gave us the option to press/harass a bit if the Coach would let them.

Pulisic was real good and I try to remember that he's barely played with these guys, nor really any of them with one another. Bradley showed rust in the first half (not surprising), but much more the old good Bradley as the game went on.

McKennie disappointed me a bit, as did Long. At the beginning of the game, I thought we started soft (except for Lima and Zimmerman who are natural tough guys.) As the game wore on, I thought we didn't mind the scrapping as much --- though Pulisic absolutely hates it (he's just too small to get into the meathouse or even the center of the field much.)

Once these guys get used to one another's movement/run habits off the ball, I believe the offense will get pretty good.

 

[Irish Joe]

I liked several things about the game.

Both Arriola and Boyd attacking down the flanks, and even Lima showing constant toughness, want-it, and hustle. I liked Zimmerman when he would "take the space given" and enter dangerous passes center and left. I liked Zardes up top, which gave us the option to press/harass a bit if the Coach would let them.

Pulisic was real good and I try to remember that he's barely played with these guys, nor really any of them with one another. Bradley showed rust in the first half (not surprising), but much more the old good Bradley as the game went on.

McKennie disappointed me a bit, as did Long. At the beginning of the game, I thought we started soft (except for Lima and Zimmerman who are natural tough guys.) As the game wore on, I thought we didn't mind the scrapping as much --- though Pulisic absolutely hates it (he's just too small to get into the meathouse or even the center of the field much.)

Once these guys get used to one another's movement/run habits off the ball, I believe the offense will get pretty good.

Guyana had a bit more of an attack than I expected, though its threat level can be debated. Either way though, I thought Ream looked slow & lost at times, ball watching. Not good when a legit attack comes at them.

I'll be in attendance to see Mexico/Canada tonight. Expecting to see a side really dialed in for this tournament.