I think this works better than a different thread for every event and it will also bother the anti-Soccer folks to always have a thread on the board......

First up

U-20's
USA vs. Brazil

Game was added by ESPN and starts at 6:30 (Central) tonight. US wins and they win the group. US ties and Korea beats or ties Poland and US wins the group. All other scenarios have the US advancing by finishing 2nd or the best 3rd place (because of goal differential).

Also, I think Houston just scored again against New York

FW_ Wrote:Also, I think Houston just scored again against New York

When they started comparing Arena to Hilfiger, I was dying.

The best was Wynalda:

" Tommy's a good looking guy, maybe, maybe not, no?, yes?....I'll stop talking"

The Dynamo are looking well polished right now.

The Dynamo were missing Eddie Robinson, Ricardo Clark, AND Brad Davis and they still took it to the New Yorkers. My boys are really rolling right now. Should be a fun couple of weeks if they keep this up...

I'm going to the Dynamo-Fire game on Thursday. If Chicago can keep Houston from scoring 4 I'll be estatic. Heck, I'll throw a party if the Fire can get a shot on goal.

ESPN is going to show an important soccer match instead of the usual friday night poker, nascar talk show, bowling, or hot dog eating contest filler?


I am shocked. Shocked I say!

Was it even a live Hot Dog Eating Contest?

It would be wonderful if ESPN would show the time and score during the match. I couldn't stand tuning into the other US matches and having absolutely no clue as to time and score.

ESPN always shows the time and score

ESPN is simply just showing the international feed of this tourney. Hence the commentary actually being half decent!

If you hate Tottenham stand up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RmdeAbY0kY

fsquid Wrote:ESPN is simply just showing the international feed of this tourney. Hence the commentary actually being half decent!

On that note, did ESPN finally banish Celo or do they just bring him out for really important matches that a lot of people watch, like, say the World Cup.

no clue. Marcel does games for HDNET during the MLS season. Great picture on those games though.

aggiefansince83 Wrote:If you hate Tottenham stand up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RmdeAbY0kY

are you sure those were arsenal fans singing? usually their fans come disguised as mimes, must've imported someone elses fans for the day. oh, sol campbell is still gay.

GLORY, GLORY TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR!!!!!

aggiefansince83 Wrote:I am shocked. Shocked I say!

Yes?

we win

man...when did freddy adu bacome the next freddy adu? he has been GREAT at this tourney.

aTxTIGER Wrote:man...when did freddy adu bacome the next freddy adu? he has been GREAT at this tourney.

Certainly. And Altidore can finish! I know its U-20 and all, but its nice to see. It was a very entertaining game today, especially the 2nd half.

Highlight package (nearly ten minutes) here:

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

I don't care if you're are talking about AYSO, U-15, U-20, or the Champions League final, the move that Freddy Adu puts on to get the turn on two Brazil defenders around the 6:45 mark in that clip is as good as you'll see. Yes, its worthy of Ronaldinho himself. I have watched it many times and still can barely discern what the hell happened. You almost have to go frame by frame to appreciate it. Yes, his shot was deflected, but thats one of the reasons you take shots, Altidore was there to clean up. 99% of players in the world will not even be able to create that shot from where he was anyway.

Also, the give and go backheel he did with Altidore to almost get the goal... this is La Liga stuff. I mean, incredible. The vision Freddy has is not even close to equaled in the US, except for Feilhaber -- who doesn't have the skill to match -- and Donovan, who isn't quite as fearless on the ball.

Another example, towards the end of the match, the touch he gives on the header as it comes down, the little flick he gives to spring McCarty, is pure class. Pair him with anyone at the senior level save Taylor Twellman and that ball is buried. McCarty should have done more with it.

There are really countless more examples.

Adu was everywhere tonight. He needs a national team callup, and soon. Like, the next friendly. Play him in a withdrawn forward role matched with another speedy forward, play Donovan on the right and Feilhaber in the middle, and you will see sparks fly.

Its dawned on me finally. The reason Freddy doesn't play to his potential in MLS is not anything to do with Freddy, its MLS. MLS' style of play does not reward individual skill. The MLS game is brutish, jerky. The players aren't imaginative enough to have any idea what the hell Freddy is thinking most of the time. Its like making Mozart conduct "Mary Had a Little Lamb" to a prison orchestra. Ben Olsen is the archetype of the successful MLS player. While I respect Benny, thats all you need to know. Having guys like Freddy, Mapp, or anyone else creative in MLS is like bringing a world class fencer to a cannon battle. Over time, they are going to put away their fencing abilities and learn how to man the spare cannon. Adu needs to go to Europe ASAP.

Suck it Brasil....


Ok, now that that's out of my system. Freddy. Man oh man. It wasn't just Poland, he was a man amongst boys against Brazil. His move to set up the game winner was sick. Also, Jozy, Jozy, Jozy. Nothing special BUT....BUT...he did what our senior team strikers can't do. He finished his chances.

OUGwave Wrote:Its dawned on me finally. The reason Freddy doesn't play to his potential in MLS is not anything to do with Freddy, its MLS. MLS' style of play does not reward individual skill. The MLS game is brutish, jerky. The players aren't imaginative enough to have any idea what the hell Freddy is thinking most of the time. Its like making Mozart conduct "Mary Had a Little Lamb" to a prison orchestra. Ben Olsen is the archetype of the successful MLS player. While I respect Benny, thats all you need to know. Having guys like Freddy, Mapp, or anyone else creative in MLS is like bringing a world class fencer to a cannon battle. Over time, they are going to put away their fencing abilities and learn how to man the spare cannon. Adu needs to go to Europe ASAP.

Very, very, very good point. And I can tell you exactly where I would love to see him playing overseas...

The announcer mentioned something about how the ball sticks to Freddy's feet and it does. I've never seen an American who can control the ball like that.

And as for Freddy to Europe. I'd like to see him in Spain or Italy. I love the EPL but its a Thug league. I want to see Freddy play in Serie A or La Liga where he can move more freely without worrying about some Irish enforcer drilling him into the turf.

US will play the 3rd place team from Group B, E, or F on July 11 in Toronto. As it stands now if we win that game we'd play the winner of 2A/2C in the Quarters. Right now that's Portugal (could be Mexico)/Congo. Best news, we're not on Argentina's side of the bracket and couldn't face them until the finals.

As it stands now:

3B-Zambia
3E-North Korea (this would be fun)
3F-Costa Rica

FW_ Wrote:The announcer mentioned something about how the ball sticks to Freddy's feet and it does. I've never seen an American who can control the ball like that.

And as for Freddy to Europe. I'd like to see him in Spain or Italy. I love the EPL but its a Thug league. I want to see Freddy play in Serie A or La Liga where he can move more freely without worrying about some Irish enforcer drilling him into the turf.

His style fits in perfectly for a Continental league.

Sophandros Wrote:

FW_ Wrote:The announcer mentioned something about how the ball sticks to Freddy's feet and it does. I've never seen an American who can control the ball like that.

And as for Freddy to Europe. I'd like to see him in Spain or Italy. I love the EPL but its a Thug league. I want to see Freddy play in Serie A or La Liga where he can move more freely without worrying about some Irish enforcer drilling him into the turf.

His style fits in perfectly for a Continental league.

is that a dig at Robbie Keane?

FW_ Wrote:The announcer mentioned something about how the ball sticks to Freddy's feet and it does. I've never seen an American who can control the ball like that.

And as for Freddy to Europe. I'd like to see him in Spain or Italy. I love the EPL but its a Thug league. I want to see Freddy play in Serie A or La Liga where he can move more freely without worrying about some Irish enforcer drilling him into the turf.

I don't know about Spain or Italy. He'd still really be a trailblazer for an American in any of those leagues, and I think it would make it that much harder of a lifestyle adjustment.

He's still an 18 year old kid moving away across an ocean to another country. I would really like to see him play in Holland, as there is a good track record of American kids being able to adjust to life there pretty easily.

Also the dutch very often play a 4-3-3, which I think he is well suited for as it allows him to hone his playmaking skills from a number of positions. He's also used to playing under the Dutch style (and thriving) under Rongen.

Ajax or PSV would be great. An English friend who I showed the highlight clip to said that Lyon would be a really good fit for him in France.

FW_ Wrote:US will play the 3rd place team from Group B, E, or F on July 11 in Toronto. As it stands now if we win that game we'd play the winner of 2A/2C in the Quarters. Right now that's Portugal (could be Mexico)/Congo. Best news, we're not on Argentina's side of the bracket and couldn't face them until the finals.

As it stands now:

3B-Zambia
3E-North Korea (this would be fun)
3F-Costa Rica

North Korea scares the piss out of me.

Seriously, I want NO part of that match. 1) They've only given up three goals total in their group stage, and only dropped one game, 0-1 to Argentina, where they were unfortunate not to get a third draw. These guys are TOUGH. 2) They are going to be very similar to the South Koreans in style -- not good for us! 3) They are going to pour every fiber of their being into the match. Probably because they'll be abused when they get back if they don't win. I'm being serious here.

Anybody but North Korea, thats got disaster written all over it!

I hope Scotland beats Costa Rica. Scotland are softer than Charmin tissue. Bring on the Scots!

OUGwave Wrote:

FW_ Wrote:The announcer mentioned something about how the ball sticks to Freddy's feet and it does. I've never seen an American who can control the ball like that.

And as for Freddy to Europe. I'd like to see him in Spain or Italy. I love the EPL but its a Thug league. I want to see Freddy play in Serie A or La Liga where he can move more freely without worrying about some Irish enforcer drilling him into the turf.

I don't know about Spain or Italy. He'd still really be a trailblazer for an American in any of those leagues, and I think it would make it that much harder of a lifestyle adjustment.

He's still an 18 year old kid moving away across an ocean to another country. I would really like to see him play in Holland, as there is a good track record of American kids being able to adjust to life there pretty easily.

Also the dutch very often play a 4-3-3, which I think he is well suited for as it allows him to hone his playmaking skills from a number of positions. He's also used to playing under the Dutch style (and thriving) under Rongen.

Ajax or PSV would be great. An English friend who I showed the highlight clip to said that Lyon would be a really good fit for him in France.

if he continues to play at this level for the rest of the tourney, ajax, psv, and lyon wont be able to afford him.

France is on a lower level than England, Germany, Holland, Spain, Italy. I'd rather he not go to France. As for Spain or Italy, he can play there easily. I'm not saying he goes to Milan or Barca. He can easily play for one of the mid or lower table teams in those leagues. Julian De Guzman from Canada plays for Deportivo for example.

FW_ Wrote:France is on a lower level than England, Germany, Holland, Spain, Italy. I'd rather he not go to France. As for Spain or Italy, he can play there easily. I'm not saying he goes to Milan or Barca. He can easily play for one of the mid or lower table teams in those leagues. Julian De Guzman from Canada plays for Deportivo for example.

I'm aware its a lower league. For me its not a question of can he play there, for me its a question of what is best for him when he first arrives. And that only is partly to do with soccer. If he arrives in a league that has no experience with American players and gets treated like crap, thats not an ideal situation. Thats why I'm partial to Holland. Most American players that go to play in Europe have said that the adjustment can be very difficult at first.

Then maybe he should just go to England or Rangers/Celtic

Uruguay lost to Zambia, so our options are now

B: Uruguay
E: DPRK
F: Scotland (assuming they keep their 1-0 lead or draw)

I have no idea how they determine who we play. If Congo beats Canada, then DPRK doesn't go through, so its either Scotland or Uruguay. Thats as much as I can determine without having my head explode.

FW_ Wrote:Then maybe he should just go to England or Rangers/Celtic

Maybe not a bad idea, I think a mid-table EPL team would be better than a mid-table Spanish or Italian team depending on the situation. I understand the style of play argument, but MLS has taught him to deal with physicality. At least the EPL also rewards quickness and skill due to the pace of play.

playing for sven in man city wouldnt be horrible....pompey wouldnt be bad either.

OUGwave Wrote:so our options are now

B: Uruguay
E: DPRK
F: Scotland (assuming they keep their 1-0 lead or draw)

I have no idea how they determine who we play. If Congo beats Canada, then DPRK doesn't go through, so its either Scotland or Uruguay.

Costa Rica tied Scotland in the 58th minute and won it in the 90th. So we play Uruguay or Costa Rica.

Uruguay is definitely through with 4 points. DPRK is eliminated because 4 of the 3rd place teams now have at least 3 points, and DPRK only has 2 points. Costa Rica will likely advance, but I don't believe they are guaranteed yet with 4 games to still be played tomorrow.

The most embarassing team in the tourney has to the be the Canucks. At least the fans showed up in record #'s.

i wouldnt say that canada was embarrassing...they are what they are....and that is bad...canada will never change that. they cant. owen hargraeves not included....why do you think he plays for england instead of his home country?

jumping back to copa america, anyone see the brasil game this evening? 6-1 - sick.

aTxTIGER Wrote:i wouldnt say that canada was embarrassing...they are what they are....and that is bad...canada will never change that. they cant. owen hargraeves not included....why do you think he plays for england instead of his home country?

I still think its embarassing for the host country. Look at all past tournaments. The hosts almost always advance to the 2nd round.

Yeah what is the deal with Owen Hargreaves anyway? He should be playing for Canada. Why does he play for England anyway? I thought he played at Bayern Munich.



I don't like that in international soccer. Anyone know the rules for playing for a country that you were not born a citizen of? IMO if someone say, moves from Canada to England they have to have lived in England for at least 10 years to be eligible to play on the England team. It sounds like a soccer star like Hargreaves can just move away from a country that is not very good in soccer like Canada, go to a good team like england, sign citizenship papers and then the next day play for England ¿Que no?


I still think you should only play for the country that you have the most connection to.

Canada is still part of the UK Commonwealth, so any Canadian (or any other citizen of any country in the Commonwealth) probably has the option of playing for England.

TMcCarty Wrote:Canada is still part of the UK Commonwealth, so any Canadian (or any other citizen of any country in the Commonwealth) probably has the option of playing for England.

Um, no.

It doesn't work that way.

Commonwealth status is entirely ceremonial. Canadians have no special ties to the UK that Americans don't, other than officially recognizing the queen as their figurehead. Besides, the Welsh have a much higher connection to the UK than the Canadians, you know because they are actually in the UK. They still can't play for England -- They're not English.

Hargraeves plays for England because his parents are English -- he was born in Canada. Most FA's grant eligibility status to foreign-born kids born of parents from that country. Ireland extends it back as far as having an Irish born grandmother/grandfather.

Has nothing to do with commonwealth status.

aggiefansince83 Wrote:Yeah what is the deal with Owen Hargreaves anyway? He should be playing for Canada. Why does he play for England anyway? I thought he played at Bayern Munich.



I don't like that in international soccer. Anyone know the rules for playing for a country that you were not born a citizen of? IMO if someone say, moves from Canada to England they have to have lived in England for at least 10 years to be eligible to play on the England team. It sounds like a soccer star like Hargreaves can just move away from a country that is not very good in soccer like Canada, go to a good team like england, sign citizenship papers and then the next day play for England ¿Que no?


I still think you should only play for the country that you have the most connection to.

Its pretty simple.

Every country determines their own eligibility requirements. Its usually connected to citizenship/nationality status. I.e... if you have a passport for that country. In Ireland, you only need a grandparent to have been born in Ireland to play for them -- which is also the requirement for holding an Irish passport.

Hargraeves was born in Canada. But he was born of English parents who just happened to be living in Canada at the time. So he's both English and Canadian and can choose.

You make it out like these guys are free agents. They aren't really. He didn't just up and move to England and start playing for England. He was BORN English. He IS English. He just happened to be born in Canada.

Just like if you were born in Germany while your parents were working there for a few years... are you not American? You could play for either the US or Germany as you definitely have a US passport and probably have a German one as well (although I don't know how Germany awards these things). But its not like you can just move to France and start playing for them. You'd have to go through the naturalization process, which could take years.

Also, if you've played a match before for one country, you are eternally tied to that country and can not play for anyone else.

Its really not that complicated of an issue. You play for the country you are a national of. Some people are nationals of more than one country (defined by each country's policy) and therefore they can choose. But even they can only choose once.

Eh, it was just a guess.

Oh well it's all good.



Anyone see the Mexico vs. Paraguay game? Mexico won 6-0.


Now why is it that Mexico struggled in the Gold Cup barely beating Cuba, Costa Rica, Guadalupe, and losing to Honduras and the United States and turn around a week later and dominate much tougher South American teams?

That is like losing to Sun Belt schools in football and then beating Texas and Ohio State the next couple weeks.

different lineup. The european players + Borgetti are out and the Mexican league champion Pachuca players are in + JC Cacho (not to mention Rafa is back in form). We are playing much more in sync and it'll be interesting to see if the european players can get their spots back afterwards.

it probably didn't hurt that paraguay had their gk red carded in the first 3 minutes of the match.

Very impressive display by Mexico. It should be said though that Paraguay played a man down for the final 87 minutes of the match.

Klose and Poldolski were both born in Poland but play for Germany. Birchall from Trinidad's WC team in '06 was from England. One of Angola's best players lived in Portugal from age 3 to now but played for Angola. Mexico had 2 players on their '06 WC team from Brazil. Patrick Vieria was born in Senegal.

FW_ Wrote:Klose and Poldolski were both born in Poland but play for Germany. Birchall from Trinidad's WC team in '06 was from England. One of Angola's best players lived in Portugal from age 3 to now but played for Angola. Mexico had 2 players on their '06 WC team from Brazil. Patrick Vieria was born in Senegal.

guille franco was argentinian