Football/Soccer Thread

[arnie_uk]

what the [profanity deleted]?

cmon that cannot be profanity

[gabefergy]

World Cup draw was earlier today. The US is going to be lucky to finish fourth in their group with Germany, Portugal and Ghana. I won't be surprised if England doesn't get out it's group either. Italy and Uruguay obviously have quality and Costa Rica usually has talent. France should cruise to the knock-out stages, as well as Argentina. Group C is a toss-up.

US group Isnt that bad. They should beat Ghana, and Portugal is good but not great.

[Ed_Reed20]

US group Isnt that bad. They should beat Ghana, and Portugal is good but not great.

 

I don't see how the US should beat Ghana. They likely won't be able to out-muscle them and their overall technique isn't too good. Portugal certainly isn't great but even beyond Ronaldo, the US will have their hands full. 

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

I don't see how the US should beat Ghana. They likely won't be able to out-muscle them and their overall technique isn't too good. Portugal certainly isn't great but even beyond Ronaldo, the US will have their hands full. 

i agree, there's no way the US gets more than one point in their group and that would be very lucky

don't know about England though... Costa Rica's been bad as of late, barely qualified... and they should beat Uruguay if they want to prove something

Edited December 6, 2013 by Mr. Nobody

[Ed_Reed20]

i agree, there's no way the US gets more than one point in their group and that would be very lucky

don't know about England though... Costa Rica's been bad as of late, barely qualified... and they should beat Uruguay if they want to prove something

 

Whatever happens, the Uruguay/England game should be a riot. The media here can't get enough of Suarez.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Whatever happens, the Uruguay/England game should be a riot. The media here can't get enough of Suarez.

don't I know it... is just 'cause he plays for the best football club on the island... that's the only reason lol

[gabefergy]

I don't see how the US should beat Ghana. They likely won't be able to out-muscle them and their overall technique isn't too good. Portugal certainly isn't great but even beyond Ronaldo, the US will have their hands full.

How much US soccer do you watch? They have been in top form for an extended period of time now. They arent among the World's elite, but are probably one of the deepest squads in the pool.They also play a style that will frustrate a lot of teams they face.

[Ed_Reed20]

How much US soccer do you watch? They have been in top form for an extended period of time now. They arent among the World's elite, but are probably one of the deepest squads in the pool.They also play a style that will frustrate a lot of teams they face.

 

Can't say I've watched a lot but I'm familiar with some of their top players on their squad and I know enough about the teams in their group to project how the match-ups could go. Not that past games will dictate the game but Ghana beating the US the last three times they've faced each other in all competitions can't be ignored. I'd say there are at least 10 teams deeper than the US as well. Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, England, Italy, France, Argentina, Germany, Portugal and Belgium surely are; after that, you've got more a bunch of teams with more clear-cut or comparable talent. Ghana is one of them. I agree the US will frustrate the teams they play but I just don't see them emerging from the group.

 

We'll see how things pans out. 

Edited December 6, 2013 by Ed_Reed20

[Mt. Crushmore]

Can't wait (Bart Scott voice) for the world cup.

[gabefergy]

Can't say I've watched a lot but I'm familiar with some of their top players on their squad and I know enough about the teams in their group to project how the match-ups could go. Not that past games will dictate the game but Ghana beating the US the last three times they've faced each other in all competitions can't be ignored. I'd say there are at least 10 teams deeper than the US as well. Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, England, Italy, France, Argentina, Germany, Portugal and Belgium surely are; after that, you've got more a bunch of teams with more clear-cut or comparable talent. Ghana is one of them. I agree the US will frustrate the teams they play but I just don't see them emerging from the group.

We'll see things pans out.

FWIW FIFA has US ranked significantly higher than Ghana. I know they have beaten us 2 WCs in a row, but this US team is much different. Jergen has done a fantastic job, and the skill and creativity of this team is far superior than years past. To be fair I haven't watched Ghana since 2010 but I did see that they barely qualified and faced lesser competition than what the US faced.

Portugal is a good team, Ronaldo has historically played worse in international play and besides him their team is not all that.

Germany is obviously a favorite, but I have to think having Klinsman will give the US a slight advantage compared to playing other powerhouses.

I expect the US move on.

[gabefergy]

Can't wait (Bart Scott voice) for the world cup.

Its my favorite sporting event.

[Mt. Crushmore]

Its my favorite sporting event.

 

It is unparalleled in the sporting world.

[Ed_Reed20]

FWIW FIFA has US ranked significantly higher than Ghana. I know they have beaten us 2 WCs in a row, but this US team is much different. Jergen has done a fantastic job, and the skill and creativity of this team is far superior than years past. To be fair I haven't watched Ghana since 2010 but I did see that they barely qualified and faced lesser competition than what the US faced.

Portugal is a good team, Ronaldo has historically played worse in international play and besides him their team is not all that.

Germany is obviously a favorite, but I have to think having Klinsman will give the US a slight advantage compared to playing other powerhouses.

I expect the US move on.

 

Those rankings mean nothing. Brazil spanked Spain in their last meeting and yet they're ranked 10th. Switzerland is 8th above them. Klinsmann has done a great job and I don't doubt the US team next year will better than we've seen in years past. How did Ghana barely qualify? They won their group comfortably and though they lost their second leg to Egypt 2-1, they were already practically though after smashing them  6-1 in the first leg. As for the how the US qualified, I don't see how they faced notably stronger opposition. Jamaica, Guatemala and Antigua and Barbuda aren't comparable doormats to Zambia, Lesotho and Sudan. 

 

Ronaldo usually plays very well for Portugal. He played well in South Africa a few years ago, dragged his team to the semis last year and was in ridiculous form during qualifying this year. The team isn't amazing beyond him but they've got  quite a few solid players, Coentrao and Moutinho especially. 

 

Klinsmann will surely have some useful tips but Germany is absolutely loaded. 

 

We'll see...

[gabefergy]

Those rankings mean nothing. Brazil spanked Spain in their last meeting and yet they're ranked 10th. Switzerland is 8th above them. Klinsmann has done a great job and I don't doubt the US team next year will better than we've seen in years past. How did Ghana barely qualify? They won their group comfortably and though they lost their second leg to Egypt 2-1, they were already practically though after smashing them  6-1 in the first leg. As for the how the US qualified, I don't see how they faced notably stronger opposition. Jamaica, Guatemala and Antigua and Barbuda aren't comparable doormats to Zambia, Lesotho and Sudan. 

 

Ronaldo usually plays very well for Portugal. He played well in South Africa a few years ago, dragged his team to the semis last year and was in ridiculous form during qualifying this year. The team isn't amazing beyond him but they've got  quite a few solid players, Coentrao and Moutinho especially. 

 

Klinsmann will surely have some useful tips but Germany is absolutely loaded. 

 

We'll see...

Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico are are much stiffer competition than any team Ghana had to face.

[Ed_Reed20]

Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico are are much stiffer competition than any team Ghana had to face.

 

I was looking more at the groups but can't argue there. 

[T3hRaven]

I think the US has a good draw for trying to increase the popularity of the sport in the states.  Ronaldo has star power, that's a ratings draw, Germany is really good, and Ghana has the history with us in the Cup.  I'll be watching for sure, those will be some great games.  We should be competitive at least, I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility that the US advances.  We're still about a decade away from being serious contenders, assuming the significant percentage of kids no longer playing football are heading to soccer.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico are are much stiffer competition than any team Ghana had to face.

I disagree, maybe Mexico would take Egypt out, but Costa Rica would have a hard time and Honduras would've had no chance to take them out; also teams that didn't qualify from Africa like Senegal and Tunisia would've taken both Costa Rica and Mexico for the long ride

[gabefergy]

I disagree, maybe Mexico would take Egypt out, but Costa Rica would have a hard time and Honduras would've had no chance to take them out; also teams that didn't qualify from Africa like Senegal and Tunisia would've taken both Costa Rica and Mexico for the long ride

No way. Costa Rica and Honduras are legit teams. Mexico has really been the worst of that group. I respect the fighting Bob Bradleys, but Egypt is not an overly talented squad.

[RavensAllTheWay]

So I guess we're hoping for 3 points against Ghana, and maybe 1 between Germany and Portugal, putting us at 4?  That may very well not be enough, but I think it's the most realistic chance there is to make it out of this group.

 

What a murderous group.  Ghana has eliminated us in each of the last two tournaments as well.

[RavensAllTheWay]

What do guys think about Group D (England, Italy, Uruguay, Costa Rica)?  Another crazy draw.

[Ozzsome]

What do guys think about Group D (England, Italy, Uruguay, Costa Rica)?  Another crazy draw.

Great Group, propably the toughest group to predict.

England and Italy sort of lost their spark in recent years with their superstars getting up there in age or already in retirement and they couldn't develop their next stars

Uruguay have a great attack, maybe even the best in the tournament, with red hot Suarez, Cavani and Forlan, those guys are deadly in front of goal and run like crazies for 90 minutes

Costa Rica is probably the odd team out

 

My prediction would be:

Uruguay and England to advance with Italy losing out on goal difference to England.

Maybe a bold prediction but that's how I see it develop

[Ozzsome]

Who do you guys think will win the WC?

Spain, Germany and Brazil are the favorites to me, but if I had to choose one team I would go with Belgium. They are stacked with star talent everywhere on the field

[gabefergy]

Who do you guys think will win the WC?

Spain, Germany and Brazil are the favorites to me, but if I had to choose one team I would go with Belgium. They are stacked with star talent everywhere on the field

I don't think a European team has ever won a WC in south america. I would go with Brazil as the favorites. 

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

if Argentina won't win it then give it to the Netherlands

[Ozzsome]

I don't think a European team has ever won a WC in south america. I would go with Brazil as the favorites. 

True, I just have this feeling that Belgium could go very deep in next years tournament

[Clutch Ravens]

True, I just have this feeling that Belgium could go very deep in next years tournament

 

I love them and said they'd dominate in Scotland's group, but I don't think their players have the experience to excel at this World Cup.

 

Most of their players haven't played in massive games and have to fight against a tough climate (although they're in a cooler area).

 

I'd go with the South American teams who'll be more used to the climate and atmosphere at the games. Of them, I'd say Brazil is the best and will have the crowd behind them. Uruguay and Argentina don't have that much talent outside of their forwards.

[Geving]

Brazil is my favorite since they are at home. But Spain and Germany are both immense teams. They will challenge for sure.

I really look forward to this world cup. All those teams are pure quality. Always a chance for some other team to get hot at the right time too. 

 

And like you guys stated, Belgium can challenge too. Crazy how many quality players they suddenly bred. Dark horse team for sure.

[George70]

I usually favor Brazil in World Cup play, followed by Germany and even Spain and England, but does anyone here think we have a chance?

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

I usually favor Brazil in World Cup play, followed by Germany and even Spain and England, but does anyone here think we have a chance?

England? nah, they'll be happy to get out of the groups and it will be a big surprise for them to get into the last eight

Edited December 18, 2013 by Mr. Nobody

[Ed_Reed20]

Great W against Tottenham in the FA cup tonight. Loved seeing Theo troll the Tottenham fans.