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Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Mets – Willets Point Jul 17 2012 11:16 AM

Crystal Palace is my new favorite club now that Eddie Izzard is associate director. I imagine he can do some fantastic things with the team's kit.

The Second Spitter Jul 18 2012 07:34 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Arsenal away monstrosity for next season.

soupcan Jul 18 2012 07:38 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

How long have the Euro teams been slapping corporate sponsor logos across their chests? Do the fans care? Did they ever? Can't express how much I would hate that if the teams I rooted for in the States started doing that.

The Second Spitter Jul 18 2012 07:46 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

soupcan wrote: How long have the Euro teams been slapping corporate sponsor logos across their chests? Do the fans care? Did they ever? Can't express how much I would hate that if the teams I rooted for in the States started doing that. Since the early 80's. I care but very few other fans seem to be bothered anymore, especially the younger ones. Up until recently French clubs sold jerseys without their corporate sponsor (where it was a bigger deal apparently), but this no longer appears to be the case unfortunately.

metirish Jul 18 2012 08:13 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Yeah people don't seem to care....I'd associate Man United of the 80's with Sharp. Liverpool with Candy and Arsenal with JVC.......I wouldn't buy one now......all the lads at home wearing Munster Rugby shirts which are beautiful but have Toyota across the front....looks awful.

Mets – Willets Point Jul 18 2012 08:19 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

I know American soccer fans who think MLS team "kits" don't look legitimate when they have the team logo on the chest instead of corporate sponsor. Now that most MLS teams have a shirt sponsor they think it looks better. It's a strange kind of Eurosnobbery. Personally, I don't object to the shirt sponsorship since by the nature of the game there's very little time for commercial breaks and I'd rather have the ads be relatively ignorable on the shirt than to be interrupted by ads every few minutes. But if a team has enough money to do without the shirt sponsor, all the better.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 18 2012 09:43 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

metirish wrote: Yeah people don't seem to care....I'd associate Man United of the 80's with Sharp. Liverpool with Candy and Arsenal with JVC.......I wouldn't buy one now......all the lads at home wearing Munster Rugby shirts which are beautiful but have Toyota across the front....looks awful. It ends up being a pretty good way to timestamp various modern-era players/events... "Was that Autoglass era, or Commodore?" "No, that Gullit FA Cup was a Coors."

The Second Spitter Jul 18 2012 10:45 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

metirish wrote: Yeah people don't seem to care....I'd associate Man United of the 80's with Sharp. Liverpool with Candy and Arsenal with JVC.......I wouldn't buy one now......all the lads at home wearing Munster Rugby shirts which are beautiful but have Toyota across the front....looks awful. I associated Liverpool more with Crown Paints than Candy. (I always believed it was Crown Pants for some particular reason). Sp*rs with Holsten, Everton with NEC.

Frayed Knot Jul 18 2012 11:16 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Did I read/hear somewhere that Drogba signed with some Chinese team starting next year? If accurate, is this a sign that his game is now past its sell-by date or is a Chinese league making some big money push to raise their skill and profile level?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 18 2012 01:49 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 18 2012 02:03 PM

Frayed Knot wrote: Did I read/hear somewhere that Drogba signed with some Chinese team starting next year? If accurate, is this a sign that his game is now past its sell-by date or is a Chinese league making some big money push to raise their skill and profile level? STOP! You're both right! More of the latter, though-- he had some rumored offseason interest from Italian (Milan, Napoli) and Spanish (Barca!) teams, and he's joining former Chelsea teammate Nicholas "Le Sulk" Anelka, who made a similar move last year.

metirish Jul 18 2012 01:56 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Drogba says he didn't go for the money......which means he did.It has been known that he was going to China, past his best?, sure, but still good enough to start for most EPL teams. On his day he was an animal , great player.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 12 2012 01:40 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

FA Community Shield today; EPL starting in earnest next weekend. So whaddaya think? Predictions: 1) Man City (going out on a limb) 2) Arsenal 3) Chelsea (starting slow, but finishing strong) 4) Man U 5) Spurs 6) Liverpool 7) Newcastle Relegated: QPR, Reading, Southampton FA Cup: Arsenal Capital One (nee Carling) Cup: Chelsea Golden Boot: I'll go... Aguero Golden Glove: Pepe Reina Player of Season: Aguero Young Player of Season: Eden Hazard Newcomer/Signing of Season: Lukas Podolski Manager of Season: Sam Allardyce First One Gone: Mark Hughes

Mets – Willets Point Aug 15 2012 06:30 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

USA facing their hated rivals at Estadio Azteca tonight. So far they've not been humbled and embarrassed by their Mexican foes.

Mets – Willets Point Aug 15 2012 07:54 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Michael Orozco Fiscal scores for US in 80th minute!

Mets – Willets Point Aug 15 2012 08:12 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

It's official. First ever US win against Mexico on Mexican soil. Wow!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 15 2012 08:14 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

And without most of our frontline Euro guys, no less. Good news for Chicharito: you get to face SuperTim Howard again in another five days.

Mets – Willets Point Aug 15 2012 10:03 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 16 2012 07:26 AM

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: And without most of our frontline Euro guys, no less. Yes, a lot of Mexican-Americans who play on clubs in Mexico on the team tonight. That was the missing ingredient all along.

The Second Spitter Aug 16 2012 01:22 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Imagine David Wright playing in the Bronx next year. This is exactly how I'm feeling at the moment. There are no words.

metirish Aug 16 2012 06:17 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

The Second Spitter wrote: Imagine David Wright playing in the Bronx next year. This is exactly how I'm feeling at the moment. There are no words. Obviously I feel ecstatic, if I was an Arsenal fan I would be pissed, it has got to be hard seeing your best players sold each year, let a lone sold to a hated rival. The financing for the stadium often gets the blame but fuck there are several billionaires on the board, spend some money, break the wage structure etc. Song is going too right?

The Second Spitter Aug 16 2012 06:44 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

metirish wrote: The Second Spitter wrote: Imagine David Wright playing in the Bronx next year. This is exactly how I'm feeling at the moment. There are no words. Obviously I feel ecstatic, if I was an Arsenal fan I would be pissed, it has got to be hard seeing your best players sold each year, let a lone sold to a hated rival. The financing for the stadium often gets the blame but fuck there are several billionaires on the board, spend some money, break the wage structure etc. Song is going too right? Look at that Yosemite Sam-looking motherf***er’s US franchises (Nuggets/Rams/Avalanche), and tell me he has an interest in winning championships. Meanwhile, Usmanov has 30% of the stock in the club and almost twice as much cash as Abramovich, but can’t get a seat on the board. That’s a fucking joke, right there. And this won’t change until that toffee-nosed dinosaur Peter Hill-Wood succumbs to dementia (and all because of the personal squabble he has with David Dein). Fuck all that, i'm just hoping the Jets go deep this season, I'll watch a bit of cricket in the summer, and before I know it will be spring training again. I really hope he works out for you, Irish, but right now only Jimmy Ruffin knows what I’m feeling.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 16 2012 08:19 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Indeed, on Song; apparently, Barca's ready to pay up. When will that talent drain close up-- will it really take Hill-Wood kicking the proverbial bucket?

Mets – Willets Point Aug 16 2012 01:52 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

ESPN Classic will be replaying the Mexico-USA game tonight at 7 PM. Instant classic's gonna get you.

The Second Spitter Sep 12 2012 02:04 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

EPL result from last week: Southampton 2, Stabs to my heart 3.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 12 2012 06:54 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Hell of a game, though. Southampton's proving to be the PL's most frisky jobber-team, aren't they? (If they could close out a game or two, they'd be a lot more.) Speaking of more recent events, though... anyone here catch/DVR last night's US-Jamaica qualifier? I don't think I've ever seen the USMNT play a better, more dominant half than that scoreless first.

Frayed Knot Sep 12 2012 07:09 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

I see that FOX sports is doing some kind of weekly 'behind the scenes' type of deal involving Liverpool which I believe starts this Sunday. It's apparently going to run at various times both on their dedicated soccer cable channel and on their regular network station (aka: 'Big Fox') so check your local listings.

The Second Spitter Sep 12 2012 08:28 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Speaking of more recent events, though... anyone here catch/DVR last night's US-Jamaica qualifier? I don't think I've ever seen the USMNT play a better, more dominant half than that scoreless first. Caught most of USA-Jamaica over dinner at the pub. USA were pretty clinical. Didn't think they deserved to lose the first game, it was a freakish goal.

metirish Sep 12 2012 08:51 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Frayed Knot wrote: I see that FOX sports is doing some kind of weekly 'behind the scenes' type of deal involving Liverpool which I believe starts this Sunday. It's apparently going to run at various times both on their dedicated soccer cable channel and on their regular network station (aka: 'Big Fox') so check your local listings. From what I have read in the Guardian don't expect HBO Hard Knocks.....and, it has already caused some embarrassment for the club with the new manager on camera stating "It would take something incredible for Andy Carroll to leave." , Caroll(record British signing) was loaned out to West Ham on the last day of the transfer window only for the club to severely fuck up and not bring in a replacement....specifically Clint Dempsey......on the pre-season tour of the US the players go for a meditation session with the Red Sox(sister club) exercise physiologist.....that'll go down well down Shankly Way.... I'll tune in all the same.....

Mets – Willets Point Sep 13 2012 11:46 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Wow, this is a big deal: Hillsborough disaster: the truth.

metirish Sep 14 2012 06:19 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Wow, this is a big deal: Hillsborough disaster: the truth. Justice, finally. It was an awful day, I remember it vividly. Back then the FA Cup was a huge deal and this was a mouthwatering semi final.....The Sun newspaper then went on the denigrate the dead on their front page, the cover up by the authorities, really horrible stuff.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 14 2012 09:33 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Wow, this is a big deal: Hillsborough disaster: the truth. Justice, finally. It was an awful day, I remember it vividly. Back then the FA Cup was a huge deal and this was a mouthwatering semi final.....The Sun newspaper then went on the denigrate the dead on their front page, the cover up by the authorities, really horrible stuff. It's like a painstakingly-distilled and mixed cocktail of the UK's worst from the late 20th. Was the cover-up that obvious at the time?

Mets – Willets Point Sep 14 2012 10:09 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

This is the part that shocked and appalled me most: 41 of the 96 who died could possibly have been saved had the police and ambulance service done their jobs decently It's one thing to fuck-up on crowd control and have people die but that they went into c.y.a. mode when people still could've been saved is reprehensible.

metirish Sep 14 2012 10:36 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Wow, this is a big deal: Hillsborough disaster: the truth. Justice, finally. It was an awful day, I remember it vividly. Back then the FA Cup was a huge deal and this was a mouthwatering semi final.....The Sun newspaper then went on the denigrate the dead on their front page, the cover up by the authorities, really horrible stuff. It's like a painstakingly-distilled and mixed cocktail of the UK's worst from the late 20th. Was the cover-up that obvious at the time? It was obvious to everyone, which is one of many reasons why it is so appalling, that they tried to say fans were stealing from the dead etc really fueled the anger, cover-ups of course were nothing new at the time.... Birmingham 6 and the Guildford 4 being two examples. This tragedy is the reason why there are no more standing terraces anymore, although they are trying to bring them back in a controlled way.

The Second Spitter Sep 16 2012 12:06 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Stay classy Man U fans! Million bucks says it's the same twats who chant "wenger is a pedophile" every time we visit OT.

Frayed Knot Sep 16 2012 09:14 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

metirish wrote: I see that FOX sports is doing some kind of weekly 'behind the scenes' type of deal involving Liverpool which I believe starts this Sunday. It's apparently going to run at various times both on their dedicated soccer cable channel and on their regular network station (aka: 'Big Fox') so check your local listings. From what I have read in the Guardian don't expect HBO Hard Knocks.....and, it has already caused some embarrassment for the club with the new manager on camera stating "It would take something incredible for Andy Carroll to leave." , Caroll(record British signing) was loaned out to West Ham on the last day of the transfer window only for the club to severely fuck up and not bring in a replacement....specifically Clint Dempsey......on the pre-season tour of the US the players go for a meditation session with the Red Sox(sister club) exercise physiologist.....that'll go down well down Shankly Way.... I'll tune in all the same..... I just checked it out after DVR-ing it from this morning -- interesting enough for this total novice anyway. It's clearly an attempt by owners Werner & John Henry to build up recognition of the team and the Liverpool brand name in this country - although there's certainly nothing wrong with that. I like how they sub-title the speech whenever the Italian & Brazilian players spoke English but they probably need to do so for some of the English & Irish players & coaches as well as I was catching about half of what they said sometimes. Americans & English: two peoples separated by a common language.

metirish Sep 17 2012 06:45 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Stay classy Man U fans! Million bucks says it's the same twats who chant "wenger is a pedophile" every time we visit OT. yes they are wankers but come now, you know like I do that this shit will never stop and that Sunday at Anfield the fans there will chant about Munich. As for Being:Liverpool........the show might have worked better if the team wasn't in 17th place (only on goal difference). Agree with FK, clearly this is Henry and co. building the brand.... Liverpool these days are nothing more than a Newcastle, Villa etc, big support but not a big club anymore.

The Second Spitter Sep 18 2012 08:01 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

First win by Arsenal managed by an Englishman since .........1986. (Wenger has a 3 match ban in the Champions League).

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 18 2012 10:02 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Viva video-game scoring! Real Madrid-Man City got fun there at the end, no?

The Second Spitter Sep 18 2012 10:07 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Yeah that game did have a Playstation air about it.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 29 2012 10:36 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Gracias, Los Españoles Azules (y Senor Koscielny)!

metirish Oct 26 2012 04:09 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Stunner , looks like NBC have outbid ESPN and FOX for the EPL. Just my opinion buy I don't think the bid was crazy, plus if true I like this I think. http://deadspin.com/5955350/nbc-looks-l ... socialflow NBC Looks Like It Will Beat Out Fox and ESPN For The EPL After A Crazy Bid John Koblin So we now live in a world where not only Major League Baseball draws insane amounts of money from broadcasters (fresh off the lowest rated Game 2 of the World Series ever!) but now soccer too. Fox and ESPN are out of the bidding for the English Premier League and NBC is looking like a winner. Because they paid...wait, how much? Sources say NBC's bid would pay the EPL around $83M per year, an amount that would more than triple the $23M per year that Fox currently pays. Sources say Fox and ESPN have been told that their joint bid was not accepted. It is not clear if the Al Jazeera network, BeIN Sport, still is in the running. The emergence of NBC Universal as the clear front-runner in this bidding process comes as a surprise. When the MLB deal came down a couple of months ago (which is worth $700 million a year, less than the NBA's $930 million per year but more than the NHL's $200 million per year deal), some sports media folks started whispering bubble, but surely NBC will say this is justified. After all, they need to fill some hours on its cable channel. And this is the sport with ratings ticking upward every year and you know: It's going to really catch on at some point, right? ESPN, once the proud flag-bearing broadcaster of soccer in the U.S., loses out again. In 2009, ESPN lost rights to the Champions League. Later that same year, it lost rights to the EPL. And last year, in a move that stunned just about everyone around sports media, Fox outbid ESPN for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. ESPN will have the World Cup in 2014 and the Euro Cup in 2016 but then what? Will soccer get disappeared by the World Wide Leader, like the NHL? [Sports Business Daily]

metirish Oct 26 2012 04:33 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

As mentioned in the article and from reading elsewhere beIN SportUSA might be the top bidder too, or NBC could licence games to them... I have never heard of this channel until ten minutes ago...not on Verizon

Frayed Knot Oct 26 2012 05:07 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

That NBC has a brand new sports network to fill (acquired in the merger w/Comcast) was the biggest factor in play here. I'm sure they'll play a majority of games there plus put the occasional weekend game on the big network to fill a programming need between 'Meet the Press' and their night-time football during the winter. Fox outbid ESPN for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. ESPN will have the World Cup in 2014 and the Euro Cup in 2016 but then what? Will soccer get disappeared by the World Wide Leader, like the NHL? This is always a consideration in these deals. If ESPN doesn't have a self interest in something that something suddenly gets a whole lot less reflected attention. It "gets disappeared" (or severely diminished at best) from their hi-lights, from their 'Top Ten' countdowns, from their bottom-screen crawl, and from the minds and mouths of their anchors. And while it's easy to say 'well fuck them then' when the 800-lb gorilla in the room starts pretending you don't exist it has an effect. NBC is hoping their sports channel will fill some of that void but they're a long way from that now.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 26 2012 07:05 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

metirish wrote: As mentioned in the article and from reading elsewhere beIN SportUSA might be the top bidder too, or NBC could licence games to them... I have never heard of this channel until ten minutes ago...not on Verizon They're Al-Jazeera's foray into international sports, and already have a good amount of La Liga action (including Los Clasicos) and CONCACAF World Cup qualifying (including all away US matches). Caught a stream of Barca-Real a few weeks back; nice production values. But yeah... not on Verizon, and barely on the other US carriers. I'd imagine that'll change pretty soon.

Mets – Willets Point Nov 17 2012 07:14 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

If you haven't seen it already, check out Zlatan Ibrahimovic's goal from the Sweden-England friendly. [youtube:1cajx1yh]Xh_KNH8QqSw[/youtube:1cajx1yh] By the way, I haven't been keeping up with the EPL this season, but I checked the standings today and I'm wondering what's up with West Bromwich Albion?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 17 2012 09:22 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

wow. Check out West Fuckin Ham, too.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 18 2012 07:08 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

West Brom knocked off Chelsea (albeit the B-squad, with a whole bunch of players injured/being saved for a crucial Champions League game Tuesday) yesterday, no less. They've been doing it with a balanced, organized attack; Shane Long, Odemwingie, and Romelu Lukaku (a Chelsea loan-out/raw, Drogba-lite sort) have all been consistent threats up front. Combine with decent play at the back, and holding court at home against the minnows (6 wins, 1 draw at the Hawthorns), and they're "overachieving." Ultimately, they'll probably fall back a little in the standings-- they're in the top 4 right now, a point behind Chelsea-- but... well... they're no fluke. (This year's Newcastle?) The explanation for West Ham? Surprisingly organized defense, and... um... Sam Allardyce is a witch?

Mets – Willets Point Nov 21 2012 08:51 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

David Beckham is leaving MLS after the MLS cup final on Dec. 1st. I'd say overall he's been beneficial for the league. Interestingly, he is not retiring although I can't imagine he would make it on a major European club at his age. Perhaps he'll bring his star power to Australia or China next?

Mets – Willets Point Nov 21 2012 10:06 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Meanwhile, women's professional soccer will get another try with a new 8-team league proposed for 2013.

MFS62 Dec 03 2012 10:11 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

We share a love of food, and a love of something else, too: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-di ... --sow.html Later

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 04 2012 05:31 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: West Brom knocked off Chelsea (albeit the B-squad, with a whole bunch of players injured/being saved for a crucial Champions League game Tuesday) yesterday, no less. They've been doing it with a balanced, organized attack; Shane Long, Odemwingie, and Romelu Lukaku (a Chelsea loan-out/raw, Drogba-lite sort) have all been consistent threats up front. Combine with decent play at the back, and holding court at home against the minnows (6 wins, 1 draw at the Hawthorns), and they're "overachieving." Ultimately, they'll probably fall back a little in the standings-- they're in the top 4 right now, a point behind Chelsea-- but... well... they're no fluke. (This year's Newcastle?) The explanation for West Ham? Surprisingly organized defense, and... um... Sam Allardyce is a witch? The Ham also kicked Chelsea's asses.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 04 2012 10:08 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

They've got a lot of company in that club. Abramovich's management of the team makes the Wilpons go down like chamomile before bedtime.

The Second Spitter Dec 26 2012 12:08 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Christ Albilly, you sound exactly like an MFY fan. Your team are the holders of the UCL. I wish Yosemite Sam showed as much interest in his club; perhaps occasionally chucking the spare change in his pocket in Wenger's direction. MFS62 wrote: We share a love of food, and a love of something else, too: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-di ... --sow.html Later ="http]Richman is a die-hard fan of the New York Yankees

I see.

MFS62=Mantle Fan Since 62.

Mets – Willets Point Jan 16 2013 11:03 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

The New York Cosmos, a new team that will be begin playing in the NASL (currently the second tier of soccer in the US and Canada after MLS) this year, have a proposal for a new soccer stadium adjacent to Belmont Park.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 23 2013 07:04 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

So... Euro 2012 gets wall-to-wall coverage (including same-day replays of every match). Which was great. But AFCON-- with almost as many top-flight players*, and at least as nutballs-- has nary a game on broadcast, and not so much as a Deportes stream (or, hell, even a reliable bootleg stream). *Granted, half of them being Ivorians. But stll.

HahnSolo Jan 24 2013 07:16 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

What do you soccerball folks think of this? [url]http://deadspin.com/5978461/chelseas-eden-hazard-sent-off-after-kicking-swansea-ballboy-during-league-cup-match I will probably be in the minority, but the "ball boy" was deliberately stalling to the point of laying on the ball. And I don't think the Kick was all that dramatic, you could maybe argue he was trying to kick the ball out from under him (though I grant that is not likely). I think the ball boy was embellishing whatever injury he might have suffered, but you can't go around kicking people, so I guess the red card was warranted?

metirish Jan 24 2013 08:32 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

They are both wankers........but the bigger wanker is the highly paid pro footballer.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 24 2013 09:29 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

The kid apparently Tweeted about "#timewasting" prior to the match, too. The kid did something stupid (and ostensibly "premeditated"), but he's presumably of an age when that's more understandable. Hazard did something stupid in the heat of the moment, but he should know better... and should be punished. (And I say this as a Blues guy.) That said... I've seen people suggesting that he get a Cantona-like treatment from the FA. Which, frankly, is pretty fucking absurd. This... ... is not this.

Mets – Willets Point Feb 06 2013 02:03 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

USA in Honduras for a 2014 World Cup qualifier right now.

Frayed Knot Feb 06 2013 02:22 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Mets – Willets Point wrote: USA in Honduras for a 2014 World Cup qualifier right now. Do we have to wait for the game to be over or is this one of those where the result was decided ahead of time somewhere in Singapore?

Mets – Willets Point Feb 06 2013 02:29 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

I don't believe there is a fix on this game, no. But the USA is playing poorly in the early going. Still no score at 26'.

Mets – Willets Point Feb 06 2013 05:05 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Honduras wins 2:1. Poor, sloppy game for the USMNT.

metirish Mar 21 2013 01:42 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Croatia and Serbia play each other Friday in a WC Qualifier , firs time both have met in such a game. Fascinating article on the Serbian coach http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog ... ia-croatia

Frayed Knot Mar 22 2013 09:12 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

USA vs Costa Rica WC qualifier being played in a raging blizzard in Colorado 1-0 US at the half

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 23 2013 08:05 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Finished watching on DVR late last night-- that was all kinds of nutballs. They stopped the game at 55 minutes-- For check-in with the players/FIFA match commissioner?-- then restarted it after a few minutes of snow clearance, presumably after realizing that there weren't any other palatable options (next morning/afternoon replay, e.g.). They finished it in about 2-3 inches of solid-packed onfield-snow... and after a Costa Rican goal was waved off for a nearly-invisible-but-correct offsides call.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 23 2013 02:27 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

And Costa Rica's protesting.

The Second Spitter Mar 26 2013 03:41 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

You know what I hate? Cheating Paella Eaters.

Frayed Knot Mar 26 2013 04:09 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: And Costa Rica's protesting. And the protest was denied. Late night (for the east-coasters) tilt in Mexico tonight.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 26 2013 04:24 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Frayed Knot wrote: LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: And Costa Rica's protesting. And the protest was denied. Late night (for the east-coasters) tilt in Mexico tonight. Where, if the players see something floating from the skies, they'd be best advised not to catch it on their tongues.

metirish Mar 26 2013 06:26 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Republic of Ireland at home today against Austria, a vital game as second place in the group is between us, Sweden and Austria, ROI winning 2-1 with three minutes injury time left, Austria scores.....and that is us.....fuck. Just got beIN Sports HD......looks like they show a shit load of soccer......looks great.

Mets – Willets Point Mar 26 2013 09:23 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Nought-nought at the half. Mexico has had the majority of possession and some stomach-churning chances and the USA is lucky to have it scoreless.

Mets – Willets Point Mar 26 2013 10:25 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Jesus Christ that was painful to the gastro-intestinal system. The US defends against the Mexican attack and earn a point at Estadio Azteca for only the second time ever.

Frayed Knot Mar 27 2013 05:55 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

As the late sportswriter Jim Murray once put it: 'I'd tell you the final score, except there was no final score'

Frayed Knot Mar 27 2013 10:15 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Mets – Willets Point wrote: Nought-nought at the half. Mexico has had the majority of possession and some stomach-churning chances and the USA is lucky to have it scoreless. 14 corner kicks for Mexico vs 2 for the USA by the time the game was over. Not that that stat tells the whole story or anything but it certainly adds fuel to the lucky to get away with a scoreless tie angle.

Mets – Willets Point Mar 27 2013 11:02 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Frayed Knot wrote: Mets – Willets Point wrote: Nought-nought at the half. Mexico has had the majority of possession and some stomach-churning chances and the USA is lucky to have it scoreless. 14 corner kicks for Mexico vs 2 for the USA by the time the game was over. Not that that stat tells the whole story or anything but it certainly adds fuel to the lucky to get away with a scoreless tie angle. Half of those corner kicks were in stoppage time (or so it felt).

Mets – Willets Point Apr 09 2013 10:09 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

International soccer comes to New York City ballparks: * May 25 - Chelsea v. Manchester City at YSIII (I guess they couldn't get Man Utd since that would be like a home game for them) * June 2 - Israel v. Honduras at Citi Field * June 11 - Spain v. Ireland at YSIII

The Second Spitter Apr 14 2013 06:48 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Looks like there's gonna be two Welsh teams in the EPL next year, as Cardiff City only need a point at Charlton to get promoted with 4 games left. I have a bit of soft-spot for the Bluebirds. All we need is Wrexham to reach the EPL and we'll have a Welsh threesome. On a related note, anybody know whether Swansea be allowed to play in the Europa League next year or are UEFA gonna be a bunch of heartless c**ts?

Mets – Willets Point Apr 14 2013 07:08 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

The Second Spitter wrote: All we need is Wrexham to reach the EPL and we'll have a Welsh threesome. Sounds like an episode of Torchwood.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 14 2013 07:43 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Last few times I'd checked, they hadn't made a decision re: Swansea yet. (When has UEFA ever made a decision before they absolutely had to?)

The Second Spitter Apr 14 2013 07:55 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Last few times I'd checked, they hadn't made a decision re: Swansea yet. (When has UEFA ever made a decision before they absolutely had to?) That would be totally fucked if they don't, and i'm sure it can be challenged under EU Treaty law. Mets – Willets Point wrote: The Second Spitter wrote: All we need is Wrexham to reach the EPL and we'll have a Welsh threesome. Sounds like an episode of Torchwood. Not sure where Wrexham are on the football pyramid these days, however in 1992 they were rock bottom of the fourth tier and managed to eliminate a full strength side Arsenal (who were the reigning Football League champions at the time) from the FA Cup with yours truly in attendance. [youtube]b0_udb-LsB8[/youtube]

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 22 2013 12:21 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Yes, Suarez will be getting a lengthy suspension. Yes, he'll be shamed in the public eye for years to come. He still shouldn't have been on the pitch to score the equalizer in the magical 97th minute of a game granted six minutes of injury time. Neither should have Sturridge (after his studs-up shit on Bertrand just before the end of regular time). Kop Justice!

metirish Apr 22 2013 07:19 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Suarez is absolute scum, hilarious to see LFC fans defend him, the club says they won't be selling him, I have a feeling they will though, he wants out.......

metirish Apr 24 2013 06:22 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Oh, with a month left Manchester United are Champions , Ferguson is quite remarkable and I dread the day he retires. A few things that stand out in comparison to other teams, on paper this Man United team might not stack up to say Manchester City or Chelsea, especially in midfield with the latter.....but what sets them apart is the total control the manager has over the players.....a theme of Man City's season has been players whining and complaining about being in the team or not, their manager throwing players under the bus and vital times.....think Mancini's comments about Joe Hart after one particular goal keeping gaff(they happen), his snarly but honest "we had two and a half men in the wall" in regards to RVP's winning goal from a free kick where Nasri ducked out of the way....the Chelsea players rounding on Benitez .....the total dysfunction there anyway..... Will be an interesting off-season.

Frayed Knot Apr 24 2013 07:18 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

metirish wrote: Suarez is absolute scum, hilarious to see LFC fans defend him, the club says they won't be selling him, I have a feeling they will though, he wants out....... You'll never bite alone.

Mets – Willets Point Apr 24 2013 08:04 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

John Henry is trying to work out a deal to trade Suarez to the Dodgers.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 24 2013 01:10 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

So, that Barca dynasty business was fun while it lasted, no?

metirish Apr 24 2013 01:17 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: So, that Barca dynasty business was fun while it lasted, no? amazing how quickly it can all change, suddenly people are talking about the Bayern way of doing things , which of course will probably change when Pep gets there. Wouldn't it be interesting to have them win the Champions League with a new manager coming in?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 24 2013 01:23 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Funny thing that, since the Bayern way of things--- both player development-wise and on-field-- is essentially the Barca way of things, only with slightly better financial management and less lisping.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 24 2013 02:39 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Apparently, the economy isn't the only Spanish thing that's profligate and shot through with holes.

metirish May 21 2013 11:30 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 21 2013 12:10 PM

New York City FC will play in the MLS in time for the 2015 season....Manchester City will join with the fucking NY Yankees in owning the team.....I can only imagine they brought the MFY on board to ease the backlash against Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan.....if there ever was going to be a backlash.....having said that the gym teacher at Lorcan's school who is big into soccer expressed dismay that the Sheikh and his investment company would own a team in NYC......and I just heard here in passing at work three guys talking about it.....sounded like they were not happy with the Sheikh either...........totally crazy to me....... anyway a stadium will likely be built in Flushing Meadow, the fucking Mets should have been in on this.......

Valadius May 21 2013 12:04 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

This is just a giant slap in the face to Jeffy Wilpon. I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Mets – Willets Point May 21 2013 12:29 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

How long until they merge with the Cosmos and adopt the Cosmos brand?

Frayed Knot Jun 17 2013 07:53 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

So just what is the 'Confederations Cup' and is there any reason to care about it? I only noticed it because it's all over ESPN's airwaves both last week and this which means they're hyping the hell out of it, but of course they tend to be pretty good at the whole self-promotion thing. And speaking of soccer and self-promotions, I saw while watching some golf this weekend that NBC is advertising that they have the Premier League rights starting this year and those ads were saying things like 'Every Game - Live' or some such similar stuff. I assume it'll be mainly through their cable sports outlet with the occasional "name" match tossed to the network. Either way, it sounds like they're going in full bore on this.

Mets – Willets Point Jun 17 2013 07:59 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Confederations Cup is a tournament where the winners of each confederation's tournament (there are six confederations roughly aligned with continents: Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania (but not Australia who compete with Asia), South America, and North America, Central America, & the Caribbean). In addition to these 6 champions the defending World Cup Champions (Spain) and host of next year's World Cup (Brazil) also compete for a pool of 8 national teams. The competition is basically a test run for the following year's World Cup using the same stadiums as well as an opportunity for those 8 teams to get acquainted with the stadiums. It's basically a minor honor to win the Confederations Cup, although a team with less history of success would be more excited about winning than one of the world soccer powers.

MFS62 Jun 17 2013 08:02 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Oceania? What about Eurasia and Eastasia? Later

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 17 2013 09:51 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Mets – Willets Point wrote: It's basically a minor honor to win the Confederations Cup, although a team with less history of success would be more excited about winning than one of the world soccer powers. Or, y'know, making the final over the World's #1 team, even. (If only they'd been able to hold that lead against Brazil.) Really, though, it's kind of a neat appetizer for fans, especially when the field gives you a half-dozen matchups like Mexico-Japan, Spain-Uruguay, or Brazil-Italy in the first round.

Mets – Willets Point Jun 17 2013 10:41 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

And if only they'd been able to hold that lead against Mexico 2 years ago, they'd be playing in the Confederations Cup this year too. Grrrr...

Frayed Knot Jun 17 2013 03:15 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Confederations Cup is a tournament where the winners of each confederation's tournament... So I reckon these regional tournaments were held like last year sometime around the midpoint between World Cups? Obviously then they are a different thing than the regional WC qualifiers which are now part-way through. Other int'l fubol question now that I'm on the subject: Do the results from the last WC -- not just the final winner but from all the prelims and knock-out games -- and from other non-WC year int'l tourneys factor in to how many slots are set aside for each of the confederations? IOW, I'm sure Europe (rightly) has more slots reserved for them in Brazil than Africa based on a stronger league set-up even though the populations of the two continents are about the same. But if Africa, or say the North American confed, started winning more in the future, particularly at the expense of some of the traditionally stronger regions, would they eventually be awarded an extra spot or two? Or would this be more akin to NCAA hoops where the stronger leagues would rather double the size of the field before they'd give up one of their precious invites?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 17 2013 05:37 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

FK wrote: Do the results from the last WC -- not just the final winner but from all the prelims and knock-out games -- and from other non-WC year int'l tourneys factor in to how many slots are set aside for each of the confederations... if Africa, or say the North American confed, started winning more in the future, particularly at the expense of some of the traditionally stronger regions, would they eventually be awarded an extra spot or two? Or would this be more akin to NCAA hoops where the stronger leagues would rather double the size of the field before they'd give up one of their precious invites? Yes, yes... and yes. FIFA makes the allotment decision a short while after the last World Cup, and it's supposed to be based on past performance, with heavy weight on the last WC Finals (meaning the tourney in toto, rather than any intercontinental qualifiers). FIFA being FIFA (which is to say, being corrupt on a level that would shame a Tammany Hall-descendent IOC member), quite a bit more goes into it (including UEFA keeping a death grip on its spots as Africa and Asia get much more competitive).

Frayed Knot Jun 17 2013 06:11 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

I have this idea that if Europe started losing guaranteed places to the likes of Africa, Asia, or the Americas they'd combat the losses by attempting to re-colonize some of those countries in order to get the slots back.

Frayed Knot Jun 24 2013 05:30 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

So I'm seeing some hi-lights from this Confederation Cup thing the other day and, while I'm used to the one-named Brazilian stars, I wasn't quite prepared for what seemed to be a very un-Brazilian sounding name when they were giving credit for one of the goals: Fred Fred?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 24 2013 07:29 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Short for Alfredo, I believe. OE: Frederico Chaves Guanes, former stud for Lyon, current bagman for Brazilian squad Fluminense.

Mets – Willets Point Jun 25 2013 07:37 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Believe it or not, there are two Brazilian futbol players named Fred. This Fred once played in MLS, and now plays in Australia. The Fred you saw is the better Fred since he's qualified for international play.

Mets – Willets Point Jun 25 2013 10:33 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Interesting take on Spain's 10-0 drubbing of Tahiti as a sign of respect. They showed Tahiti all the respect they were due by treating them like any other opponent. There was no showing off, they just played their normal game. They were cool, composed, and efficient as always, and they scored 10 times largely because they couldn’t help it.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 25 2013 10:45 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Interesting, indeed. IIRC, the Spanish players were supergracious postgame, and they did start a lot of backups. (Granted, those backups are guys like Torres, Mata, Santi Cazorla, and David Villa, but still.)

metirish Jun 25 2013 11:43 AM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Spain were also very gracious when they hammered the Republic of Ireland at the Euros......

Ashie62 Jun 25 2013 05:57 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

I want a team from Greenland and an ice pitch 500 yards by 200....No skates!

Frayed Knot Jun 25 2013 06:51 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Mets – Willets Point wrote: Believe it or not, there are two Brazilian futbol players named Fred. This Fred once played in MLS, and now plays in Australia. The Fred you saw is the better Fred since he's qualified for international play. It just struck me as odd and so ... un-Brazilian. I mean, who's going to be the next Brazilian star -- Dave? ... Steve? ... Jimmy?

Mets – Willets Point Jun 25 2013 08:21 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Now I want to see Spain's A team versus The Cook Islands or American Samoa. They could do it as a charity thing with a donation of several thousand euros for each goal.

Mets – Willets Point Aug 03 2013 06:03 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Clint Dempsey, arguably US Soccer's best player right now, returns to the MLS on a transfer from Tottenham to the Seattle Sounders. Also, the New York Cosmos return tonight with their first NASL game at Hofstra University tonight.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 03 2013 10:51 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Finally, the answer to the riddle, "What's great for American soccer and awful for American soccer at the same time?"

Mets – Willets Point Aug 03 2013 11:05 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

I think it's good that America's best players are playing some time in Europe and some time in the US. It helps their personal development and helps develop the MLS. Also, I read a book that chalked up England's lack of success in international competitions to the players being exhausted from the constant tough competition of the Premier League. So it's good that Dempsey is coming home to "rest up" for the World Cup in a somewhat less demanding league.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 04 2013 03:26 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

There are a bunch of things to which you could attribute England's lack of recent international success... and I'm not sure the Premier League season is any of 'em. Besides, he's had a lighter load at Tottenham than he ever did at Fulham (or MLS, for that matter); Dempsey started fewer than half of Spurs' games last year (though he did play in virtually all of them). On a deep squad like Villas-Boas', even Europa League commitments wouldn't have bumped up Dempsey's playing time far beyond that which he'll get in Seattle... against FAR lower-class competition. The travel commitments for him during qualifying will be somewhat less onerous, but I'm not sure I see any other benefit to being back home. (Well, okay, there are $ome vi$ible benefit$, apparently.)

metirish Aug 05 2013 01:07 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

If the EPL stopped the league during the Christmas break as some want the fans would reject it , simple as that. That Christmas period is a fans dream and really is part of what makes the EPL great, 5 games in 10 days....talk of a break really only gained traction when Johnny Foreigner started coming en masse, forward thinkers like Capello complained that it hurt the national team....bollox, what hurts the national team is the lack of homegrown talent in the top flight. For instance , United have a nearly all foreign nack line....before that would never be the case, now it's common to see a left back be bought for $10-12 million.....are there not any english born left backs good enough?, the answer is no. The Guardian had a great article on how the German federation totally tore up their coaching system after a disastrous championships in 2002. They put youth coaches all over the country, in england that is not the case. I will try and find the article. Here is an equally interesting article on how Dempsey landed in Seattle. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer ... nders-mls/

metirish Aug 05 2013 01:17 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Here is the article http://www.theguardian.com/football/201 ... oom-talent

Mets – Willets Point Aug 05 2013 02:06 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

And yet the entire England squad plays in the EPL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_n ... rent_squad

metirish Aug 05 2013 03:02 PM Re: Football/Fútbol/Soccerball 2012-2013

Right , and anyone that watches the England team will tell you they are bereft of ideas, hoof it long because that is what is thought since young. The whole squad plays in the EPL but if you look at the top teams you will see a smattering of home grown players. I believe Wigan last season didn't have any.....point is, instead of young players being nurtured at home your United's, Chelsea et al will buy the player overseas, this is now happening with young teens too.