Re: tOfficial General Soccer Thread 2013-2014 Season

by **Cym Jim** 2014-05-28, 00:39

SBSpartan wrote:
I didn't know Donovan was being looked at to play defense or outside mid.

Nice comment though.

Odd comment. You claimed everyone was playing well right now - clearly that wasn't anywhere near the criteria for being selected. Jozy wouldn't even be allowed back in the country if it was.

by CrazySparty 2014-05-28, 09:35

Cym Jim wrote: I want to like this team

bullshit

by **Cym Jim** 2014-05-28, 10:44

CrazySparty wrote:

bullshit

I'm a bigger fan of the USMNT team than you tOfficial General Soccer Thread 2013-2014 Season - Page 8 2275418548

by **MiamiSpartan** 2014-05-28, 12:35

Cym Jim wrote:

Odd comment. You claimed everyone was playing well right now - clearly that wasn't anywhere near the criteria for being selected. Jozy wouldn't even be allowed back in the country if it was.

Even when he wasn't scoring at Hull, he was still scoring for the US. Historically, his club performance has little bearing on his national team performance. Not saying that will happen this year, though. I think his size is more likely to help him create opportunities for other players than for himself, but Germany and Portugal defenders have been around enough that he won't be able to push them around.

by **Cym Jim** 2014-05-28, 13:11

MiamiSpartan wrote:
Even when he wasn't scoring at Hull, he was still scoring for the US. Historically, his club performance has little bearing on his national team performance. Not saying that will happen this year, though. I think his size is more likely to help him create opportunities for other players than for himself, but Germany and Portugal defenders have been around enough that he won't be able to push them around.

Any hints at how the World Cup will be refereed, assuming you don't get Howard Webb? Jozy conceded a lot of fouls at Sunderland trying to knock players off the ball - he could get away with some of that in Brazil.

by **MiamiSpartan** 2014-05-28, 14:27

Cym Jim wrote:

Any hints at how the World Cup will be refereed, assuming you don't get Howard Webb? Jozy conceded a lot of fouls at Sunderland trying to knock players off the ball - he could get away with some of that in Brazil.

They'll probably pussify it. I know Platini is only in charge of UEFA, but he and Blatter see eye to eye on a lot of things (including their disdain for the English-style of physical football).

Also, you have unquestioned mega-stars in Ronaldo and Messi, but neither have ever lit it up in a major tournament, especially not in a World Cup. They're going to want them, Neymar, etc. to shine.

As for Jozy, I'd expect him to be allowed to be more physical against Germany because they'll push back, while Portugal will probably go down easily and look for fouls (except when Pepe is trying to break his leg). Not that Portugal will NEED to do that, but it's Portugal.

by **MiamiSpartan** 2014-05-28, 15:25

God dammit. I just got free tickets to the England-Honduras game next weekend. They're from a business contact, so it would be bad form to not go. At least Honduras will be worth watching.

by **Cym Jim** 2014-05-28, 16:17

MiamiSpartan wrote:God dammit. I just got free tickets to the England-Honduras game next weekend. They're from a business contact, so it would be bad form to not go. At least Honduras will be worth watching.

You'd get to see Welbeck, Jones and Smalling sitting on the bench tOfficial General Soccer Thread 2013-2014 Season - Page 8 2599972566

by **MiamiSpartan** 2014-05-28, 16:54

Cym Jim wrote:

You'd get to see Welbeck, Jones and Smalling sitting on the bench

But I may get to see Rooney running around like a chicken with his head cut off, so at least I can heckle him. And Stevie "This doesn't fucking slip" Gerrard should be a gold mine for heckling.

Honestly though, I would think we'd see Welbeck, and maybe Jones or Smalling (if Jones is fit--I haven't been paying attention, how is his shoulder)? I know they won't start in Brazil, but wouldn't Roy Boy still want to get them in some work with the squad? But there are other games, too. Depends on whether he needs to see what kind of form guys are in, or if he wants to have the last warm up game as his final 11 to get them in sync.

If any of those 4 play, it will be only the second time I've seen a current United player in person since 1997 (the other being Chicharito when Mexico were in town a few years ago), so that could be cool. I just hope Rooney isn't the only one that I get. I'm not too worked up about them playing though. The more rest they get this summer the better. I just hope the England fans bring it strong to create some atmosphere.

by SBSpartan 2014-05-28, 22:18

Cym Jim wrote:

Odd comment. You claimed everyone was playing well right now - clearly that wasn't anywhere near the criteria for being selected. Jozy wouldn't even be allowed back in the country if it was.

I said most everyone. To say a defender and a mid stole a forwards spot is stupid.

by SBSpartan 2014-05-28, 22:21

MiamiSpartan wrote:
They'll probably pussify it. I know Platini is only in charge of UEFA, but he and Blatter see eye to eye on a lot of things (including their disdain for the English-style of physical football).

Also, you have unquestioned mega-stars in Ronaldo and Messi, but neither have ever lit it up in a major tournament, especially not in a World Cup. They're going to want them, Neymar, etc. to shine.

As for Jozy, I'd expect him to be allowed to be more physical against Germany because they'll push back, while Portugal will probably go down easily and look for fouls (except when Pepe is trying to break his leg). Not that Portugal will NEED to do that, but it's Portugal.

Decent comment. Ronaldo does have cl in his belt though. Pretty major trophy.

by **MiamiSpartan** 2014-05-28, 23:33

SBSpartan wrote:
Decent comment. Ronaldo does have cl in his belt though. Pretty major trophy.

I was talking about international tournaments. Obviously Messi and Ronaldo have both excelled greatly for their clubs, and on the biggest stage, with each winning multiple Champions League trophies. They aren't the only super stars to perform better at their clubs than their national teams. In fact, I think that's a growing trend over the past decade or so.

by SBSpartan 2014-05-28, 23:44

MiamiSpartan wrote:
I was talking about international tournaments. Obviously Messi and Ronaldo have both excelled greatly for their clubs, and on the biggest stage, with each winning multiple Champions League trophies. They aren't the only super stars to perform better at their clubs than their national teams. In fact, I think that's a growing trend over the past decade or so.

Agreed. I do think it's far harder to win a World Cup as a player but much more difficult to win a major club trophy as a player/club due to the level of olayers a club apcan out together year after year. Cl may be the toughest tourney to win

by **Cym Jim** 2014-05-29, 00:55

SBSpartan wrote:
Agreed. I do think it's far harder to win a World Cup as a player but much more difficult to win a major club trophy as a player/club due to the level of olayers a club apcan out together year after year. Cl may be the toughest tourney to win

The CL is certainly tough to win, but not that difficult to buy.

by Heathens '87 2014-05-29, 11:54

I don't care what they say, them countries are screwed. We're painting the cup red, white and blue! Wow....

by SBSpartan 2014-05-31, 15:51

That was gross.

by Gob Bluth 2014-05-31, 21:43

Cym Jim wrote:Good god - I want to like this team

No you don't.

by CrazySparty 2014-06-01, 09:55

So, what are you looking for in today's friendly with Turkey?

For me...

1) An early goal. I thought we did a solid job of controlling the majority of the game, but I want to see us really come out and attack in the early going and put one on the board.

2) Another clean sheet. Granted, I had low expectations, but I was pleased to see the lack of idiotic breakdowns on defense against Azerbaijan.

3) Is Jurgen going with the diamond look again? If so, can it show SOME signs of competence?

by **tig ol bitties** 2014-06-01, 14:06

usa soccer fans should get rid of the "i believe we will win" chant. that is a HS level cheer.

by Gob Bluth 2014-06-01, 14:22

CrazySparty wrote:So, what are you looking for in today's friendly with Turkey?

For me...

1) An early goal. I thought we did a solid job of controlling the majority of the game, but I want to see us really come out and attack in the early going and put one on the board.

2) Another clean sheet. Granted, I had low expectations, but I was pleased to see the lack of idiotic breakdowns on defense against Azerbaijan.

3) Is Jurgen going with the diamond look again? If so, can it show SOME signs of competence?

Well, you almost had #1...puzzling call to disallow that first goal from Jozy.

by Gob Bluth 2014-06-01, 14:27

Not impressed with the back line right now. On the plus side, Dempsey/Bradley/Altidore are playing decently well together.

by Gob Bluth 2014-06-01, 14:32

Boom, great goal from Johnson via an even better ball from Bradley.

by CrazySparty 2014-06-08, 20:04

Made a World Cup Bracket group on ESPN...

OK, here's the link to the group

http://games.espn.go.com/world-cup-bracket-predictor/2014/en/group?groupID=41422

Group name is "RCMB-Swill".

Password: "cymjim"

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