US World Cup Qualification

[Knowledged_one]

Well they started out with a big win yesterday by annihalating the Barbados 8-0 and they still have another one against them

[OGC]

:clap: I guess it is a start. I'm booking my trip to South Africa today.

[Hottub]

That match was painful to watch. 1st goal within the 1st minute!!
The U.S. looked tight and confident. Then again, it was Barbados. Let's see how things progress as they move along.

[happytypinggirl]

Oh I hope to god the US makes me regret rooting for Argentina. I would love to see our team be contenders. Fuck it all, Im cheering for both. You men and your rules and your loyalties.

[Hottub]

Oh I hope to god the US makes me regret rooting for Argentina. I would love to see our team be contenders. Fuck it all, Im cheering for both. You men and your rules and your loyalties.

I actually cheer for 3 teams, htg.
Us
Ireland
Argentina.

[Fezticle98]

I think it's ok to root for a few different teams, but when it comes down to it, you have to support the U.S. in international sporting events.

I follow Spain from having lived there, but would never go against the U.S.

[CambriaBurning]

It was against Barbados... I'm not surprised at the result. If a talented national team took them on, it would have been in double digits. I'm from the US... But our soccer team sucks. I support Portugal, since that's where my parents are from, and I relate to that culture much more. I feel bad supporting a country's team when that country in general doesn't appreciate the sport, even if it is where I live.

The best athletes would become soccer players at a young age if there was more money and popularity in it, but they're rather become football players. They don't realize that becoming an international soccer star will get them paid millions, because all they see is football and basketball players on MTV Cribs.

The sad thing is people don't realize that outside of the US, nobody gives a crap about the NBA finals or the Super Bowl. The ratings for the Super Bowl are in the millions, where the World Cup is watched by a billion people.

[Fezticle98]

It was against Barbados... I'm not surprised at the result. If a talented national team took them on, it would have been in double digits. I'm from the US... But our soccer team sucks. I support Portugal, since that's where my parents are from, and I relate to that culture much more. I feel bad supporting a country's team when that country in general doesn't appreciate the sport, even if it is where I live.

The best athletes would become soccer players at a young age if there was more money and popularity in it, but they're rather become football players. They don't realize that becoming an international soccer star will get them paid millions, because all they see is football and basketball players on MTV Cribs.

The sad thing is people don't realize that outside of the US, nobody gives a crap about the NBA finals or the Super Bowl. The ratings for the Super Bowl are in the millions, where the World Cup is watched by a billion people.

Our soccer team doesn't suck. Sure, were not a top-tier team, but we're very competitive internationally. We've made the World Cup 5 times in a row, shitting the bed a couple times and exceeding expectations a couple times.

It's lame that you don't support U.S. soccer because it's not popular. You cry that our best athletes play other sports because soccer is not popular in this country, yet you don't even support it. Weak.

Did you start following Portugal when they became "popular"?

[CambriaBurning]

lol no... I started following Portugal when I was 5 and started watching soccer... while my grandparents and my parents spoke Portuguese to me, and when I was visiting Portugal every couple of years. I'm 100% Portuguese, I'm first generation born here.

I'm exaggerating a bit when saying the US team "sucks". Maybe they don't totally stink, but they can't compete with the top teams in the world. The only reason they drew with Argentina was because they basically overloaded on defense to make sure Argie couldn't score.

Soccer not being popular isn't the reason I don't support the US team, it's just also a factor. I cheer on Portugal because that's my heritage... even if soccer was the biggest sport in this country, I would cheer on Portugal. Now, if it's the US against like Canada, or Mexico, or any other country besides Portugal, I'll gladly cheer them on.

[ChrisBrown]

There is a great movie out there about the New York Cosmos in the late 70's. I can't remember the name but it's an interesting story about how soccer almost broke in the late 70's in the US. The Cosmos would sell out stadiums and soccer came close to being able to compete with the other major sports. I was a soccer playing kid at the time in Seattle and loved the Sounders. I remember everyone assumed that Americans had finally accepted the sport.

It went wrong, though, and soccer never took off. A couple of weeks ago, however, I was really pleased with the support for the US team at Giants stadium against Argentina. yes, we aren't at Argentina or Netherlands level but we have some solid players, a few who are in the premier league. Maybe this is wishful thinking but I am hoping that soccer is slowly becoming more popular in the US. Any one see this too?

[Judge Smails]

There is a great movie out there about the New York Cosmos in the late 70's. I can't remember the name but it's an interesting story about how soccer almost broke in the late 70's in the US.

http://media.movieweb.com/galleries/3958/posters/poster1.jpg

[ChrisBrown]

thanks, that's the movie. it's a lot of fun to watch even if you aren't a soccer fan. great story.

[CambriaBurning]

"The Game of Their Lives" is a pretty good soccer movie too... the 2005 one, not the documentary about the korean team.

It's about the 1950 national team and their match against England. Gerard Butler plays the goalkeeper in the movie... also, check out "Green Street Hooligans" which isn't necessarily about soccer as much as it is about hooliganism, but good movie still.

[ohioscouser]

It was against Barbados... I'm not surprised at the result. If a talented national team took them on, it would have been in double digits. I'm from the US... But our soccer team sucks.

Bollocks.

England beat Andorra only 3-0 in Euro Qualification and Andorra dont even have a fuckin stadium, they have to play in Spain for their home games. So thats a stupid statement. What do you expect us to go out and beat their heads in, we took it easy basically after the third goal and it was just on cruise control the rest of the match.



I support Portugal, since that's where my parents are from, and I relate to that culture much more. I feel bad supporting a country's team when that country in general doesn't appreciate the sport, even if it is where I live.

Im first generation American from England my mom and dad are from there but I still want the USA to beat the shit out of them. This is my country, I dont live in England.

[ChrisBrown]

Im first generation American from England my mom and dad are from there but I still want the USA to beat the shit out of them. This is my country, I dont live in England.

I agree when it comes to the US. So what if soccer isn't as popular here as the rest of the world? If you are an American citizen, I think you should support out national team. Of course, you can root for another country if they aren't playing the US but you have to choose your own nation's FIFA team.

It gets tricky, though, with premier league fans. I know Arsenal fans that are English but support France over England and can't bear to root for Man U or Chelsea players on the national team.

[ohioscouser]

It gets tricky, though, with premier league fans. I know Arsenal fans that are English but support France over England and can't bear to be root for Man U or Chelsea players on the national team.

Like when USA played England a few weeks back, of course I was rooting for the US, but it was very very tough rooting against Stevie Gerrard who is the captain of Liverpool the club I support. But for one game I rooted against him, very weird to do so.

And also when we played Spain tough rooting against all of the Liverpool contingency in their squad. I even met Torres in person and love the guy so it made it so tough to wish for him to have a shocker.

[CambriaBurning]

Flukes happen all the time, it's the exception, not the rule. And no, I don't expect them to beat their heads in, I'm just saying it isn't a big deal that they won by such a huge margin. What would have happened if Spain took on Barbados today? Barbados are TERRIBLE. It's like saying, holy crap, Derby County just beat Mansfield Town 8-0... It doesn't make Derby County an amazing team. It's all perspective.

Cheer for the US all you want, I choose not to go against the Portuguese. I grew up identifying myself as a Portuguese person who was born and grew up in America, so that's the way I go.

I don't mind cheering against members of my club because national team takes precedence. I'm a Man U fan... but I'm a Sporting Lisbon fan first. If Sporting takes on Man U, I pick Sporting. If Portugal takes on Holland, I'll have no problem cheering against Van Der Sar.

And I'm sure that being a Man U fan will only make ohioscouser like me more... haha.

[ohioscouser]

And I'm sure that being a Man U fan will only make ohioscouser like me more... haha.

:drunk:
If I had the wings of an eagle, Id shit on United tonite...tonite!
Shit on United, Shit on United, Tonite!

:tongue:

[CambriaBurning]

haha

I think Arsenal have the shittiest hooligan fans, I think they have a song all about how funny the Munich air disaster was... bunch of dicks, lol.

[CambriaBurning]

Maybe this is wishful thinking but I am hoping that soccer is slowly becoming more popular in the US. Any one see this too?

Sorry, didn't notice that part until right now... I think if players all have the same hype as Beckham it could be. I went to watch my San Jose Earthquakes take on LA Galaxy, and get slaughtered 3-0... and every time Beckham got the ball camera flashes started going off, not to mention the Backstreet Boys style girl screams.. It broke the Earthquakes attendance record. The problem is, a large percentage of them are just fanboys. There was a group of guys behind me, who obviously didn't know CRAP about soccer. They were going off, saying crap like "why don't they just give Beckham the ball and let him score? Why does he keep passing it to other people?" which made me want to turn around and say, "I don't know... maybe because he's a winger?" It was ridiculous.

Hopefully these people will actually pay attention to the other players when the game is going on, and learn about tactics and gameplay, lol.

The good thing is there were a lot of young kids there too, which means maybe in 10 years or so, soccer could really start taking off in this country.

[angryhugo]

haha

I think Arsenal have the shittiest hooligan fans, I think they have a song all about how funny the Munich air disaster was... bunch of dicks, lol.

you're forgetting Millwall. Bunch of maniacs....

It's great to see MLS evolving into a watchable event, too. No more playing on helmetball fields and legitimate supporters groups, along with quality players, are really helping this league. Can't wait for MLS to come to Philly in 2010.

[CambriaBurning]

Yeah, one of the Philly name contenders is Philadelphia Athletic... Which is what I would go for. Wacky names just make soccer sound more silly to the non-soccer fan. Galaxy, Dynamo, and the former Mutiny just sound stupid. The Red Bulls? Product placement much? haha.

[ohioscouser]

haha

I think Arsenal have the shittiest hooligan fans, I think they have a song all about how funny the Munich air disaster was... bunch of dicks, lol.

Nah we have that too, but in defense you guys sing about the Hillsborough disaster and Heysel disaster. Not right that either of our clubs sing them though.

[angryhugo]

Yeah, one of the Philly name contenders is Philadelphia Athletic... Which is what I would go for. Wacky names just make soccer sound more silly to the non-soccer fan. Galaxy, Dynamo, and the former Mutiny just sound stupid. The Red Bulls? Product placement much? haha.

Amen on the goofy American names. Philadelphia Athletic is by far the most popular suggestion for the team name here, but there is still a trademark out on the old Philadelphia Athletics baseball team, and the ownership group keeps running into a roadblock with it.

[CambriaBurning]

Nah we have that too, but in defense you guys sing about the Hillsborough disaster and Heysel disaster. Not right that either of our clubs sing them though.

I think soccer fans are all dicks... lol.

[ohioscouser]

I think soccer fans are all dicks... lol.

Its more territorial than anything.

And when I was in Liverpool in January, we were singing songs about the Munich Air disaster in the streets while drunk, but Id never sing it at a match or to another United supporter.

[ChrisBrown]

Isn't it the Spurs that have the chant that involves the hissing of the gas chamber? I know one team does and I am almost positive it is Tottenham. That takes the cake for obnoxiousness.

[ohioscouser]

Isn't it the Spurs that have the chant that involves the hissing of the gas chamber? I know one team does and I am almost positive it is Tottenham. That takes the cake for obnoxiousness.


Nah Arsenal do, which is Spurs biggest rivals, because Spurs have a very large Jewish population who supports the club.

[ChrisBrown]

I remember now. I was very drunk at Nevada Smith's once and I heard the chant. It was Arsenal supporters.

[CambriaBurning]

The funniest is Celtic-Rangers, since it's a whole Catholic-Protestant thing. I was watching Rangers vs. Sporting, and there was a Celtic fan there who was from Scotland, and he was like "GO SPORTING, BEAT THOSE PROTESTANT FUCKS!"

He was telling me how they have to schedule games at off hours so the supporters don't stab each other in the street.

[ohioscouser]

The funniest is Celtic-Rangers, since it's a whole Catholic-Protestant thing. I was watching Rangers vs. Sporting, and there was a Celtic fan there who was from Scotland, and he was like "GO SPORTING, BEAT THOSE PROTESTANT FUCKS!"

He was telling me how they have to schedule games at off hours so the supporters don't stab each other in the street.


Yea Celtic Rangers is definently the best rivalry in all of sport.

[angryhugo]

Aberdeen claims their hatred of Rangers is stronger than Celtic's, but the Old Firm is the one that makes all the press. We (Philadelphia Fado Celtic Supporters Club) keep our club free of all sectarian stuff (we kicked a guy out for singing IRA songs), but there are plenty around that embrace it. Celtic and Rangers supporters can be equally awful.

[CambriaBurning]

In Scottish league, I go for Celtic. Rangers annoy me for some reason. I'm a Catholic too... but that's just a coincidence, :happy:.

[TeeBone]

Isn't it the Spurs that have the chant that involves the hissing of the gas chamber? I know one team does and I am almost positive it is Tottenham. That takes the cake for obnoxiousness.

I've heard that as well, although its hard to make out during games on FoxSoccer Channel. The reason I think its Tottenham is that during the few times I saw them this season, the fans would chant and the announcers would say something to the effect of, "...an awful chant we can't repeat being heard now from the Spurs contingent..."
However, it may just be that they have an equally awful chant unrelated to mass killings.

GO VILLANS!!!!!!

[ohioscouser]

I've heard that as well, although its hard to make out during games on FoxSoccer Channel. The reason I think its Tottenham is that during the few times I saw them this season, the fans would chant and the announcers would say something to the effect of, "...an awful chant we can't repeat being heard now from the Spurs contingent..."
However, it may just be that they have an equally awful chant unrelated to mass killings.

GO VILLANS!!!!!!


Ok, Arsenal do chants about the Holocaust and Jews in general.

Tottenham do chants about blacks, racist chants. N bombs, banana throwing, etc.

[NickyL0885]

I def think soccer can work in the US. I think MLS needs to eventually be like the EPL. Get to 18-20 teams. Then, maybe buy out or partnet with the USL and make 2nd Division. I think it will get teams to play harder, since they wont want to be relegated. Also, I understand the salary cap, as they dont want a team to go all willy nilly an be like a Man U or Chelsea an buy the best players but a 2million salary cap???? Come on now. Make it at like 30. Raise it each year. Get rid of the DP rule. Let people sign who they want. Also, get private owners for each team and more soccer specific stadiums. I hate hearing DC saying it wont give the team one b/c soccer is not profitable.

Beckham being here helps US soccer b/c among young kids and teens, soccer is the most played organized sport. But there isnt much star quality in the league, nor is there enough coverage. So they become baseball and football players instead. Beckham will help b/c kids will want to be just like him. Also, as great as it is the people like Clint Dempset and Jozy Altidor are playing overseas and getting better competition to better them selves, we are letting stars in our country leave, which is not good.

Eventually, this league can compete with others. We need to become a league where...lets say another......Wayne Rooney type winger comes along. another phenom. A team should be able to compete with the likes of Man U and Chelsea. It would be great to one day, when NY gets a team( dont count the red bulls), i can see some of the best players in the world in a great stadium. Perhaps a 40,000 seat stadium. if the sport grows enough an does the right things, it can happen. But they need to get over the whole NASL fiasco.



As far as US team, they can def compete. They just need to get rid of Eddie Johnson. He sucks. Landon Donovan is due for a breakout.

[ohioscouser]

I def think soccer can work in the US. I think MLS needs to eventually be like the EPL. Get to 18-20 teams. Then, maybe buy out or partnet with the USL and make 2nd Division.


Will never happen here. No owner is going to invest all of his money into a MLS 'franchise' to have the possibility of being relegated out of the top flight, just wont happen here unfortunately.