Author Topic: Soccer! (Read 10520 times)

geronl · « **on:** April 24, 2016, 09:39:11 pm »

I don't watch it, I don't play it, I don't care to start because it bores me silly.

But I can watch this video all day...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSigKq7bBTk

bolobaby · « **Reply #1 on:** April 24, 2016, 10:03:19 pm »

Funny. I had to take youtube off Restricted Mode to watch it. Pretty tame compared to, say,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIp9njftoyg, which comes up fine in restricted mode. (Do not watch, though - contains Rhianna, which may require eye-bleaching afterwards.)

geronl · « **Reply #2 on:** April 24, 2016, 10:07:41 pm »

Quote from: bolobaby on April 24, 2016, 10:03:19 pm

Funny. I had to take youtube off Restricted Mode to watch it. Pretty tame compared to, say,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIp9njftoyg, which comes up fine in restricted mode. (Do not watch, though - contains Rhianna, which may require eye-bleaching afterwards.)

This is such an offensive video, I don't understand why it would be blocked.... unless the few clips of balls being kicked bothered someone.

geronl · « **Reply #3 on:** April 26, 2016, 11:38:55 am »

@TomSea

TomSea · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2016, 01:13:41 am »

I keep up with it; I don't watch too much unless it is the World or Euro Cup; those are good or if our USA team is playing.

Our USA soccer team has a new logo, the old one is on the left, the new one is on the right:

I could do without the change, maybe they did it because the stars make it look like we've won something, all of those teams that have won the World Cup have a star for it.

Italy, 4 stars, they won in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006, 10 years ago.

Brazil has won 5 World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 here in the US, 2002) I think, , Germany? is it 4 or 5 now and so on, Uruguay 2, England and France 1 apiece. Oh, and Argentina has won 2.

It does not mean all that much to me if a team has won it numerous times, we saw Germany blow out the historically successful Brazilian team and Netherlands has had many good teams.

Too much diving, gamesmanship and other things in the World Cup for it to be an end-of for me.

Some of that in the Champions League too.

But the spectacle is enjoyable.

geronl · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2016, 01:20:09 am »

@TomSea I guess it does make sense to remove the stars.

TomSea · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2016, 10:08:11 am »

I can't believe I forgot to say Spain won a World Cup too, just in 2010. I remembered that late last night but oh well.

My teams lose a lot, I guess when one pulls for underdogs, that will happen.

Really, a bit of a personal hero of mine was Spain's late manager Luis Aragones, he got into trouble a bit on the political correctness front but this is not why I liked him, in the 2006 World Cup, Spain probably did get a bad deal against an opponent probably embellishing an injury and lost the game over that, they may have already been behind a goal but that cinched the win. So, it was watching Spain, until 2010, perennial also-rans getting another bad deal. A nice old man who got Spain on the winning track.

Their logo above, most but not all of the SPANISH teams have some sort of crown involved in their coat of arms.

Like this.

geronl · « **Reply #7 on:** April 27, 2016, 01:03:22 pm »

You can't get much more underdog than South Korea. lol

TomSea · « **Reply #8 on:** April 27, 2016, 08:44:50 pm »

Quote from: geronl on April 27, 2016, 01:03:22 pm

You can't get much more underdog than South Korea. lol

True, they, South Korea, were big underdogs in '02.

Spain hasn't really been an underdog but before 2010, they were underachievers certainly.

geronl · « **Reply #9 on:** April 27, 2016, 09:04:41 pm »

every time I come to this thread, it is an excuse to watch the video again

TomSea · « **Reply #10 on:** April 27, 2016, 09:54:27 pm »

I'll have to get out my soccer goalkeeper gloves and shinpads and shoes too, I have played in very casual games with all kinds including Asians who I got an invite from, goalkeeping is not much fun but I'd do it to help the kids really so one of them doesn't have to be in goal and miss the main action. So, they meet on Wednesday and Friday nights. I'll have to see, then, sometimes being a goalkeeper, one just stands around. And, I might get into the action too. Since, I really did not grow up playing soccer, it's hard for me to be forceful and get into the playing field. Some fellows I won't do their goalkeeping which at times, is kind of grunt work, work no one wants to do but if they treat me okay, I will. I'll have to practice some kicking as well.

That's the emblem of South Korea, a pretty good one.

I think Japan and S. Korea did okay in 2010; in 2014, I don't think South Korea got out of the group stage. Japan played some good ball but I don't think they fared much better.

TomSea · « **Reply #11 on:** April 27, 2016, 09:59:43 pm »

During two winters, we played games in the gymnasium of a middle-school every Friday night. That was lots of fun really.

geronl · « **Reply #12 on:** April 27, 2016, 10:04:51 pm »

That sounds cool and its much better for kids to be active than play XBox all the time

TomSea · « **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2016, 01:56:05 am »

Small club, poised to win English Premiere League,

Leicester (pronounced Lester) City, the Blue Foxes.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36028733

They are bound to win it.

geronl · « **Reply #14 on:** May 01, 2016, 06:43:06 pm »

Quote from: TomSea on April 30, 2016, 01:56:05 am

Small club, poised to win English Premiere League,

I just read a fantasy book with a bad guy called Leicester or however it was spelled

TomSea · « **Reply #15 on:** May 02, 2016, 07:46:38 pm »

Well, they won it, Tottenham Spurs drew Chelsea so they won the league, they are the Kings of the English Premier League!

A few years ago, I peaked into a forum of their fans and this was when they were in the next league down.

Their webpage at Soccerway.com ; soccerway let's one glance at all the leagues in the world, lower level leagues anywhere, S. Korea, everywhere basically and all international ball too. (There is a woman's soccerway as well: http://us.women.soccerway.com/ )

http://us.soccerway.com/teams/england/leicester-city-fc/682/

2 games or as they usually say, Matches remain but they, Leicester, have won the league.

Full current standings, the last few teams, Newcastle, Norwich and Sunderland all fight for one place to stay up and not be relegated. http://us.soccerway.com/national/england/premier-league/20152016/regular-round/r31553/

But good for Leicester, a bit of a cinderella story.

TomSea · « **Reply #16 on:** May 02, 2016, 07:50:43 pm »

Our USA standings, in the West, not out of the ordinary too much, in the East, everything is shuffled around,

Montreal and Philadelphia, top the East, both of those teams are fairly new.

http://us.soccerway.com/national/united-states/mls/2016/regular-season/r34037/

geronl · « **Reply #17 on:** May 03, 2016, 04:26:34 pm »

All of the different leagues and such are confusing.

TomSea · « **Reply #18 on:** June 03, 2016, 12:20:29 pm »

USA Men's team, I am finding it on at 8:30 CST.

http://www.ussoccer.com/schedule-tickets

It will be on Fox Sports 1, Univision, etc.

http://us.soccerway.com/teams/united-states/united-states-of-america/2281/

Copa of America Tournament.

http://us.soccerway.com/international/south-america/copa-america/2016-usa/group-stage/r33966/

We, the USA, have been having some poor results lately though we won our last two "friendly" games, vs. Ecuador 1-0, vs. Bolivia 4-0. So we will see. Maybe we are primed.

geronl · « **Reply #19 on:** June 03, 2016, 01:27:58 pm »

Going to watch the video again!

TomSea · « **Reply #20 on:** June 03, 2016, 09:48:26 pm »

Colombia scores at the 8th minute mark, this could be a long night; we really could be outclassed.

Colombia is currently 3rd in the world, behind Argentina (1) and Belgium (2).

http://us.soccerway.com/teams/rankings/fifa/?ICID=TN_03_05_01

Belgium was a power some years ago, then waned but they have a nice crop of players but as to whom makes up the team, personally, I'd like to see Germans be Germans, Belgians be Belgians and French be French. One thing we know, Spain doesn't run into this problem too much.

Hate to say it, Colombia is a juggernaut and could really be off to the horses against us.

Then, that means we, the USA, would need to do well in our next two games vs. Costa Rica and then Paraguay. It is possible.

Colombia could be the best team there and win the whole thing.

The last World Cup was good except for the breaks that were given to Brazil which kind of ripped off Colombia.

TomSea · « **Reply #21 on:** June 03, 2016, 10:35:39 pm »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5PT65I2ny8

Song for Ireland 1990, they had a good World Cup.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edit On: We will play Costa Rica On Tuesday. Believe it or not, they are a big rival of ours in our International division of CONCAFAC, Confederation of Central American and American countries (something like that). This is no give me of a game. Costa Rica has now made the last 2 or 3 World Cups. They play well. Amazingly, we could end up going out in the first round.

Costa Rica and Paraguay play at 16:00 International time today.

http://us.soccerway.com/matches/2016/06/04/south-america/copa-america/costa-rica/paraguay/2178754/?ICID=HP_MS_03_02

The Ticos look strong.

----------------

Every team is good but I believe our group would be among the toughest, there is no Jamaica or Haiti or Peru.

Both of our remaining opponents has been not only to World Cups recently but consecutive World Cups though I don't think Paraguay was in the last World Cup.

Paraguay and Costa Rica drew, 0-0.

Most likely, Colombia will beat both of these as they beat us. So, we may well have 3 teams, us, Paraguay and Costa Rica all fighting for that 2nd spot to advance. Our chances of advancing I would think would be very low, like maybe 15 or 20%.

TomSea · « **Reply #22 on:** June 07, 2016, 10:05:25 pm »

USA, big time versus Costa Rica, 4-0; helps our USA team immeasurably.

And is Colombia that good? Though, I think we have a decent effort against them, despite the 2-0 loss.

Box Score: http://us.soccerway.com/matches/2016/06/08/south-america/copa-america/united-states-of-america/costa-rica/2178755/?ICID=HP_MS_01_01

Now, a great chance to advance.

TomSea · « **Reply #23 on:** June 10, 2016, 02:25:35 pm »

Irish Mirror has quite a number of photos of hooliganism in France at the start of that Euro. I'd leave well enough alone, the police have other worries.

http://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/marseilles-fresh-clashes-between-england-8159355

geronl · « **Reply #24 on:** June 10, 2016, 03:14:49 pm »

In America soccer puts crowds to sleep, it doesn't make them riot unless they are forced to watch the game.

Weird Tolkienish Figure · « **Reply #25 on:** June 10, 2016, 03:20:37 pm »

Quote from: geronl on June 10, 2016, 03:14:49 pm

In America soccer puts crowds to sleep, it doesn't make them riot unless they are forced to watch the game.

World cup was fun. Other than that I agree.

That being said, I do wish the MLS the best of luck. Soccer fans should be able to enjoy soccer to their heart's content.

TomSea · « **Reply #26 on:** June 10, 2016, 09:22:41 pm »

Mexico USA, France Romania today, some games can be exciting.

But many do falter.

TomSea · « **Reply #27 on:** June 10, 2016, 10:40:37 pm »

http://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/marseilles-fresh-clashes-between-england-8159355

You surprise me GeronL; I thought maybe you'd feel comfy in a crowd like this.

That two finger salute, I guess, it's not the same as giving the finger but it conveys a similar message.

I've read articles on it, I still can not pin down its origins. You find a lot of stories.

geronl · « **Reply #28 on:** June 10, 2016, 10:47:24 pm »

Quote from: TomSea on June 10, 2016, 10:40:37 pm

You surprise me GeronL; I thought maybe you'd feel comfy in a crowd like this.

You think a guy who doesn't drink, smoke or curse would feel at home in that... lol

Axeslinger · « **Reply #29 on:** June 10, 2016, 10:55:55 pm »

Soccer...unassailable proof that the rest of the world really IS that f$&#*d up

TomSea · « **Reply #30 on:** June 11, 2016, 12:21:19 pm »

Quote from: Axeslinger on June 10, 2016, 10:55:55 pm

Soccer...unassailable proof that the rest of the world really IS that f$&#*d up

Yeah, maybe they need some sport that gives them concussions like pro-football so they can study people's brains after they kill themselves or something real athletic like baseball. Or some sport better suited for males 6'5" and taller.

"f$&#*d up" :nometalk:

kevindavis007 · « **Reply #31 on:** June 14, 2016, 06:04:14 pm »

Quote from: TomSea on June 11, 2016, 12:21:19 pm

Yeah, maybe they need some sport that gives them concussions like pro-football so they can study people's brains after they kill themselves or something real athletic like baseball. Or some sport better suited for males 6'5" and taller.

"f$&#*d up" :nometalk:

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

kevindavis007 · « **Reply #32 on:** June 14, 2016, 06:05:29 pm »

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

geronl · « **Reply #33 on:** June 14, 2016, 06:18:10 pm »

Soccer is a good remedy for insomnia

TomSea · « **Reply #34 on:** July 01, 2016, 09:18:37 pm »

Wales won, this is when the sport is rewarding to follow!

Not a lot of excitement here but some nice graphics.
Fairly good tournament, a lot of people say the tournament has gotten too big.

Wales has Gareth Bale, definitely considered one of the best players in the world as naturally, Ronaldo is as well.

geronl · « **Reply #35 on:** July 01, 2016, 09:22:17 pm »

Axeslinger · « **Reply #36 on:** July 01, 2016, 10:28:33 pm »

Quote from: TomSea on June 11, 2016, 12:21:19 pm

Yeah, maybe they need some sport that gives them concussions like pro-football so they can study people's brains after they kill themselves or something real athletic like baseball. Or some sport better suited for males 6'5" and taller.

"f$&#*d up" :nometalk:

@TomSea
Or they should embrace a truly beautiful sport like hockey or even better, the creators game: lacrosse.

Amazing athletic talent, actually has scoring, heck actually has more than 3 shots per game, everyone actually know when the game is gonna end and anybody rolling around like they've had their leg broken would be laughed at AND the guy who does have his leg broken would rub some dirt on it and get back in the game

Weird Tolkienish Figure · « **Reply #37 on:** July 02, 2016, 07:44:48 am »

It's a joke! I'm actually not a huge professional sports fan. But I enjoy watching football.

TomSea · « **Reply #38 on:** July 10, 2016, 11:31:16 pm »

Quote from: Weird Tolkienish Figure on July 02, 2016, 07:44:48 am

<bigotted image snipped, what's new? Using the "N" word"? Can we say Basketball is for? Hey, what are the percentages in the NBA?>

It's a joke! I'm actually not a huge professional sports fan. But I enjoy watching football.

Let's see, Rugby fans would say the same about American Football.

Concussions, stars killing themselves, stadiums being built with taxpayer dollars.

National Felons League.

And how about that, the most popular sport can be played by anyone, no matter what the size, color of the players.

The World Cup winners for the last 3 times have been Germany, Spain and Italy. Hmmm. But enjoy the NFL and NBA! There's some difference, I just can't put my finger on it.

Euro Winners, Portugal today, before Spain 2 times and then Greece.

TomSea · « **Reply #39 on:** July 10, 2016, 11:57:09 pm »

Denver Broncos, Super bowl winners:

Germany, World Cup winners:

Oh, but we've got to remember, blacks are the best athletes, er, do you hear that World Cup?

Maybe those who are so critical of soccer don't like sports, the world's most popular that white people actually do well in.

Weird Tolkienish Figure · « **Reply #40 on:** July 11, 2016, 11:42:47 am »

Quote from: TomSea on July 10, 2016, 11:31:16 pm

Let's see, Rugby fans would say the same about American Football.

Concussions, stars killing themselves, stadiums being built with taxpayer dollars.

National Felons League.

And how about that, the most popular sport can be played by anyone, no matter what the size, color of the players.

The World Cup winners for the last 3 times have been Germany, Spain and Italy. Hmmm. But enjoy the NFL and NBA! There's some difference, I just can't put my finger on it.

Euro Winners, Portugal today, before Spain 2 times and then Greece.

Rugby fans would be wrong. The concussion controversy proves it. I have nothing against Rugby but the NFL is a violent enough sport.

No reason to get butthurt, what I posted was a joke.

TomSea · « **Reply #41 on:** December 10, 2016, 11:07:00 pm »

There you are; 2016 Champions, Seattle Sounders; Panamanian Torres got the winning penalty kick.

Seattle had had some fine teams in recent years but were jinxed to get to the final, so, not my team, but they deserve it. Toronto played well; shootouts are lotteries.

Box Score: http://us.soccerway.com/matches/2016/12/11/united-states/mls/toronto-fc/seattle-sounders-fc/2376734/?ICID=HP_MS_03_01

Big Congrats to them!

dfwgator · « **Reply #42 on:** December 10, 2016, 11:11:50 pm »

Quote from: TomSea on December 10, 2016, 11:07:00 pm

There you are; 2016 Champions, Seattle Sounders; Panamanian Torres got the winning penalty kick.

Seattle had had some fine teams in recent years but were jinxed to get to the final, so, not my team, but they deserve it. Toronto played well; shootouts are lotteries.

Box Score: http://us.soccerway.com/matches/2016/12/11/united-states/mls/toronto-fc/seattle-sounders-fc/2376734/?ICID=HP_MS_03_01

Big Congrats to them!

Seattle wins without registering a single shot on goal.

TomSea · « **Reply #43 on:** December 10, 2016, 11:15:51 pm »

I think Toronto probably was slightly more deserving...but "it's a funny ol' game" as they say.

geronl · « **Reply #44 on:** December 10, 2016, 11:36:35 pm »

Quote from: dfwgator on December 10, 2016, 11:11:50 pm

Seattle wins without registering a single shot on goal.

:nometalk:

NavyCanDo · « **Reply #45 on:** December 11, 2016, 10:20:57 am »

Quote from: TomSea on December 10, 2016, 11:07:00 pm

There you are; 2016 Champions, Seattle Sounders; Panamanian Torres got the winning penalty kick.

Seattle had had some fine teams in recent years but were jinxed to get to the final, so, not my team, but they deserve it. Toronto played well; shootouts are lotteries.

Box Score: http://us.soccerway.com/matches/2016/12/11/united-states/mls/toronto-fc/seattle-sounders-fc/2376734/?ICID=HP_MS_03_01

Big Congrats to them!

First soccer game I èver watched and the 0 to 0 score was a good reminder of why I don't watch the game. But a huge congratulations to my Seattle Sounders. And às a first time viewer one observation I had was how much pain these guys will endure. With painful hamstring pulls, that would have any NFL player carted off the field, these guys lift themselves off the field, limp a few steps and then go back right at it.

Weird Tolkienish Figure · « **Reply #46 on:** December 11, 2016, 10:40:43 am »

Quote from: NavyCanDo on December 11, 2016, 10:20:57 am

First soccer game I èver watched and the 0 to 0 score was a good reminder of why I don't watch the game. But a huge congratulations to my Seattle Sounders. And às a first time viewer one observation I had was how much pain these guys will endure. With painful hamstring pulls, that would have any NFL player carted off the field, these guys lift themselves off the field, limp a few steps and then go back right at it.

Why can't they change the 0-0 crap for American audiences? I don't get it.

Sudden death. It works well.

NavyCanDo · « **Reply #47 on:** December 11, 2016, 02:40:08 pm »

Quote from: Weird Tolkienish Figure on December 11, 2016, 10:40:43 am

Why can't they change the 0-0 crap for American audiences? I don't get it.

Sudden death. It works well.

Sudden death when there could be 3 hours between goals doesn't work real well. That's why after 2 over time periods they resort to the penalty kickoff.

TomSea · « **Reply #48 on:** December 11, 2016, 04:08:33 pm »

Quote from: NavyCanDo on December 11, 2016, 10:20:57 am

First soccer game I èver watched and the 0 to 0 score was a good reminder of why I don't watch the game. But a huge congratulations to my Seattle Sounders. And às a first time viewer one observation I had was how much pain these guys will endure. With painful hamstring pulls, that would have any NFL player carted off the field, these guys lift themselves off the field, limp a few steps and then go back right at it.

If one ever gets a chance to see a Seattle Sounders game, even on TV, their support is unreal compared to most MLS clubs I have seen with the exception of their opponent last night, Toronto. They both do very well in that department.

Maybe other clubs have that same kind of dynamic support, I'm unsure.

Of course, the Sounders are a throw back to the old Seattle Sounders in the NASL; mentioned
last night during the game.

NavyCanDo; do you ever see those Puffins out there? Those sure are unique birds.

Weird Tolkienish Figure · « **Reply #49 on:** December 11, 2016, 05:21:46 pm »

Quote from: NavyCanDo on December 11, 2016, 02:40:08 pm

Sudden death when there could be 3 hours between goals doesn't work real well. That's why after 2 over time periods they resort to the penalty kickoff.

That's a good point.