World Cup 2014

[Chip R]

I suspect that would be just about the quickest way to turn MLS from a success story into the NASL 2.0. It would make MLS the XFL of the soccer-playing world. Soccer fans would regard the league as a joke. Seriously, even kids don't stop the game in the middle of a half for a snack break.

They stopped several games in the World Cup this year for water breaks. The world did not stop spinning on its axis, cats and dogs did not start living together and the fans did not leave the stadium or stop watching en masse.

[Tony Cloninger]

They stopped several games in the World Cup this year for water breaks. The world did not stop spinning on its axis, cats and dogs did not start living together and the fans did not leave the stadium or stop watching en masse.

Good point. Talk about traditionalists in baseball....in futbol......they are worse. My father being one of them (He was 7 when Uruguay beat Brazil and was listening on the radio)

I tell him it should be 26 man rosters at these tournaments.... 4 players can be subbed and if it goes to OT......you can get another one, if you have used all 4.

You want tired, hurt players...playing bad soccer? Or playing for penalties? I guess they do.

[Yachtzee]

There are many "next level" solutions that soccer can employ for advertising -- live-reads, animated screen bugs, graphical overlays on the pitch, sponsored signage, etc. I also heard that FOX (at least internally) discussed doing split screen cutaways for 15 second spots during some injuries when the medical teams came onto the field.

The reality is that if enough eyeballs are on the screen, TV nets will find a way to monetize a broadcast.

As far as MLS goes, you'd probably consider me a "Eurosnob" fan. I don't follow MLS closely outside of a match here or there when I see it's on as I flip around the TV. If there was a team in Cincinnati to follow, I'd probably feel differently. But, there isn't (and, thanks to the lack of a PRO/REL system, likely will never be one) -- and if I'm going to follow some other city's team, why not follow one in a better league?

I don't really have a problem following the Crew because, to me at least, they're Ohio's team. Of course, having spent my youth living in Findlay, Lima, and then Cuyahoga Falls, I'm not as tied in to particular Ohio cities. The Reds and Bengals are my favorites because I grew up listening to their games on the radio with my dad. I used to follow the Cleveland Force of the MISL back in the 1980s and the Cavs when I tried to make an effort to like basketball. When MLS soccer started in 1996, I immediately picked up on the Crew. Originally it was in hopes that by supporting the league, they would eventually expand somewhere closer to me, which they almost did. I did have a period of about 5 years where life (marriage, babies, etc.) where I didn't follow them very closely, but I picked them up again when my sons started playing soccer. I got to enjoy the tremendous season in 2008 when they won the MLS Cup and the Supporters' Shield. Ever since then I've been hooked. When my kids are older and not nearly as annoying for the 2 hour drive between my house and Crew Stadium, I hope to pick up ticket packs. In the meantime I catch as many games as I can on TV (fortunately I have TWC). I've also started taking my son who still enjoys soccer to University of Akron games, so we can say we saw DeAndre Yedlin before he was a star. ;)

Now I don't expect to convince anyone one to give up watching EPL for MLS. Far from it, I watch EPL too when I can wrest control of the TV from my family on Saturday mornings. I just think that, if you love soccer and want to see US Soccer improve, maybe you could give MLS a try. Pick a team and just try giving them a shot for a season. If you can't get into it, so be it. But if you do, great! The more people support MLS, the more money the league generates and that leads to more money spent on getting better players and the more money spent in developing US players. Plus I think it would be nice to keep the MLS thread going on more than just what city is getting an expansion team and what is Beckham doing in Miami.

And as I noted before, the new MLS TV contract will give the MLS regular Game-Of-The-Week timeslots so you won't have to go hunting to see when the next nationally televised game will be on.

[Yachtzee]

That's not the half of it. Their contract blacks out both home and away games.

Actually, the blackout rules are pretty much the same as any major sports leagues. Living in the Cleveland market, I would be blacked out of MLB.TV and Extra Innings for the Indians, just like I am blacked out on Cincinnati Reds games, even though I get FoxSportsOhio and SportstimeOhio and can see both games on the channel guide on my TV. The blackout area is a circle within a 75 mile radius of the city.

Ideally, they should see if they could cut a deal with TWC and MLS to lift the blackout for Direct Kick and MLS Live, then at least hardcore Crew fans who are not TWC customers could watch the games. I guess the owner had to figure out the hard way that it's not a good idea to keep a lame duck front office guy in place to negotiate a TV contract knowing his own contract is not likely to be renewed at the end of the year. Precourt does keep saying he's knows the fans aren't happy with the TV situation and if they aren't happy, he's not happy, so he's working on trying to negotiate something. Unfortunately, I haven't heard of any progress on that front. So we'll have to wait and see.

[Yachtzee]

Good point. Talk about traditionalists in baseball....in futbol......they are worse. My father being one of them (He was 7 when Uruguay beat Brazil and was listening on the radio)

I tell him it should be 26 man rosters at these tournaments.... 4 players can be subbed and if it goes to OT......you can get another one, if you have used all 4.

You want tired, hurt players...playing bad soccer? Or playing for penalties? I guess they do.

I think you have to be careful not to allow too many subs. I think one of the exciting things late in the game is when a team is able to bring on a fresh striker who is able to run circles around the tired guys who have been slogging it out for 85-90 minutes. If you let teams sub out half their team, you may end up with all those fresh legs canceling each other out, having it go to penalties, and then you just see the subs taking the kicks because all the best players have been subbed out already.

Water breaks are one thing, because it's a player safety issue and it only occurs when certain conditions are met. Commercial breaks for the sake of having more commercials just wouldn't fly for most soccer fans.

[MWM]

Don't know where you're getting that figure from, but it seems wrong. ESPN earns around $5.54 per subscriber (ESPN2 gets $0.70, the rest of the ESPN Networks -- News, Deportes, Classic, ESPNU -- each earn around .20 each). Even if you assume every cable subscriber in America gets all 6 networks (which isn't true, some people only get ESPN & ESPN2 on basic cable), that still only gets you to a total subscriber revenue of roughly $728 million if you use Neilson's 2011 numbers that indicate around 103 million cable households in North America.

Ad revenues for ESPN were $3.2 billion last year alone.

That $728 million you calculated is per month. Multiply by 12 and you'll get ESPNs full year subscriber revenue. I can't tell you what the full number is but it's less than 728x12...at least for the 4 primary ESPN networks I looked at. I'm looking at numbers right out of SNL Kagan, which is the source everyone uses for this stuff. I can tell you in 2013, over three-quarters of the main ESPN network's revenue came from subscriber fees and that number keeps going up. I'm not sure where you're getting your ad revenue numbers, but it's different than what I have. Since 2008, ESPNs ad revenues have increased by 32%, sub revenue 49%. ESPN was charging $3.75 per subscriber in 2008, $5.54 in 2013, and it's going to be $6.55 in 2015.

It was a great strategy for ESPN and they have all the leverage. They can just continue to increase their fees to cable providers and they have little choice but to pay it. It's why monthly cable bills continue to increase. It's almost all sports driven, yet a good percentage of subscribers don't watch the sports, so they wind up subsidizing the bills of all who do. Sub fees are the driver behind the explosion in sports rights fees. Part of it is the high percentage of people who still watch sports live, but it's mostly the sub fees. The big networks are in such a bad position because they don't have the same revenue stream (although they have increased their retransmission fees, but it still pales in comparison to the cable networks). They have to rely almost solely on ad revenue. They get more ad revenue for an individual broadcast than a cable provider, but it's nowhere near the difference it would take to make up for cable sub fees.

This is why Fox bid so much for the US Open to put on FS1 and while NBC is also trying to get back into the sports cable network game. Thursday night football alone has created a huge revenue stream for the NFL that didn't exist before. In 2008, they charged $0.65 per sub. That was still only $0.68 in 2011 after 3 years of having Thursday Night Football half the season. They moved to every week games in 2012 and now they're charging $1.22 while the number of subscribers has gone way up at the same time. It's also the driver behind all the new TV deals for MLB teams. If you're in Cincinnati, you pretty much have to carry FSO and Fox Sports knows this as do the Reds. But this is also why the powers that be at the ESPNs and Fox Sports' of the world live in constant fear of cable/satellite providers moving away from bundled pricing and making people pay only for those stations they actually want. It's really dumb that it hasn't happened yet, but this would be bad for all parties involved, so no matter how great it would be to the consumer, it's not happening any time soon.

To tie it all back to the MLS, ad revenue from commercial breaks is not going to keep broadcasters from showing soccer.... at least not cable broadcasters. But it has to be must see sports TV, the type that will incent consumers to switch cable providers if theirs doesn't carry the station that shows it. If comcast or time warner decided they're no longer carrying ESPN, people would leave in droves because they want to watch MNF and the BCS. And once those people switch to Directv, they're not going to switch back. They're in a prisoners dilemma situation and ESPN is just exploiting that. If the MLS continues to grow in popularity and their loyal TV following continues to grow, they will be on TV more regardless of commercial breaks.

The model of TV rights for sports properties has dramatically changed in the past decade. It's going to change dramatically again in the next decade with the continuing shift to digital. It's not unfathomable that in the not-too-distant future, sports properties won't even need these broadcasters to deliver their content. ESPN is also very scared of this, or of someone like Google coming in and entering the bidding for a major sports rights deal.

[SunDeck]

24 minutes in and Germany is putting on another clinic. G'bye Brazil.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I think that Brazilian win streak is over...holy cow

[westofyou]

Wow

[MWM]

I don't even know what to say. Karma is coming back to bite the Brazilians in the rear it looks like. They've played so ugly this cup, they didn't deserve to be in the semi. There was nothing beautiful about how they've played.

I know if I'm Germany, I'm getting my good players out of there as soon as I can. I wouldn't trust the Brazilians.

[SunDeck]

I'm actually kind of pissed, having reorganized my workday to watch this, anticipating a lot of nail biting. Then, this. Brazil looked confused from the first touch, it's been terrible.

[reds1869]

What a brutal beat down. I agree with MWM, the Germans should pick what they believe to be their three most indispensable players and sub them out for the bottom three on the roster.

[Chip R]

Is Brazil playing without a keeper?

[RedTeamGo!]

I bet they take mueller and khedira out at half. This game has been a joke.

[RedTeamGo!]

Is Brazil playing without a keeper?

Brazil is playing without an organized defense is a better description of what is going on.

It seems like a ridiculous statement, but this is not the keeper's fault.

[redhawkfish]

Geez! I sprinted to the truck after the final out of the Reds game to hurry home to see this!

[Chip R]

Brazil is playing without an organized defense is a better description of what is going on.

It seems like a ridiculous statement, but this is not the keeper's fault.

I'm sure it's not his fault but when the score is 5-0 you have to wonder.

[SunDeck]

The job of the defense is to protect the keeper. It just wasn't happening. They weren't marking, they were disorganized from the first minute, leaving all sorts of room for the Germans to create plays.

[Slyder]

I'm sure it's not his fault but when the score is 5-0 you have to wonder.

That could have been US vs Belgium if not for Howard standing on his head. I haven't seen the goals but the us were a perfect example of a d letting down a keeper in a couple games.

[SunDeck]

I have to admit to a little Schadenfreude. Bloomington is covered with Brazil fans who act like Cubs fans.

[tomnuetten]

I have to admit to a little Schadenfreude. Bloomington is covered with Brazil fans who act like Cubs fans.

but cubs fans are used to losing...

[westofyou]

7492

[SunDeck]

Six. Good lord, the Germans aren't even playing full tilt and they're getting opportunities.

[tomnuetten]

fred is the brazilian fan base whipping boy... hard to get bood from your own fans everytime you touch the ball in a 6-0 game where you didn´t make a mistake that cost a goal...

hope he can forget this nightmare soon

[RedTeamGo!]

That could have been US vs Belgium if not for Howard standing on his head. I haven't seen the goals but the us were a perfect example of a d letting down a keeper in a couple games.

This Brazil defense today is making the us defense vs Belgium look like 2006 Italy

[MWM]

Is it bad that I'm really enjoying this?

[Yachtzee]

Got to see the first goal, then I had to go get my kids. Here I am driving around town with the game on the radio, saying "Holy #@$!" I didn't want to get out of the car for fear I might miss a goal. Got home in time to see the end. I have the game on DVR. I'm going to have to watch this later. Such a historical dismantling of one of the world's best teams on home ground. Unbelievable.

[dougdirt]

Is it bad that I'm really enjoying this?

No. No one actually got harmed (yet) over this, so enjoy the heck out of it.

[RedTeamGo!]

This game proved to me that a bunch of goals doesn't mean entertaining soccer. I prefer when soccer games are tight and full of intense moments.

[Ohayou]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEUQo7elrRo

No big deal, it's not embarrassing to lose by just one TD.

[dougdirt]

This game proved to me that a bunch of goals doesn't mean entertaining soccer. I prefer when soccer games are tight and full of intense moments.

If both teams had scored and someone had won 5-4, it would have been far more entertaining. A blowout in any sport isn't going to be entertaining unless you have a rooting interest and your team is winning (or losing if you are rooting against someone rather than for someone).

[Yachtzee]

I think there's a German phrase that fits here. Sie haben die Sau rauslassen.

[Yachtzee]

This game proved to me that a bunch of goals doesn't mean entertaining soccer. I prefer when soccer games are tight and full of intense moments.

If this game got the NFL Films treatment, Germany's soundtrack would be Beethoven, Brazil's would be "Mahna Mahna."

[KronoRed]

I was entertained, more when they showed the crowd. :evil:

[15fan]

Time to dust off a few good lines:

I haven't seen a beating that bad since Rodney King.

Q: how many people does it take to change a tire?
A: 1. Unless its a blowout, then the whole Brazilian national team shows up.

7-1? Even the French put up a better fight against the Germans.

[SunDeck]

German fans are concerned, they didn't shut them out.

[westofyou]

Time to dust off a few good lines:

I haven't seen a beating that bad since Rodney King.

Q: how many people does it take to change a tire?
A: 1. Unless its a blowout, then the whole Brazilian national team shows up.

7-1? Even the French put up a better fight against the Germans.

Yes!

[paintmered]

http://i.imgur.com/N48EcWB.jpg

[WMR]

Http://www.screamer.deadspin.com/here-is-j-r-jim-ross-calling-the-brazil-germany-firs-1601968953

[RedTeamGo!]

If both teams had scored and someone had won 5-4, it would have been far more entertaining. A blowout in any sport isn't going to be entertaining unless you have a rooting interest and your team is winning (or losing if you are rooting against someone rather than for someone).

With soccer I disagree a bit, I would rather see 2-1 than 5-4. 5-4 means terrible defense and poor play.

[M2]

They stopped several games in the World Cup this year for water breaks. The world did not stop spinning on its axis, cats and dogs did not start living together and the fans did not leave the stadium or stop watching en masse.

That was a function of playing on the equator.

[Tony Cloninger]

I don't even know what to say. Karma is coming back to bite the Brazilians in the rear it looks like. They've played so ugly this cup, they didn't deserve to be in the semi. There was nothing beautiful about how they've played.

I know if I'm Germany, I'm getting my good players out of there as soon as I can. I wouldn't trust the Brazilians.


I do not think Brazil has played like what they think Brazil should play like in a long time.

Sure in 2002 they had 3 great players.......but since 1982...... they have been or can be just as cynical and ugly as what the Argentina and Uruguayans have been accused of being for 40 years.

They relied on Neymar and had No Plan B. They seemed lost without Silva too.

[Yachtzee]

I do not think Brazil has played like what they think Brazil should play like in a long time.

Sure in 2002 they had 3 great players.......but since 1982...... they have been or can be just as cynical and ugly as what the Argentina and Uruguayans have been accused of being for 40 years.

They relied on Neymar and had No Plan B. They seemed lost without Silva too.

I think the loss of Silva was the bigger factor. Who would have thought Brazil's back line would have been such a shambles without him?

[M2]

I think the loss of Silva was the bigger factor.

I agree. Neymar would have made no difference in this game. I mean, his dives would have become increasingly elaborate as the score got more lopsided, but that's about it.

The sad thing is that once upon a time, everyone wanted to play like the Brazilians. They were the gold standard. Now they dive a lot and struggle to hold onto the ball. 200 million people in the country, but not a single striker. It's sad.

[Yachtzee]

If both teams had scored and someone had won 5-4, it would have been far more entertaining. A blowout in any sport isn't going to be entertaining unless you have a rooting interest and your team is winning (or losing if you are rooting against someone rather than for someone).

I disagree. Granted I listened to most of the game on the radio, but as soon as Kroos scored 2 goals in about a minute to put the Germans up 4-0, I knew I was listening to a historical moment in the World Cup. I thought that, if it kept up, it could be one of the most historic thrashings of a host team, or maybe we'd have a great comeback. Brazil was coming into the game as the favorite before the match. People were already looking forward to a Brazil-Argentina final. Yet Germany destroyed them.

I imagine if, in 20 years, there is an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary on the 2014 World Cup, this game along with Netherlands defeating Spain will be featured prominently.

[SunDeck]

Lots of talk about Brazil here, and I agree they put on a terrible effort yesterday, but if Germany wins Sunday, twenty five years out the story will be about how they destroyed their competition during the tournament. And I'm not sure it won't be deserved. They may not have the best back line in the Cup, but what they do in the other team's half is awfully good. Of all the teams I've watched in the last month, they need the least space to get a goal, they run among the most efficient set pieces and generally, are the most likely team to score when the other team makes a mistake. Their ability to take advantage of defensive weakness is ruthless and practically automatic.

[RedTeamGo!]

I think all the talk of Brazil is fair. We witnessed the worst loss in the history of Brazillian soccer yesterday, and while Germany played well, Brazil looked downright pitiful. I honestly think if Brazil played like that against the US they have would have gotten creamed, probably 4-1 or something, but it still would have been a massacre.

[SunDeck]

I think all the talk of Brazil is fair. We witnessed the worst loss in the history of Brazillian soccer yesterday, and while Germany played well, Brazil looked downright pitiful. I honestly think if Brazil played like that against the US they have would have gotten creamed, probably 4-1 or something, but it still would have been a massacre.

I believe all the talk about Brazil is totally justified, but it wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Germany. If it had been the US it seems unlikely to me that the Brazil team would have been as dumb struck by the USMNT, mainly because they probably believe they are totally superior. Last night, doubt turned to certainty in five minutes. Which is my point, that the German side has the capacity to respond so perfectly to the slightest crack. Compare Muller with an open goal volley to Wando's miss, for instance. I remember thinking when that happened how there's no way a German striker misses that ball. From the standpoint of cooperation, technique and fundamentals, the German front is the best in the tournament at this point.

[hebroncougar]

Guess all that talk about how the US effort was poor in losing 1-0 to Germany kind of goes out the window now?

[SunDeck]

Guess all that talk about how the US effort was poor in losing 1-0 to Germany kind of goes out the window now?
I think that's a logical conclusion, and the US defense certainly proved they are pretty good, but it was not a knockout game so Germany had no reason to keep their ears pinned back once they were up. Against Brazil, I had the sense they were looking to stomp on their neck until they were sure the game was over. Seemed like at about 4-0 they decided to relax, but by that time Brazil was in such a state of shock that it was almost impossible for Germany to avoid scoring.

[tomnuetten]

Guess all that talk about how the US effort was poor in losing 1-0 to Germany kind of goes out the window now?

there is a reason portugal lost 4-0 and brasil 7-1, while ghana, algeria and the us had better result.
the moment you give the german team space your chances of winning decrease big time. portugal gave them space by a dumb red card, brasil were overmotivated and everyone (luiz, maicon, marcelo) were to offencive => lots of space for this team.

if the opponent plays good organised on defence, attack the german midfielders and are good on breakaways, the german team has a tough time => both argentina and the dutch team can do this. those teams will likely give the german team the ball, wait for mistakes and use their fast offence (robben + van persie or messi + di maria (if healthy) )

[RedTeamGo!]

I think (hope) this is Messi's cup

I bought a Messi jersey in 2006 in Dusseldorf and have been a fan ever since. It was a bit of a risk because Messi was only 19 at the time, but boy did I pick a good one!

[Caveat Emperor]

I think the loss of Silva was the bigger factor. Who would have thought Brazil's back line would have been such a shambles without him?

I wonder if PSG kept the receipt for David Luiz.

[bucksfan2]

Lots of talk about Brazil here, and I agree they put on a terrible effort yesterday, but if Germany wins Sunday, twenty five years out the story will be about how they destroyed their competition during the tournament. And I'm not sure it won't be deserved. They may not have the best back line in the Cup, but what they do in the other team's half is awfully good. Of all the teams I've watched in the last month, they need the least space to get a goal, they run among the most efficient set pieces and generally, are the most likely team to score when the other team makes a mistake. Their ability to take advantage of defensive weakness is ruthless and practically automatic.

Neuer is probably one of the best GK in the World Cup. Then combine that with a world class midfield and group of strikers and you have a loaded squad. The defenders may be slow and a combination of center backs, but all of them play at the highest of levels. Germany has the luxury of bringing guys off the bench like Schurrle and Gotze who would be stats on most other nations teams.

[WMR]

Brazil let up yesterday after the first goal and completely lost their composure after the 2nd. After that, the floodgates were open.

IMO, Brazil went a little too far on the youth movement. I would've liked to have seen a couple more experienced World Cup participants in their squad. Without Silva, there was zero leadership on the pitch.

[RedTeamGo!]

Brazil let up yesterday after the first goal and completely lost their composure after the 2nd. After that, the floodgates were open.

IMO, Brazil went a little too far on the youth movement. I would've liked to have seen a couple more experienced World Cup participants in their squad. Without Silva, there was zero leadership on the pitch.

I didn't really understand leaving KaKa off the roster, is he that bad now? He is only 32.

[SunDeck]

Brazil let up yesterday after the first goal and completely lost their composure after the 2nd. After that, the floodgates were open.

IMO, Brazil went a little too far on the youth movement. I would've liked to have seen a couple more experienced World Cup participants in their squad. Without Silva, there was zero leadership on the pitch.

Good point- they have world class players, but they seemed mentally weak, needing those couple of guys who can be strong and will the others to rally. I thought they looked lost after the second goal. It should be said that the announcer (McManaman?) saw the first goal coming. He said a few times how dangerous things looked with all the space Brazil was leaving and then of course they lost track of Mueller. So, while they imploded for sure, they were in trouble from the get go.

[westofyou]

7503

[RedTeamGo!]

I don't see how 22 mlb runs is = to 484 points in an NBA game.

[MWM]

I don't see how 22 mlb runs is = to 484 points in an NBA game.

I'm sure it's based on average goals scored per game compared to runs and points. It then likely uses a multiple of average goals by a team in a WC match applied to those.

[SunDeck]

Put it this way (from Men in Blazers), the equivalent meltdown for the US would be an NFL team losing 41-0 to a team from France.

[Chip R]

That was a function of playing on the equator.

I understand that but regardless of the reason, there were still breaks in play and despite assurances to the contrary by you folks, everything turned out all right.

[Caveat Emperor]

I understand that but regardless of the reason, there were still breaks in play and despite assurances to the contrary by you folks, everything turned out all right.

This would be like saying "the Reds had a 20 minute rain delay yesterday and everyone still had a great time, the game still got played" as justification for adding a 15-minute "halftime" to baseball after the top of the 4th inning.

Did the water breaks ruin the World Cup? Absolutely not. Would they be disruptive/annoying to have every match? Absolutely.

[westofyou]

I understand that but regardless of the reason, there were still breaks in play and despite assurances to the contrary by you folks, everything turned out all right.

The coaches hated it, it kills momentum, it's not needed. I played summer ball in California at 100 degree temps as an adult, we didn't take team breaks, it's soccer.

Soccer players understand that

[SunDeck]

I played in to screaming headaches as a kid and never understood the link between that and dehydration. Heck, somebody probably even gave me salt tablets.
The thing is, with all the diving, guys get enough water. That's how they should do it because they can't stop guys from getting "injured" five or six times a half. Just bring out the water when that happens, problem solved.

Speaking of which, I'm adding a can of that freezy spray to my desk drawer, for whenever I have a typing injury. Works like magic.

[tomnuetten]

very few highlights in this game so far, but it is very thrilling...

[Chip R]

So, is this going to be cool or lame?

http://internationalchampionscup.com/#

[M2]

So, is this going to be cool or lame?

http://internationalchampionscup.com/#

It was cool last year. They're preseason games, but there's a lot of star talent out on the field and the defenses play just loose enough to allow players to show off their skills.

[Yachtzee]

very few highlights in this game so far, but it is very thrilling...

Listening to the radio, it sounded like both teams were playing not to lose rather than playing to win. I have to wonder if both coaches decided they'd rather play conservative than risk losing like Brazil did.

[Chip R]

Good point- they have world class players, but they seemed mentally weak, needing those couple of guys who can be strong and will the others to rally. I thought they looked lost after the second goal. It should be said that the announcer (McManaman?) saw the first goal coming. He said a few times how dangerous things looked with all the space Brazil was leaving and then of course they lost track of Mueller. So, while they imploded for sure, they were in trouble from the get go.

Take this for what it's worth coming from someone who doesn't follow international soccer very closely but from what I have heard and read about Brazil, they play the kind of game whether they would rather look good and lose (or tie) than be boring and win - although people have said that they have played boring soccer during the World Cup. But they seem to have a rep for being flaky. Kind of like a baseball prospect who makes brilliant plays one minute but the next minute botches a routine play or makes some kind of mental error.

[tomnuetten]

Listening to the radio, it sounded like both teams were playing not to lose rather than playing to win. I have to wonder if both coaches decided they'd rather play conservative than risk losing like Brazil did.

both teams don´t want to have the ball. both teams like to stay deep and organised, attack the midfielders and as soon as they make mistakes capitalize. they have great (and fast) players who are very dangerous on breakaways, yet they refuse to play with lots of possesion time.

I do think that both team would have made it hard for germany to win. I do believe that (if di maria is good to go against germany) argentina will win it...

[M2]

Take this for what it's worth coming from someone who doesn't follow international soccer very closely but from what I have heard and read about Brazil, they play the kind of game whether they would rather look good and lose (or tie) than be boring and win - although people have said that they have played boring soccer during the World Cup. But they seem to have a rep for being flaky. Kind of like a baseball prospect who makes brilliant plays one minute but the next minute botches a routine play or makes some kind of mental error.

They stopped playing like that in the mid '80s, when they were legit the most exciting team on the planet. They had a brief spell in the late '90s and early '00s where they played champagne soccer, but their real problem for the past few decades is they play a directionless game. They don't have the massive skill advantage they used to. Brazil fans would love if once again their team played the most stylish game of all. They'd take the losses in stride. What's killing them is watching an unspectacular, often cynical team that gets thoroughly outclassed every time it gets bounced from the World Cup (by France in '06, the Netherlands in '10 and Germany this year).

It's not conceit, pride or tactics that's got Brazil on the ropes, it's talent. Brazil is a B+ team these days. They can look flaky when they get outclassed, but mostly it's shock.

[Tony Cloninger]

I think the loss of Silva was the bigger factor. Who would have thought Brazil's back line would have been such a shambles without him?

I agree. No wonder Luiz went to PSG.....he needs Silva badly.

[hebroncougar]

So, is this going to be cool or lame?

http://internationalchampionscup.com/#

I'm hitting the Liverpool game in Charlotte. Absolutely cannot wait!

[Yachtzee]

One day until the Final. I can't wait.

[dougdirt]

Oh Brazil.....

[paintmered]

The Dutch weren't shy at rubbing salt into that gaping wound.

[SunDeck]

Liverpool is letting Suarez go to Barca.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/12/sports/soccer/luis-surez-transferring-from-liverpool-to-barcelona.html?_r=0

[Yachtzee]

Jetzt geht los!

[Caveat Emperor]

Enjoy this final match with Ian Darke on the call -- this time four years from now it'll be Gus Johnson shouting like a moron through the entire World Cup finale.

[Yachtzee]

Enjoy this final match with Ian Darke on the call -- this time four years from now it'll be Gus Johnson shouting like a moron through the entire World Cup finale.

Don't remind me. If we're lucky, maybe Fox wises up and brings over some folks from Sky Networks to call games.

[M2]

Argentina still holding back the German floodgates. Javier Mascherano has been a rock. Ridiculous Argentina stripped him of the captain's armband to give it to Messi, who's been mostly invisible this tournament.

...

And Goetze scores a gem.

[westofyou]

What a finish that was

[Yachtzee]

Wow! Both teams really left it all on the field. Germany gets its 4th star.

[Caveat Emperor]

Best team won. Great finish, great World Cup.

Now, the long wait to 2018.

[SunDeck]

Great fame, with fantastic defensive tackling. Argentina is going to live those missed chances over and over for a long time. Germany proves again that they only need a sliver of room to get a goal; Argentina bottled them up for the whole game, but one superb cross and a picture perfect finish was the difference. I'm sure the story will be of how Messi can't win a World Cup, which is sad because he's not the only guy on the side.

[M2]

Messi was at best #3 on the Argentina team, and that would be generous, and he wins the Golden Ball? Viva politics.

[Yachtzee]

Every time Sepp Blatter gets booed, an angel gets its wings.

[reds1869]

That was a fantastic ending to a fantastic World Cup. I dream of a day in my lifetime when I see the US team on that podium. Unfortunately longevity doesn't run in my family.

[Rojo]

Was that a good game or not, because I was bored to tears.

[Dwarftree]

That was one of the most nerve wrecking and thrilling games i have ever watched. Thank god we got our 4th star. Germany will be in state of party for the next couple of days.

[puca]

Was that a good game or not, because I was bored to tears.

It was a very good game. I'm not sure what to say if you were bored, but obviously soccer is not for you. Maybe stick to sports where scoring is easy and there are enough breaks to show all those exciting comercials.

[bucksfan2]

Was that a good game or not, because I was bored to tears.

I found it somewhat boring as well. I wouldn't call it thrilling even though Germany has become my 2nd rooting interest behind the US. I think it had more to do with the style of Argentina, play 6 men back, hope for a counter, but don't concede a goal. It wasn't free flowing like many soccer games can be. I kinda liken it to an OSU vs Michigan game from a handful of years ago. OSU got out to a 14-3 lead in rainy conditions and then was content winning a field position battle and milking the clock. Argentina parked the bus, made it difficult for Germany to score, and it almost worked. An early goal in a game like that sure could have made it more entertaining to watch.

[improbus]

That was one of the most nerve wrecking and thrilling games i have ever watched. Thank god we got our 4th star. Germany will be in state of party for the next couple of days.
That is the point. Messi only needed a tiny crease and that's the World Cup. The game was on a knife's edge for 120 minutes. If that isn't exciting, I'm not sure what is.

[SunDeck]

I thought it was quite an exciting game. Argentina picked a very good defensive strategy, so the game was 113 minutes of Germany trying to figure it out while living on the knife's edge against the other team's counters. In the end, it was only a brilliant play that was the difference, and what a play it was, but also I cannot remember a game in which so many sure goals were squandered.

[Yachtzee]

I thought it was quite an exciting game. Argentina picked a very good defensive strategy, so the game was 113 minutes of Germany trying to figure it out while living on the knife's edge against the other team's counters. In the end, it was only a brilliant play that was the difference, and what a play it was, but also I cannot remember a game in which so many sure goals were squandered.

On top of it all, it was relatively free of the cynical play that plagued the finals in 2006 & 2010. When was the last time we had a final where someone wasn't headbutted or karate kicked in the chest?

[Caveat Emperor]

Both sides had chances throughout the match, neither side bunkered and played for penalties in extra time. I thought it was a fantastic game.

[Roy Tucker]

The winning goal was worthy of a World Cup winner. Incredibly athletic and skilled. Scoring goals at that level is extremely difficult.

Really glad it didn't go to PKs.

[cumberlandreds]

The winning goal was worthy of a World Cup winner. Incredibly athletic and skilled. Scoring goals at that level is extremely difficult.

Really glad it didn't go to PKs.

I don't know much about soccer but I agree with this. It takes a lot skill and athletic ability to play at that level. No doubt about that. What I have seen of it I don't like PK's. It's like in baseball after about 12 innings they would stop the game and play home run derby. I don't think I would like that at all.

[SunDeck]

On top of it all, it was relatively free of the cynical play that plagued the finals in 2006 & 2010. When was the last time we had a final where someone wasn't headbutted or karate kicked in the chest?

Agreed- it was an extremely physical game, but relatively clean. Even Neuer's pile driving of Higuain was no foul.

[M2]

Was that a good game or not, because I was bored to tears.

It was a tactical game. Both teams fought like demons in the middle of the field. Argentina did a great job of snuffing out Germany's chances before they developed into shots. Fans aware of the quality on both teams were probably more into it because it was heavy with potential energy. Higuain, Messi and Palacio each had some great chances that they squandered. Kroos had two shots from the edge of the box that he normally buries. Howedes nearly broke the side post in half with his header at the end of the 1st. Those misses you can probably mark down to it being the final game of a long, hot tournament and both teams running each other into the dirt. It's hard to finish when you're physically spent.

So I can see where more casual fans would lament the lack of the pretty end-to-end stuff. It was like an MMA that spends most of the time on the mat. Striking is more fun to watch and it's sometimes hard to appreciate when a gonzo fan raves "Dude is thisclose to breaking that other dude's arm!"


I don't know much about soccer but I agree with this. It takes a lot skill and athletic ability to play at that level. No doubt about that. What I have seen of it I don't like PK's. It's like in baseball after about 12 innings they would stop the game and play home run derby. I don't think I would like that at all.

It would be nice to play the game until someone scores, but the players would drop dead. 120 minutes of soccer leaves you pretty much wasted and the sport only allows three subs a game. Other sports have lots of stoppages and subs, which allow them to play extra innings/time more easily. One of the lures of soccer is that it's largely up to the players on the field and it doesn't get overly bogged down in endless subs and arcane clock management. So in tournament elimination rounds they need to do a shootout. That's one of the reasons they have the round-robin opening round, so that ties don't screw them up too much.

Anyway, point is they have the shootout because the game really pushes the boundaries of human endurance. More than two hours of field time and you're not going to be watching a soccer game anymore. It would turn into pure trench warfare.

[westofyou]

7556

[westofyou]

Top WC goals by club:
Bayern Munich- 18
Barca- 10
Man Utd- 9
Chelsea- 8
Real Madrid- 7
AS Monaco- 6
PSV Eindhoven- 5
FC Porto- 4

[oneupper]

7556

Messi being Messi.

[SunDeck]

What'd FIFA do, cut off some guys hand and bronze it? That thing's awful.

[Yachtzee]

What'd FIFA do, cut off some guys hand and bronze it? That thing's awful.

They captured the Hamburger Helper mascot and dipped him in molten gold.

[Chip R]

The winning goal was worthy of a World Cup winner. Incredibly athletic and skilled. Scoring goals at that level is extremely difficult.

Really glad it didn't go to PKs.

PKs should not be the way to decide these games but, by God, they are dramatic.

[tomnuetten]

PKs should not be the way to decide these games but, by God, they are dramatic.

I´m happy that they invented the pk... years ago (in the sixties) they played the europapokal der landesmeister (old days championsleague) with two games. if it isn´t decided than they had a third game, if it is tied in the third game they go to extra time. if the game is still tied after extra time they decided the game by throwing a coin!

cologne lost once by the coin flip and the first time they threw the coin the coin did stand upright (=> they had to do it again)...

=> I´ll take a PK over a coin flip ;)

[M2]

7556

Interesting fact, Neuer complete more passes at the World Cup than Messi did.

[Fil3232]

I was in awe of the German skill level on the ball. Deft feet, quick passes, and an outright refusal to give away possession. Their tight passing around and inside the 18 yd box was really cool. Like a well-oiled power play machine in hockey it seemed.

[Roy Tucker]

In some of my daughter's soccer tournaments, if it was still tied after 2 OTs, they pulled the goalies. You could put someone in goal, but they were under normal player constraints and couldn't use their hands.

It got pretty hairy pretty fast.

[Yachtzee]

Something I just thought of that just made me throw up in my mouth a little: with Fox taking over the World Cup, are we going to have to deal with the announcers having to point out all the stars of crappy Fox sitcoms in attendance?

[SunDeck]

Something I just thought of that just made me throw up in my mouth a little: with Fox taking over the World Cup, are we going to have to deal with the announcers having to point out all the stars of crappy Fox sitcoms in attendance?

Hey, that's what I like best about them!

[IslandRed]

Maybe in the qualifiers... for the actual World Cup games, I think all the video runs through FIFA.

[M2]

Something I just thought of that just made me throw up in my mouth a little: with Fox taking over the World Cup, are we going to have to deal with the announcers having to point out all the stars of crappy Fox sitcoms in attendance?

Just as long as it doesn't result in Joe Buck calling World Cup games.

On the upside, it probably means some other heads of the Fox media hydra will get muzzled on the subject of soccer being some kind of War Against America conspiracy.

[Yachtzee]

Just as long as it doesn't result in Joe Buck calling World Cup games.

On the upside, it probably means some other heads of the Fox media hydra will get muzzled on the subject of soccer being some kind of War Against America conspiracy.

Or Thom Brenneman.

I don't know about FOX muzzling anyone. ESPN certainly let Keith Olbermann do his nightly digs on soccer, and in South Africa they had noted anti-soccer media guy Jim Rome do his Rome is Burning show before games.

[Red Heeler]

It would be nice to play the game until someone scores, but the players would drop dead. 120 minutes of soccer leaves you pretty much wasted and the sport only allows three subs a game. Other sports have lots of stoppages and subs, which allow them to play extra innings/time more easily. One of the lures of soccer is that it's largely up to the players on the field and it doesn't get overly bogged down in endless subs and arcane clock management. So in tournament elimination rounds they need to do a shootout. That's one of the reasons they have the round-robin opening round, so that ties don't screw them up too much.

Anyway, point is they have the shootout because the game really pushes the boundaries of human endurance. More than two hours of field time and you're not going to be watching a soccer game anymore. It would turn into pure trench warfare.

I'd like to see them go to an adaptation of the tournament overtime rules my indoor league uses:

10 minutes of golden goal overtime. After 10 minutes, each team must send off one player.
5 minutes of golden goal. Still tied...send off another player.
Wash, rinse, repeat.

After 30 minutes, you're playing 7vs7 on a full sized field. After 40, you're at 5v5. No trench warfare available there. In less time than overtime + PKs, you have a winner while still playing the game of futbol.

[RedTeamGo!]

New FIFA rankings came out.

USA ranked 15th

England ranked 20th

[westofyou]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsvoFIKCMAAzbdG.jpghttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsvoFIKCMAAzbdG.jpg7578

[Dwarftree]

Taking away PK´s from soccer would be like cutting extra innings in baseball and inventing the possibility of a tie in regular season games.

[Caveat Emperor]

Taking away PK´s from soccer would be like cutting extra innings in baseball and inventing the possibility of a tie in regular season games.

Not really -- the comparable baseball equivalent would be if the game was tied after 12 innings (game length + 30% extra), the teams would pick 5 batters and have a home-run derby to determine who won the game.

I despise PKs as a means of determining anything, but I understand that you can't just keep running people around until they collapse from exhaustion on the pitch. It's the best of a lot of bad solutions -- though, I am intrigued by the suggestion of just sending the GKs off in extra time.

[KronoRed]

Not really -- the comparable baseball equivalent would be if the game was tied after 12 innings (game length + 30% extra), the teams would pick 5 batters and have a home-run derby to determine who won the game.


That would be awesome.

[RedFanAlways1966]

That would be awesome.

:) One extra roster spot (26th or 25-1/2?). The HR Derby pitcher that pitches to his own team. I can see the headline from time to time... this MLB team released their 25-1/2 man b/c he wasn't giving up enough HRs and had a negative WAR. Or the 25-1/2 man was DFA'd and has 10 days to accept a role in Louisville or become a free agent. 30 more jobs for hacks/wannabes like us to possibly enter the Baseball Encyclopedia!

[Yachtzee]

Pull the goalies in extra time. Or, emove a field player from each team every 5 minutes.

[M2]

I'd like to see them go to an adaptation of the tournament overtime rules my indoor league uses:

10 minutes of golden goal overtime. After 10 minutes, each team must send off one player.
5 minutes of golden goal. Still tied...send off another player.
Wash, rinse, repeat.

After 30 minutes, you're playing 7vs7 on a full sized field. After 40, you're at 5v5. No trench warfare available there. In less time than overtime + PKs, you have a winner while still playing the game of futbol.

I'm not opposed to it, but it's still kind of gimmicky.

They might be able to get around most shootout situations if they just altered the offside rules (e.g. no offsides until you're within the 18-yard line or try a 3-second offside rule, which would prevent rampant poaching).

[Red Heeler]

I'm not opposed to it, but it's still kind of gimmicky.

They might be able to get around most shootout situations if they just altered the offside rules (e.g. no offsides until you're within the 18-yard line or try a 3-second offside rule, which would prevent rampant poaching).

Oh I know it's a gimmick, but at least the winning goal comes from the run of play.

A third line 30-40 yards out would open up play tremendously, but I don't know how well it would play in Europe. They're stodgy about things.

[SunDeck]

I think pulling the keeper is reasonable, or better yet allow the keeper to remain, make him stay in the box and take away his hands. Removing players on a full sized field will result in something akin to a U8 game and the players will be drop dead exhausted, which IMO creates more potential for injuries.

[tomnuetten]

I think pulling the keeper is reasonable, or better yet allow the keeper to remain, make him stay in the box and take away his hands. Removing players on a full sized field will result in something akin to a U8 game and the players will be drop dead exhausted, which IMO creates more potential for injuries.

I think there can´t be much worse injuries than taking someones hand away :evil:

[bucksfan2]

I think it is style of play more than anything else, especially for the undermanned team. They extra time not to lose rather than to win. You don't see aggressive pushes forward, more calculated with a keen eye to get back and stop a counter. You remove a man every 5 minutes and that will end the end remove a man from the attack. You play with a GK who can't use his hands and that will force the team to play even more defensive. While PK's are great, it is a way to end a 120 minute stalemate.

[Tony Cloninger]

There should be at least 4 subs per game and if it goes extras.... another 1.

Some very good players get run into the ground in this game and their legs are done by very early 30's with all the League and International games to begin with. They have a harder time then baseball with trying to keep with traditions.

[Dwarftree]

Not really -- the comparable baseball equivalent would be if the game was tied after 12 innings (game length + 30% extra), the teams would pick 5 batters and have a home-run derby to determine who won the game.

HAHAHA! Great one :)

What i meant with my post is that PK´s if one does like it or not, are an integral part of soccer history. You just cannot take that away. My actual first world cup memory is that memorable penalty shootout in the semis in 1982 (man i am old) Germany vs. France. First ever shootout in WC history btw, which was epic. Imho a shootout in soccer does belong.

[SunDeck]

You know what's interesting about PKs? It introduces a whole new strategy; teams can play to get to PKs, which I think we saw a few times in the WC. It's a maddening strategy, but it's perfectly legitimate, possibly unless you're american.
I remember playing billiards in Germany and it used to drive me crazy. I was pretty good at the game, having learned in taverns and bars as a kid. I could run a table if it were relatively open. But when I played in Germany, I learned that the first rule of pool is to not lose, so that everyone I played spent the first half of the game burying my balls on the rails and positioning theirs in front of the pockets to block me. They couldn't shoot nearly as well as me, and they derided my style of play...and they beat the heck out of me until I started playing the same way. It was the ugliest billiards I've every played, but effective. Along they way, I learned a little bit about the cultural differences between me (an American) and them (not Americans) and I've often wondered whether the whole PK thing sticks around because it's not always just a way to end a game quickly, but rather because it offers a legitimate (although horribly ugly and thoroughly distasteful to Americans) strategy choice.

[SunDeck]

HAHAHA! Great one :)

My actual first world cup memory is that memorable penalty shootout in the semis in 1982 (man i am old) Germany vs. France. First ever shootout in WC history btw, which was epic. Imho a shootout in soccer does belong.

Not so old, I say. My first memory of the World Cup is 1974...and I have pictures of me wearing Addidas Franz Beckenbauer boots to prove it.

[Dwarftree]

Well my point being about PKs is that in the past it provided some of the most thrilling match endings i have ever watched. It is a gamble for sure. But thrilling nevertheless. :)

[IslandRed]

I'm not opposed to it, but it's still kind of gimmicky.

They might be able to get around most shootout situations if they just altered the offside rules (e.g. no offsides until you're within the 18-yard line or try a 3-second offside rule, which would prevent rampant poaching).

Yeah... At some point something that's Not Real Soccer has to be used to end the game, and to me the PKs are as good as any other gimmick.

I like the idea of tinkering with offside rules but I'd be curious to see how it worked in the opposite scenario -- as in, no offsides once the ball is within a certain area. Kind of like mixing the hockey and soccer rules -- you're not allowed to be offside at the time the ball enters the area, but once your side touches the ball in the zone, you can crash the net all you like until the ball is cleared.

[Brutus]

I agree on removing PKs to decide a game, or at least move them back some if you're going to do them.

Preferably though, I like the idea of taking a player off every five minutes. I also heard a great idea about having the PKs take place before extra time, that way teams are more inclined to play aggressively to try to win a game (or at least one team would be) rather than both teams play content for the entire 30 minutes.

On a different note, I would like to proclaim that as someone who never liked soccer much until, really, this World Cup, I have REALLY taken to it now. I never minded the low scoring, per se, but I always found the game boring when I'd watched it previously. For some reason, now that I've paid more attention to the flow, the set pieces, the touch passes, the ball movement & possession, etc., I really love the art within the gameplay. The near goals are almost as exciting as scoring the goals themselves. I don't know if I'll get into club soccer as much as the international scene, though besides the Crew in MLS, I may try to watch some EPL and Champions League action too. Really to the point I think I'm a 'football' convert now!

[paintmered]

The Crew and Crystal Palace is available steaming on Youtube. The commentators seem to be early in their respective careers, but no complaints otherwise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBDA-NgUAt4

[Yachtzee]

I agree on removing PKs to decide a game, or at least move them back some if you're going to do them.

Preferably though, I like the idea of taking a player off every five minutes. I also heard a great idea about having the PKs take place before extra time, that way teams are more inclined to play aggressively to try to win a game (or at least one team would be) rather than both teams play content for the entire 30 minutes.

On a different note, I would like to proclaim that as someone who never liked soccer much until, really, this World Cup, I have REALLY taken to it now. I never minded the low scoring, per se, but I always found the game boring when I'd watched it previously. For some reason, now that I've paid more attention to the flow, the set pieces, the touch passes, the ball movement & possession, etc., I really love the art within the gameplay. The near goals are almost as exciting as scoring the goals themselves. I don't know if I'll get into club soccer as much as the international scene, though besides the Crew in MLS, I may try to watch some EPL and Champions League action too. Really to the point I think I'm a 'football' convert now!

Welcome to the club! If you really start getting into it, you'll see that it's about the only sport where you can watch meaningful, competitive matches year round, between international games, MLS, the European leagues, and the Champions League.

[Yachtzee]

The Crew and Crystal Palace is available steaming on Youtube. The commentators seem to be early in their respective careers, but no complaints otherwise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBDA-NgUAt4

Thanks for the link

[Brutus]

Welcome to the club! If you really start getting into it, you'll see that it's about the only sport where you can watch meaningful, competitive matches year round, between international games, MLS, the European leagues, and the Champions League.

Thanks! One of the real surprises for me was learning just how long and in depth the qualification process really was. I never really grasped just how quickly the qualifiers began after each cup. You're right though...there really is no off-season to the sport.

[Yachtzee]

Thanks! One of the real surprises for me was learning just how long and in depth the qualification process really was. I never really grasped just how quickly the qualifiers began after each cup. You're right though...there really is no off-season to the sport.

The one annoying thing about World Cup Qualifying is that broadcast rights are controlled by the home team. So while all USMNT home games will be on ESPN, most Caribbean and Central American federations have either sold their broadcast rights to BeIn Sports, which is not carried by my cable company, or they put it on pay-per-view. Of course, with the Gold Cup and the Copa America Centenario to go along with WCQ, there will be plenty of USMNT games. Also, ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app carry a number of WCQs and friendlies for the European countries.

[hebroncougar]

I agree on removing PKs to decide a game, or at least move them back some if you're going to do them.

Preferably though, I like the idea of taking a player off every five minutes. I also heard a great idea about having the PKs take place before extra time, that way teams are more inclined to play aggressively to try to win a game (or at least one team would be) rather than both teams play content for the entire 30 minutes.

On a different note, I would like to proclaim that as someone who never liked soccer much until, really, this World Cup, I have REALLY taken to it now. I never minded the low scoring, per se, but I always found the game boring when I'd watched it previously. For some reason, now that I've paid more attention to the flow, the set pieces, the touch passes, the ball movement & possession, etc., I really love the art within the gameplay. The near goals are almost as exciting as scoring the goals themselves. I don't know if I'll get into club soccer as much as the international scene, though besides the Crew in MLS, I may try to watch some EPL and Champions League action too. Really to the point I think I'm a 'football' convert now!

Root on Liverpool!

[Brutus]

Root on Liverpool!

Only based on the players I've come to know the last several months, mostly based on the guys who I enjoyed watching in the World Cup, Chelsea is the leader in the clubhouse. That's who I'll probably be most attentive to this fall, but that doesn't mean I'll come to like them lol

[hebroncougar]

Only based on the players I've come to know the last several months, mostly based on the guys who I enjoyed watching in the World Cup, Chelsea is the leader in the clubhouse. That's who I'll probably be most attentive to this fall, but that doesn't mean I'll come to like them lol

You'll come around. I'm going to watch Liverpool live for the first time in Charlotte here in about a week.

[Yachtzee]

Only based on the players I've come to know the last several months, mostly based on the guys who I enjoyed watching in the World Cup, Chelsea is the leader in the clubhouse. That's who I'll probably be most attentive to this fall, but that doesn't mean I'll come to like them lol

Chelsea: the best team Russian Oligarch money can buy. I actively root against teams like Chelsea and Real Madrid because they seem to buy up so many players that you wonder if it's because they want to keep those players from other teams. It's a shame really when you look atsome of the talent they have sitting on the bench. Personally, I don't have an EPL team but I enjoy watching teams with Americans and feisty teams like Everton or Spurs when they upset the apple cart and keep one of the Big 5 out of the spots for European play.

[westofyou]

I don't have a team, club teams have roots that run deep, I'm just there for the dance

[Brutus]

Chelsea: the best team Russian Oligarch money can buy. I actively root against teams like Chelsea and Real Madrid because they seem to buy up so many players that you wonder if it's because they want to keep those players from other teams. It's a shame really when you look atsome of the talent they have sitting on the bench. Personally, I don't have an EPL team but I enjoy watching teams with Americans and feisty teams like Everton or Spurs when they upset the apple cart and keep one of the Big 5 out of the spots for European play.

Yeah I'm honestly curious what their plan is for Lukaku. That guy looks like an absolute stud in the making, but my understanding is they keep loaning him out? I suppose it helps that they don't need him right now, but still would hope they have high aspirations for him. He is amazing to watch.

[Yachtzee]

I don't have a team, club teams have roots that run deep, I'm just there for the dance

If I lived in Portland, I'd probably have season tickets to the Timbers. After the Crew, I'd say I have an affinity towards them based on Caleb Porter and some of the University of Akron alumni they have out there. Seems like it would be a great place to watch a game without all the Seattle "We invented MLS fandom" attitude.

[Yachtzee]

Yeah I'm honestly curious what their plan is for Lukaku. That guy looks like an absolute stud in the making, but my understanding is they keep loaning him out? I suppose it helps that they don't need him right now, but still would hope they have high aspirations for him. He is amazing to watch.

Yet I hear they are going to bring back Didier Drogba. If they bring back Drogba, they might as well just sell Lukaku to Everton or someone who will actually give him first team minutes.

[westofyou]

If I lived in Portland, I'd probably have season tickets to the Timbers. After the Crew, I'd say I have an affinity towards them based on Caleb Porter and some of the University of Akron alumni they have out there. Seems like it would be a great place to watch a game without all the Seattle "We invented MLS fandom" attitude.

It's a big deal in town fir sure, that said I don't watch much MSL outside of Timbers and competing against baseball for my time is a no win situation since it's also the nicest time of the year here for most of their season. The company I work for endorses the park by name and I have numerous neighbors and coworkers who fly Timber flags and jerseys on game day but I don't know who is on the team.

I don't follow Football or basketball, so the European schedule fits my viewing habits much better

[reds1869]

I don't follow Football or basketball, so the European schedule fits my viewing habits much better

This is what it comes down to for me. I love waking up on a weekend morning and knowing I can tune into my choice of La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, Bundesliga or the Premier League. MLS conflicts with baseball too often so I have trouble getting into it even though I want the league to succeed.

[Caveat Emperor]

Only based on the players I've come to know the last several months, mostly based on the guys who I enjoyed watching in the World Cup, Chelsea is the leader in the clubhouse. That's who I'll probably be most attentive to this fall, but that doesn't mean I'll come to like them lol

Come to the dark side!

http://www.eversoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/jose-mourinho.gif

[Caveat Emperor]

Yet I hear they are going to bring back Didier Drogba. If they bring back Drogba, they might as well just sell Lukaku to Everton or someone who will actually give him first team minutes.

I've been reading that Drogba would come back as a hybrid player/coach -- in which case I think he would see minimal minutes and (hopefully) function as a mentor for Lukaku.

The one I'd really like to see the end of is Fernando Torres.

[hebroncougar]

Come to the dark side!

http://www.eversoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/jose-mourinho.gif

Darn straight, that's the dark side.

[Chip R]

Get ready for Gus Johnson to call the 2026 World Cup.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/fifa-went-behind-espns-back-212400049.html

[BuckeyeRed27]

Get ready for Gus Johnson to call the 2026 World Cup.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/fifa-went-behind-espns-back-212400049.html

Thankfully Gus pulled himself off of soccer a few months ago. Most interesting part of that article is this basically confirms the winter 2022 World Cup. I assume by that point MLS will be the top league in the world and it will fit the schedule perfectly.

[Caveat Emperor]

The U.S. Soccer Fed. formally endorsed an opponent to Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency. It'll be interesting to see what he does as retribution.

I saw an article on SI that speculated he could push to revoke some exemptions that MLS enjoys regarding their size (over 20 teams), schedule and single-entity structure.

[bucksfan2]

The U.S. Soccer Fed. formally endorsed an opponent to Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency. It'll be interesting to see what he does as retribution.

I saw an article on SI that speculated he could push to revoke some exemptions that MLS enjoys regarding their size (over 20 teams), schedule and single-entity structure.

Most of the power soccer nations have endorsed opponents to Sepp Blatter. I believe the US and European nations have all wanted a replacement. Problem is most of your developing nations are happy with the handouts Blatter is giving them (a la Russia, Middle East, and South America.)