OT: 2024 Soccer and Vancouver Whitecaps Thread

[Frostage]

For those that watched the game, did Canada defend all of the free kicks with such a high line that I saw on the highlights?

 

[Javaman]

Considering the fact the Canadians have a new coach; and limited time for training, I thought they looked fine against one of the best countries in the world.

Next up is France, who are rated at 6th in the World; followed by defending World Cup champs Argentina. Almost impossible to overstate the importance of these games to the Canadian program.

Probably the three toughest tests in the history of the program in Canada. Bring it on!

Let's hope these friendlies are a positive harbinger of the development of soccer in Canada. If the MNT doesn't advance beyond the group stages of the 2026 World Cup, that probably permanently relegates soccer to the fringes of the Canadian sports scene.

 

[I Hart Conor Garland]

Anyone shocked that Messi didn't play shouldn't have been. We didn't get to see Rooney, Beckham, Henry, Ibra, Kaka, Lampard, Drogba ect... No big European stars play on turf and/or Vancouver.

Beckham played here. Leave Becks alone.

 

[Cucumber]

Beckham played here. Leave Becks alone.

I remember going to see him and he didn't. Maybe he played a different game though

 

[Wry n Ginger]

Would be nice to watch these games somewhere...

 

[SeawaterOnIce]

For those that watched the game, did Canada defend all of the free kicks with such a high line that I saw on the highlights?

Defend you say?

 

[I Hart Conor Garland]

I remember going to see him and he didn't. Maybe he played a different game though

He definitely played here in 2007. Like 75 minutes on pitch. I had a few work mates that attended and were satisfied with the experience. It sucks that you weren't able to say the same.

 

[Jyrki21]

Anyone shocked that Messi didn't play shouldn't have been. We didn't get to see Rooney, Beckham, Henry, Ibra, Kaka, Lampard, Drogba ect... No big European stars play on turf and/or Vancouver.

This is not true. Beckham, Rooney, Ibrahimović and Lampard all absolutely did. Plenty of “stars” do play on turf.

Edit: In fact both Lampard and Zlatan scored in BC Place, and this reminded me of this weird bit of foreshadowing:

 

[SeawaterOnIce]

Alright boys. Copa America trophy is back on the menu.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1799914275386839295

 

[Red]

Massive result. Other than qualifying for the WC, this is probably the most significant result in Canada's history.

 

[Lindgren]

Massive result. Other than qualifying for the WC, this is probably the most significant result in Canada's history.

I'm still taking the win at Azteca, though you might consider that "qualifying for the WC."

 

[3rd Sedin]

I'm still taking the win at Azteca, though you might consider that "qualifying for the WC."

We drew at Azteca, won at Ice-teca (both massive results), but no W at Azteca yet!

Have to agree with post above this is one of the biggest results in national team history. The fact we not only tied France, but did it on their soil, and while not parking the bus either feels kind of improbable.

Crepeau’s our #1 now, and with our tactics looking more complete we have a decent chance to exit the group stage if we can find our finish in the final third again.

 

[Just A Bit Outside]

Great job by the boys in red.

 

[Lindgren]

We drew at Azteca, won at Ice-teca (both massive results), but no W at Azteca yet!

Have to agree with post above this is one of the biggest results in national team history. The fact we not only tied France, but did it on their soil, and while not parking the bus either feels kind of improbable.

Crepeau’s our #1 now, and with our tactics looking more complete we have a decent chance to exit the group stage if we can find our finish in the final third again.

Was I imagining it? I was sure it happened the day after my date with Monica Bellucci.

Even with the important correction, I'd make the same claim. That draw Azteca was a very big deal.

 

[3rd Sedin]

Was I imagining it? I was sure it happened the day after my date with Monica Bellucci.

Even with the important correction, I'd make the same claim. That draw Azteca was a very big deal.

It absolutely was. We were unlucky not to get 3 points that night and I think that’sa lot of what made that match special!

 

[VanJack]

A stellar effort from Maxime Crepeau in goal......sort of a sad day when he left the Whitecaps.....but definitely Canada's 'go-to' goalie now.

This nil-nil result with France has to be a big boost as they get set for perhaps their toughest test in Canadian soccer history--a head-to-head matchup with Messi and Argentina.

 

[MS]

Milan Borjan was literally the goalie that led them to the world cup.

Borjan was literally who I was thinking of when I said 'passable'.

 

[SeawaterOnIce]

What in the f***???

https://x.com/i/web/status/1800898933117661203

This is definitely not sketchy. Right @MS ?

https://x.com/i/web/status/1800900262498091518

 

[SeawaterOnIce]

European Championship kicks off today. Go Germany!

I hope England loses it.

 

[MS]

What in the f***???

https://x.com/i/web/status/1800898933117661203

This is definitely not sketchy. Right @MS ?

https://x.com/i/web/status/1800900262498091518

The EPL makes the NHL look like a bastion of credibility on the gambling front.

 

[Nopefully]

Hey can anyone hook me up with a stream for the Germany - Scotland game? It's been a while since I've streamed anything so I'm out of the loop.

Thanks!

 

[Bubbles]

Good response from the Italian team from that opening minute blunder.

Heck of a game this morning from Netherlands-Poland.

 

[SeawaterOnIce]

Good response from the Italian team from that opening minute blunder.

Heck of a game this morning from Netherlands-Poland.

Netherlands have looked like one of the better teams so far. Germany 2nd most impressive. That Italy vs Spain matchup should be really fun to watch.

Once again, England gets an easy draw and path to the QF.

 

[Bubbles]

Netherlands have looked like one of the better teams so far. Germany 2nd most impressive. That Italy vs Spain matchup should be really fun to watch.

Once again, England gets an easy draw and path to the QF.

England looked like crap. They will fold when faced with a quality opponent. That backline is sus.

First upset of the Euros, Slovakia beats Belgium. The "golden generation" is so done.

 

[SeawaterOnIce]

England looked like crap. They will fold when faced with a quality opponent. That backline is sus.

First upset of the Euros, Slovakia beats Belgium. The "golden generation" is so done.

Belgium sucked once Kompany and Hazard dropped off a cliff.

France didn't look too spectacular today. It feels like the door is wide open for some random team to win it all.