OT: Association Football Thread III (All Soccer Talk Here!)

[Brief Candle]

It’s a nice reminder to them … you excel in only one major sport — and many would debate whether it’s a major sport in the first place. Get off your high horse.

Nice to see Germany playing better today, though.

My parents are from Argentina, so my loyalty lies there but football is one of those sports where I actually WANT to see the USA and Canada do well to help grow the game here. All of these games are fantastic learning experiences for both countries, though I'd argue the USA has very little in the way of excuses anymore outside of it being a young squad. Still, I was impressed with some of Canada's play. Davies is fantastic, and their #10 (can't think of his name right now), is really good.

Even if it's teams I hate, these days I see kids walking around in football jerseys, not baseball/american football/basketball jerseys, and I'm already excited for the next world cup here.

 

[CasusBelli]

My parents are from Argentina, so my loyalty lies there but football is one of those sports where I actually WANT to see the USA and Canada do well to help grow the game here. All of these games are fantastic learning experiences for both countries, though I'd argue the USA has very little in the way of excuses anymore outside of it being a young squad. Still, I was impressed with some of Canada's play. Davies is fantastic, and their #10 (can't think of his name right now), is really good.

Even if it's teams I hate, these days I see kids walking around in football jerseys, not baseball/american football/basketball jerseys, and I'm already excited for the next world cup here.

It’s extremely satisfying. My American schoolmates’ knowledge of soccer was limited to Manchester United and David Beckham. Most of my social circle now knows at least the big-four EPL sides as well as Madrid, Barca, Bayern and PSG. We really have come a long way.

 

[nyr2k2]

It’s extremely satisfying. My American schoolmates’ knowledge of soccer was limited to Manchester United and David Beckham. Most of my social circle now knows at least the big-four EPL sides as well as Madrid, Barca, Bayern and PSG. We really have come a long way.

Yeah and the EPL being featured on the NBC networks and people actually gathering to watch those games. And even services like Paramount Plus actively feature and promote Serie A, which is notable given that it's probably only the fourth best league in Europe. I subscribe just to watch those games (and UCL, too).

I work in DC, in Dupont Circle. They had a big watch party for the opener with Wales. There were big screens and lots of people. I wished I could have gone out even for a few minutes but I had meetings. It was still cool because there was a huge roar you could hear when the US scored.

 

[romba]

Yeah and the EPL being featured on the NBC networks and people actually gathering to watch those games. And even services like Paramount Plus actively feature and promote Serie A, which is notable given that it's probably only the fourth best league in Europe. I subscribe just to watch those games (and UCL, too).

I work in DC, in Dupont Circle. They had a big watch party for the opener with Wales. There were big screens and lots of people. I wished I could have gone out even for a few minutes but I had meetings. It was still cool because there was a huge roar you could hear when the US scored.

I’d love to get into soccer but I can’t root for a random team in Europe, and the level of soccer and play here in MLS is so far below the top leagues I can’t get into that and take it seriously either. I follow USMNT World Cup qualifying and maybe some friendlies against better teams, and of course USMNT in the WC but that’s about it. I tried to get into NYCFC but couldn’t. Kind of how the AHL is quite different from the NHL, much more randomness to the lower level game, less purposeful though out plays with guys thinking the game a few plays ahead as opposed to simple reacting and using individual skill.

 

[Chaels Arms]

How good is Pulisic really? I can't tell if he's being hyped because he's USA's best player or if he's legitimately good.

 

[sbjnyc]

I’d love to get into soccer but I can’t root for a random team in Europe, and the level of soccer and play here in MLS is so far below the top leagues I can’t get into that and take it seriously either. I follow USMNT World Cup qualifying and maybe some friendlies against better teams, and of course USMNT in the WC but that’s about it. I tried to get into NYCFC but couldn’t. Kind of how the AHL is quite different from the NHL, much more randomness to the lower level game, less purposeful though out plays with guys thinking the game a few plays ahead as opposed to simple reacting and using individual skill.

I started rooting for West Ham because I once got front row to an iron maiden concert years and years ago and steve harris had a west ham badge on his bass and I got a pick and wrist band from him. They're like the Mets though - eternally mediocre but produce good young players.

 

[Brief Candle]

How good is Pulisic really? I can't tell if he's being hyped because he's USA's best player or if he's legitimately good.

He's Legitimately good.

I’d love to get into soccer but I can’t root for a random team in Europe, and the level of soccer and play here in MLS is so far below the top leagues I can’t get into that and take it seriously either. I follow USMNT World Cup qualifying and maybe some friendlies against better teams, and of course USMNT in the WC but that’s about it. I tried to get into NYCFC but couldn’t. Kind of how the AHL is quite different from the NHL, much more randomness to the lower level game, less purposeful though out plays with guys thinking the game a few plays ahead as opposed to simple reacting and using individual skill.

My father, grandfather, uncle and myself went to the first Metrostars home game. We spent the entire game laughing at how bad it was. Still, I supported them for a time. It was more about having a local team than the "quality" of play. I think it's been about 10 years since I've actually sat down and watched an MLS game. My ears perked up a bit when Gabriele Heinze started coaching Atlanta, but that ended almost as soon as it began.

Do you have players you enjoy watching? Honestly, as far as Europe goes, I pretty much keep up with where players from my team in Argentina go, with Inter Milan being my exception. I've followed them since I was a kid. The reality is that there's just SO many teams and SO many leagues that it's impossible to pay attention to it all.

 

[romba]

He's Legitimately good.

My father, grandfather, uncle and myself went to the first Metrostars home game. We spent the entire game laughing at how bad it was. Still, I supported them for a time. It was more about having a local team than the "quality" of play. I think it's been about 10 years since I've actually sat down and watched an MLS game. My ears perked up a bit when Gabriele Heinze started coaching Atlanta, but that ended almost as soon as it began.

Do you have players you enjoy watching? Honestly, as far as Europe goes, I pretty much keep up with where players from my team in Argentina go, with Inter Milan being my exception. I've followed them since I was a kid. The reality is that there's just SO many teams and SO many leagues that it's impossible to pay attention to it all.

Pretty much just USMNT players, but no team would I ever watch just for individuals, I watch for the team and then enjoy the players secondarily. I'll follow the goings on with them and their teams overseas (Pulisic injured/scratched etc.), and if they have a big game or goal I'll watch the highlights but that's about it.

 

[I Eat Crow]

I'd buy a Pulisic jersey if he goes to United.

 

[nyr2k2]

I was never bothered by the quality of play in MLS. I grew up playing, and was just happy to have something to watch. It wasn't hard for me to grow attached to DC United when the league started up. For me, it's okay it's not the best. Some of the most enjoyment I've ever had was watching my son play club and high school soccer. If you have an emotional attachment I think it's easy to look past the lack of quality. Particularly now when MLS has significantly improved. I think they're pretty damn close to Liga MX, which is a solid league, probably top ten in the world.

 

[CasusBelli]

I'd buy a Pulisic jersey if he goes to United.

As a Chelsea fan, he’s all yours.

 

[I Eat Crow]

As a Chelsea fan, he’s all yours.

Tuchel jerked him around and didn't play him. No idea what's going on since Tuchel got the sack, but he's a fine stopgap for something bigger and better in the summer.

 

[CasusBelli]

Tuchel jerked him around and didn't play him. No idea what's going on since Tuchel got the sack, but he's a fine stopgap for something bigger and better in the summer.

I hope that’s the case. Maybe Chelsea have become the football equivalent of NYR — screwing up Werner, Havertz and Pulisic — or maybe the Bundesliga is not nearly as competitive as I thought. Either way, he’s a fine top-four sub, but he’s not a starter — certainly not a number 10.

 

[sbjnyc]

I hope that’s the case. Maybe Chelsea have become the football equivalent of NYR — screwing up Werner, Havertz and Pulisic — or maybe the Bundesliga is not nearly as competitive as I thought. Either way, he’s a fine top-four sub, but he’s not a starter — certainly not a number 10.

All things point to a big drop in bundesliga quality.

 

[CasusBelli]

Dominating the game so far. But we’ve seen this movie before in soccer …

 

[inranger94]

Gotta take more shots outside the box. Too many passes

There we go Sargent

 

[CasusBelli]

Looks like Iran already time-wasting? A bit early I’d think.

 

[inranger94]

They killed Pulicic

 

[bl02]

Dest has been great

 

[Fitzy]

They killed Pulicic

They killed little Pulisics

 

[CasusBelli]

Filthy goal!!!

Cracked rib for captain America though? Hope he’s ok!

 

[romba]

Hopefully just hit nuts and not a rib lol

 

[inranger94]

Pulisic is alive. Thank God

 

[Chaels Arms]

Anddddd he's fine lol. Gotta love soccer.

 

[CasusBelli]

Don’t ever want to hear that soccer players aren’t tough.