USA USA USA!!!

[peam]

Wooohooo

Just beat down Spain 2-0 in the semi-finals of the Conderations Cup.

Was an AWESOME game.

I'm sure there are multiple people dead of heart-attacks across Europe right now.

[NocturnalRob]

I'll be honest, I'm fucking shocked. I just lost $50, and I don't even care.

[Nieninque]

I only saw the last 15 minutes and it was dull.

Having said that, the Septics were conned with two bad offside decisions and a sending off that never was.

The free kick that David Villa "conceded" on the edge of the penalty area near the end was a fucking joke. He breathed on that septic player who then fell over like he had been hit by sniper fire.

[Bhuryn]

Wow, I'm not a big fan of the-other-football, but beating spain is pretty impressive.

[nub]

nice! I was getting updates at work... I thought we were looking bad at first in the previous games, nice ego boost.

[Keller]

I only saw the last 15 minutes and it was dull.

Having said that, the Septics were conned with two bad offside decisions and a sending off that never was.

The free kick that David Villa "conceded" on the edge of the penalty area near the end was a fucking joke. He breathed on that septic player who then fell over like he had been hit by sniper fire.

Less QQ, more USA, USA, USA!

You speak our language, at least show some pride in the (new) mother-country!

[Nieninque]

Less QQ, more USA, USA, USA!

You speak our language, at least show some pride in the (new) mother-country!


It's really cute that you fuckers are finally catching on to the beautiful game...but dont kid yourself that you know fuck all about it.

[Keller]

It's really cute that you fuckers are finally catching on to the beautiful game...but dont kid yourself that you know fuck all about it.

Imagine how bad we'll beat the top team in the world once we DO know fuck all about it!

[Nieninque]

Imagine how bad we'll beat the top team in the world once we DO know fuck all about it!

Beat Brazil and we can say you've beaten the best team in the world.

And then I will give homage to the new kids on the block.

(Although in all seriousness, they did well to beat Spain so credit where credit is due...it's just boring football packing out your penalty area. Effective, but dull)

[Skeeter]

It must hurt to lose to a team that the majority of the country doesn't even know this tournament is going on, or care.

[Nieninque]

It should always hurt to lose.

[Ker_Thwap]

I will begin watching soccer after they implement the following rule.

When a grown man flops to the grass holding his shin like a five year old schoolgirl, the opposing team is allowed to punch him once in the face.

[Latrinsorm]

He breathed on that septic player who then fell over like he had been hit by sniper fire.Flopping in soccer????????????????????????????????

The Mets are winning. :)

[Fallen]

Are there diving penalties in soccer? I know they have them for hockey.

[Malok]

It must hurt to lose to a team that the majority of the country doesn't even know this tournament is going on, or care.


QFT.


Only thing I know about "septic" - is thats where your shit goes.

[Skeeter]

It should always hurt to lose.

Would this win be equal to the US putting together an all-star American Football squad then getting waxed by a Chinese throw together team?

Serious question.

[Keller]

I just finished watching the match.

There were a couple of bookings that never hsould have been. Bradley's at the end of the game and Donovan's in the first 45.

Howard, as always, kept us in the game. I like that our best player is our keeper. If there is one position where you want a stud, it's in goal.

As far as the goals, I was more impressed by some of the attempts. Dempsey's goal was half luck, half terrible defense. Altadore's was a well earned goal, but not pretty at all.

[Androidpk]

It must hurt to lose to a team that the majority of the country doesn't even know this tournament is going on, or care.

What tournament? :)

[Back]

Man, surprising win. GO USA!!!

[Nilandia]

Very nicely done. I was in shock when my father told me, and I just saw the encore of the game. Our goalkeeper was like a wall! Nothing gets through him!

Gretchen

[Rimalon]

Our goalkeeper was like a wall! Nothing gets through him!

Every time Tim Howard double-fist-punches a shot away and then yells for no reason, I cheer, because he's awesome.

Now, for a true story: this is how our sports anchor tonight at the station pronounced Jozy Altidore (correct pronunciation... Joe-zee owl-tee-door) on the air:

Jose (hoe-zay) All-tee-door-ray.

Good old US soccer. We yelled at his ass when he came back into the office, at least.

[tokeinc]

Are there diving penalties in soccer? I know they have them for hockey.

Yes, there are rules against "simulation" in soccer. Players are usually given a yellow card for simulating a foul that didn't occur. Usually...

[AnticorRifling]

(Although in all seriousness, they did well to beat Spain so credit where credit is due...it's just boring football packing out your penalty area. Effective, but dull) I bet you get mad when someone doesn't move their back row in checkers.

[tokeinc]

Beat Brazil and we can say you've beaten the best team in the world.


Coulda sworn Spain was #1 in the FIFA World Rankings. Brazil is barely staying in the Top 5...

I realize "Brazil is Brazil", but they are barely leading Chile in the CONMEBOL qualifiers and haven't exactly been playing up to their normal standards for some time now. Spain, on the other hand, has won all of their UEFA qualifiers and up until yesterday was unbeaten in 35 games?

[Solkern]

The national team is ranked number 1?
I thought BCN was the best team in the world..

[tokeinc]

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/lastranking/gender=m/fullranking.html

[Nieninque]

Coulda sworn Spain was #1 in the FIFA World Rankings. Brazil is barely staying in the Top 5...

I realize "Brazil is Brazil", but they are barely leading Chile in the CONMEBOL qualifiers and haven't exactly been playing up to their normal standards for some time now. Spain, on the other hand, has won all of their UEFA qualifiers and up until yesterday was unbeaten in 35 games?

I really wouldn't put too much weight on FIFA rankings, to be honest. It's the same as seedings in tennis or any other sport, it doesnt necessarily reflect the strength or the ability of the team at the time you are playing them.

The list you linked has England rated 6th in the rankings. We failed to qualify for the European championships last year and although we have a 100% record so far in the world cup qualifiers, I would seriously hesitate to say we are the 6th best team in the world.

Spain are a good national side. They are European Champions, but Italy are the World champions. Of course Spain had a decent unbeaten record on their way to winning the Euro Championships, that's generally what happens when you win a championship. It still doesnt make them the best team in the world. Liverpool lost only twice last season and still werent the best team in the league.

[tokeinc]

I really wouldn't put too much weight on FIFA rankings, to be honest. It's the same as seedings in tennis or any other sport, it doesnt necessarily reflect the strength or the ability of the team at the time you are playing them.

The list you linked has England rated 6th in the rankings. We failed to qualify for the European championships last year and although we have a 100% record so far in the world cup qualifiers, I would seriously hesitate to say we are the 6th best team in the world.

Spain are a good national side. They are European Champions, but Italy are the World champions. Of course Spain had a decent unbeaten record on their way to winning the Euro Championships, that's generally what happens when you win a championship. It still doesnt make them the best team in the world. Liverpool lost only twice last season and still werent the best team in the league.

I understand the point you're attempting to make, but unfortunately the rankings handed out by the sports' governing body carry a little more weight than your personal opinion. The "best" team (it's such a subjective word anyway) doesn't necessarily always win - it's why they play the games.

Spain have held onto the #1 FIFA Ranking for a year now. Obviously they have been doing something correctly.

Keep your hopes up about England. Maybe they won't waste an entire squad of world-class talent for once. If they do, I say you blame it on those ugly fucking jerseys. The collar has to go.

[Nieninque]

I understand the point you're attempting to make, but unfortunately the rankings handed out by the sports' governing body carry a little more weight than your personal opinion. The "best" team (it's such a subjective word anyway) doesn't necessarily always win - it's why they play the games.

Spain have held onto the #1 FIFA Ranking for a year now. Obviously they have been doing something correctly.

Sepp Blatter doesnt know whether he needs a shit or a haircut most of the time. Any organisation he heads has zero respect in my eyes. The man is a fucking idiot. I would imagine that there is some formulaic method in determining rankins, which doesnt apply in reality. Football is all about opinions, apparently. The fact that Sepp Blatter and his monkeys think Spain are the best team in the world doesnt mean they are.


Keep your hopes up about England. Maybe they won't waste an entire squad of world-class talent for once. If they do, I say you blame it on those ugly fucking jerseys. The collar has to go.

Nah...I will blame it on our uncanny knack of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Three lions on our shirt....Jules Rimet still gleaming...

[tokeinc]

Sepp Blatter doesnt know whether he needs a shit or a haircut most of the time. Any organisation he heads has zero respect in my eyes. The man is a fucking idiot. I would imagine that there is some formulaic method in determining rankins, which doesnt apply in reality. Football is all about opinions, apparently. The fact that Sepp Blatter and his monkeys think Spain are the best team in the world doesnt mean they are.



Nah...I will blame it on our uncanny knack of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Three lions on our shirt....Jules Rimet still gleaming...

I will agree that Sepp is on the verge of losing his mind. Point conceded. His vendetta against English football is tiresome.

I would imagine that there is some convoluted formula that determines those rankings (much like our college football BCS, maybe), but I just don't see why you think the rankings are so crazy.

We'll take England, like you said, ranked #6. Who, ranked below them, do you think they would lose to? I see maybe three to five teams I could conceivably see them lose to (Argentina, France, Portugal, and maybe Turkey or the Czech Republic if they played the 90 minutes of their lives). If England played to their full capability, however, they *should* be able to beat each of those teams. That's the point of the rankings.

Obviously some teams will match up better or worse against others. The Germans and Dutch have historically crushed smaller teams with their physical strength and aerial dominance.

Why do you think Brazil is the best team right now? Just curious.

[Nieninque]

I will agree that Sepp is on the verge of losing his mind. Point conceded. His vendetta against English football is tiresome.

I would imagine that there is some convoluted formula that determines those rankings (much like our college football BCS, maybe), but I just don't see why you think the rankings are so crazy.

Not so much that they are crazy, just that they are not gospel. Just because Spain are ranked 1st (on the back of their Euro Championship win) doesnt make them the best team in the world IMO.


We'll take England, like you said, ranked #6. Who, ranked below them, do you think they would lose to? I see maybe three to five teams I could conceivably see them lose to (Argentina, France, Portugal, and maybe Turkey or the Czech Republic if they played the 90 minutes of their lives). If England played to their full capability, however, they *should* be able to beat each of those teams. That's the point of the rankings.

Obviously some teams will match up better or worse against others. The Germans and Dutch have historically crushed smaller teams with their physical strength and aerial dominance.

Why do you think Brazil is the best team right now? Just curious.

England have a tendency to lose against anyone. Listen to the 3 lions song by Skinner and Baddiel with the Lightning Seeds. That was our song for a world cup a while back...sums us up beautifully.

Brazil are always the best team for me because they play beautiful football that the rest of the world aspires to. They are the Barca of the national teams. The results don't alway go their way and they arent always able to live up to their own standards, but they play the game the way it should be played.

[tokeinc]

Brazil are always the best team for me because they play beautiful football that the rest of the world aspires to. They are the Barca of the national teams. The results don't alway go their way and they arent always able to live up to their own standards, but they play the game the way it should be played.

It's just a matter of preference then. I personally view the majority of the Brazilian players as lazy and one-dimensional. The flashiness isn't what I go for, I guess.

Going back to what you said about last year's Prem, I have been a Manchester United fan for 20 years and I fully believe Liverpool were the better side last year. The EPL is theirs to snag this year IMO, especially since they grabbed Glen Johnson from Pompey.

[TheEschaton]

Beat Brazil and we can say you've beaten the best team in the world.

And then I will give homage to the new kids on the block.

(Although in all seriousness, they did well to beat Spain so credit where credit is due...it's just boring football packing out your penalty area. Effective, but dull)


We were up 2-0 against the top ranked team in the world, did you expect us to run and gun in the last 15 minutes?

[TheEschaton]

P.S. I'm somewhat surprised they sent off Fabregas for Cazorla as a sub - fair enough that Cazorla is a better setup man, but Fabregas? Send off someone else, imo.

[DoctorUnne]

Even if Spain isn't the absolute best team I don't see how you can argue they're not #2 or 3. So, it doesn't really change the fact that it was a humongous upset for the US.

Regardless of whether Boise State beats Oklahoma, USC or Florida, it's still an impressive accomplishment.

Although the craziest thing was still how they made it out of the group stages. Needing a 3 goal victory and a 3 goal loss by ITALY?! I mean what are the odds that happens? 10,000 to 1? Has something that remarkable ever happened in group play before?

[Nieninque]

Going back to what you said about last year's Prem, I have been a Manchester United fan for 20 years and I fully believe Liverpool were the better side last year. The EPL is theirs to snag this year IMO, especially since they grabbed Glen Johnson from Pompey.

I don't agree. Manchester United for the last couple of years have been frightning. Catch them when they pull things together and you have zero hope. Liverpool may have lost the fewest games over the season, but were too fragile and without Torres and Gerraaaaaaaard would be mid-table at best. I would like to see the league go somewhere other than Old Toilet this year (as long as it's not to the blue scum) but Liverpool have a lot of work to do to pull it off as of yet...more than an over-rated Glen Johnson will manage.

[Nieninque]

Even if Spain isn't the absolute best team I don't see how you can argue they're not #2 or 3. So, it doesn't really change the fact that it was a humongous upset for the US.

Spain are a good team. Unquestionably. If the formulas used to work out rankings now say they are rated number 2 because they lost to the USA, a team a long way down the ratings page, does that mean Spain are a worse team today than they were a week ago?

Of course it fucking doesnt.


Regardless of whether Boise State beats Oklahoma, USC or Florida, it's still an impressive accomplishment.

Although the craziest thing was still how they made it out of the group stages. Needing a 3 goal victory and a 3 goal loss by ITALY?! I mean what are the odds that happens? 10,000 to 1? Has something that remarkable ever happened in group play before?

I believe I have already acknowledged that it was a great result. Shit, if England had beaten Spain it would have been a great result, let alone a bunch of...well, let alone the USA. So, as I have said already in this thread, credit where credit is due.

I'm pretty sure that shocks like that (the group stage thing) have happened before and will happen again. The fact that they happen at all is what makes the game so great. Enjoy the final.

[Back]

I don’t know about anyone else but all I can say is you can take the stick out and shove that patronizing snobbery right back where it came from.

GO USA

[Nieninque]

I don’t know about anyone else but all I can say is you can take the stick out and shove that patronizing snobbery right back where it came from.

GO USA


There is no snobbery involved in any of my posts in this thread, nor in my telling you that you are a pointless waste of skin. GTFO

[Latrinsorm]

Spain are a good team. Unquestionably. If the formulas used to work out rankings now say they are rated number 2 because they lost to the USA, a team a long way down the ratings page, does that mean Spain are a worse team today than they were a week ago?

Of course it fucking doesnt.Would you accept the suggestion that because they lost to the USA, we have evidence that they are a worse team than previous results suggested? Further, isn't the only feasible way to objectively rate teams to base one's analysis on what did happen, rather than what could or will happen happen?

The Mets won yesterday, and were +2 while I was there. I take full credit for the victory.

[Nieninque]

Would you accept the suggestion that because they lost to the USA, we have evidence that they are a worse team than previous results suggested?

They might be a worse team that their results suggested, but they are exactly the same team...therefore if the results suggest that they are a worse team today than they were last week, using results to identify the best team in the world is a flawed exercise.


Further, isn't the only feasible way to objectively rate teams to base one's analysis on what did happen, rather than what could or will happen happen?

Depends what your objective is, I guess. If you are saying who the best team in the world is, then no.

[Drew]

I will begin watching soccer after they implement the following rule.

When a grown man flops to the grass holding his shin like a five year old schoolgirl, the opposing team is allowed to punch him once in the face.



You know I used to be really bothered by flopping in soccer but then I realized that it's a sport from Europe and it's hard to expect any better when a bunch of effete Nancys invent a sport. Basically I've gotten over it. I just wish the US wouldn't do it. Better to lose with dignity than play that way. But, like I said, I'm pretty much over it.

What I find very disturbing is the Euro players bringing flopping to the NBA. This is starting to spread because the refs are calling the flops and it has the potential to ruin basketball.

Lastly that was a great victory, I do love beating the Euros at what could be generously described as "our sixth most popular sport, maybe".

[Back]

You know I used to be really bothered by flopping in soccer but then I realized that it's a sport from Europe and it's hard to expect any better when a bunch of effete Nancys invent a sport. Basically I've gotten over it. I just wish the US wouldn't do it. Better to lose with dignity than play that way. But, like I said, I'm pretty much over it.

What I find very disturbing is the Euro players bringing flopping to the NBA. This is starting to spread because the refs are calling the flops and it has the potential to ruin basketball.

Lastly that was a great victory, I do love beating the Euros at what could be generously described as "our sixth most popular sport, maybe".

lol

[Wesley]

I will begin watching soccer after they implement the following rule.

When a grown man flops to the grass holding his shin like a five year old schoolgirl, the opposing team is allowed to punch him once in the face.

Cha. I too am also opposed to these blatant acts of cowardice in addition to you as well!

I will stick with my very manly, courageous American sports thank you! Like basketball. They don't pull that shit there.

http://cache.deadspin.com/assets/images/deadspin/2008/05/flop-2.jpg

http://thesportshernia.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b84f69e201156fb47baf970b-320wi

http://www.truthaboutit.net/pictures/LeBron-James-Likes-To-Flop.jpg

http://cdn.faniq.com/images/blog/ManuFlop%281%29.jpg

[Drew]

Cha. I too am also opposed to these blatant acts of cowardice in addition to you as well!

I will stick with my very manly, courageous American sports thank you! Like basketball. They don't pull that shit there.

http://cache.deadspin.com/assets/images/deadspin/2008/05/flop-2.jpg

http://thesportshernia.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b84f69e201156fb47baf970b-320wi

http://www.truthaboutit.net/pictures/LeBron-James-Likes-To-Flop.jpg

http://cdn.faniq.com/images/blog/ManuFlop%281%29.jpg


Funny that you should post that, but 75% of those flopping in your pictures are from soccer loving countries, not the USA.

C'mon basketball leave the flopping to Europe and Duke.

[Drew]

Manu Ginobli: King of the floppers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEef1T_lqwA

[Doughboy]

I'd be damn surprised if the US came out and won this game. I was shocked that they beat Spain. Shutting down Xavi was a big key for them in that game. As somebody else posted, yes it was boring, but damn was it ever effective for them to fill the box and clear it every three seconds down on their end of the pitch. Does the U.S. have a chance? Sure. Brazil is fielding a weaker team than in years past so the door is opened up for the States. I'm looking forward to the world cup for Brazil though. Dunga left the door open for Ronaldinho. Ronaldo may be returning. Robinho and Kaka` will be there as well. That could well make for some awesome TV.

[tokeinc]

Dunga left the door open for Ronaldinho. Ronaldo may be returning.

It better be a wide door with those two fatasses trying to come through it. They have both seen their better years. Nike doesn't even have enough faith in Ronaldinho to continue sponsoring him...

[tokeinc]

I don't agree. Manchester United for the last couple of years have been frightning. Catch them when they pull things together and you have zero hope. Liverpool may have lost the fewest games over the season, but were too fragile and without Torres and Gerraaaaaaaard would be mid-table at best. I would like to see the league go somewhere other than Old Toilet this year (as long as it's not to the blue scum) but Liverpool have a lot of work to do to pull it off as of yet...more than an over-rated Glen Johnson will manage.

You know, it's really a shame you're English and know everything. You have pretty much told anyone else who has responded to you through the course of this thread that they're wrong without offering up any logic of substance.

[Nieninque]

It's a hard life but someone has to do it.

[Drew]

Game has been on a little bit now btw.

[Back]

Holy what the crap. USA USA USA

[Doughboy]

Was a damn nice goal. Almost followed up with a second by Davies. Good start.

[Keller]

Tim Howard is the man.

[NocturnalRob]

Was a damn nice goal.
really? have you played soccer before? blindly kicking at the ball and knocking it into the side of the net does not a damn nice goal make.

that being said, brazil looks like reheated shit. i'm looking at it right now, and they are giving the US more than enough time to just crowd the box. passing it around the 18 until an "opening" pops up isn't going to result in a goal.

[NocturnalRob]

THAT goal, on the other hand, was sick as shit. Nice set up. 2-0 USA

[Nieninque]

Fucking hell. Great goal.
I might be eating lots of words in about an hour.

[Doughboy]

holy shitfuck.... 2 - 0

Yes Rob, I have and regularly do play.

I wasn't specifically referring to just the shot, but the three straight games with a goal as well. Especially after going eight straight without a goal.

[Back]

really? have you played soccer before? blindly kicking at the ball and knocking it into the side of the net does not a damn nice goal make.

Yeah, but the second one was a great goal.

[Nieninque]

That was quite possibly the worst Brazilian free kick of all time.

[Doughboy]

That was quite possibly the worst Brazilian free kick of all time.

Agreed.

[Nieninque]

WTF is with these idiots just repeatedly blowing horns?

STFU

[NocturnalRob]

I'm sorry, but Brazil really does look terrible. I haven't seen them string together 5 passes of merit yet.

Alexi Lalas can lick my grundle. That guy is such a fair weather dogfucker of a fan.

[Doughboy]

rofl...grundle..

And yeah those damn horns are irritating as shit. It sounds like theres a swarm of pissed off horse flies flying around inside of my house.

[NocturnalRob]

whoops

2-1 usa

[Nieninque]

Awesome goal...opens the game up nicely.

[NocturnalRob]

yeah, i mean, that just shows you how quickly brazil can score.

also, these horns are fucking out of hand.

[Doughboy]

The US is giving up a shitton of opportunities to Brazil right now. At this rate Brazil is going to tie this one up really quickly.

[Doughboy]

Speaking of...holy shit was that close...

[NocturnalRob]

that was a goal. legitimately. that was a goal.

regardless, Howard gives me a boner.

[Doughboy]

that was a goal. legitimately. that was a goal.

regardless, Howard gives me a boner.

From the angle they just showed is sure as fuck looked like a goal. US got lucky with that one.

[Nieninque]

that was a goal. legitimately. that was a goal.

Yup.

Let's hope it isnt a decisive factor in the result.

plus, Brazil need to take Robinho off. He fucking blows.

[NocturnalRob]

Donovan...that was a shit shot.

Also, Robinho has played like poo this entire tourney.

[Nieninque]

Get in!

[NocturnalRob]

shit

edit: if I were Howard, I would be fucking pissed. Bocanegra just shat the bed. How the fuck do you let him get ahead of you like that?

[Doughboy]

And there it is...

[NocturnalRob]

Not to be a Negative Nancy, but there is no way Brazil loses this one...

and they scored as I typed this...

haha

[Doughboy]

Shitty....

[Doughboy]

Well thats cool. Howard won most outstanding keeper.

[Skeeter]

back to irrelevancy with you soccer. see you in summer of '10

[Back]

back to irrelevancy with you soccer. see you in summer of '10

Heh. This was an awesome game though. Trust USA to make it interesting. Trust Brazil to win.

[Gan]

Watched the last half. None of the local channels carried it except Univision.

I understood about 1 of 10 words that was said in the broadcast.

[TheEschaton]

It was on ESPN, dumbass.

[Nieninque]

OMG BRAZIL ARE TEH BEST TEAM IN TEH WORLD!

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/lastranking/gender=m/fullranking.html

[Nieninque]

Although the women are doing well for the yanks

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/lastranking/gender=f/fullranking.html

[Drew]

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/232488/june-30-2009/is-it-time-to-care-about-soccer-

[Malok]

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/232488/june-30-2009/is-it-time-to-care-about-soccer-

Is it Time to Care About Soccer?

The answer is obvious: No.


I care a whole lot more about Chess, or even Darts than soccer.

No one gives a crap about it.

[Nieninque]

No one gives a crap about it.

You mean most of the world gives a crap about it, except the USA because they are shit at it.