Football "soccer"

[Gaz-DanaWalker]

Chris is correct.
Football has taken over the Movies thread.
Post away!

My earlier post

Glasgow Celtic announced they are goin to make bout 20 football "soccer" camps in America. They obviously see something good happening out of it.
And the LA Galaxy manager "coach" has said he thinks David "the toss pot" Beckam will be more famous than Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Originally Posted by Gaz-DanaWalker

Glasgow Celtic announced they are goin to make bout 20 football "soccer" camps in America. They obviously see something good happening out of it.
Ant the LA Galaxy manager "coach" has said he thinks David "the toss pot" Beckam will be more famous than Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan.

Of course something good will come of it.
Why not get another 300 million people excited about the one true World Game? Why not get more local support for home grown talent. I'm all for it.

As for Becks being more popular than T.Woods and/or M. Jordan.....um.....thats like saying the ocean is more blue than the sky. Stupid, redundant, and you can't prove it. Those three are in very select company, in that there names/faces are already known world wide. The only other person(s) (not just athelete, but persons) that may fall in this category are, IMO, Nelson Mendella, Pele and the incomparable Muhamad Ali.

[AugustusBot]

lol @ the thread title .

[Lotus 111s]

A quote from the Movies thread thought i would bring it here.

Originally Posted by mass9

I disagree.
My stance is that the only way that the majority of Americans will watch soccer (or any sport for that matter) is if they have some international success. This hasn't happened.....yet. It will though, and that's when you'll see big changes. This is no different than other games.
Hockey enjoyed some great exposure and an increased fan base after the '80 Olympic win. Not much happened for USA Hockey since, and interest has all but disappeared.
Baseball, once dominated by (almost exclusively) Americans, with good to great TV numbers and attendance, is now stacked with Latin/South American players, and interest is wanning (B.Bonds is helping bring some viewers, but more like the type of people that stop to watch a car crash).
American football is a league that plays in exclusivly US cities, with 95% of rosters being US kids. FFS, Euro NFL is seen as a joke. No different than how those in the UK view the Premiership vs. Major League Soccer.

League play is one thing. I don't think that MLS will ever stand against La Liga, Seria A, Premiership or hell, even the Bundasleiga (I don't know where to start with the spelling here, so go easy on me....).
International play on the other hand, is something that 300 million could get behind. Trust me Bru, you may not like the sound of it, but its true. American's, by and large, enjoy things only when they can point to other parts of the world and say "Nah Nah Nah nah boo boo, we kicked your butts! Hot Dang, we good at socca!" Until that day comes, soccer will remain, to the vast majority of Amercs, a side show.

You are pretty much spot on with that mass9 if the Americans want to play the rest of the world at sport other than Athletics football is the only option, as not in a million years will the rest of the world take up American(handball)Football or Baseball.

We laugh at A.Football over here, what with all the pads on and stopping constantly, we play Rugby a proper MANS sport were at the end of careers most players look like a character from a Horror film, they all have mashed up features from the constant punching/elbows/knees/headbutts that go on in it, no padding required we just get up and carry on. Look at Australian Rules my GOD those dudes makes me laugh complete nutters that run around with short sleeve shirts on and batter the fuck out of each other, crazy crazy game what must they think of A.Football i have no idea.

The reason football is the most watched sport on the planet is because its the best sport on the planet or in the universe, it can be played anywhere anytime with anything that resembles a ball, you don't need money or college tuition to get anywhere in football just skill, size doesn't even matter look at Maradonna can you imagine him in American(handball) football.

Simple truth is North America is missing out on the greatest competitive sport there is.

[nofear360]

Originally Posted by Lotus 111s

The reason football is the most watched sport on the planet is because its the best sport on the planet or in the universe, it can be played anywhere anytime with anything that resembles a ball

That's so true. I remember the times when me and my friends back in Slovenia didn't know what do during lunch periods, so we made a "ball" out of paper, set up 2 goals with our school bags, and voila! We were playing football before you knew it .

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Originally Posted by Lotus 111s

Simple truth is North America is missing out on the greatest competitive sport there is.

UNTRUE!!!!!

Major League Soccer

I would imagine that this is the equivilant of, ermm.....3rd / 4th division in Europe. Becks is just the first of many that will end their careers here, as the money will be decent, and the level of play will be sooooooo much easier than they're used to.
Its not much, but its the best we've got right now. It will NEVER rival the big Euro leagues for prestige, but the level of play is constantly improving.

I still remain firm in my beliefs that we will see a dramatic shift in a North American's point of view of the game of soccer once there is some international success.

[Lotus 111s]

Originally Posted by mass9

UNTRUE!!!!!

Major League Soccer

I would imagine that this is the equivilant of, ermm.....3rd / 4th division in Europe. Becks is just the first of many that will end their careers here, as the money will be decent, and the level of play will be sooooooo much easier than they're used to.
Its not much, but its the best we've got right now. It will NEVER rival the big Euro leagues for prestige, but the level of play is constantly improving.

I still remain firm in my beliefs that we will see a dramatic shift in a North American's point of view of the game of soccer once there is some international success.

My comment was aimed at the fact Americans mainly (not all) play sports that are not played by the rest of the world in a competitive manner, so for instance A.Football only has only 300 million to choose there next big star from were as Football has about 4-5 billion, which makes competition for places that much more fierce. I know that is hardly accurate stats or analysis but you get my drift (i hope).

To be honest the American football team had quite a good world cup in Japan/Korea 2002 they got to the Quarters which is a good result but how many of those players played in America and how many in Europe? and i would guess it hardly made the newspapers let alone TV over there. It will be along time before American football (soccer) is going to be recognized as a major player in world football.

[360NORML]

International success will be a factor in improving the popularity of soccer in USA and Canada (can't really say N.America since Mexico and Costa Rica are crazy about the game) but whats even more important is actual soccer fans in the two country showing an interest in their national team and local pro-teams. That is the crux and hold up. Why should/would general sports fans in the two countries show any interest in a sport when a good majority of soccer fans don't really care all that much about the sport locally already.

Speaking of the two countries USA is gonna glide past Canada in the Gold Cup Semi's tomorrow night.

Originally Posted by Lotus 111s

To be honest the American football team had quite a good world cup in Japan/Korea 2002 they got to the Quarters which is a good result but how many of those players played in America and how many in Europe?

13 of the players on that roster were MLS based (16 if you count those who spent time/developed in MLS) and of the starters in most games it was somewhere between 5-7 were from MLS.

Originally Posted by Lotus 111s

and i would guess it hardly made the newspapers let alone TV over there. It will be along time before American football (soccer) is going to be recognized as a major player in world football.

Untrue, the success of the US nats was all over the press in 02. I remember after the Cup several players made the rounds on the Late night entertainment shows.

[Lotus 111s]

Originally Posted by 360NORML

Untrue, the success of the US nats was all over the press in 02. I remember after the Cup several players made the rounds on the Late night entertainment shows.

Did it have much affect on the popularity, did attendances go up, better TV coverage of games, bigger lower leagues?? or has America forgot all about it after the fact they didn't get past Round one in Germany 2006. This a genuine question not a sarcastic comment btw

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Originally Posted by 360NORML

Untrue, the success of the US nats was all over the press in 02. I remember after the Cup several players made the rounds on the Late night entertainment shows.

See?!!!!???!??!!!!!
The SUCCESS of the team got them some media coverage.
The game is fun, but the only real reason to play is to win. If you're not winnnig at elite levels, its not fun. Period. If your team/country isn't winning, its not fun. Especially true to a sport that's new to a great many people.

I'm a dreamer though. I see the future where the World Cup truely is representative of the world. I see a future where Canada and America exploit years and years and years of immigration, and churn out players from all corners fo the world, but wearing their native colours. I see a future where North American players, drawing on many varied cultural backgrounds, are among the greats of the game.

I have seen the future brother.........
sad its so far off.

[Lotus 111s]

Originally Posted by mass9

The game is fun, but the only real reason to play is to win. If you're not winnnig at elite levels, its not fun. Period. If your team/country isn't winning, its not fun.

Trust me when i say you get used to losing (in the National Comps at least), we bloody invented the game, we have what is considered the best league in the world and how many bloody times have we one the world cup.

ONCE, BLOODY ONCE in 1966 long before i was born, every 4 years i go through the same agonising pain of hearing how, we have got the team do this, the team to do that, the best player at this, the best player at that. Then what happens we bloody lose(usually due to either penalty's or someone getting sent off) its AGONISING, truly heart breaking to watch us lose, but would i miss it for anything in the world, NEVER coz that is what makes this game so great.

I LOVE IT

[Ivan Joidherpus]

I feel your pain Lotus111, just not with soccer, as my family is Italian, and I've proudly seen 3 of the 4 titles.....Too bad I was so young for the first two that I don't actually REMEMBER seeing any of it, but if the old man says I was there, I've got to take his word.

As for being used to losing, well, you Euros may not feel my pain, but I'm a Toronto Maple Leafs fan..... .....I swear to God, one more chant of "SIXTY SEVEN......SIXTY SEVEN.....SIXTY SEVEN" and I'm going to snap!!!

Thyron could probably sympathize

[360NORML]

Originally Posted by Lotus 111s

Did it have much affect on the popularity, did attendances go up, better TV coverage of games, bigger lower leagues?? or has America forgot all about it after the fact they didn't get past Round one in Germany 2006. This a genuine question not a sarcastic comment btw

In the inbetween years I don't think it helped all that much. Interest in MLS and lower leagues increased slightly but nothing seriously noticable unless your fixated on the sport. But the success of the US in 02 really did boost the interest and media attention for the Cup in 06. For the first time ever the WC draw was shown on ESPN and not FSC (fox soccer channel). The overall ratings were up this time around, granted that might be due to the games being played in Europe providing afternoon starts compared to 02 which saw games starting for me at 6am.

To put it more concise, the success of 02 led to extra coverage and intereset in 06 which lead to MLS finally getting a TV contract, the US mens nats getting more coverage (the U-20's WC will actually be aired on an English language cable channel), increased coverage of the Champions League, Euro leagues, and even a deal to show Euro 08 on ESPN.

Its a slow process but chugging along. Especially, when you consider that the first time any nationwide English language channel showed a WC game was in 1990 and those were tape delayed and edited.

[Chris]

You know why I don't like 'Football' or Soccer?

1. Low scoring. 90 minutes of running around sweating and for what? A tied game of 1 - 1. Americans hate tied games. They also hate games that are low scoring period. We can't stand 'almost' getting a point 67 times a game, and actually getting a goal 2 times a game. It's like we need a scenery change. Why not just watch the game in the last 15 mintues since that's when something usually happens anyway, right?

I'm not saying this sport is more athletic than that sport, or this sport is more manlier than this other sport. I just think that's the problem for us. It gets boring. Why do you think there's so many fights after your UK/Europe games? It's because so many people invest hours upon hours of nothingness, that when they lose they have to take their frustrations out somewhere.

As always, i'm joking but have serious points within.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

Soccer is boring?......and yet, most weekends in the states involve standing around an oval track watching cars make 4 left hand turns.

Perhaps if the next striker to light La Liga on fire was named Bubba Ray Johnson we'd see a different response. I'm not bashing Amercs. Its an admirable trait. They love their own. Too bad its almost exclusively their own.

[Studley]

Originally Posted by Chris

You know why I don't like 'Football' or Soccer?

1. Low scoring. 90 minutes of running around sweating and for what? A tied game of 1 - 1. Americans hate tied games. They also hate games that are low scoring period. We can't stand 'almost' getting a point 67 times a game, and actually getting a goal 2 times a game. It's like we need a scenery change. Why not just watch the game in the last 15 mintues since that's when something usually happens anyway, right?

Any excuse to post this clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TTMDyJeqMo

The funniest thing is, there was actually a Mexico v Portugal game in the last World Cup...

[Chris]

Originally Posted by mass9

Soccer is boring?......and yet, most weekends in the states involve standing around an oval track watching cars make 4 left hand turns.

You're actually comparing Nascar (which I hate) to all of European football?

I bet less than a third of Americans even watch that crap. Anyway, love the stereotype. (Which Americans also get blamed for all of the time.)

1. We love Jesus.
2. We're all fat and own stock in all of fast food.
3. We hate everyone that isn't us.
4. We're stupid cowboys.
5. We all own guns and shoot eachother.

[360NORML]

Originally Posted by Chris

1. Low scoring. 90 minutes of running around sweating and for what? A tied game of 1 - 1. Americans hate tied games. They also hate games that are low scoring period.

This really bums me out about todays American sports fan. The beauty of a tight hockey game, a solid pitching dual in baseball, or a defensive hard nosed A.Football game is lost on way too many Americans.

[Chris]

It's sad, but don't you agree? Maybe YOU aren't that way, but I think most Americans are.

[360NORML]

Oh, I completely agree Chris.

[Ivan Joidherpus]

At the end of the day, soccer is a universal language. Its growing here. But like all good things, it'll take time. Again, I'll stress, this will never be Seria A or La Liga. Never ever ever ever. I'm not dellusional. But, in time, an American or a Canadian will make a significant impact on a Euro league team, and then, only then, will people REALLY get behind our respective programs.

360NRML, I can't wait to see tomorrow's game. Its in Chicago, isn't it? do you by chance know what the kickoff time is? (in eastern time???)

[360NORML]

Originally Posted by mass9

At the end of the day, soccer is a universal language. Its growing here. But like all good things, it'll take time. Again, I'll stress, this will never be Seria A or La Liga. Never ever ever ever. I'm not dellusional.

completely agree

Originally Posted by mass9

360NRML, I can't wait to see tomorrow's game. Its in Chicago, isn't it? do you by chance know what the kickoff time is? (in eastern time???)

Yup game is in Chicago
Kickoff is 7pm (EST)

[AugustusBot]

Originally Posted by mass9

At the end of the day, soccer is a universal language.

lol.
you bring me nonstop amusement.

[wakeboardnmoto]

ummm anyone interested im soccer "football" (im american) and people getting beat the fuck up should go watch green street hooligans cause its sweet

[Lotus 111s]

Originally Posted by Chris

You know why I don't like 'Football' or Soccer?

1. Low scoring. 90 minutes of running around sweating and for what? A tied game of 1 - 1. Americans hate tied games. They also hate games that are low scoring period. We can't stand 'almost' getting a point 67 times a game, and actually getting a goal 2 times a game. It's like we need a scenery change. Why not just watch the game in the last 15 mintues since that's when something usually happens anyway, right?

Funny you should say that this happened last night.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ls/6766603.stm

You can't say that is boring.

 spoiler:

To be honest this is incredibly rare scoreline

I do remember though when the World Cup '94 was coming up, that Americans wanted to put 'zones' into the game so defenders could only defend, midfielders only stay in midfield and strikers up front. The reason was to increase the scoring, how on earth that was supposed to work only the complete fool who thought it up must know, needless to say it was responsible for many football fans suffering an early death due to laughing so much that they suffocated to death.