World Cup and European leagues

ScotsFan · June 14, 2006, 09:02:27 AM

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on June 13, 2006, 08:27:25 PM
... but the offense was noticeably better once Robinho replaced Ronaldo. Comments?

I agree with this take. I think Alberto gave Ronaldo more than enough before he subbed in Robinho. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Ronaldo sit for the next match. As HF said, maybe sub him in in the 2nd half, but I doubt he starts Brazil's next match.

How about those Croatian fans going nuts practically the entire 2nd half? That was some fun stuff to see. By watching their fans, you would have never known they were trailing. The Cratians really impressed me with their showing against Brazil. Losing 1-0 to the clear-cut cup favorites is nothing to hang your head over, and especially with all of the chances that Croatia was creating. I would put money on Croatia advancing out of their group after an opening round loss.

As for the US, I'm not so confident. From what I've heard regarding Beasley is that he may not even start v. Italy. I don't know if I totally agree with sitting him, although he did play pretty uninspired in that first match. I still say part of that has to do with the fact that he should have been on the left side where he can take the ball inside. Playing him on the right basically confines him. One thing for sure, if the US doesn't put in a better performance against the Italians, if the US players thought they were struggling for respect as a sport in this country before the World Cup, they could be taking about 10 steps backward with another result like on Monday.

Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) · June 14, 2006, 09:11:16 AM

As for the US, we have to remember that this World Cup hinged on this Italy game no matter what happened versus the Czechs. We knew all along that we needed to beat Italy.

Beasley not starting might be a good idea. Especially if you can bring him in as a sub, when he's worked up after not being on the field. He's performed best at Eindhoven coming off the bench and has disappeared since he's been named a starter. In 2002, he came on as a sub in the first match and earned his starting spot for the rest of the tournament. I think he just adds so much more as fresh legs than he does as a 90 minute midfielder.

Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) · June 14, 2006, 09:27:09 AM

Brazil just announced that Ronaldo will start the next match. They do have a point in that this was his first game action in over two months. He might round into form and they certainly don't need him to be 100% for them to win.

Greek Tragedy · June 14, 2006, 09:50:10 AM

A couple of points.

I'll have to disagree with Hoops Fan regarding the Italy game being thee game. I think many of us thought we might be able to hold out for a draw with the Czechs, thus not needing a win vs. the Italians. But, Ghana is the game that everyone is expecting us to win. So, a tie vs. the 1st two and a win would send us through. Obviously we need two wins in the last two to meet AUSTRALIA in the 2nd round! lol.

Also, as a big soccer fan, I don't think soccer will ever find a niche in American sports watching. I'll agree with most of the soccer experts, including Coach Arena and many of the players, that say the results of the World Cup won't actually hurt the view of the general public...it can only help it.

If they tank, the soccer fans out there will still watch and play. I think it's like the Olympics. If the US does real well, no one is going to see a huge jump in ratings on MLS games or a jump in attendence at MLS games. Soccer is beyond the stage where they NEED the US to do well in the World Cup for soccer to grow. When the US hosted in 94, that was a different story. What is important now is that the MLS continue to build soccer-specific stadiums and thus becoming profitable, instead of "renting" facilities and giving all the money to those football places.

If the US does well, it will help soccer. If they go three and out, soccer isn't going to fail because of that.

Oh yeah, Ronaldo is fat and out of shape. Move on Brazil.

ScotsFan · June 14, 2006, 10:55:13 AM

How good did Spain look today???

Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) · June 14, 2006, 11:23:34 AM

Quote from: ScotsFan on June 14, 2006, 10:55:13 AM
How good did Spain look today???

Very.

Greek Tragedy · June 14, 2006, 11:37:33 AM

With Spain beating the Ukraine 4-0 today, the USA is no longer in last place. 4-0 beats 3-0! Yippy! lol.

An amazing stat I heard while watching the game. Spain's starting lineup consisted of players from just THREE clubs; Barcelona, Liverpool and I think Real Madrid. That's pretty amazing.

Hooligans from Germany (I think) actually got together and had a practice fight to get ready for clashes with their counterparts. Wow.

cawcdad · June 14, 2006, 11:41:07 AM

Wow, Spain was very impressive. And not to take anything away from them, but the red card to Vashchuk was total BS. Also the Ukraine defender on the near post for Spain's corner kick and first goal didn't move. If he turns instead of just throwing a leg back and he could have blocked the shot. Ok, that probably wouldn't have changed the outcome of the game, but may have given the Ukraine a little more emotion to play on.

David Collinge · June 14, 2006, 12:26:59 PM

There is a lot of interest in the World Cup room over this match, which is pivotal to the USA's chances. I'd like to know what everyone thinks will be the outcome, so I have proposed a poll.

Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) · June 14, 2006, 03:36:53 PM

I hope I didn't offend you by merging the poll DC; I was just getting confused. Chalk it up to my small mind.

David Collinge · June 14, 2006, 03:41:11 PM

Quote from: Hoops Fan on June 14, 2006, 03:36:53 PM

I hope I didn't offend you by merging the poll DC; I was just getting confused. Chalk it up to my small mind.

Not at all; this is where I wanted it, but for whatever reason (most likely my stupidity) I was unable to put it in here.

Ralph Turner · June 14, 2006, 08:30:23 PM

Asking the rhetorical question...

If you could pick your friend's brain,

would you give him the same one, all over again?

Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) · June 15, 2006, 08:43:49 AM

T&T vs England today. Anyone want to let me come over and watch it? I can't afford to go out to each everyday this month.

Greek Tragedy · June 15, 2006, 10:06:18 AM

Apparently you don't have cable? You must live out in the sticks or something! lol.

Anyway, Wayne Rooney is deemed fit by the "physios" I don't think he'll start, but he will probably play.

Since we're in the middle of the World Cup and all the soccer craze, I rented and enjoyed Green Street Hooligans. A great soccer-related movie. Bend It Like Beckham it's not.

Elijah Wood is really trying to get out of the LOTR stereo-type. He was an evil cannibal in Sin City and now he's a butt kicking Hooligan.

Come On England! Come On England!

Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) · June 15, 2006, 10:36:07 AM

Actually, I'm at work and live a half-hour away, which is why I can't watch it at home. Well that and I really don't have cable at home. Oh the joys of grad school and the necessities we forego. Anyway, I think I found an office in the building that has ESPN2 on the dish.

Go Rooney!!