World Cup and European leagues

[Mr. Ypsi]

In case anyone was doubting, Tim Howard is committed to playing in 2014 (when he will be 35).  Here's hoping he is still top of his game, or that someone will emerge as even better!

[ECSUalum]

From RTE Sport:

Henry announces international retirement

Thursday, 15 July 2010 20:03

France striker Thierry Henry announced his retirement from international soccer today.

The 32-year-old former Arsenal and Barcelona striker, who signed for Major League Soccer (MLS) side New York Redbulls on Wednesday, played only a bit-part in France's World Cup campaign in South Africa, which ended at the group stage.

'I made up my mind before the World Cup. South Africa did not play a part in my decision. I could have announced it before the World Cup but I didn't want it (to affect) the team. It was time for me (to retire),' Henry told a news conference.

Henry is France's all-time leading goalscorer with 51 goals in 123 appearances but his only appearances in South Africa were as a substitute.


Are NY Redbull fans going to come out to see Handball Henry???

[Mr. Ypsi]

MLS will have arrived when an international player joins who actually still plays for his national team.  Until then, MLS is the 'nursing home' of soccer leagues.

[Hoosier Titan]

Good news (finally!) in the transfer market for Liverpool:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8834962.stm

In short, Joe Cole is moving to Anfield from Chelsea.  Also, Fernando Torres is NOT for sale.  Europa League qualifying starts next week.

[Greek Tragedy]

MLS will have arrived when an international player joins who actually still plays for his national team.  Until then, MLS is the 'nursing home' of soccer leagues.

Aside from those Central American countries.

[Mr. Ypsi]

MLS will have arrived when an international player joins who actually still plays for his national team.  Until then, MLS is the 'nursing home' of soccer leagues.

Aside from those Central American countries.

Yeah, that's true - and now Nery Castillo has just been signed in his prime.  I was thinking of the 'names' even casual fans recognize, and who are signed well past their prime purely for marketing purposes - Beckham, Thierry, and, going back to NASL, a well-over-the-hill Pele.

MLS will have fully arrived as a 'world-class league' when they compete for top name players in their prime, and when it is not a foregone conclusion that a Donovan will be sold to Europe.  I can't really envision that happening in my lifetime, but since you're still just a 'kid', maybe you'll live to see it!

[ECSUalum]

Yankees rumored to want  ownership of Tottenham Hotspurs:

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/07/18/yankees-reportedly-weighing-bid-for-premier-leagues-tottenham-

If so, maybe we will get to see them, (Robbie Keane) play a few PL matches in the NYC area, or at least some exhibition.

[Greek Tragedy]

Apparently, soccernet.com reports that Man. City wants Donovan...ha ha ha ha.

[sac]

Quiet in here....

caught Liverpool's first two games, they don't look like one of the elite teams in England anymore (although they should have beaten Arsenal), they were totally outclassed by Man City.  Expect another tough grind to get the 4th Champions League spot at best for the Reds.   Maybe when/if Torres returns to health they'll be better, but right now they don't appear to be in the mix.  Cole is a welcome addition though.

Chelsea look rampaging but I think Wigan and West Brom will be battling it out at the bottom for relegation.


My cable company unexpectedly added Fox Soccer to the lineup this summer, so I'm pretty happy to be able to see more games than just the ESPN game of the week.

[ScotsFan]

My cable company unexpectedly added Fox Soccer to the lineup this summer, so I'm pretty happy to be able to see more games than just the ESPN game of the week.

I love having FSN, but the only drawback I have is that it isn't offered in HD by my cable company?!  But, at least I have the channel which beats not having it at all.

It is still very early and I would like to see Chelsea vs. a squad that won't be battling for relegation. 

I was also disappointed to see ManU drop points at Fulham last week.  They had a golden opportunity to pick up 3 points on the road at what has typically been a tough place for the Red Devils to get results lately.  But they blew leads of 1-0 and 2-1 and Nani missed a PK that would have put the game out of reach.   

It's matches like that that come back and haunt you at the end of the season when you are scratching for each and every point.

[sac]

It is still very early and I would like to see Chelsea vs. a squad that won't be battling for relegation. 

Sept 25.  Man City v Chelsea

...before that Chelsea play Stoke, West Ham, MSK Zilina and Blackpool, expect continued rampaging.


Liverpool also sold Mascherano today, so even less like one of England's elite now.


PS I was also pretty happy to see ManU paired with Rangers in the Champions League.  Nice!

[ScotsFan]

Liverpool also sold Mascherano today, so even less like one of England's elite now.

One point through three matches for the Reds?  Ouch!   

[sac]

Liverpool also sold Mascherano today, so even less like one of England's elite now.

One point through three matches for the Reds?  Ouch!   

Four, they beat West Brom 1-0 yesterday.

[Hoosier Titan]

Liverpool also sold Mascherano today, so even less like one of England's elite now.

One point through three matches for the Reds?  Ouch!   

Four, they beat West Brom 1-0 yesterday.

They looked pretty good, too, considering the number of changes they've been through.  The Baggies were very fortunate not to be given a penalty for handball in the box on the Chilean defender Jara very late.  The goal--Reina to Kuyt to Torres--was very good; it's great to see Torres looking fit again.  Only the loss to Man City is of concern to me at this point; before the Arsenal match I think everyone on Merseyside would have been happy with a draw. 

Chelsea sure is getting to fatten their goal differential early!  And they're making the most of their chances.

[ECSUalum]

Hapless French lose to Belarus 1-0 in opening game of Euro 2012 qualifiers!!!

Rep of Ireland over Armenia 1-0 on Keith Fahy's 76' goal.  Keane missed 2 opportunities

Portugal 4 Cyprus 4!!!!

England, Netherlands, Spain romp

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro2012/