World Cup and European leagues

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I thought it was a thoroughly boring final.  It was hard fought, but the teams were uneven.  It was still a great tournament.  Now we can begin the count down to the World Cup.

[WLCALUM83]

Thought Germany looked out of sync offensively for most of the match.

[Mr. Ypsi]

I thought it was a thoroughly boring final.  It was hard fought, but the teams were uneven.  It was still a great tournament.  Now we can begin the count down to the World Cup.

While I agree that Spain totally dominated, I thought it was still an excellent game.  Given the past histories of both country's teams, I was almost surprised that Spain's lack of a put-away goal didn't end up costing it the match (which, if they couldn't win after THAT domination, might well have put the hex on them for another 44 years ).

Bring on Argentina and Brazil!

[cawcdad]

Thought Germany looked out of sync offensively for most of the match.

Except for one game in group play, I thought Germany looked out of sync for the tournament. Still played well  enough on set pieces to win most of their games. Although rooting for the Germans, Spain was truely the better team in an entertaining match.

[Greek Tragedy]

I will have to say that it was nice to have Andy Gray as the commentator, instead of the overrated Tommy Smyth, who doesn't ever seem having anything intelligent to tell the actual soccer fans.  Smyth likes to talk about the obvious and his only catch phrase is "putting the ball in the 'ol onion bag"...I like Gray and his descriptions of plays, players and insights. 

I'm not so sure many people outside of the soccer world watched the final, but it was more enjoyable to listen to Gray.  I think if a casual fan tuned in, he/she might actually learn something about the game listening to him, IMO.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I will have to say that it was nice to have Andy Gray as the commentator, instead of the overrated Tommy Smyth, who doesn't ever seem having anything intelligent to tell the actual soccer fans.  Smyth likes to talk about the obvious and his only catch phrase is "putting the ball in the 'ol onion bag"...I like Gray and his descriptions of plays, players and insights. 

I'm not so sure many people outside of the soccer world watched the final, but it was more enjoyable to listen to Gray.  I think if a casual fan tuned in, he/she might actually learn something about the game listening to him, IMO.

I agree.  I also missed Rob Stone in the studio.  He's made a career being a knowledgable studio MC for soccer only to be replaced for Reece Davis in the Euro Final?  Stoner better have been in the hospital.  Davis was disappointing; with Smyth and Foudy out there they need someone who can keep things moving and not look nervous the whole time.

[Hoosier Titan]

...with Smyth and Foudy out there they need someone who can keep things moving and not look nervous the whole time.

Julie Foudy nervous?  I didn't see that at all, and I loved her "axis" illustrations.  I thought she was a plus.  I've never cared much for Tommy Smyth and his "old onion bag." 

Agree that Andy Grey was great.  He wasn't afraid to say so when plays or calls were questionable. 

[Greek Tragedy]

He also wasn't afraid to throw a player under the bus, saying things like, "He really should've done better..."  "The goalie was out of position..."  "Where was the defense..." etc. 

[Greek Tragedy]

Blatter is an idiot

My opinion is that if a player doesn't want to play for you, let him leave, for a price.  On the other hand, the PLAYER signed a CONTRACT and now he wants to leave.  It's hardly modern slavery since he VOLUNTARILY signed a contract and is getting PAID to do so.  That's what transfer fees are for.  If Real want him so bad and if Ronaldo wants to play for them, I agree with Blatter, let him leave, but there's gotta be some kind of penalty.  Football players get fined every day when the "hold out"...On top of a transfer fee, there's also got to be some kind of fine. 

I'm just really annoyed by Real Madrid publicly undermining United and then later saying, "Oh yeah, we won't act on anything until the team decides what to do with Ronaldo..."  It's like they NEVER even hinted that they wanted Ronaldo.  What a joke.


United and UEFA response

[Gotberg]

I will have to say that it was nice to have Andy Gray as the commentator, instead of the overrated Tommy Smyth, who doesn't ever seem having anything intelligent to tell the actual soccer fans.  Smyth likes to talk about the obvious and his only catch phrase is "putting the ball in the 'ol onion bag"...I like Gray and his descriptions of plays, players and insights. 

I'm not so sure many people outside of the soccer world watched the final, but it was more enjoyable to listen to Gray.  I think if a casual fan tuned in, he/she might actually learn something about the game listening to him, IMO.

I agree.  I also missed Rob Stone in the studio.  He's made a career being a knowledgable studio MC for soccer only to be replaced for Reece Davis in the Euro Final?  Stoner better have been in the hospital.  Davis was disappointing; with Smyth and Foudy out there they need someone who can keep things moving and not look nervous the whole time.

I thought Rece Davis was fantastic - he gave the show a level of professionalism that Rob Stone is unable to do.

Rece is respected as ESPN and even though he doesn't have a background in soccer, he did his homework and was well prepared and did a great job moderating the soccer analysts.

I would love to see Davis replace Stone for the big events.  Stone is too ra-ra for me and is an embarassment to the sport.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Rece Davis didn't know anything other than what names to throw out there.  He was lost when they were talking strategy and had no insight about future professional locations for the rising stars.

Rob Stone knows football and he fits right in there.  We don't need non-partisan halftime hosts, leave that for Sportscenter.  Stone is the only reason I even watch the halftime analysis.

[Gotberg]

Rece Davis didn't know anything other than what names to throw out there.  He was lost when they were talking strategy and had no insight about future professional locations for the rising stars.

Rob Stone knows football and he fits right in there.  We don't need non-partisan halftime hosts, leave that for Sportscenter.  Stone is the only reason I even watch the halftime analysis.

We can agree to disagree

I just share the same opinion with these folks about Rece: http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=707049

and grant wahl, who I think is the best US soccer writer
http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/208819

I'm sure there are others who feel the same way about Stone that I do, in fact there is a debate here :
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144087

[Stinger]

No shock here but Spain hired Vicente Del Bosque as its new National Team coach yesterday on a 2 year contract. Del Bosque was uber successful in the 4 years he was at Real Madrid with 2 Liga crowns, 2 Champions Leagues, and 1 Euro Super Cup title.  Why he was fired is beyond me. He was the only coach that succeeded in the  Los Galacticos era.

I look forward to watching this team go through WC '10 qualifying now that the monkey is off the back.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Avarshin to Arsenal?  If it happens, I think it's a wonderful fit.

[sac]

Liverpool pay 20 mill for Keane?.........not that Keane in his prime the other Keane.  .........and they won't pony up for Barry?