WORLD CUP OPEN THREAD, DAY 16: USA vs. Ghana
by RossWB on Jun 26, 2010 8:46 AM CDT
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9:00 CT, ESPN: Uruguay vs. South Korea Only two teams were able to make it through the entire group stage without conceding a goal: Portugal... and Uruguay. They rebounded from a dismal draw with France to smash South Africa (3-0) and beat Mexico (1-0) to clinch first in the group. South Korea beat Greece in their opener (2-0), got thumped by Greece (4-1), and had a wild draw with Nigeria (2-2) that was just enough to move into the next round. They're a fun team to watch: energetic and on the attack, but a bit weak at the back. It's hard to imagine them holding Uruguay scoreless, so they're going to need to find some way to get through the so-far-impregnable wall that is the Uruguay defense.
1:30 CT, ABC: United States vs. Ghana Revenge! Four years ago, an American team having an uneven World Cup (they were the only team to take a point off eventual champions Italy all tournament, earning a 1-1 draw... but they were also clobbered 3-0 by the Czech Republic) entered its third and final group game against Ghana with a chance to slip through to the second round. Instead, they got beat (2-1), branded a disappointment, and sent home to dwell on their failures. Four years later, the U.S. now has a crack at sweet, sweet revenge... and a greater prize: a berth in the quarterfinals against the winner of Uruguay/South Korea.
Against Algeria, the U.S. came as close as they have all tournament to putting together a full, consistent 90 minutes of quality play -- it took them 92 minutes to get the breakthrough goal, but they cut down on the defensive lapses, attacked relentlessly, and had countless good opportunities at goal. They'll need another performance like that, although one hopes for a little bit better finishing on the offensive end. The Black Stars have been a black hole defensively, swallowing up all but two goals in the group stage, but they've also been utterly punchless going forward -- they scored only two goals in the group stage and both came off penalties (both from handballs in the penalty area, weirdly enough). This feels like a game where an early lead could prove crucial; Ghana's shown little ability to come-from-behind to get a result and putting the pressure on them to come forward could loosen up their defense and allow the U.S. to make some counter-attacks and build that lead. On the other hand, the U.S. has been masters at coming from behind and pulling off some late-game heroics when necessary; it'd be nice not to have to dip into that bag of tricks again today.
Anyhoo, usual rules of game threads apply: no porn, no discussion of piracy; if you can't watch the game on TV, there are legal online streams at ESPN3.com. (EDIT: Apparently no stream on ESPN3.com.) Beyond that, the topic is verboten.
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Goal Uruguay!
That was one of the more interesting goals so far… The Korean defense just stood there like they were 100% sure that the keeper would get that cross
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
Yeah, a little too much ball-watching there.
This is why the South Korean defense has the reputation it has, I think.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Calm, cool finish
I have nightmarish visions of a Yank blasting that over the bar. But that’s just me. I already have the butterflies going.
Not too hard to imagine
Dempsey already missed something similar. It was a rebound from his post shot, but reminds me of that finish.
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Jun 26, 2010 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions
The pitch looks like ...
Soldier Field in November. Chunks pull up every time a player cuts.
Excuse me for my bellicosity. And spelling. Bellicosity and spelling.
by Blackheartnopants on Jun 26, 2010 9:38 AM CDT reply actions
Nerves woke me up at 5.
I’ve got no reason to be nervous about today’s game, and yet it cost me 3 hours of sleep. Hell, I won’t even be able to watch it live since I’ve got a tee time at 11:45. Still, seeing America through to the quarters would be amazing.
I'm not sure if I should be impressed that Kyle was called out as a beer snob in another blog's article...
I am leaning towards impressed, since it means he has extensive beer knowledge
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Jun 26, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Here's the thing about "beer snobbery"
it’s largely the result of others’ inadequacy. When I was in college I hated beer because it tasted bad. I thought to myself, “self, alcohol seems fun but why would you put something in your mouth that causes you displeasure in hopes that you’ll eventually get too drunk to care?” So I stuck to bourbon for a few years because it a) tasted good and b) got me super drunk.
A few years later I was working at a restaurant that served a number of craft beers. I was required to try each of them so that I might make recommendations. That was the moment that I realized that I didn’t hate beer at all but that I only hated bad beer…because it tastes…bad. Fast-forward the better part of a decade and I have written hundreds of beer reviews, read about the history of the beverage fairly extensively, gone on beer-centric trips, befriended or made the acquaintance of several professional brewers and taken up homebrewing myself. In short, it’s one of my true passions in life and it brings me much joy.
Now if there are those who like the taste of Natty Lite or MGD or whatever, that’s entirely their business. I guess a beer snob would a person who a) likes well-made beer who b) criticizes others for their choices. Drink what you want; I could care less. However, if there are those who drink whatever innocuous, over-marketed liquid some soulless machine spit out in a giant factory who will take jabs at those such as myself for being “too good” for real beer. Tell me, steak lovers, would I be a “beef snob” if I passed on a cafeteria Salisbury steak?
Oh, and it wasn’t the Cube that got me; open bar at my company party last night. Waaaaay too much wine followed by a few beers with friends upon my return home. Bad idea.
Alright, the air is cleared. I’m watching some soccer now.
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Jun 26, 2010 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
It is hard not to be a beer snob the more you beers you try
I live in Madison WI, there are 4 breweries in town and several bars in town carry ultra hard to find beers on tap. While I will drink the Miller lites and Keystones when my only goal is to drink as much as possible and get really drunk. I agree with KM that if you are going to drink a few beers for enjoyment why not drink something that is better and more flavorful? This all said, I hate the beer snobs who act like asses when offered what they veiw as an lesser beer, this has happened a few times to me while have a party at my house. I bought alot of cheap beer because i wanted alot of people to drink and this one guy showed up with only a 6pack of really nice beer and once it was gone he would not drink my beer because it was not good enough for him and he acted pissed off because i said that i would have beer at the house but my beer was not up to his standard. KM what type of beers do you like to drink? I really enjoy triples and really hoppy IPAs.
by BuckeyFucker on Jun 26, 2010 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
I swear to God I'm not being a smartass, but the kind of beers I like to drink
are good ones. While there are styles that I typically gravitate towards, I can appreciate just about any really well-made beer. If I had to pick, I love Flemish sours, gueuze, Southern brown ales robust porters and Czech pils more than most styles. But seriously, I just love beer.
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Jun 26, 2010 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Wasn't trying to apply any negative connotations with beer snobbery
I have tried a ton of different types of microbrews and end up recommending them to my friends (who are the typical midwestern Busch Light, Bud Light, Miller Lite drinkers). I can appreciate a Bud Light for what it is but I would much prefer to have a Bell’s Oberon or Goose Island Matilda. I was using the term to highlight knowledge of beer. Apologize for any offense because none was intended.
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Jun 26, 2010 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh, I didn't take it as a slight at all.
Just addressing a general perception and constant source of irritation.
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Jun 26, 2010 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I must make fun of anyone...
who can’t enjoy a cold, tap bud light that isn’t old.
Now, if the keg is old or the tap/hoses dirty, that hurts it, and I can’t blame you if you don’t like it.
But, if you are born and raised in America, and you can’t tolerate a good bud light, or miller lite, or something similar, then you are officially a beer snob.
I make no comments about the other beers (Beast, Natty, Icehouse, etc) because I have yet to have one of those that has tasted good.
And when I said “you” in all these previous sentences, I don’t mean you Kyle, I just mean people in general. I have a friend who will drink the foulest darkest stuff he can pay $5 to $10 a bottle for, but will not ever drink a light “American” beer.
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
by WaterlooChazz on Jun 26, 2010 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions
No offense, but it sounds like you’ve been brainwashed by Budweiser commercials. Just because it’s “American” doesn’t mean you have to drink it. My toilet water is American, you don’t see me putting it on draft.
It’s not that I don’t like or enjoy American “Lagers”, really I love water, it’s just that I prefer beer.
by HawkeyeInExile on Jun 26, 2010 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Uh, huh.
But, if you are born and raised in America, and you can’t tolerate a good bud light, or miller lite, or something similar, then you are officially a beer snob.
This is called jingoism or "stupidity. If you can’t enjoy something you don’t like it’s called preference, all obtuse maxims included.
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Jun 26, 2010 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Well...
then I will jingo all the way.
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
by WaterlooChazz on Jun 26, 2010 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
The beauty of your blind, uber nationalism
is that Anheuser-Busch is now owned by InBev, a Belgian/Brazilian conglomerate. I wonder if the Star Spangled Banner sounds better in Flemish or Portuguese?
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Jun 26, 2010 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Fucking hell
But, if you are born and raised in America, and you can’t tolerate a good bud light, or miller lite, or something similar, then you are officially a beer snob.
This may be the stupidest thing I’ve ever read.
Yes.
I know Miller, Anheuser and Coors are all owned by foreign companies now. But their main products were created in the USA.
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
by WaterlooChazz on Jun 26, 2010 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Props to the South Korea coach for one thing: he's the best-dressed coach in the tourney.
Well, maybe him and Don Fabio for England.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I'm going to go with 1-0 US as well
Howard has looked awfully good
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Jun 26, 2010 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
GOAL! SOUTH KOREA!
That was well-deserved after the way they’ve attacked all half.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
GOAL! Uruguay!
Wow, Suarez again. That was quite a goal.
2-1 Uruguay, 10 minutes to go now.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
People have talked about what great fortune the US has had by ending up in this side of the bracket.
I’m not sure how many of those people have seen Uruguay play.
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Jun 26, 2010 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
True, they have looked good.
But I’d still much rather take my chances with them in a quarterfinal match than Argentina.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Question: what's Uruguay's nickname?
We’re facing the Black Stars today, will we be meeting the Yellow Suns next?
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Jun 26, 2010 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Per our favorite research source (Wiki, of course):
Charruas, La Celeste Olimpica (The Olympic Sky Blue), and La Celeste (The Sky Blue)
Nothing too great there.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
How does S. Korea not have anyone else going forward there?
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
Oh, please.
The ESPN studio analysts are discussing potential US line-ups. If Findley and/or Gooch see the field today I’m going to scream.
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
Uruguay was outplayed? What the fuck were they watching?
suarez is for real
and did usa advance without even playing??? thats what it sounds like from the announcers. i dont think i would be guarenteeing a win with how their games have been. and ghana is dirty. they have already beat them earlier. these announcers are idiots acting like usa is already playing uruguay. nice jinxing you dumbass anouncers
oh that game was played in the pouring rain. i think that had a huge effect on the game.
They were certainly outplayed for pretty much all of the second half.
The rain wasn’t pouring all game, either.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
When Uruguay weren't bunkered
They were the better team.
I’d even argue they got better looks on goal when they were packed in on the counter.
"Jack Trice Stadium - Easily one of the Top 10 Stadiums in Central Iowa"
by Not Marv Cook on Jun 26, 2010 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree Uruguay was better on the whole.
But for big chunks of the second half, they didn’t look that good. I didn’t think they started to get good looks again until after South Korea equalized — it seemed like South Korea let up off the gas a little and Uruguay was able to get more possession and get more guys forward.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
To me
It looked more like Uruguay let off the gas leading up to the equalizer – but the net is the same.
6 of one, half dozen of the other I suppose.
"Jack Trice Stadium - Easily one of the Top 10 Stadiums in Central Iowa"
by Not Marv Cook on Jun 26, 2010 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
So now we see how the U.S. manages to handle expectations.
Much like Iowa football, they haven’t done nearly as well when they’re expected to win; just like Iowa, they’ve been much better as underdogs. Iowa will have to learn how to win when they’re expected to win this fall… the US will have to learn how to win when they’re favored now.
I hope both can figure out how to make that transition. You can only be the plucky underdog for so long.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
coverage on espn3??
It looks like this game is not on espn3.com. Can this be true? Where can we watch online?
It's on ABC, actually.
Not ESPN.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Yup
all ABC games are blacked-out on-line. Which is lame when you have an ABC signal as weak as ours. I’m going to a bar (unfortunately) see you gents in a few hours, hopefully discussing the next opponent for the US..
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Jun 26, 2010 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Quadrennial Futbol fan here...
…but the sport’s growing on me after watching the last few games, that’s for sure. As many have already said, this US team reminds me of a certain gritty college FB team.
So on World Cup Live, when does Lee Corso show up and put on an Uncle Sam head? I guess I should be hoping for a Black Star head to avoid the jinx? And does Lou Holtz think Notre Dame still has a chance in the knockout rounds?
by IPeeBlackAndGold on Jun 26, 2010 11:57 AM CDT reply actions
lineup
thanks to Lime
Howard————————
—Dolo—-Demerit——-Boca——-Bornstein
—Lando——Bradley—-Clark——-Dempsey
-—————-Jozy———-Findley———————
seriously?
Usually on Saturday mornings
I get drunk and watch “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”, so this kickoff time works out really well for me.
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 1:01 PM CDT reply actions
Findley and Bornstein both starting
at least I think that’s what I heard. Should piss off a few people.
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 1:08 PM CDT reply actions
Gooch is not starting
Yellow cards don’t carry over, correct? The ESPN article on the US lineup says 3 of our guys are in danger of being suspended for the quarters if we win . . . . . . . . .I think that’s wrong.
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Cards reset before the Quarters
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Jun 26, 2010 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Ahh, got ya
Although that seems a little strange to me. Why for the round of 16 but not the last 8?
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess they want cards from the group stage to have some effect in the knockout
but not too much once there have been 4 total games played. Make sense? I’m just guessing
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Jun 26, 2010 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
You know what happened when we said revenge?
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
Ha, a little masochism there, eh?
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm just saying
Sometimes you don’t actually get it.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by Adam Bittner on Jun 26, 2010 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I know
and I’m starting to understand how you must have felt last fall . . . . .
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Ghana's in cyclone colors?
Booooooooooo
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
by RossWB on Jun 26, 2010 1:31 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Makes it even easier to root against them
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Jun 26, 2010 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe Ghana will get to confident and we can catch them in a counter?
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
Those are some crazy shadows
created by the stadium lights
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 2:03 PM CDT reply actions
Is there anyone on the US team
capable of finishing?
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Ghana's coach looks like he got dressed for work
while stile drunk from the last night
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
US needs an Iowa vs. Indiana 4th quarter
in the second half. Maybe a Tyler Sash rebound-INT-TD type play will turn things around.
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 2:16 PM CDT reply actions
Dammit
I was just going to ask if it was raining there. If it’s not raining, then I was going to suggest the Pinball Pick-6. If it is raining there I was going to suggest block, scoop, and score by A.C.
by shada's revenge on Jun 26, 2010 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions
For some reason I just imagined
the soccer crowd going “whoosh!” and AC coming out of nowhere to block the Ghana keeper’s drop kick into the net. I’m pretty sure that’s illegal though.
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
More likely
they troll retirement homes together
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions
TIED!!!!
Excuse me for my bellicosity. And spelling. Bellicosity and spelling.
by Blackheartnopants on Jun 26, 2010 2:48 PM CDT reply actions
GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i don’t like this game, but goddamn, I love America
by shada's revenge on Jun 26, 2010 2:48 PM CDT reply actions
Anyone else notice
the classic American “BULLSHIT!” chant break out after Donovan went down just now?
by PurpleMonkeyDishwasher on Jun 26, 2010 2:51 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Are yellow cards like personal fouls
in American football? I don’t get it.
by shada's revenge on Jun 26, 2010 2:54 PM CDT reply actions
Is OT sudden death/victory?
or do they play the whole 30 min?
by shada's revenge on Jun 26, 2010 3:09 PM CDT reply actions
This is why I hate soccer
that asshole laying on the ground after falling himself, just eat up time
by shada's revenge on Jun 26, 2010 3:48 PM CDT reply actions
These stalling techniques are sickening
just play the fucking game and D up if you don’t want to lose your lead.
by shada's revenge on Jun 26, 2010 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Congratulations to Ghana’s National Theatre Troupe. They have such great actors.
As a non-soccer fan could someone please tell me what’s the point of having a 30min overtime if you’re going to have 10 minutes or more of people flopping when someone breathes on them and another 15 of the team ahead dragging ass every time there’s a stoppage of play. Why not just make it sudden death?
Welp
Clark giveaway in midfield and a long ball that the CBs Couldn’t deal with. Add that to being unable to finish chances and that’s it. Great heart though. Luv ya USMNT.
The game after Ghana scored in extra time is going to turn so many people away from soccer
I think that may have just turned off all the new fans who was starting to enjoy soccer from this WC
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
You can count me in that group
this is the first time that I have ever planned on sitting down and watching a full soccer game. Parts were very exciting, but there was still a lot of stuff that I just can’t stomach about soccer (rolling around in pain after tripping and falling, falling for no reason and grimacing and rolling around, etc)
by shada's revenge on Jun 26, 2010 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Fainting Irish = Fainting Black Stars
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
by WaterlooChazz on Jun 26, 2010 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Their loss.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
by RossWB on Jun 26, 2010 4:35 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You're right
to an extent, but it does reveal one of (possibly many) the scapegoats that Americans use to conjure up disdain for the sport. I’ve been watching World Cup soccer since France in ‘98 and been a fan (though not an ardent fan, admittedly) of the EPL and La Liga for about as long…and the ridiculous amount of theatrics is something I still have a hard time stomaching. It’s probably a poor excuse, I know, but I grew up indoctrinated with the idea of playing to the best of your ability in a respectful, honorable manner is paramount in sports. Maybe even more so than victory.
So while falling to the ground with minimal contact and writhing around in agony for a minute during extra time might be considered good strategy…it is also, in my opinion, a disgusting show of poor sportsmanship.
That being said, it’s not enough to turn me off from the sport altogether. It’s too wonderful. And while it can probably be said that not all Americans are as concerned with playing a clean game as much as I am, I can understand why the flamboyant nature of what I consider to be a lack of sportsmanship in the game would sour opinions of newcomers.
/rant
Life - it's bigger...bigger than you and you are not me.
by hawkeyeguy85 on Jun 26, 2010 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions
It's annoying, certainly, but athletes lie, cheat, and push the limit of what's acceptable in every sport.
Basketball players flop constantly. Hockey players grab jerseys and hold. Football players whine for calls, play-act for calls, and grab and clutch as much as they can.
Hell, football players would still be feigning injuries on the field if the rules hadn’t been changed to penalize them for it. Soccer would be wise to do the same; if they handed out more yellow (or red) cards for diving, they’d almost certainly cut down on it considerably. I imagine the problem is that it’s a judgment call and refs are loathe to call it when guys are occasionally genuinely injured.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I haven't seen a lot of...
guys legitimately injured during this world cup.
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
by WaterlooChazz on Jun 26, 2010 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions
And you're a doctor now, too?
Jesus, your talents never cease.
Look, there’s out-and-out flopping/diving, there’s slight injuries that are embellished to draw a foul/card, there’s injuries bad enough to require guys to leave the field briefly for treatment, and there’s injuries that are so bad that guys have to leave the game and be replaced by a substitute. There have been examples of all four in the WC, although relatively few of the last case (which is certainly good).
Offenses in the first category should be carded, but between the increasing sophistication of the acting, the speed of the game, and the fallibility of refs, it’s not always easy to discern.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I invite you
to take a cleat to the back of your calf and then see how you feel. Or go Tim Howard style and take one to the chest. It’s cake to shake them off don’t worry.
Seriously Chazz, why do you even talk about soccer? You just make yourself into a bigger idiot each time you say something.
I don’t think he’s saying that every injury is feigned, but many of them are. If it’s bad enough that coaches everywhere complain about it and there are entire websites devoted to it then I’d say it’s an issue.
And sure it happens in almost every sport. That’s one of the major reasons I don’t watch the NBA. Which is the whole point; that kind of poor sportsmanship ruins the game for many fans. Plus I think it’s more of an issue for soccer because time keeping isn’t approached in the same manner as most sports. Sure they add stoppage time to the end of the match, but is it really enough to compensate for all the flops and all the times the leading team drags ass to inbounds a ball (only to decide someone else should inbound it and then he drags ass over to inbounds the ball as well).
As a nonsoccer fan I can tell you I was getting really into the World Cup, but crap like this plus the poor officiating for goals (did you see England’s goal get totally ignored today?) really dampens my enthusiasm for soccer. If I want to watch a highly subjective and frequently incorrectly called game I’ll stick to baseball.
by HawkeyeInExile on Jun 27, 2010 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Of course...
it would not feel good to take a cleat to the calf. But what do you expect when you have a sport where dudes are kicking around willy-nilly in mid air.
My original statement was: I haven’t noticed many injuries suffered during this tournament that have kept dudes out for multiple games or weeks or months. Maybe soccer players are super-human tough. Or maybe many are big fakers. Or both.
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
by WaterlooChazz on Jun 27, 2010 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions
If USMNT
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
by RossWB on Jun 26, 2010 4:36 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
If USMNT is Iowa football...
Does that make Ghana justNorthwestern?
Fuck.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
by RossWB on Jun 26, 2010 4:38 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
No
I think it’s more like Western Michigan. 2 times played, both times not much expected from the Hawks (US) and 2 losses to an obscure opponent (obscure because out side of the World Cup and Kofi Kingston, I have never heard of Ghana.)
by shada's revenge on Jun 26, 2010 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Not much expected as far as season (cup) final results
I mean. Even though they were favored in both games.
by shada's revenge on Jun 26, 2010 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions
@Shada
You’ve heard of Kofi Kingston before Kofi Annan?
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
by WaterlooChazz on Jun 26, 2010 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Ghana is a respectable opponent, not a bum side.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
this one wasnt even hard to predict. usa should be called almost usa instead of “almost” altidore although he had his usual “almost” moment again.
usa totally looked past ghana and i have no reason why they would, considering this is the same team who knocked them out the last time. usa looked defeated after the first goal. on a close penalty kick that bonked the bar and that would have been an embarrassing miss. yes they had some close calls but their play isnt worthy of advancing
usa isnt at the level of the other top teams. they are exciting but they just cant put two solid halves together. and then you top that with usa fans and TEAM looking at brazil for the semifinal match. my god you cant look past ANYBODY when you get to the knockout rounds.
that killed them the second they started talking about playing uruguay. I KNEW IT! when the announcers of the uruguay game started mentioning usa playing them…what idiots!
nobody is safe. not even brazil
I hope it at least opened the eyes of americans to the excitement that is the world cup!
now kick some butt germany tomorrow! and HUP HOLLAND HUP!
Wow, such wonderfully erudite armchair analysis -- good thing we have you around.
this one wasnt even hard to predict
Good thing you’re telling us this now, hours after the match.
usa totally looked past ghana and i have no reason why they would, considering this is the same team who knocked them out the last time. usa looked defeated after the first goal.
Really? You watched the 115 minutes after the opening goal and thought they looked defeated? And the “_ totally looked past _” analysis is a staple of bullshit armchair analysts everywhere — congrats for hitting that cliche. The U.S. has started slow in every game this tournament — it’s a failure of preparation, certainly, but saying it’s attributable to the “they looked past them” chestnut is lazy and moronic.
nd then you top that with usa fans and TEAM looking at brazil for the semifinal match. my god you cant look past ANYBODY when you get to the knockout rounds.
Yeah, there you go again with that nonsense. There was some speculation among fans, but (a) it was hardly as ironclad as you idiotically make it sound, (b) it’s as asinine as blaming Iowa fans dreaming of a Rose Bowl trip for costing Iowa the Ohio State game last year. The idea that the U.S. team was genuinely looking ahead to the semis and Brazil is, like so much of your brilliant reasoning, completely unprovable and wildly speculative.
that killed them the second they started talking about playing uruguay. I KNEW IT! when the announcers of the uruguay game started mentioning usa playing them…what idiots!
Ah yes, the announcer jinx. Clearly it was because of them that the U.S. was unable to finish one of many good chances or why they had defensive lapses that resulted in two goals. Damn announcers.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I echo Ross's sentiments
Also, I would argue that Donovan’s PK was perfect and unsaveable. Not that it “bonked the bar” and was almost “embarassing”.
Watching that game was very much like eating a lemon..
Good run, boys. Guess it is back to my regularly scheduled WNBA game joined in progress.
by Pubes in Pink Urinals on Jun 26, 2010 9:17 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
In hindsight, we had no chance: they had Evil African Ultimate Warrior on their side.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
That guy
got a pretty loud reaction at the bar where I was watching the game. Papa Shango?
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Jun 27, 2010 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't care what you say
that’s good juju.
"Next week's no good for me. The Jonas Brothers are in town."
I've been watching since 1994.
Our side has come so far since then. The 2010 team probably could have run the 94 team off the field.
Ghana earned the win. The oddsmakers had this correct ~ very close, with slight favor to the Black Stars.
As for flopping ~ I hate it. But in the NBA, the “selling” of fouls has become much more common as more international players play the game.
We’re getting there, we really are.
This team had at least one more game in it. It’s frustrating, but we’re getting there.
And if you don’t want to wait for that day, then keep on walking.
One more thing. I’m a proud beer snob. Bud and Miller both taste like mule piss and seltzer water.
Excuse me for my bellicosity. And spelling. Bellicosity and spelling.
by Blackheartnopants on Jun 27, 2010 12:04 AM CDT reply actions
You drink seltzer water?
…communist.
Good analysis of the game- Ghana earned the win. As Bradley said after the match- our boys played physical, hard, gutsy ball for 115 and they had nothing left. Admirable, I think.
Regarding the flopping, one could argue (I would) that the flopping in the NBA is part of the reason it is dropping in popularity. I find most of it completely unwatchable, unless it’s one of the almost 3 months of playoff games…and even then… Crap like the string of HORRIBLE CALLS and the flopping turn many North Americans off of the sport. That and our inability to “understand the rules”. I contend that there are few games with simpler rules than soccer… And there are few moments more euphoric than the 91’ Donovan goal in the Algeria match. “The Catch”? 7 gets 6? Yes and yes… Throw a Hawkeye uniform on Donovan and welcome him into our collective lore.
"Next week's no good for me. The Jonas Brothers are in town."
On paper
I would agree that the rules of soccer are very simple. However, to an untrained eye like mine, it is sometimes difficult to understand what is going on. It all seems very subjective to me, and I have to admit, allowing a referee to disallow a game-winning goal for no apparent reason and no explanation what-so-ever feels very fishy to me. On the flopping note- I haven’t watched the NBA for many years because of the poor sportsmanship and selfishness- things that I see in soccer. I am not going to be naive or stupid enough to say that it doesn’t happen in every sport- it does, but it is more obvious to me in basketball or soccer than most others.
Listen, I do intend for this to be inflammatory or argumentative at all. What I have seen on these threads is people (and myself a time or two) saying negative things about soccer, and then the pro-soccer people ganging up on them and insulting them. Anti-soccer people say it sucks and it’s boring with no evidence as to why that is the case and the pro-soccer people say it’s a wonderful game, it’s thrilling, and others. I don’t see either side.
After years of people telling me I should like hockey because it’s an awesome game and replying that hockey sucks. I recently had a friend take the time to sit down with me during a hockey game, explain it, and point out what makes hockey great. At that point his fandom became infectious, and I like hockey a lot now.
I have been trying to get into soccer because people the world over love it. I don’t get the charm. I would like someone to explain to me what is so beautiful and thrilling about it (aside from Donovan’s last-minute goal because that was amazing) so I can begin to appreciate it to. I gotta be honest, right now I am watching soccer from the viewpoint of “foreigners are kicking the ball back and forth for an hour and a half, but somebody might score eventually.” If I am missing something, I would like to know what it is, so that maybe I can learn to enjoy something that hundreds of millions of people enjoy.
I am sorry for being long-winded, and, again, I hope this is not taken as inflammatory.
by shada's revenge on Jun 27, 2010 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah...
I get your point, Shada. I wasn’t trying to be a pro-soccer d-bag who says its awesome and if you don’t like it then you’re ignorant. Totally not my intention. In fact, the points you make are, in my opinion, very similar to mine- just longer. for example – horrible reffing happens because it’s so subjective. I’m with you. That part sucks. Also, the NBA is unwatchable for myriad reasons.
On understanding the rules of the game: It’s definitely not a lock that you’ll enjoy it if you understand it. I understand cricket because an Indian friend explained it. I still don’t like it.
That said, my comment wasn’t really directed at anyone at all…just making conversation.
On the other hand, perhaps its your point of view that makes the game hard to watch- "foreigners kicking the ball…" The Olympics are intriguing for many people simply because of the global participation. I think that’s why so many people are casually intrigued by the World Cup. The "World Series" isn’t really a world championship…it may be the best baseball in the world- love it or leave it, USA #1 and all that…but it’s not a world championship. At the end of this contest we’ll have a world champion.
But I don’t think that’s what you’re getting at… What I think you’re getting at is that this game is slow by US standards because there aren’t a lot of points scored…and if there isn’t a crap-load of points then there needs to be some visceral violence (Hockey). You’ve got me there…we are agreed. From those standards its boring. In fact, I don’t pay a ton of attention to games other than US games. I get bored and do other stuff while "watching". I also think that i enjoy it more because I played and I understand the difficulty of what they’re doing. I’d like to hear a reason why someone who doesn’t play or hasn’t played the game likes it.
Finally, if you want to watch a game of soccer and have someone explain it…let me know. But I doubt it will be infectious like hockey was for you. I had a similar experience with hockey and I don’t think soccer will get you there- (read lack of violence).
"Next week's no good for me. The Jonas Brothers are in town."
Amen for visceral violence
I became a hockey fan when I moved to Chicago and started going to games.
I doubt going to soccer games would have the same effect on me. I might end up beating somebody with their own vuvuzela, but I can’t see myself enjoying the ambience. I do, however, really like the global participation aspect of the World Cup. The whole world loves soccer and wants more than anything to win it. It’s cool to see that kind of passion in fans and players in any sport. Shit I’d watch badminton if the fans were as entertaining as the World Cup fans.
by HawkeyeInExile on Jun 28, 2010 12:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Well-done, Shada.
Probably the only rule I don’t understand is the whole offsides thing. I am starting to understand it when there is an offensive player creeping in behind the goal keeper, but other than that, I don’t really know about what is and is not offsides.
While some people may not believe me, I don’t have a problem that this sport is dominated by other countries. Many of their players seem likeable. I just want to see the USA live up to their potential. I kind of wanted to see England do the same, although it helped the USA out a bit that England “took this world cup off.”
Finally, the lack of scoring bugs me. It is fine by me if some small team like Cameroon keeps getting shut out or just getting one goal. However, I want to see the better teams get at least 2 or 3 goals per game. I think it was Friday that I happened to wake up early enough, and I tuned into the Brazil v. Portugal game. I promptly fell back asleep because it was a 0-0 crapfest. I expect a bit more than that.
The flopping is a bit worse than in pro basketball (which I also don’t watch until the playoffs), but it doesn’t bother me until a team like Italy or Ghana makes it ridiculous.
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
by WaterlooChazz on Jun 28, 2010 12:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
I get your point, Shada. I wasn’t trying to be a pro-soccer d-bag who says its awesome and if you don’t like it then you’re ignorant. Totally not my intention. In fact, the points you make are, in my opinion, very similar to mine- just longer. for example – horrible reffing happens because it’s so subjective. I’m with you. That part sucks. Also, the NBA is unwatchable for myriad reasons.
On understanding the rules of the game: It’s definitely not a lock that you’ll enjoy it if you understand it. I understand cricket because an Indian friend explained it. I still don’t like it.
That said, my comment wasn’t really directed at anyone at all…just making conversation.
On the other hand, perhaps its your point of view that makes the game hard to watch- “foreigners kicking the ball…” The Olympics are intriguing for many people simply because of the global participation. I think that’s why so many people are casually intrigued by the World Cup. The “World Series” isn’t really a world championship…it may be the best baseball in the world- love it or leave it, USA #1 and all that…but it’s not a world championship. At the end of this contest we’ll have a world champion.
But I don’t think that’s what you’re getting at… What I think you’re getting at is that this game is slow by US standards because there aren’t a lot of points scored…and if there isn’t a crap-load of points then there needs to be some visceral violence (Hockey). You’ve got me there…we are agreed. From those standards its boring. In fact, I don’t pay a ton of attention to games other than US games. I get bored and do other stuff while “watching”. I also think that i enjoy it more because I played and I understand the difficulty of what they’re doing. I’d like to hear a reason why someone who doesn’t play or hasn’t played the game likes it.
Finally, if you want to watch a game of soccer and have someone explain it…let me know. But I doubt it will be infectious like hockey was for you. I had a similar experience with hockey and I don’t think soccer will get you there- (read lack of violence).
"Next week's no good for me. The Jonas Brothers are in town."
sorry...posted that in the wrong place.
"Next week's no good for me. The Jonas Brothers are in town."
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