Support NeoGAF

[elrechazado]

The US will never be on the level of other top countries and here's why:

In the US, sports are tied with school. Want to be a top NFL player? Then you have to play while you are in highschool and college. With soccer you can be 6 years old and already play for the youth team of the best clubs in the world and by the time you are 16 years old, you could be playing at the highest level of the game. What that means is that Europeans get to play way more soccer at a higher level than Americans can. Take a player like Messi. Dude was signed to Barca since he was 11. The club has been controlling every aspect of his life since then and look at what he became. It's the same thing with Ronaldo and other top players. That level of commitment isn't gonna happen in the US since they don't operate the same way (with youth academies). People who say that the US's top talent is going to other sports might have a point, but athleticism only takes you so far and being good in the big 4 doesn't mean you'd cut it in soccer.

This happens in us sports. Travel baseball, aau basketball, pro football camps. They are identifying prospects for American top sports at 9-10 yrs old or earlier these days and putting them in equivalent farm systems and training that earlier or sooner.

The idea this couldn't and won't happen for futbol is silly.

 

[Hasphat'sAnts]

The US will never be on the level of other top countries and here's why:

In the US, sports are tied with school. Want to be a top NFL player? Then you have to play while you are in highschool and college. With soccer you can be 6 years old and already play for the youth team of the best clubs in the world and by the time you are 16 years old, you could be playing at the highest level of the game. What that means is that Europeans get to play way more soccer at a higher level than Americans can. Take a player like Messi. Dude was signed to Barca since he was 11. The club has been controlling every aspect of his life since then and look at what he became. It's the same thing with Ronaldo and other top players. That level of commitment isn't gonna happen in the US since they don't operate the same way (with youth academies). People who say that the US's top talent is going to other sports might have a point, but athleticism only takes you so far and being good in the big 4 doesn't mean you'd cut it in soccer.

It's the same concern in Europe for a lot of youngsters who may end up jeopardizing their schooling because they spend so much time on the pitch.

But it's a much easier pill to swallow when your social structure provides much better support and everybody has a fallback plan.

 

[chicko1983]

you seem to have the most ridiculous vendettas. Except when it comes to the Indian cricket team. Then you just become a terrible poster.

haha. Great post

 

[CrunchyB]

What? Chile dominated us in the second half and the game was decided in penalty kicks. How the hell did Brazil "phisicality" helped?

Also, you're talking about Neymar, Dani Alves, Oscar, William, Marcelo... Brazil is actually very small. Even our keeper is 1.79! Exception to the rule would be Hulk, Luis Gustavo and maybe David Luiz.

David Luiz is one big goon. It helps having a few tall dudes around, winning headers and pushing other players off the ball. Hulk was kinda bad that match as I recall, but he's built like, well, the comic book hero. Brazil-Chile was a very close thing and in high level play, mass matters.

Just look at Belgium, having giants like Kompany-Vertonghen-Alderweireld at your side does wonders.

 

[moai]

I think Brazil also has a low average, Neymar is tiny for instance.

I think that is the reason the sport is so popular in South America. Physicality is not as important as skill, which doesn't happen in sports like basketball, american football, rugby, etc, etc where south americans get usually trashed because of height and size. There are good players in those sports that are smaller but the physicality/skill ratio is completely insane for them and make them rare. Soccer is more universal. The "best players ever" like Pele or Maradona are not tall people, and compared to europeans they are small.

the real reason is not about height or skill, etc. it´s the old saying about football that anyone can played it, everywhere, with very little equipment. you can make a ball out of rags, play it on dirt, make the goal with stones. you can´t play basketball on dirt or sand and you can´t make a hoop out of sticks and stones, just for example.
cheapest team sport to play in developing countries.

 

[Ace 8095]

This is one of the best arguments for open borders. We need immigrants to bring their love of the game to propel us to excellence.

 

[Nesotenso]

do you keep tabs on people who 'hate' the US?

Verano is a classic drive by poster. Was nowhere to be seen during the qualification process for example. But yeah shit posters are easy keep a tab on. What's your point?

 

[Fotheringay]

This happens in us sports. Travel baseball, aau basketball, pro football camps. They are identifying prospects for American top sports at 9-10 yrs old or earlier these days and putting them in equivalent farm systems and training that earlier or sooner.

The idea this couldn't and won't happen for futbol is silly.

Yeah, I was playing close to 100 baseball games a year from the time I was 9 to 16.

 

[Verano]

What goes around comes around.

dat salt...so yummy...gimme more salt plz.

Verano is a classic drive by poster. Was nowhere to be seen during the qualification process for example. But yeah shit posters are easy keep a tab on. What's your point?

as long you provide dat salt the better...neso...

 

[Godslay]

This happens in us sports. Travel baseball, aau basketball, pro football camps. They are identifying prospects for American top sports at 9-10 yrs old or earlier these days and putting them in equivalent farm systems and training that earlier or sooner.

The idea this couldn't and won't happen for futbol is silly.

Plus, in US sports most athletes get a pass academically at the higher levels.

 

[elrechazado]

Plus, in US sports most athletes get a pass academically at the higher levels.

I can't agree - they are all scholar student-athletes.


Bwahahahaha

 

[bomma_man]

Being short is probably an advantage in soccer really, it'd give you a lower centre of gravity

 

[Verano]

Plus, in US sports most athletes get a pass academically at the higher levels.

well most athletes at my high school just needed to play good in order to get a scholarship...getting good or even decent grades didn't matter and/or be academically proficient

 

[Acorn]

Celtic lad hey?

Yeah Rogic is gifted and funnily didn't come through the traditional system but rather focused predominately on futsal. This is why his skills are amazing yet he wasn't up to the endurance side of things. If he gets fully fit, I believe he has osteitis pubis, then he could be a star. He was on the bring of the World Cup team but was cut due to injury.

Funnily, his decision to join Celtic is very polarising within Australian soccer. Many believe he would be better off in Belgium or Holland to develop, or even back in the a-league with his former coach. The opposite side state that Celtic is a good development team, one of the best for selling young players to bigger clubs, and play champions league football. I'm probably sided with the former group, that he should have gone to mainland Europe and in a lower division team to get consistent game time.

Jackson Irvine's name is floated around a bit on Australian forums. I have only seen him play for our youth national team once and he was good defensive midfielder.

However, the names to remember in my opinion are Amini (currently at Dortmund) and Ikonomidis (currently at Lazio). Both have the ability to break into their first team this season if they get a good run with injuries.

Yep Celtic through and through.

The squad is kinda crowded around centre mid which isn't great for Rogic and Irvine. But the new manager is in now so hopefully we start seeing more of them because I think they have what it takes if given the chance.

Irvine spent last season at Kilmarnock on loan playing most games and seems to be maturing well.

 

[mantidor]

the real reason is not about height or skill, etc. it´s the old saying about football that anyone can played it, everywhere, with very little equipment. you can make a ball out of rags, play it on dirt, make the goal with stones. you can´t play basketball on dirt or sand and you can´t make a hoop out of sticks and stones, just for example.
cheapest team sport to play in developing countries.

I was going to cite that as well.

But for instance something like rugby isn't very expensive to play either, but size matters a whole deal in that sport. Only argentinians have performed decently and these are people that are for all intents and purposes european-built. You are never going to see a country like, say, Costa Rica, getting close to an international tournament. While now here they are, among the best 8 soccer teams of the world.

 

[Godslay]

well most athletes at my high school just needed to play good in order to get a scholarship...getting good or even decent grades didn't matter and/or be academically proficient

Yeah, academics rarely hold back good athletes. They always find a way around it.

 

[NoRéN]

Verano is a classic drive by poster. Was nowhere to be seen during the qualification process for example. But yeah shit posters are easy keep a tab on. What's your point?

you know, i thought he had passed away or something. Then again, i would also be too embarrassed if my team had not been able to beat their bitter rival in over 3 years including games at home.

 

[Nesotenso]

dat salt...so yummy...gimme more salt plz.


as long you provide dat salt the better...neso...

no problem lol.

just, do show up when Mexico loses as well.

 

[figadapaura]

Verano is a classic drive by poster. Was nowhere to be seen during the qualification process for example. But yeah shit posters are easy keep a tab on. What's your point?

No point. Just curious.

 

[silver.tongue]

David Luiz is one big goon. It helps having a few tall dudes around, winning headers and pushing other players off the ball. Hulk was kinda bad that match as I recall, but he's built like, well, the comic book hero. Brazil-Chile was a very close thing and in high level play, mass matters.

Just look at Belgium, having giants like Kompany-Vertonghen-Alderweireld at your side does wonders.

Fits a factor, yes. But far from beeing the main reason for the way the match went.

 

[elrechazado]

dat salt...so yummy...gimme more salt plz.


as long you provide dat salt the better...neso...

So what you're saying is dat salt then? It's not quite clear.

 

[RandyBobandy]

Brazil/Colombia is going to be so good. Can't wait for that one

As long as Brazil lose..

 

[figadapaura]

I was going to cite that as well.

But for instance something like rugby isn't very expensive to play either, but size matters a whole deal in that sport. Only argentinians have performed decently and these are people that are for all intents and purposes european-built. You are never going to see a country like, say, Costa Rica, getting close to an international tournament. While now here they are, among the best 8 soccer teams of the world.

It's pretty funny that. Ireland has a pretty similar population to Costa Rica, but we arguably have one of the best teams in the world in rugby, yet we're pretty bad at football. Even though football is actually the more popular sport. It's weird.

Although, in Ireland, rugby is definitely not considered something you'd get into if you were poor.

 

[Acorn]

It's pretty funny that. Ireland has a pretty similar population to Costa Rica, but we arguably have one of the best teams in the world in rugby, yet we're pretty bad a football. Even though football is actually the more popular sport. It's weird.

Although, in Ireland, rugby is definitely not considered something you'd get into if you were poor.

Could be worse, could be Scottish. We suck at everything, don't even have a decent golfer anymore.

 

[Caturro]

Brazil/Colombia is going to be so good. Can't wait for that one

As long as Brazil lose..

I hope Brazil wins. The tears will be savory once they lose in the final, at home, AGAIN.

 

[sabertoothzombie]

Brazil/Colombia is going to be so good. Can't wait for that one

As long as Brazil lose..

Friday is going to be a great day. Columbia vs. Brazil and Germany vs. France + no work

 

[clemenx]

Could be worse, could be Scottish. We suck at everything, don't even have a decent golfer anymore.

Andy Murray!

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

Was the group of death really the group of death in retrospect?

We all know during the draw everyone on paper thought it would be crazy but we didn't know Ghana was in turmoil behind the scenes. We also didn't know Portugal would totally collapse at the start and never recover.

There's a group of death before the tournament based on expectations and there's a group of death after the tournament based on actual outcome. I'd say the honor goes to goes to group B or D after the fact.

 

[figadapaura]

Could be worse, could be Scottish. We suck at everything, don't even have a decent golfer anymore.

LOL you have Andy Murray at least.

 

[Acorn]

Andy Murray!

England stole him when he won Wimbledon. He's now british, he was Scottish when he lost.

Nah but I can't believe I forgot about Andy.

 

[Hasphat'sAnts]

Andy Murray!

http://andymurrayometer.com/

Was the group of death really the group of death in retrospect?

We all know during the draw everyone on paper thought it would be crazy but we didn't know Ghana was in turmoil behind the scenes. We also didn't know Portugal would totally collapse at the start and never recover.

There's a group of death before the tournament based on expectations and there's a group of death after the tournament based on actual outcome. I'd say the honor goes to goes to group B or D after the fact.

That's always been the American narrative. But B and D were always the group of death because 1 of the 3 contenders in the group were not going to make it.

 

[Verano]

no problem lol.

just, do show up when Mexico loses as well.

I did...I think...lol...

 

[Acorn]

LOL you have Andy Murray at least.

My father is Italian and Mother half Italian so I get to support a Italy in tournaments. It's the only thing that keeps me sane.

 

[BTM]

Was the group of death really the group of death in retrospect?

We all know during the draw everyone on paper thought it would be crazy but we didn't know Ghana was in turmoil behind the scenes. We also didn't know Portugal would totally collapse at the start and never recover.

There's a group of death before the tournament based on expectations and there's a group of death after the tournament based on actual outcome. I'd say the honor goes to goes to group B or D after the fact.

I would still say USA's group was the "group of death". Put Ghana and Portugal in some of the other groups and they would've made it through.

 

[mantidor]

Brazil/Colombia is going to be so good. Can't wait for that one

As long as Brazil lose..

If Brasil loses there will be chaos and madness in both Colombia and Brasil.

And as a colombian living in Brasil I would fear for my physical integrity.

I still want Colombia to win though. I'm not the biggest soccer fan, but impressions from everywhere, even some brazilians, is that Colombia has been playing very good and Brazil hasn't.

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

I would still say USA's group was the "group of death". Put Ghana and Portugal in some of the other groups and they would've made it through.

You could say the same about Italy and England.

 

[Brazil]

If Brasil loses there will be chaos and madness in both Colombia and Brasil.

And as a colombian living in Brasil I would fear for my physical integrity.

I still want Colombia to win though. I'm not the biggest soccer fan, but impressions from everywhere, even some brazilians, is that Colombia has been playing very good and Brazil hasn't.

I wouldn't worry about your physical integrity.

Brazil will win. And if we don't, we'll be too hurt to hurt anyone.

 

[DrForester]

 

[ronito]

Was the group of death really the group of death in retrospect?

We all know during the draw everyone on paper thought it would be crazy but we didn't know Ghana was in turmoil behind the scenes. We also didn't know Portugal would totally collapse at the start and never recover.

There's a group of death before the tournament based on expectations and there's a group of death after the tournament based on actual outcome. I'd say the honor goes to goes to group B or D after the fact.

Well it would've been had Portugal bothered to show up.

 

[Acorn]

Can he fly a drone?

 

[figadapaura]

My father is Italian and Mother half Italian so I get to support a Italy in tournaments. It's the only thing that keeps me sane.

That must be nice. When was the last time Scotland actually reached the finals?

 

[Major Gripex]

Four more years!

 

[Oersted]

Well it would've been had Portugal bothered to show up.

They killed themselves in the first game.

 

[Kazerei]

Was the group of death really the group of death in retrospect?

We all know during the draw everyone on paper thought it would be crazy but we didn't know Ghana was in turmoil behind the scenes. We also didn't know Portugal would totally collapse at the start and never recover.

There's a group of death before the tournament based on expectations and there's a group of death after the tournament based on actual outcome. I'd say the honor goes to goes to group B or D after the fact.

I'd say it was group D. Three popular hard-working teams, plus out of nowhere Costa Rica stepped the fuck up.

 

[Acorn]

That must be nice. When was the last time Scotland actually reached the finals?

World Cup 98

We were put out by England in the play offs for Euro 2000 when the ref called Don Hutchinsons goal offside - it wasn't. Haven't qualified for anything or came as close since then.

 

[BTM]

You could say the same about Italy and England.

I guess so. I'll say Group D and Group G are about on equal footing.

 

[potam]

Friday is going to be a great day. Columbia vs. Brazil and Germany vs. France + no work

Yeah, that's going to be a glorious day. Plus, I don't think I'll be able to go to my friend's lakehouse for the weekend, so I get to actually go out and watch the game

 

[NaM]

Pope Francis watching the game, the other guys are the Swiss guard

LLOOOOOOLLLL

 

[Oersted]

Was the group of death really the group of death in retrospect?

We all know during the draw everyone on paper thought it would be crazy but we didn't know Ghana was in turmoil behind the scenes. We also didn't know Portugal would totally collapse at the start and never recover.

There's a group of death before the tournament based on expectations and there's a group of death after the tournament based on actual outcome. I'd say the honor goes to goes to group B or D after the fact.

For USA, yes.

They had luck. Portugal imploded against Germany. Two lucky punches against Ghana. Ghana learned and was better against Germany. USA Portugal was even because Portugal played their wrong tactic again.

So yeah. Portugal imploding and two lucky punches. Half luck, half talent.

 

[mantidor]

I wouldn't worry about your physical integrity.

Brazil will win. And if we don't, we'll be too hurt to hurt anyone.

I'm half joking of course. Sadly there's fights when alcohol is involved but I hope there aren't many and colombians here behave too. The next few days at work would be really awkward though.