OT: Boneyard "Other Football" World Cup Thread

[UCFBfan]

Speaking of camera angles, how do all you Spurs fans deal with the horrendous camera angle at White Heart Lane?? I seriously feel like I'm on the roof and you can't always see the left corner unless it's a ground level shot. It's the one stadium who's camera angle bugs me. I feel the cameras at The Ethiad are too far away as well!

 

[UConnDan97]

So Cameron at Stoke doesn't do it for you? I feel the same way ... McBride started it for me ... then Bocanegra, Dempsey, & EJ. Fulhamerica no more ...

The closest "second team" I had was Everton with Timmy H. and when Landon was on loan. The difficulty with liking a team where you only care about the goalie is that you are rooting to see him make saves. That only happens if the team isn't doing their job! So I guess I'll stick with "anyone that plays against Liverpool" in order to get my dose of EPL...

 

[UConnDan97]

I tried watching a few Bundesliga games on GOAL network but couldn't do it.

Great point there. I don't know what it is, but the Bundesliga is some of the most unattractive soccer to watch for me. I tried to watch Bayern vs. Borussia this past year, thinking that the great matchup was going to be enough for me to stay into it. Sadly, it wasn't. I'm much more likely to watch 90 minutes of Barcelona vs. Atletico or even PSG vs. Monaco than I am for watching the Bundesliga, which is weird because they do have high-quality talent there...

 

[WestHartHusk]

Speaking of camera angles, how do all you Spurs fans deal with the horrendous camera angle at White Heart Lane?? I seriously feel like I'm on the roof and you can't always see the left corner unless it's a ground level shot. It's the one stadium who's camera angle bugs me. I feel the cameras at The Ethiad are too far away as well!

Drives me nuts. You can't see plays in the near end of mid-field because the camera is literally over the pitch.

I got my trip into WHL, so I am really looking forward to the new stadium, which just took a major step forward.

 

[UCFBfan]

I got my trip into WHL, so I am really looking forward to the new stadium, which just took a major step forward.

The problem with these new stadiums is that they are moving away from what is really cool about soccer, fan proximity. That mock up looks like every other large stadium (ie Arsenal and Man City). Those two stadiums always lacked the same feel as other EPL clubs, even from just watching on TV. I think it's a mistake for West Ham to move too.

It's funny to see these Premier league teams move away from cozy stadiums into football sized ones while in the MLS they finally realized that what they needed were soccer specific, closer to the action, stadiums.

 

[EdgewoodNHV]

Been watching more and more La Liga too, that is the best level of play of the 4 major leagues.

I disagree with this assessment. Barcelona and Real Madrid are amazing squads full of gifted players and they play some beautiful ball, but besides those two and Atletico Madrid, there's a significant dropoff. I think you can look at the top 10 teams in EPL and see some competitiveness you don't get in La Liga. Look at Crystal Palace and Sunderland last year -- they both pulled off some impressive wins against the Manchester City and Chelsea-type squads. I find EPL overall to be much more competitive.

 

[meyers7]

The closest "second team" I had was Everton with Timmy H. and when Landon was on loan. The difficulty with liking a team where you only care about the goalie is that you are rooting to see him make saves. That only happens if the team isn't doing their job! So I guess I'll stick with "anyone that plays against Liverpool" in order to get my dose of EPL...

If your looking for Yanks in the EPL, as was posted Timmy is at Everton and Cameron is at Stoke. But also Guzan is at Aston Villa, and Altidore is at Sunderland (there's a field player for you, I mean when he gets to play ).

Here's a link to lot's of Americans playing abroad.
http://www.yanks-abroad.com/content.php?mode=players

 

[meyers7]

LOVE BeIN Sports.

I'd love it more if I could get it in HD. Tough to watch after watching ESPN/FOX/NBC in HD. Feels like I'm watching TV from last millennium.

But at least I get it.

 

[ZooCougar]

If your looking for Yanks in the EPL, as was posted Timmy is at Everton and Cameron is at Stoke. But also Guzan is at Aston Villa, and Altidore is at Sunderland (there's a field player for you, I mean when he gets to play ).

Here's a link to lot's of Americans playing abroad.
http://www.yanks-abroad.com/content.php?mode=players

That link still has Cherundolo playing for Hannover 96 isn't he retired?

 

[meyers7]

I tried watching a few Bundesliga games on GOAL network but couldn't do it. I believe Fox picked up the rights so I'll try watching that.

According to the Bundesliga site, GolTV still have the Bundesliga until 2015. (maybe after that??)

http://www.bundesliga.com/en/watch/broadcasters/


Yep more Googling. After.

http://awfulannouncing.com/2013/fox-wins-us-tv-rights-to-the-bundesliga.html

 

[meyers7]

That link still has Cherundolo playing for Hannover 96 isn't he retired?

I believe so. I noticed a couple others where not updated. Boyd is not with Rapid Vienna anymore either. I think Jones is a "Free Agent" now too, not with Besitkas. It needs to be updated.

 

[Husky25]

I believe so. I noticed a couple others where not updated. Boyd is not with Rapid Vienna anymore either. I think Jones is a "Free Agent" now too, not with Besitkas. It needs to be updated.

Fabian Johnson is no longer with Hoffenhiem either. I went to the Bundesliga website because the above referenced site indicated a couple US players playing for TSG Hoffenhiem, but the club site said Johnson is transferring to Gladbach.

 

[UCFBfan]

It'll be interesting to see what players get picked up after their WC performance. I'm not just referring to US players. It's interesting to see who get paid gobs of money and never pan and out and those that come on to the scene in the WC and become stars.

 

[UCFBfan]

Just found this link actually in response to my post above...

http://www.espnfc.us/blog/transfer-talk/79/post/1948298/the-rise-and-fall-of-world-cup-values

 

[DarthGrumpy]

All of this. Plus it eliminates any Arsenal fans from your circle of friends, which is unequivocally a positive.

Does Tottenham have to pay a licensing fee to the Les Blues in France, i.e. France national team, for using a rooster on their crest?

 

[meyers7]

Fabian Johnson is no longer with Hoffenhiem either. I went to the Bundesliga website because the above referenced site indicated a couple US players playing for TSG Hoffenhiem, but the club site said Johnson is transferring to Gladbach.

The site seems to up to date on the front page and on the forums. Maybe they don't update the list until the transfer window is closed???

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Interesting story, to me anyway. Was on vacation in Key West a couple years ago and got talking to a guy on a dinner cruise. He had a British accent. So I asked him where he was from. He said London. I asked him if he followed football/soccer, he said yes, he was a Tottenham fan, wondered if I had heard of them. I smiled and pointed down at my Arsenal tattoo on my leg. We both groaned a little, but then got along famously, as did our wives. Went out for drinks and had a great time. Talked about football all night.

So all Tottenham fans aren't evil.

Same reason I can’t truly hate Syracuse ever after everything that has happened as I have too many Syracuse drinking buddies. Damn conference realignment…

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Crazy idea. Play the semis on the same day?

I suspect that TV money is the reason they don’t.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Concussion rules need to be revisited, that German that played the first half - seen that before.

If soccer is ever going to become a 'mainstream' sport in the USA, that play acting in pain stuff just can't be a part of it.

Have to agree with that. FIFA will be under pressure to re-look at their concussion protocols as there were at least 4 instances where I thought they guy should not have come back onto the field. First, the player needs to be independently evaluated, i.e. not by his/her own medical staff. The magic spray does not work on the head. Second, and I know it’s a major break in tradition; but, the injured player’s team should be able to put in a ‘temporary’ sub to provide medical officials with eth 6 or so minutes to properly evaluate a head injury. After the evaluation is done, the temporary sub comes off without burning one of the team’s 3 subs if the injured player is deemed fit. If the injured player is not, then the temporary sub becomes a permanent sub and one of the substitutions is used. A player’s long-term health is much more important than tradition.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Also odd that the US doesn't flop and therefore benefits in added time. The half hour Portugal got
in the second half was a rounding error.

And the 1 minute added after the second OT session in the Belgium/USA game after a goal and a very sloooowww Belgium sub was, uh, I have no idea.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Drives me nuts. You can't see plays in the near end of mid-field because the camera is literally over the pitch.

I got my trip into WHL, so I am really looking forward to the new stadium, which just took a major step forward.

Are Spurs fans happy or mad that they lost to West Ham on the bid for the Olympic Stadium? I would assume that as the new Spurs stadium will be next door, the end result, a new White hart Lane, was better than the Olympic stadium option, which is closer to the traditional West Ham fan base that Tottenham.

I agree that the old stadiums have a lot more atmosphere; but money talks and to compete at the top against Man U, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, a new bells and whistles stadium is needed to bring in the case.

 

[Husky25]

Have to agree with that. FIFA will be under pressure to re-look at their concussion protocols as there were at least 4 instances where I thought they guy should not have come back onto the field. First, the player needs to be independently evaluated, i.e. not by his/her own medical staff. The magic spray does not work on the head. Second, and I know it’s a major break in tradition; but, the injured player’s team should be able to put in a ‘temporary’ sub to provide medical officials with eth 6 or so minutes to properly evaluate a head injury. After the evaluation is done, the temporary sub comes off without burning one of the team’s 3 subs if the injured player is deemed fit. If the injured player is not, then the temporary sub becomes a permanent sub and one of the substitutions is used. A player’s long-term health is much more important than tradition.

It takes longer than 360 seconds to evaluate and determine a potential concussion. In American football, the protocol calls for the player's helmet to be taken away immediately and as soon as the player is escorted to the locker room (not the bench), he must take off his cleats. IF the player comes back, it typically isn't for about the time it takes to play a quarter, which is about 35-45 minutes.

I can certainly get behind your concussion-sub idea, but there will absolutely be managers who try and circumvent the spirit of the rule. So in order to prevent this, I would add:

1) If the concussed player is able to return and is re-subbed into the game, the concussion-sub is done for the day.
2) The concussion sub cannot be subsequently replaced by the 3 otherwise allowable subs (even for an injury). I.e. ONLY the originally concussed player can replace the concussion sub.
3) If the originally concussed player must come out again after reentry, the side must play with 10 for the remainder of the match or use an otherwise allowable sub.
4) No concussion sub will be allowed if the 3 otherwise allowable subs have already been exhausted (Guards against faking a head injury late in the game to allow a fresh player on). The side plays with 10.

 

[UCFBfan]

I agree that the old stadiums have a lot more atmosphere; but money talks and to compete at the top against Man U, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, a new bells and whistles stadium is needed to bring in the case.

But why is this? Do you think players really care if they are playing in a brand new stadium versus one that is still good? If the stadium was falling apart that's one thing (not sure the status of WH Lane) but to me, players care about the money they get in their contracts. If anything, building a new stadium puts a financial burden on the team and causes them not to be able to pay out for higher priced players. I believe meyers7 was saying earlier that Arsenal is just now getting out from under the debt caused by building their new stadium. Why do that? If you wanna keep up with the Chelsea's and Manchester clubs, spend in the transfer window and get a competent manager.

 

[SAMCRO]

I disagree with this assessment. Barcelona and Real Madrid are amazing squads full of gifted players and they play some beautiful ball, but besides those two and Atletico Madrid, there's a significant dropoff. I think you can look at the top 10 teams in EPL and see some competitiveness you don't get in La Liga. Look at Crystal Palace and Sunderland last year -- they both pulled off some impressive wins against the Manchester City and Chelsea-type squads. I find EPL overall to be much more competitive.

I'm a big fan of EPL (it is my favorite league), but disagree that it is more (or less) competitive top to bottom. There were some big upsets in both leagues last season. I look at Real and Barca as elite, and the past few years Atletico Madrid has been very strong. Then you have Sevilla (UEFA Europa League Champions), Valencia, Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad and that is a really strong top 8. As for the upsets/balance throughout the table 15th place Granada beat Barca, 19th place and relagated Valldolid beat Barca and drew w/ Real Madrid, 14th place Espanyol beat Atletico Madrid, 18th place and relegated Ossasuna beat Atletico Madrid and drew with Real Madrid, so there is defintiely some quality in the middle and bottom of the table.

I still prefer watching EPL, but IMO La Liga from top to bottom is a stronger league and is equally competitive (not science, so hard to validate, just my opinion).

 

[meyers7]

Are Spurs fans happy or mad that they lost to West Ham on the bid for the Olympic Stadium? I would assume that as the new Spurs stadium will be next door, the end result, a new White hart Lane, was better than the Olympic stadium option, which is closer to the traditional West Ham fan base that Tottenham.

I agree that the old stadiums have a lot more atmosphere; but money talks and to compete at the top against Man U, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, a new bells and whistles stadium is needed to bring in the case.

That's why we (Arsenal) had to build the new stadium. And still we can't keep up with City, ManU, or Chelsea. Unless they actually, really enforce the FairPlay stuff. Well ManU does it right, they are just so big. They just got a new uniform deal with Adidas for $130 mil a year for 10 years (starts next year I believe). By comparison, we (Arsenal) just got a "great" new deal this year with Puma for about $51 mil a year for 5 years. Of course ManU will not be getting Champion's League money this year.