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Post by Sfance on Dec 15, 2022 2:30:57 GMT
No one over here really cares about football because we call it soccer, you know, that other sport they play. There are just too many options to choose from growing up for a good young athlete in school to choose from to pursue a career in. There's just no incentive to choose soccer. There's a few of us that like soccer outside of these international events, but we're still the odds ones out during the four year hiatus. I won't see soccer rise anywhere near the big three sports over here in what's left of my lifetime and I doubt the next generation will either. I needed something to replace the NFL once I lost interest in it a few years ago and Stoke was that replacement for me. Obviously I suck at picking teams, my other teams prove that. I'm willing to bet most Americans couldn't name more than a couple of football clubs outside of Arsenal or Barcelona, if that. It's a sport that's just not in our collective radar. MLS? Does anyone even care about MLS over here? I don't, although the Columbus Crew is a cool name for a club. I'm sure there are folks that think I'm wrong, but it's pretty obvious history has proved this out so far. Yes, that's been my perception as well. People even look at me weird when I tell them I follow "soccer." I've had the same with MLS, just can't get into it although I WILL watch it from time to time. Most of the people raise objections to the diving, labelling it a "fake" sport. And egomaniacs like Ronaldo spouting off in the media don't help either. (We have our quota filled of spoiled brats in professional sports) They're doing a good job at "grass roots" soccer here though, so that will eventually make an impact. In fact, I just found out about a local semi-pro team called FC Rain that plays in my hometown. They kind of "feed" Tulsa, which has a Tier 2 pro team that gets scouted by the MLS. Several of the players are from a local university and come from all over the world. I'm going to give it a watch soon. Then we have all the little kiddies playing - my town has at least 20 "soccer" pitches spread out in 3 or 4 locations around town just for that purpose and they host regional tournaments for the different age groups, mostly attended by parents/siblings. I had no idea that many kids are playing the sport. It's still on the rise in popularity. And now kids can get scholarships to play at university, so there's that. I too have waning interest in the NFL. (With all the trading of players, you're just rooting for a logo anyway) I'm somewhat into professional baseball as I played that sport all the way through High School and it ended up paying for my College. My family were ST holders to the St. Louis Cardinals, growing up. NBA is exciting and a damned good show if you ever have the chance to catch a game, but it's pricey. That "priceyness" has taken over our major sports, which is another reason a lot of people opt out attending in-person. Most of the people I'm around are still nuts about college sports, but they're even trying to ruin that with all this "playoffs" stuff with football. Good luck affording a ticket to one of THOSE games! But the college athletes play harder and there are more upsets. Where I'm at, the Kansas City Chiefs are very popular (If you're into a team that resembles a McDonald's restaurant). Been to a couple games up there - those people are LOUD!!! (And that's just the women 2 hours before kickoff!) It's a roar that has your ears ringing for days. I received less than a hospitable reception, being decked out in Raiders gear. (So I'm no good at picking teams either) Fuck the Chiefs. It's the Bills' year. And Syracuse too - won their first National collegiate championship in "soccer" the other day. Go Orange.
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FRA-MAR
Dec 15, 2022 9:21:34 GMT
via mobile
Post by superjw on Dec 15, 2022 9:21:34 GMT
If it’s any consolation, Messi would have ruined us in the final anyway. We might not have even made it past Morocco. One set of wankers vs another in the final. One for ignoring completely. To be honest, Morocco would have beaten us. They were fantastic and would have cut our defence right open.
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Post by leesandfordstoupe on Dec 15, 2022 9:59:30 GMT
If it’s any consolation, Messi would have ruined us in the final anyway. We might not have even made it past Morocco. One set of wankers vs another in the final. One for ignoring completely. To be honest, Morocco would beaten us. They were fantastic and would have cut our defence right open. Just nice to see two teams playing purposeful football instead of just having the ball for the sake of it. Going back when absolutely necessary and not to the point where they seem like it’s their preferred option as is becoming the norm particularly with teams I’ve got a vested interest in ie Stoke and England.
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Post by superjw on Dec 15, 2022 10:19:07 GMT
To be honest, Morocco would beaten us. They were fantastic and would have cut our defence right open. Just nice to see two teams playing purposeful football instead of just having the ball for the sake of it. Going back when absolutely necessary and not to the point where they seem like it’s their preferred option as is becoming the norm particularly with teams I’ve got a vested interest in ie Stoke and England. Yes it’s very refreshing to see. Out of the 2 semis last nights game was far more enjoyable. Morocco took the game to France and played some great stuff, it was a great game.
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Post by Vadiation_Ribe on Dec 15, 2022 13:35:00 GMT
How long before an African nation wins this thing. Next 20 years ? Pele said that in the 70s I think it was (and maybe in the 90s too), but I think the growth of the Champions League gave African nations less chance, as well as many European sides with smaller populations. Countries like Nigeria and Cameroon didn't capitalise on their relative successes, and there's so much money pumped into the top European leagues and international teams now that the gap will widen. It's easier for players to get work permits for more countries if they represent a European or especially EU country when a permit isn't needed. Part of Morocco's success is down to national investment in football (though investment is never a guarantee of success of course, and they've still done brilliantly and defied expectations). There will always be countries who punch above their weight for a time, like Croatia superbly have, but would they have without Modric? If Morocco had a world class attacking player like Mbappe or Griezmann they'd be an absolute force based on this World Cup. I had fun supporting Morocco after being in the country during their first few World Cup games. And the above leads on to duckling's response: How long before an African nation wins this thing. Next 20 years ? Less than half of the Morocco starting team were born and/or raised in Morocco. The rest are from Spain, Netherlands, or France but qualify due to Moroccan parents. As long as African countries rely on players developed in major footballing nations, it will be very difficult for an African country to win. Most of the players who are from a major football nation but play for their parents' nation do so because they weren't good enough to get a starting spot for the major footballing nation. The country outside Europe or South America with the most potential to win a World Cup is probably Mexico. But the Mexican national setup is a clusterfuck. On the flip side, many of the best players of the past 25 years could have played for an African country but the 'major football nations' got them. Take France for example: Mbappe, Zidane, Desailly, Viera, Kante, Dembele, Benzema etc. There was controversy in France when Anelka and Evra didn't sing along to the French national anthem - two more players who could have played for African countries. Qatar poached many young African footballers (before they were even 16) for citizenship. Unless an African country puts big investment into football, African countries will continue fighting for the "scraps" (for want of a better phrase). Most promising African players come to Europe at a young age, but maybe the South American way works better where players tend to stay in Brazil/Argentina for their teens at least.
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Post by dirtclod on Dec 15, 2022 16:09:37 GMT
Very good point Vadiation. (As money "drives" the game)
With the hit-and-miss nature of talent-scouting, (See Jese, Imbula etc.) I think it's fun when "the ones who were overlooked" as kids develop into ... hungry, unified team-players like Morocco have. Hope springs eternal and Morocco is justifiably very proud of their boys! And they (probably are) should be proud of their manager. The story of the tournament for me.
Nobody with a brain cell will "look past" Morocco again!
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FRA-MAR
Dec 15, 2022 18:22:23 GMT
via mobile
Post by thehartshillbadger on Dec 15, 2022 18:22:23 GMT
How long before an African nation wins this thing. Next 20 years ? That was being said 32 years ago. To be honest Morocco were the only African side to have a decent World Cup. I read that a few years ago they spent billions on grass roots and facilities so it looks like it’s working
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