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Old 09-05-2017, 07:17 PM   #101
whomario
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Originally Posted by MrBug708 View Post
So what's the situation for qualification right now?

If US wins both remaining games they are through, if not things get complicated
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Old 09-06-2017, 09:20 AM   #102
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And thankfully T&T is easily the worst team in the Hex (1 win and 7 losses). So we get a good road game to close it out. And if we can't beat Panama, we also have a +8 Goal Differential vs. Honduras if we tie them on points.
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Old 09-06-2017, 12:11 PM   #103
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So looks like Leicester's major summer signing (Adrien Silva) won't go through as we missued the (extended) deadline by 14 seconds.

Part of me is '14 seconds? Seriously, you're gonna block it for that?'.

The other part of me is 'it's not like we didn't know deadline day was coming, we were granted two extra hours, we've only got ourselves to blame for cutting it so fine'

Strange situation, especially as Sporting are saying there is no get out clause if our appeal is turned down, stories are beginning to come out from Leicester with the reverse... both suggest a lack of confidence that the registration will be allowed.
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Old 09-07-2017, 09:00 AM   #104
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Premier League clubs vote to close transfer window before season starts | Football News | Sky Sports
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Old 09-11-2017, 10:09 AM   #105
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FdB is not good

....and he's gone. That didnt last long.

Looks like Roy Hodgson is getting the job.
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Old 09-11-2017, 10:39 AM   #106
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Any time you can snap up a manager who has been out of club football since 2012 and whose last job ended in abject humiliation, you just have to jump on that chance

In all seriousness been texting with one of my mates from back home who is a huge Palace supporter, neither of us thinks Hodgson is the kind of manager you want in a relegation scrap but it's quite possible he has Palace playing attractive football and well out of danger by Christmas. Another high risk hire IMO
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Old 09-11-2017, 01:35 PM   #107
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Parish is the definition of ultra conservative but its hard to argue with results that has kept Palace at the highest level. Last time we rushed ahead like this, we ended with Neil Warnock, and that was awful

Last edited by MrBug708 : 09-11-2017 at 01:36 PM.
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Old 09-12-2017, 01:38 PM   #108
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So, the UEFA Champions League kicks off in a couple of minutes...

After mulling over it for a couple of days, I have sent a letter to UEFA that after 22 years I decided to stop watching UEFA Champions' League matches, explicitly calling the absurdity surrounding Paris SG and their transfers with FC Barcelona and AS Monaco as the final straw. I highly doubt one man can make a difference, but I figured if I'm going to take a decision to boycott, I'd at least take the courtesy to let UEFA know I wish them the best in restoring the credibility of the competition. But as it is now, they've lost 1 of their 100,000,000s of fans.

I wonder how long I will be able to hesitate and actually uphold my decision...
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Old 09-12-2017, 02:34 PM   #109
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Originally Posted by MIJB#19 View Post
After mulling over it for a couple of days, I have sent a letter to UEFA that after 22 years I decided to stop watching UEFA Champions' League matches, explicitly calling the absurdity surrounding Paris SG and their transfers with FC Barcelona and AS Monaco as the final straw.

While generally agreeing with your point, PSG are playing Celtic tonight. So good luck to Neymar, Mbappe and the boys, Allez le PSG!
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Old 09-12-2017, 04:02 PM   #110
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Messi is just amazing, no way around it.
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Old 09-12-2017, 06:34 PM   #111
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Originally Posted by MIJB#19 View Post
So, the UEFA Champions League kicks off in a couple of minutes...

After mulling over it for a couple of days, I have sent a letter to UEFA that after 22 years I decided to stop watching UEFA Champions' League matches, explicitly calling the absurdity surrounding Paris SG and their transfers with FC Barcelona and AS Monaco as the final straw. I highly doubt one man can make a difference, but I figured if I'm going to take a decision to boycott, I'd at least take the courtesy to let UEFA know I wish them the best in restoring the credibility of the competition. But as it is now, they've lost 1 of their 100,000,000s of fans.

I wonder how long I will be able to hesitate and actually uphold my decision...

Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
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Old 09-12-2017, 06:34 PM   #112
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Wait, are you serious?
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Old 09-13-2017, 01:50 AM   #113
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I haven't watched the CL for years now: it never really over interested me, and once it went to a different subscription channel I didn't feel the need to follow.

Even when Leicester played in it last year I wasn't bothered at all - my brother and friends went to some of the games, but it meant nothing to me.

Make it straight knock out again I'd be interested: tbf when it gets to the last 16 I do show a bit more interest, and ideally make it just the Champions.

As for the Europa League, should be scrapped immediately - a tournament where most of the teams fight for eight places, and then eight teams who weren't good enough to succeed in another tournament are parachuted in is a farce
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Old 09-13-2017, 10:12 AM   #114
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That all makes sense to me, but UEFA and FIFA are all about the benjamins and have been for years. I just don't get the animosity against new money clubs. Do people like MIJB actually believe that Madrid, Barca, United, Bayern, Milan, etc are bastions of grassroots and ethical operations? Why is everyone throwing up such a fuss now and not 20-25 years ago? What has changed other than there are a couple more clubs at the big boys table and there is an extra zero or two at the end of transfer fees? It just reeks of racism to me. I have to say it.
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Old 09-13-2017, 10:34 AM   #115
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Everything would be right in the world if Neymar had just stayed at Barca and Mbappe went to Madrid. Right? RIGHT?
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Old 09-13-2017, 10:41 AM   #116
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That all makes sense to me, but UEFA and FIFA are all about the benjamins and have been for years. I just don't get the animosity against new money clubs. Do people like MIJB actually believe that Madrid, Barca, United, Bayern, Milan, etc are bastions of grassroots and ethical operations? Why is everyone throwing up such a fuss now and not 20-25 years ago? What has changed other than there are a couple more clubs at the big boys table and there is an extra zero or two at the end of transfer fees? It just reeks of racism to me. I have to say it.
There are no 'people like MIJB', there is only one MIJB.

My disenchantment isn't an animosity directed only at 'new money clubs'. The Gareth Bale transfer was silly when it happened, I've shook my head at Real Madrid more than once. The latest absurdity surrounding the Paris SG transfers have been the final straw to me.

I have no idea how long I will be able to not watch the CL or check scores. So far I have managed not to check scores of yesterday night's games, which is very unusual for my doing, for the past decades I've watched live tickers or at least checked scores at the end of the night or the next morning.
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Old 09-13-2017, 10:45 AM   #117
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The Gareth Bale transfer was silly when it happened, I've shook my head at Real Madrid more than once.
Yup, I was pretty specific then and called the Bale transfer the silliest transfer to date: Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - Soccer Thread 2013-14
Although I clearly forecasted horribly on how Bale would do in Madrid.
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Old 09-13-2017, 12:36 PM   #118
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I haven't watched the CL for years now: it never really over interested me, and once it went to a different subscription channel I didn't feel the need to follow.

I barely watch European competitions, they're of limited interest to me despite my obvious soccer addiction and need to stay current because of my job.

The match ups are invariably poorly balanced in group stages and even when they're close they're often meaningless because even if the heavy weights in the groups do badly they're guaranteed qualifying for the next stage in many cases.

Heck back in the days it was a proper 'Champions' only competition with knockout I can't ever remember a team fielding a weakened side for it, but that seems to be increasingly the case these days as clubs themselves appear to be losing their interest in the group stages beyond milking it as a cash cow to stumble through ... and the EUFA Cup even more so ...

It Is Time to Admit the Champions League Has Become Boring and Predictable | Bleacher Report

Liverpool escape punishment from Uefa for fielding weakened team against Real Madrid - Telegraph

Last edited by Marc Vaughan : 09-13-2017 at 12:39 PM.
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Old 09-13-2017, 02:01 PM   #119
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The old style European competitions were the shit. True meaning to winning the league or winning your domestic cup competition and its no coincidence that once the Cup Winners Cuo went away the cup competitions in most of the European leagues started to go downhill. Money ruins everything.
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Old 09-14-2017, 11:30 AM   #120
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Heck back in the days it was a proper 'Champions' only competition with knockout I can't ever remember a team fielding a weakened side for it, but that seems to be increasingly the case these days as clubs themselves appear to be losing their interest in the group stages beyond milking it as a cash cow to stumble through ... and the EUFA Cup even more so ...
That made me look it up. The last champions only competition, although already with group stages, was in the 1996/1997 season. That's already over 20 years ago. Wow. I think teams then didn't consider fielding reserve players (heck, they didn't have the option anyway, with barely 20 players on their A squads). Personally, I can't even remember the time before the 4 groups of 4 teams format, I jumped in right after WC'94 got me interested, at the start of the 1994/1995 season.
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Old 09-20-2017, 11:01 PM   #121
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Just got back from my 1st Atlanta United game (and first game in the new dome). Was an amazing atmosphere, much better than the Braves and probably equal (or better) than the Falcons games I've been to. It helped that they won 4-0, but made me want to join the waitlist.
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Old 09-21-2017, 11:50 AM   #122
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Galaxy seem like a good opponent for most teams these days
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Old 09-22-2017, 10:02 AM   #123
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Hoffenheim looking strong again to start the year. I haven't been paying as much attention to Swansea, though I will as the season heats up.
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Old 09-23-2017, 11:33 AM   #124
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That made me look it up. The last champions only competition, although already with group stages, was in the 1996/1997 season. That's already over 20 years ago. Wow. I think teams then didn't consider fielding reserve players (heck, they didn't have the option anyway, with barely 20 players on their A squads). Personally, I can't even remember the time before the 4 groups of 4 teams format, I jumped in right after WC'94 got me interested, at the start of the 1994/1995 season.

That's right mate make me feel old
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Old 09-28-2017, 10:37 AM   #125
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Sometimes I feel like a bad Atlanta United fan. They have gone on a tear since moving into Mercedes Benz Stadium, destroying teams in their expansion year. However, I far prefer the close nerve racking games to the 3-0, 4-0, etc. blowouts. My favorite game in MBS was 3-3 v Orlando.

I don't know, maybe that sounds strange. But I liked soccer before ATL UTD existed and want to see good soccer over (necessarily) seeing my team win - both at the same time would be the best.
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Old 09-28-2017, 01:15 PM   #126
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Bayern fires Ancelotti, who basically mailed the PSG game in slash used it to make a power play by leaving Robben, Ribbery and also Hummels out of the lineup (and apparently only told them hours before the game).
Never felt like he was actually all that invested and seemed to pretty much go through the motions without actually doing much tactically. Allegedly very little involvement in day-to-day training as well and a reluctance to develop younger players (was not happy Bayern bought a couple of those rather than a big star over the last 2 offseasons). All in all one of those cases where a shock-firing actually wasn't all that shocking if you read between the lines before.
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Old 10-03-2017, 07:28 PM   #127
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Apparently Alex Morgan can't hold her liquor.

Alex Morgan and Orlando City players removed from Epcot Center by police - ESPN FC
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Old 10-06-2017, 03:39 PM   #128
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Argentina about to miss out on the WC after a 0:0 at home against Peru, having to have other games go their way and win away at Ecuador (whome they lost their home game to).

Iceland (they of 330k Population) meanwhile on the verge of qualifying for the WC after making the Euros last year. Winning 3:0 in Turkey while Croatia only draws 1:1 at home to Finland. Now Iceland can secure the first spot by beating the Kosovo at home next week.
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Old 10-06-2017, 06:45 PM   #129
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Pulisic! 1-0 8th min
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Old 10-06-2017, 06:56 PM   #130
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Altidore!!! 2-0
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Old 10-06-2017, 06:58 PM   #131
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That Pulisic - Altidore combo seems to be getting used to each other.

Oh, how did Woods not finish that one? Beautiful pass by Arriola.
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Old 10-06-2017, 07:20 PM   #132
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Wood with a great move to draw a foul and a PK. Altidore with the slow chip down the middle on the PK to make it 3-0.
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Old 10-06-2017, 07:21 PM   #133
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3-0 right before halftime
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Old 10-06-2017, 07:36 PM   #134
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its fucking panama

ive seen high school programs with better defensive tech.

lets not start sucking each others dicks yet.
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Old 10-06-2017, 07:56 PM   #135
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Bobby Wood makes it 4-0
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Old 10-06-2017, 07:57 PM   #136
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we got wood! 4-0
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Old 10-06-2017, 07:58 PM   #137
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Hooray for Bobby Wood!
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Old 10-06-2017, 07:59 PM   #138
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Wood can be better than Altidore.
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Old 10-06-2017, 08:46 PM   #139
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its fucking panama

ive seen high school programs with better defensive tech.

lets not start sucking each others dicks yet.

As the announcers pointed out several times tonight, Panama only had 5other goals against in the Hex.
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Old 10-06-2017, 08:49 PM   #140
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its fucking panama

ive seen high school programs with better defensive tech.

lets not start sucking each others dicks yet.

Not sure who in thread you're responding to. USA can only play the schedule in front of it and they needed the points here.

I don't see anyone here proclaiming they are the next great thing now.
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Old 10-06-2017, 11:22 PM   #141
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Is Pulisic the best player the US has ever had even at this age?
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Old 10-07-2017, 01:03 PM   #142
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Is Pulisic the best player the US has ever had even at this age?

Yes - easily the best.

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Old 10-07-2017, 02:54 PM   #143
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Argentina about to miss out on the WC after a 0:0 at home against Peru, having to have other games go their way and win away at Ecuador (whome they lost their home game to).
If Argentina wins, they will finish at least 5th, which means a playoff with New Zealand and 4th if either Chili doesn't win in Brazil (quite possible), or Uruguay loses to Bolivia (unlikely). But if they don't beat (already eliminated) Ecuador, they need Colombia to beat Peru (or vice versa) to move up to 5th place. A loss will definitely keep them away from Russia 2018.
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Old 10-07-2017, 03:51 PM   #144
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Alright, all we need now is a 7-0 victory over Sweden. :sigh:
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Old 10-08-2017, 10:48 AM   #145
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Canal+ going for a "Catalans v Spanish Police" theme in their Barcelona v Real Madrid ads.

https://twitter.com/canalplus/status/916294999561478144
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Old 10-09-2017, 03:40 PM   #146
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Iceland really has qualified by winning their group Smallest Country (by Population) to ever qualify at about 330k, previous record holder being Trinidad and Tobago (1.3 mio)
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Old 10-09-2017, 04:11 PM   #147
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Iceland really has qualified by winning their group Smallest Country (by Population) to ever qualify at about 330k, previous record holder being Trinidad and Tobago (1.3 mio)

Is there a story somewhere on how they got so good at soccer? It's just amazing for a country that size that doesn't seem to produce that many global stars.
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Old 10-09-2017, 04:31 PM   #148
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Is there a story somewhere on how they got so good at soccer? It's just amazing for a country that size that doesn't seem to produce that many global stars.

On the pitch: "Golden Generation" (people overlook they also almost qualified in 2014, loosing out in the Playoffs to Croatia), lots of players making great career choices and not at all hesitant to move abroad, very few injuries it seems, unorthodox tactical style which a lot of teams and their players rarely if ever face at national or club level. (flat 442 with physical wingers and lots and lots of aerial balls)

Off the pitch: As a country/federation, starting about in 2000, they also started to a) install astroturf everywhere and b) build several full-size indoor fields across the country. You can't overstate the importance of this in a country that's basically "blessed" with a half year long winter.
So obviously the fact that Iceland is well off economically and that the technology became available helped alot. But there has been a concious decision to develop at the base and infrastructure rather than foolishly attempt to bolster the national league. They also by now have the highest concentration of UEFA-qualified coaches per capita (i think) and that also started to develop in the early 00s.

Be interesting what happens after the current crop ages, about half the current squad are near or above 30. But even if they go through a few struggles, they'll still be way, way ahead of the other small countries in Europe.

Decent article: Euro 2016: The story of Iceland's unlikely footballing revolutionÂ*

Nice little video : The Vikings’ Shocking Euro Run: The Unbelievable Rise of Icelandic Soccer - YouTube
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Old 10-09-2017, 08:08 PM   #149
Butter
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Dayton, OH
So the field for the US final game is a virtual lake.

Wonder how this game is going to shake out tomorrow.
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Old 10-09-2017, 09:06 PM   #150
BishopMVP
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Join Date: Oct 2000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B & B View Post
its fucking panama

ive seen high school programs with better defensive tech.

lets not start sucking each others dicks yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chief Rum View Post
Not sure who in thread you're responding to. USA can only play the schedule in front of it and they needed the points here.

I don't see anyone here proclaiming they are the next great thing now.
+1 Chief. People freak out about the US possibly missing the World Cup, which would require finishing behind said Panama team in the hex, then we play electric offensive football in the first half of a must win game and look better than we have in months, and it's "why are you so excited about beating Panama?"

PS I'd take that Panama D over ours at this point. Villafana & Omar Gonzalez can not be starters at this level.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RainMaker View Post
Is Pulisic the best player the US has ever had even at this age?
It's pretty close with Landon Donovan (who was named Best Young Player at the World Cup and led the US to the semifinals when he was 20), but Pulisic is certainly much more accomplished at the club level, and playing the Champions League/Bundesliga vs coming home to MLS should continue helping his development as long as he stays healthy.
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