The Official World Cup 2010 thread

[Ehwmatt]

You can't tell me soccer does not have mental toughness!! Ever played a goalie position???? There are angles and geometry involved. And strength and endurance.

When did I say that? I don't know shit about soccer other than it doesn't entertain me in the least, World Cup or not. I was just saying that not all sports are created equally as far as mental toughness/strategy go.

You watch football, and you're telling me soccer doesn't entertain you?

Football has to be the most boring thing ever (well almost - there's always golf). I used to think it was because I didn't know the rules or what was going on... not the case. I learned the rules and I still hate it. Run 5 yards, stop, run 5 more yards, stop, tackle, fall down, time out, run 3 more yards, fall down some more, stop again, line up, yell random numbers, run 3 feet, tackle, fall down, rinse and repeat for two and a half hours.

I like sports where the action is constant and something is always going on and play is not being stopped every other minute or two.

I can see how you feel that way. I just like what I like

[bluejeangirl76]

I can see how you feel that way. I just like what I like

Nothing wrong with that. I'm just disgruntled because *my* sports season is over... but it ended GREAT!

[S2M]

I'd rather listen to Barry Manilow at 78 speed, while Arnel's teaches me diction, than watch a bunch of gay euros kick a ball around for 90+ minutes...half these guys are probably relatives of Vlade Divac...bunch of gay cry babies....

[Saint John]

You can't tell me soccer does not have mental toughness!! Ever played a goalie position???? There are angles and geometry involved. And strength and endurance.

I hope you're not serious. These guys basically just stand there for the better part of 3 hours and are involved in about 5 to 10 plays.

[StevePerryHair]

You can't tell me soccer does not have mental toughness!! Ever played a goalie position???? There are angles and geometry involved. And strength and endurance.

I hope you're not serious. These guys basically just stand there for the better part of 3 hours and are involved in about 5 to 10 plays.

I am serious, and I don't expect a basketball/football/baseball raised American guy to get it. I've been watching my kids play the sport for 11 years now, and you can't convince me it doesn't take endurance and skill to play the sport. Sorry. Did you even watch today? They actually get hurt too...trip each other... Push each other...it is a contact sport.

[Saint John]

You can't tell me soccer does not have mental toughness!! Ever played a goalie position???? There are angles and geometry involved. And strength and endurance.

I hope you're not serious. These guys basically just stand there for the better part of 3 hours and are involved in about 5 to 10 plays.

I am serious, and I don't expect a basketball/football raised American guy to get it. I've been watching my kids play the sport for 11 years now, and you can't convince me it doesn't take endurance and skill to play the sport. Sorry. Did you even watch today? They actually get hurt too...trip each other... Push each other...it is a contact sport.

I was referring specifically to the goalie who, in certain instances, should bring a lawn chair and book. The other people running around like it's a Chinese fire drill are obviously in excellent shape as evidenced by their usually massive legs.

[S2M]

You can't tell me soccer does not have mental toughness!! Ever played a goalie position???? There are angles and geometry involved. And strength and endurance.

I hope you're not serious. These guys basically just stand there for the better part of 3 hours and are involved in about 5 to 10 plays.

I am serious, and I don't expect a basketball/football/baseball raised American guy to get it. I've been watching my kids play the sport for 11 years now, and you can't convince me it doesn't take endurance and skill to play the sport. Sorry. Did you even watch today? They actually get hurt too...trip each other... Push each other...it is a contact sport.

LOL...it takes more mental ability and endurance to locate and navigate a Starbucks, or DD..than play soccer....

[StevePerryHair]

You can't tell me soccer does not have mental toughness!! Ever played a goalie position???? There are angles and geometry involved. And strength and endurance.

I hope you're not serious. These guys basically just stand there for the better part of 3 hours and are involved in about 5 to 10 plays.

I am serious, and I don't expect a basketball/football/baseball raised American guy to get it. I've been watching my kids play the sport for 11 years now, and you can't convince me it doesn't take endurance and skill to play the sport. Sorry. Did you even watch today? They actually get hurt too...trip each other... Push each other...it is a contact sport.

LOL...it takes more mental ability and endurance to locate and navigate a Starbucks, or DD..than play soccer....

hmm, I don't recall hate for basketball in that thread..even though it seems pretty easy for a 7 foot tall guy to make a basket. Fouls and game stops every two seconds. But no one criticized there. Don't remember hate in the hockey thread. Or the football NFL thread, even though they all wear enough padding I don't see how that's not sissy compared to soccer players only having shin guards. Don't remember hate in that thread. Maybe those who want to enjoy the world cup
would like to enjoy their thread much like you American only sports lovers do

[Ehwmatt]

You can't tell me soccer does not have mental toughness!! Ever played a goalie position???? There are angles and geometry involved. And strength and endurance.

I hope you're not serious. These guys basically just stand there for the better part of 3 hours and are involved in about 5 to 10 plays.

I am serious, and I don't expect a basketball/football/baseball raised American guy to get it. I've been watching my kids play the sport for 11 years now, and you can't convince me it doesn't take endurance and skill to play the sport. Sorry. Did you even watch today? They actually get hurt too...trip each other... Push each other...it is a contact sport.

LOL...it takes more mental ability and endurance to locate and navigate a Starbucks, or DD..than play soccer....

hmm, I don't recall hate for basketball in that thread..even though it seems pretty easy for a 7 foot tall guy to make a basket. Fouls and game stops every two seconds. But no one criticized there. Don't remember hate in the hockey thread. Or the football NFL thread, even though they all wear enough padding I don't see how that's not sissy compared to soccer players only having shin guards. Don't remember hate in that thread. Maybe those who want to enjoy the world cup
would like to enjoy their thread much like you American only sports lovers do

You guys are welcome to bring the heat in our "American only" sports threads. It'd liven things up. Dan and Sean make some excellent points above. I concur with them.

[Behshad]

Sean

with all due respect. If YOU were to play any of the following sports : Hockey, Football , Soccer or Basketball , your best chance of success would be Soccer

no matter how much you guys bash Soccer , it won't change the fact that it will still remain the most popular sport in the world. I'm somewhat surprised that Dan doesn't use the popularity factor to choose his favorite sport like he does with music.

[S2M]

You can't tell me soccer does not have mental toughness!! Ever played a goalie position???? There are angles and geometry involved. And strength and endurance.

I hope you're not serious. These guys basically just stand there for the better part of 3 hours and are involved in about 5 to 10 plays.

I am serious, and I don't expect a basketball/football/baseball raised American guy to get it. I've been watching my kids play the sport for 11 years now, and you can't convince me it doesn't take endurance and skill to play the sport. Sorry. Did you even watch today? They actually get hurt too...trip each other... Push each other...it is a contact sport.

LOL...it takes more mental ability and endurance to locate and navigate a Starbucks, or DD..than play soccer....

hmm, I don't recall hate for basketball in that thread..even though it seems pretty easy for a 7 foot tall guy to make a basket. Fouls and game stops every two seconds. But no one criticized there. Don't remember hate in the hockey thread. Or the football NFL thread, even though they all wear enough padding I don't see how that's not sissy compared to soccer players only having shin guards. Don't remember hate in that thread. Maybe those who want to enjoy the world cup
would like to enjoy their thread much like you American only sports lovers do

<<<<< taking his cawfee syrup and going home. LMAO.

[Michigan Girl]

Any sport that keeps kids active, athletic, healthy and off the streets is alright by me!!
Lynn, your daughter is precious sitting in front of the TV w/her soccer ball!!
Sorta reminds me of *ME*...only I have bad call bricks!!!

[Saint John]

Or the football NFL thread, even though they all wear enough padding I don't see how that's not sissy compared to soccer players only having shin guards. Don't remember hate in that thread.

I'll only comment about the NFL. It's the most vicious of the major sports in the world. Those guys blow out knees, break arms and legs, and there have many instances of paralysis. Additionally, the stats about life after football are staggering. The average career of a lineman down in the trenches is 4 years and they're lucky to live past 60 because of the abuse done to their bodies. Here's a tidbit:

Also at issue: how real post-football injuries are. Even Marsh encountered skepticism.

A few years back, the Players Association asked him to testify before the state senate in California, where politicians were attempting to pass a law to limit workman's compensation claims for professional athletes. The thinking being it's dangerous to begin with, and they make too much money already.

One politician cut Marsh off, said he was sick of whiny, professional athletes talking about injuries that don't exist or didn't come from football. Marsh lost it. He reached down, popped off his right leg and slammed it on the table.

"You tell me this injury doesn't freaking exist, buddy!" Marsh screamed. "This happened to me in football! These injuries are real!"

WILL GRANT, 52, played center for 10 seasons in the NFL, with the Seahawks and the Buffalo Bills, and he needs 10 seconds to count his surgeries. One ... two ... seven. He has arthritis in a knee that swings like a loose gate. He can't walk without limping.

Fred Hoaglin, 62, played center for three teams before he joined the original Seahawks in 1976. He had both knees replaced in 2002 and has undergone 10 total surgeries, including an angioplasty and a bypass surgery.

"We die," Hoaglin says. "We die off."

They know the averages, the short career lengths and reduced life spans. But they don't ask for sympathy, only understanding. Even after detailing 30 years of neck pain and other assorted aches, Evans makes it clear he has no issues. His advice to current players? Play until they tear your jersey off. Such is life for offensive linemen, both active and retired.

They played hurt. They live hurt. And they would do it all again.

"I tore my ACL, MCL and meniscus in one shot," former Seahawk John Yarno says. "Now I have two artificial knees. But I wanted to play. They didn't hold a gun to my head. I knew what the consequences would be."

People ask Curt Marsh all the time why he didn't sue his doctors or the Raiders. And there was a point when anger nearly overwhelmed him. Someone offered Marsh a Rolex for his Super Bowl ring. He almost traded it. And now, 30 surgeries later, he would do a few things differently, but he wouldn't trade anything at all.

"I didn't take care of myself or listen to my body," Marsh says. "I take responsibility."

So would he do it all over again?

"Probably."

They all would.

[Michigan Girl]

Hey^^^^I wasn't done!!

I don't understand this tie thing ...why don't they break them?!?!

[StevePerryHair]

Or the football NFL thread, even though they all wear enough padding I don't see how that's not sissy compared to soccer players only having shin guards. Don't remember hate in that thread.

I'll only comment about the NFL. It's the most vicious of the major sports in the world. Those guys blow out knees, break arms and legs, and there have many instances of paralysis. Additionally, the stats about life after football are staggering. The average career of a lineman down in the trenches is 4 years and they're lucky to live past 60 because of the abuse done to their bodies. Here's a tidbit:

Also at issue: how real post-football injuries are. Even Marsh encountered skepticism.

A few years back, the Players Association asked him to testify before the state senate in California, where politicians were attempting to pass a law to limit workman's compensation claims for professional athletes. The thinking being it's dangerous to begin with, and they make too much money already.

One politician cut Marsh off, said he was sick of whiny, professional athletes talking about injuries that don't exist or didn't come from football. Marsh lost it. He reached down, popped off his right leg and slammed it on the table.

"You tell me this injury doesn't freaking exist, buddy!" Marsh screamed. "This happened to me in football! These injuries are real!"

WILL GRANT, 52, played center for 10 seasons in the NFL, with the Seahawks and the Buffalo Bills, and he needs 10 seconds to count his surgeries. One ... two ... seven. He has arthritis in a knee that swings like a loose gate. He can't walk without limping.

Fred Hoaglin, 62, played center for three teams before he joined the original Seahawks in 1976. He had both knees replaced in 2002 and has undergone 10 total surgeries, including an angioplasty and a bypass surgery.

"We die," Hoaglin says. "We die off."

They know the averages, the short career lengths and reduced life spans. But they don't ask for sympathy, only understanding. Even after detailing 30 years of neck pain and other assorted aches, Evans makes it clear he has no issues. His advice to current players? Play until they tear your jersey off. Such is life for offensive linemen, both active and retired.

They played hurt. They live hurt. And they would do it all again.

"I tore my ACL, MCL and meniscus in one shot," former Seahawk John Yarno says. "Now I have two artificial knees. But I wanted to play. They didn't hold a gun to my head. I knew what the consequences would be."

People ask Curt Marsh all the time why he didn't sue his doctors or the Raiders. And there was a point when anger nearly overwhelmed him. Someone offered Marsh a Rolex for his Super Bowl ring. He almost traded it. And now, 30 surgeries later, he would do a few things differently, but he wouldn't trade anything at all.

"I didn't take care of myself or listen to my body," Marsh says. "I take responsibility."

So would he do it all over again?

"Probably."

They all would.

And you dont' think any of these injuries can occur in soccer?? If it's such a wimpy sport, then how do they have injuries?

[S2M]

Sean

with all due respect. If YOU were to play any of the following sports : Hockey, Football , Soccer or Basketball , your best chance of success would be Soccer

no matter how much you guys bash Soccer , it won't change the fact that it will still remain the most popular sport in the world. I'm somewhat surprised that Dan doesn't use the popularity factor to choose his favorite sport like he does with music.

It's popularity, in all the third world cro-mag nations, stems from it's non-existent expenses....'hey! Is that a dried out Wombat bladder? Awesome!! Let's kick the shit out of it!!!'

[StevePerryHair]

Any sport that keeps kids active, athletic, healthy and off the streets is alright by me!!
Lynn, your daughter is precious sitting in front of the TV w/her soccer ball!!
Sorta reminds me of *ME*...only I have bad call bricks!!!

bad call bricks could be a good idea! Unless it means a new tv after every game She actually put pillows on the floor for her and the ball She gets so into sports and the fact she plays soccer makes her excited for it. I really should have her in more sports. She begged me for hockey, so Im still contemplating that one

[Behshad]

While in football Power and Strength is above Soccer , Soccer wins in Speed , Agility and Endurance department.

It's all about what each and every one of us enjoy. Clearly as Marty said earlier , the ability of reading and comprehending the topic starting post is what is the most amusing here , not which sport is better or worse

[StevePerryHair]

You can't tell me soccer does not have mental toughness!! Ever played a goalie position???? There are angles and geometry involved. And strength and endurance.

I hope you're not serious. These guys basically just stand there for the better part of 3 hours and are involved in about 5 to 10 plays.

I am serious, and I don't expect a basketball/football/baseball raised American guy to get it. I've been watching my kids play the sport for 11 years now, and you can't convince me it doesn't take endurance and skill to play the sport. Sorry. Did you even watch today? They actually get hurt too...trip each other... Push each other...it is a contact sport.

LOL...it takes more mental ability and endurance to locate and navigate a Starbucks, or DD..than play soccer....

hmm, I don't recall hate for basketball in that thread..even though it seems pretty easy for a 7 foot tall guy to make a basket. Fouls and game stops every two seconds. But no one criticized there. Don't remember hate in the hockey thread. Or the football NFL thread, even though they all wear enough padding I don't see how that's not sissy compared to soccer players only having shin guards. Don't remember hate in that thread. Maybe those who want to enjoy the world cup
would like to enjoy their thread much like you American only sports lovers do

<<<<< taking his cawfee syrup and going home. LMAO.

Oh no, no no!!!!! LEAVE THE CAWFEE SYRUP!!!! But still go home.....

[Behshad]

Sean

with all due respect. If YOU were to play any of the following sports : Hockey, Football , Soccer or Basketball , your best chance of success would be Soccer

no matter how much you guys bash Soccer , it won't change the fact that it will still remain the most popular sport in the world. I'm somewhat surprised that Dan doesn't use the popularity factor to choose his favorite sport like he does with music.

It's popularity, in all the third world cro-mag nations, stems from it's non-existent expenses....'hey! Is that a dried out Wombat bladder? Awesome!! Let's kick the shit out of it!!!'

and no matter how you look at it so you can sleep better at night , soccer is STILL the most popular sport in the world. I'm also glad that you're still young enough to see the day when soccer becomes one of the top sports here in US within the next 20 years. Mark my words

[StevePerryHair]

While in football Power and Strength is above Soccer , Soccer wins in Speed , Agility and Endurance department.

It's all about what each and every one of us enjoy. Clearly as Marty said earlier , the ability of reading and comprehending the topic starting post is what is the most amusing here , not which sport is better or worse

Yes, it's so great how the world can be filled with so many different sports so everyone can find their niche to enjoy! I was raised on American sports, so I can sit and watch a game no problem. And I love the super bowl. I used to love the world series when I was a kid because I got to watch it with my dad, and that was great memories for me. And hockey is just non-stop action, so that's the draw for me there. Basketball is fun for me when it's my team in the semi-finals and finals. Otherwise, I really only enjoy that live. Most sports are better live anyway. But who has that luxury I say to each his own! They are all sports and they all take a certain skill to play them. It can vary for each one. So who cares!

[S2M]

While in football Power and Strength is above Soccer , Soccer wins in Speed , Agility and Endurance department.

It's all about what each and every one of us enjoy. Clearly as Marty said earlier , the ability of reading and comprehending the topic starting post is what is the most amusing here , not which sport is better or worse

Yes, it's so great how the world can be filled with so many different sports so everyone can find their niche to enjoy! I was raised on American sports, so I can sit and watch a game no problem. And I love the super bowl. I used to love the world series when I was a kid because I got to watch it with my dad, and that was great memories for me. And hockey is just non-stop action, so that's the draw for me there. Basketball is fun for me when it's my team in the semi-finals and finals. Otherwise, I really only enjoy that live. Most sports are better live anyway. But who has that luxury I say to each his own! They are all sports and they all take a certain skill to play them. It can vary for each one. So who cares!

Well...if navigating, and dodging bovine, lupine, and pork rine groupies for front row supremacy was a sport a few of here would be considered athletes....

[Behshad]

Even though I think most football games are boring , I still watch SuperBowl cause of the hype and the excitement.

Basketball, while fun to play in your backyard , it's totally boring when it comes to NBA cause it's more about how tall you are and how dark your skin is.
And maybe it would be more fun if you implemented few rules like offside and only ONE point per score instead of two and three.

[Saint John]

Soccer wins in Speed , Agility and Endurance department.

Endurance is about it, buddy. Go and youtube Deion Sanders, Bob Hayes or Darrell Green for speed and Barry Sanders, Gayle Sayers or Marshall Faulk for agility ... then get back to me. There is no contest ... none. Combine both and you get freaks like Jim Brown, Bo Jackson and O.J. Simpson. As opposed to pussies like Pele and Beckham ... or that fat fuck druggie Maradona.

[Rockindeano]

I just can't get my head around the fact that some of you say soccer is a contact sport and that it's "tough." How many times did the players in the US-Brit game go down like they were steamrolled by a train? My God, that black dude for team USA went dowm after a Euro clipped his socks. That was it for me, I turned that stupid shit off right there. I was actually getting into some of the scoring chances, although they were definitely too few and too far between, but the faking of injuries is ridiculous. In hockey, you get a penalty for faking an dive/injury. Soccer should do the same thing.

Oh and as far as athleticism, did you see the US goal? Jesus, that was a 27 hopper the Brit keeper couldn't manage to stop. Behshad, enough with the soccer has athletes bullshit. NONE of these guys could play in the NBA, NHL or NFL. Jogging around on a pasture with painted lines and an oversized fishing net propped up on each end does not suffice for exciting sports viewing.

[Behshad]

I just can't get my head around the fact that some of you say soccer is a contact sport and that it's "tough." How many times did the players in the US-Brit game go down like they were steamrolled by a train? My God, that black dude for team USA went dowm after a Euro clipped his socks. That was it for me, I turned that stupid shit off right there. I was actually getting into some of the scoring chances, although they were definitely too few and too far between, but the faking of injuries is ridiculous. In hockey, you get a penalty for faking an dive/injury. Soccer should do the same thing.

Oh and as far as athleticism, did you see the US goal? Jesus, that was a 27 hopper the Brit keeper couldn't manage to stop. Behshad, enough with the soccer has athletes bullshit. NONE of these guys could play in the NBA, NHL or NFL. Jogging around on a pasture with painted lines and an oversized fishing net propped up on each end does not suffice for exciting sports viewing.

You're just sad that none of the so called sports you mentioned above comes NEAR soccer in popularity .
It's good to see you post more in a soccer thread , than I post in footbal/basketball/baseball thread COMBINED.



how much CONTACT do you see in MLB or NBA ?! .

[Saint John]

The irony here is that the NFL imports soccer players to be kickers and they're known as the biggest pussies in the sport. They're routinely sought out and demolished on the field and when they do make a tackle (which is almost never) they're treated like they just solved the Kennedy assassination. Fags.

Off to see Wanda Sykes. See you niggers later.

[Behshad]

The irony here is that the NFL imports soccer players to be kickers and they're known as the biggest pussies in the sport. They're routinely sought out and demolished on the field and when they do make a tackle (which is almost never) they're treated like they just solved the Kennedy assassination. Fags.

Off to see Wanda Sykes. See you niggers later.

Look above. There are fags in every sport. Don't ask don't tell saved your ass

[Behshad]

Both of them must be imported soccer players.

[bluejeangirl76]

Both of them must be imported soccer players.

Is that Cade McNown I see! That totally explains that picture. Little bitch.