The Soccer, Football, Futbol, Fussball, Calcio et al. Thread

[DanielLaRusso]

This be where you can talk about kickyball. Any nation, any league, any competition, any team.

A few European leagues look like they have already been wrapped up, but hopefully we'll get some drama down the stretch...

[Redbird]

Milan-Barca today was fantastic. I haven't seen Barca outclassed like that in a very long time. Milan generated more chances and defended incredibly well.

[utahby5]

I'll bite on this topic. Over the weekend my oldest daughter Josie's U16 club team (La Roca) won the SC Del Sol President's Day Tourney in Phoenix. This comes on the heels of winning a championship at the Disney Showcase in Orlando last month. They are now ranked #10 in region 4 and #31 nationally. This is a big accomplishment for a Utah team. Josie is the goalkeeper and she blocked a PK in the final this weekend for the win. Yeah, I'm kinda proud.

[Mormon Red Death]

I'll bite on this topic. Over the weekend my oldest daughter Josie's U16 club team (La Roca) won the SC Del Sol President's Day Tourney in Phoenix. This comes on the heels of winning a championship at the Disney Showcase in Orlando last month. They are now ranked #10 in region 4 and #31 nationally. This is a big accomplishment for a Utah team. Josie is the goalkeeper and she blocked a PK in the final this weekend for the win. Yeah, I'm kinda proud.

Just don't have her goo to Byu

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

[Redbird]

RSL starts the MLS campaign away to San Jose. The Quakes had their way with us last season, although we were victims of two harsh red cards in the 2nd trip to the Bay Area.

It will be interesting to see how Gil and Findley look.

[DanielLaRusso]

Did someone say "Robbie Findley"?!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yhYa6MGdcQ

[codered]

Glad you posted this. Congrats. My son made his HS team today as keeper. He's only played keeper for a year, but managed to make the team. I hope to be as good as man as he is one day. When he called with the results, I thought he had been cut. He was majorly upset that two of his friends were cut. He was sadder for them than the joy he had for himself. I'm prouder of that than anything.
I'll bite on this topic. Over the weekend my oldest daughter Josie's U16 club team (La Roca) won the SC Del Sol President's Day Tourney in Phoenix. This comes on the heels of winning a championship at the Disney Showcase in Orlando last month. They are now ranked #10 in region 4 and #31 nationally. This is a big accomplishment for a Utah team. Josie is the goalkeeper and she blocked a PK in the final this weekend for the win. Yeah, I'm kinda proud.

[Redbird]

I feel nothing toward the Timbers, but damn, that's a world-class atmosphere at JELD-WEN.

[DanielLaRusso]

I feel nothing toward the Timbers, but damn, that's a world-class atmosphere at JELD-WEN.

Too bad they don't have the team to match...he said with 60 minutes to go...

[Redbird]

Too bad they don't have the team to match...he said with 60 minutes to go...

They should've traded for 2 RSL players (like RBNY) instead of one.

[DanielLaRusso]

Too bad they don't have the team to match...he said with 60 minutes to go...

And now we see why I made that specific caveat. That was some gutty play by the Timbers. Even though they had the chance to win it late, you had to feel that they really only deserved the tie with RSL...and no that isn't an error.

[Redbird]

And now we see why I made that specific caveat. That was some gutty play by the Timbers. Even though they had the chance to win it late, you had to feel that they really only deserved the tie with RSL...and no that isn't an error.

Seriously. The three former RSL players bossed that game. Combined with RSL's 2-0 triumph in San Jose, it was one hell of a Sunday evening.

[Redbird]

Great day of soccer. Chelsea and United draw; Liverpool come from down 2-1 to take all 3 points against Spurs for the first time in 3 seasons.

[UteBeliever aka Port]

It's been nice watching Real Madrid beat Barcelona twice in the past few weeks at the Nou Camp.

*edit* Yes, I realize the most recent win was a week or so ago, but I've been vacationing a lot lately. Now is the first time I've gotten to the point of reading this thread on UB5 so I thought I'd contribute.

Also, in response to the comments about Jeld-Wen, the Pacific Northwest has some great atmospheres for soccer. No doubt Seattle and Portland have the best atmosphere. I'd attribute it to all the hipsters in the area. No joke. Having lived in Portland for 4 years, this is no surprise to me that they are getting great support. Portlanders....the young adults... consider themselves far too cool for the NBA or college football. They strive to be "different." Soccer is the perfect outlet for all those weirdos. American soccer seems to be a magnet for the the fringe of society.

No, Boylen, not everyone that is a fan of American soccer is fringe or a weirdo.

[Redbird]

It's been nice watching Real Madrid beat Barcelona twice in the past few weeks at the Nou Camp.

*edit* Yes, I realize the most recent win was a week or so ago, but I've been vacationing a lot lately. Now is the first time I've gotten to the point of reading this thread on UB5 so I thought I'd contribute.

Also, in response to the comments about Jeld-Wen, the Pacific Northwest has some great atmospheres for soccer. No doubt Seattle and Portland have the best atmosphere. I'd attribute it to all the hipsters in the area. No joke. Having lived in Portland for 4 years, this is no surprise to me that they are getting great support. Portlanders....the young adults... consider themselves far too cool for the NBA or college football. They strive to be "different." Soccer is the perfect outlet for all those weirdos. American soccer seems to be a magnet for the the fringe of society.

No, Boylen, not everyone that is a fan of American soccer is fringe or a weirdo.

Madrid is on a fantastic run of form. It was really fun watching them duke it out with ManU over 180 minutes and prevail.

Re: "hipsters"/MLS, there's certainly that element at RSL matches.

[Redbird]

Home opener for RSL tonight. This is the first time in 3 years I didn't buy season tickets, but a 4pm start with this weather is a no-brainer.

Sounds like Borchers will be in the 18. I'm also curious who will play at LB with Wingert and Mansally both out.

[hostile]

US - 1
Costa Rica - 0

WC qualifier played in a blizzard in Denver. Ref was going to call the game at 54 minutes but the players on both sides said they wanted to play on. Field covered in snow; players slipping all over. Up next, Mexico.

[Freaky Girl]

US - 1
Costa Rica - 0

WC qualifier played in a blizzard in Denver. Ref was going to call the game at 54 minutes but the players on both sides said they wanted to play on. Field covered in snow; players slipping all over. Up next, Mexico.


I caught the end of that game!! Crazy!!! It looked soooo cold!

[DanielLaRusso]

I need to get my hands on one of those Centennial kits before the boys come to town...I also need tickets, but I'm being realistic :D

[DanielLaRusso]

I'm bumping in the worst possible way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=m0llFo922O4#!

[DanielLaRusso]

Well my early thread hopes for more competitive European leagues never materialized...so call your shot, who wins the CL? Munich or Dortmund?

[wuapinmon]

This video continues to amaze me. Ronaldinho may not have been the most dominant player ever like Maradona or Pelé, but he was so much fun to watch.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSOOZ5NCoKo

[Applejack]

This video continues to amaze me. Ronaldinho may not have been the most dominant player ever like Maradona or Pelé, but he was so much fun to watch.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSOOZ5NCoKo

I once happened upon Ronaldinho at a hotel I was staying at. He is one goofy looking dude, but he can play.

[Hot Lunch]

Anyone else going tonight? I will be there and am pretty excited about the game this evening.

[GarthUte]

Anyone else going tonight? I will be there and am pretty excited about the game this evening.

I can't be there, but I'll be watching on TV. You should wear something that really stands out in the crowd. Or make a sign that says hi to me. That would be cool.

[Hot Lunch]

I can't be there, but I'll be watching on TV. You should wear something that really stands out in the crowd. Or make a sign that says hi to me. That would be cool.


LOL. I will see if I can get the sign put together before I head up.

[GarthUte]

LOL. I will see if I can get the sign put together before I head up.

Sweet!

[GarthUte]

A rather uneventful match, but the US was able to finally get the one goal and grind out a win. 13 points now and 3 more points clinches a spot in Brazil.

[Redbird]

Crucial match for Liverpool this week, at Old Trafford.

Also, Champions League starts next week. Madrid and PSG in the same group, plus the City/Juve/Sevilla group, will be awesome.

[U-Ute]

Lewandowski's 5 goals in 9 minutes. On one page. That last one is pretty awesome.

http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/09/22/robert-lewandowski-five-goals-bayern-munich-wolfsburg-video

[sancho]

My little bro went up to Chicago tonight to see Argentina in the copa america. Messi with a hat trick off the bench. That's like seeing Joe Montana throw five tds or Jordan score 50.

[sancho]

Red, white, and blue. And black?

[sancho]

Somos libres!

Peru beats Brazil for the first time in 35 years on a hand of god goal. Great game.

[sancho]

USA! USA! That was a fun match. Semi's in the Copa America is no small feat.

[sancho]

Ugh. Penalty kicks. A really stupid part of an otherwise great sport.

[sancho]

Well, that was just awful. Messi misses his first shootout PK ever, and it's a huge one. He so depressed, he's talking about not playing for Argentina anymore. I really wanted him to finally be the hero in this thing. I guess that's what makes sports the best drama on TV - it doesn't follow the script.

Chile is pretty much the worst south american country, and they have back-to-back championships.

[sancho]

I will never understand why PK's aren't moved back. As it is now, they are 99% kicker, 1 % keeper. Why would anyone be opposed to finding the sweet spot where they are 50/50? That would be far more interesting at the end of extra time and would also be far more appropriate for an in-game PK.

[Applejack]

Well, that was just awful. Messi misses his first shootout PK ever, and it's a huge one. He so depressed, he's talking about not playing for Argentina anymore. I really wanted him to finally be the hero in this thing. I guess that's what makes sports the best drama on TV - it doesn't follow the script.

Chile is pretty much the worst south american country, and they have back-to-back championships.
Good riddance, Argentina.

[sancho]

Good riddance, Argentina.

The Brasil/Argentina rivalry - so unnecessary! Just share that beautiful waterfall and a love of grilled meat.

Now Peru/Chile - that's a rivalry to get behind. Those rats stole the Atacama desert and all its guano! They slaughtered Miguel Grau, el cabellero del mar!

[sancho]

This might not be on your radar, but Peru is close to its first World Cup birth (berth? they both make sense in a way) since 1982. Tied for 4th in qualifying with matches against Argentina and Colombia remaining.

So many good sports things happening tonight!

[sancho]

This might not be on your radar, but Peru is close to its first World Cup birth

And...we're in! First time since 1982. Peru declared the day a national holiday and gave everyone the day off in anticipation of tonight's game.

[sancho]

World Cup time! Greatest sporting event in the world. Here's your rooting guide.

Group A: Go Egypt. Salah a rising star. Go Saudi Arabia just because nobody likes Uruguay, and we all want Russia to fall flat on its face for being a dick country.

Group B: Go Morocco. Then Spain just because nobody should be rooting for Iran in anything, and Portugal is such a bunch of pretty boys.

Group C: Go Peru. The blanquirojas are in their first WC since 1982. And they are Ute colors. Then Australia because socceroos. France is a Euro juggernaut, so we should root against them. Denmark? So bland in every way. How did the Scandinavian nations rig all those happiness surveys to make people believe they are the happiest people on earth? No way the happiest people on earth live in a place where the sun doesn't come out for months at a time and where, between four nations, there is not one decent national cuisine.

Group D: Go everyone. Seriously, the most likable group. Argentina is the Cleveland Cavs. Messi trying desperately to carry a bad team to a title. Argentina is the emotional favorite of all the contenders just for Leo. Iceland is fun. It's next to impossible to root against the African teams, especially when they play their European oppressors. And Croatia? Who has anything against them? They have the checkerboard jersey.

Group E: Go Ticos! Costa Rica - always skillful, and always too little in stature to get it done against the taller Euros/Africans/Brasil. Then Brasil because it's fun when they are good. No reason to root for Serbia or Switzerland in anything.

Group F: Vamos Mexico! America's other team! Then South Korea because it's great that Korea and Japan have come so far so quickly in soccer. Sweden is so happy with their fermented fish that they don't need a successful WC. And Germany started both great wars, so BOOOOO!

Group G: Go Panama! This is their first World Cup! Ever! Then Tunisia because Belgium and England are so boring.

Group H: Go Japan! Rising sun! Then Colombia and Senegal. And who really cares about Poland?

[Applejack]

World Cup time! Greatest sporting event in the world. Here's your rooting guide.

Group A: Go Egypt. Salah a rising star. Go Saudi Arabia just because nobody likes Uruguay, and we all want Russia to fall flat on its face for being a dick country.

Group B: Go Morocco. Then Spain just because nobody should be rooting for Iran in anything, and Portugal is such a bunch of pretty boys.

Group C: Go Peru. The blanquirojas are in their first WC since 1982. And they are Ute colors. Then Australia because socceroos. France is a Euro juggernaut, so we should root against them. Denmark? So bland in every way. How did the Scandinavian nations rig all those happiness surveys to make people believe they are the happiest people on earth? No way the happiest people on earth live in a place where the sun doesn't come out for months at a time and where, between four nations, there is not one decent national cuisine.

Group D: Go everyone. Seriously, the most likable group. Argentina is the Cleveland Cavs. Messi trying desperately to carry a bad team to a title. Argentina is the emotional favorite of all the contenders just for Leo. Iceland is fun. It's next to impossible to root against the African teams, especially when they play their European oppressors. And Croatia? Who has anything against them? They have the checkerboard jersey.

Group E: Go Ticos! Costa Rica - always skillful, and always too little in stature to get it done against the taller Euros/Africans/Brasil. Then Brasil because it's fun when they are good. No reason to root for Serbia or Switzerland in anything.

Group F: Vamos Mexico! America's other team! Then South Korea because it's great that Korea and Japan have come so far so quickly in soccer. Sweden is so happy with their fermented fish that they don't need a successful WC. And Germany started both great wars, so BOOOOO!

Group G: Go Panama! This is their first World Cup! Ever! Then Tunisia because Belgium and England are so boring.

Group H: Go Japan! Rising sun! Then Colombia and Senegal. And who really cares about Poland?

Agree with absolutely everything, EXCEPT disagree about Argentina. The Italy of South America they should never be encouraged.

[Applejack]

Salah on the bench for Egypt versus Uruguay. Not good for Egypt's hopes.

[sancho]

Salah on the bench for Egypt versus Uruguay. Not good for Egypt's hopes.

I wanted to see him. :(

Egypt looks good though. Uruguay looks better.

[hostile]

I’m in Peru for the next 2 weeks. Looking forward to enjoying some World Cup excitement outside the US.

[sancho]

I’m in Peru for the next 2 weeks. Looking forward to enjoying some World Cup excitement outside the US.

I am jealous. Eat lots of cuy, anticuchos, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, and, of course, cebiche.

[sancho]

The Italy of South America they should never be encouraged.

What is bad about being the Italy of South America? Italy is a top three European nation (with France and Greece), right? I've never been to Europe, but I'm pretty sure I'd go to Italy about 10 times before I got bored enough to book a trip to England.

So far, every game in the cup has gone against me. But that always happens because I root for underdogs and Leo Messi.

[Applejack]

What is bad about being the Italy of South America? Italy is a top three European nation (with France and Greece), right? I've never been to Europe, but I'm pretty sure I'd go to Italy about 10 times before I got bored enough to book a trip to England.

So far, every game in the cup has gone against me. But that always happens because I root for underdogs and Leo Messi.

What?!?!? You've never been to Europe?!?? Come join me; it's glorious.

And I meant that they were like Italian soccer, not the country that gave us pasta, the Roman empire, and Marco bellenelli.

[sancho]

What?!?!? You've never been to Europe?!?? Come join me; it's glorious.

And I meant that they were like Italian soccer, not the country that gave us pasta, the Roman empire, and Marco bellenelli.

Well, that makes more sense. Wait, Italian soccer is known for ugly defense and counterattacks. Argentina is known for not being able to do anything despite having the best player in the world.

I'm sure I would love Europe, but I'm not sure I'll ever make it over there. I'm pretty cheap, and I hate long flights. France and Italy seem like great places to visit. But I would want to go for at least 6 months.

Watching Poland this morning - they have a krystkoviak, but he spells it differently.

[U-Ute]

When Brazilian fans travel for the World Cup.


https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/8sbk8v/brazilian_soccer_fans_flying_to_russia_for_the_wk/?st=jinb45la&sh=b1bd8746

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

When Brazilian fans travel for the World Cup.


https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/8sbk8v/brazilian_soccer_fans_flying_to_russia_for_the_wk/?st=jinb45la&sh=b1bd8746

My first real exposure to the World Cup was in ‘94. Was in California on a family vacation and my brother in law had served a mission in Brazil, so he talked us into getting tickets to Brazil/Cameroon in Palo Alto. Amazing. I thought that the stadium was going to come down with all the jumping and stomping. One of the coolest sporting events I’ve ever been to.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[U-Ute]

The celebrations in Mexico after they beat Germany were picked up by seismographs.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2018/06/17/world-cup-fans-mexico-city-may-have-caused-earthquake/708783002/

[U-Ute]

A distribution of player heights from the 2018 World Cup, by position.

2382

[sancho]

A distribution of player heights from the 2018 World Cup, by position.


They need to color code the dots by region - CONCACAF, COMNEBOL, etc.

[U-Ute]

They need to color code the dots by region - CONCACAF, COMNEBOL, etc.

While he doesn't have it by region, he has a live version on his blog that shows the names and stats.

https://www.johnwmillr.com/fifa-world-cup-data/#distributions-of-player-height-sorted-by-position

[sancho]

Round of 16 starts in the morning!

Uruguay vs Portugal. Go Uruguay because they aren't european. My son saw Ronaldo in one of the games I was watching and said "wow, that guy has a really long neck." It's true. He does.

France vs Argentina. I have very little hope for Argentina, but I'm with them all the way. Messi deserves it more than anyone. France has like 3 frenchmen on its roster.

Brazil vs Mexico. Of course, Brazil should win, but how can you root against Mexico?

Belgium vs Japan. Japan would be quite the story. Surprising that they even won a game, let alone advanced. Belgium is so big, and Japan is so small.

Spain vs Russia. I was rooting against Russia in the beginning, but I've changed course. It's not all those fans' fault that their nation is a corrupt wrecking ball.

Croatia vs Denmark. In general, go with eastern europe over the west. Just more interesting and less elite.

Sweden vs Switzerland. Uh...I have no reason to care about the outcome here. I would rather visit Switzerland than Sweden, I guess. But I like Swedish fish more than whatever gummy candy they produce in the alps.

Colombia vs England. Gotta pull for Colombia. They keep showing Valderrama in the stands when Colombia does well. No one wants that to end.

[U-Ute]

As it turns out, that bust of Ronaldo is actually fairly accurate.

2387

[sancho]

And, south america is out. :(

[U-Ute]

France produces the most World Cup players.

https://www.vox.com/videos/2018/7/10/17548670/france-world-cup-mbappe-immigration

[sancho]

Croatia vs France Final! Go Croatia. What a story that would be.

Hostile, how was Peru? Did you make a medical clinic somewhere? Hope you ate your weight in ceviche.

[hostile]

Croatia vs France Final! Go Croatia. What a story that would be.

Hostile, how was Peru? Did you make a medical clinic somewhere? Hope you ate your weight in ceviche.
Loved the Croatia win!

Peru was amazing. Being in Latin America for the World Cup was a blast. We watched all of Peru’s games with large crowds of locals.

We we were helping build a school in one of the poorer districts in Lima. Great experience. The food was really good-lots of chicken, rice, potatoes. Loved the Lomo Saltado. Alpaca was good. Had some ceviche as well- very good.

[sancho]

Peru was amazing. Being in Latin America for the World Cup was a blast. We watched all of Peru’s games with large crowds of locals.

We we were helping build a school in one of the poorer districts in Lima. Great experience. The food was really good-lots of chicken, rice, potatoes. Loved the Lomo Saltado. Alpaca was good. Had some ceviche as well- very good.

I'm happy to hear this. I really love Peru. I spent a year in the poorest parts of Lima, and I'm glad you were able to do something nice there. Plus, lomo saltado is great. I make it at home every once in a while. It's not the same, but it's good.