The Official World Cup 2010 Thread

[TheCunningStunt]

Originally Posted by Engine

Yeah, it's always been something I've thought about. But there a lot of serious competitors here that grew up the same way - the players don't see it as just a game.
Unfortunately, my conclusion is that America will at least become a serious competitor as soon as the right businessmen figure out how to generate big revenue with it. As for how good America will actually be on the world-class level, well that remains to be seen.

Well, I can't put my finger on why 'soccer' isn't taken as seriously. Surely it's better than what you deem as 'football'

It should be the nation's favourite sport. Get it sorted Engine. Then again, no one would get a look in if America started WANTING to win, and producing the great players TO win.

[Thrice]

Originally Posted by TheCunningStunt

Well, I can't put my finger on why 'soccer' isn't taken as seriously. Surely it's better than what you deem as 'football'

It should be the nation's favourite sport. Get it sorted Engine. Then again, no one would get a look in if America started WANTING to win, and producing the great players TO win.

My cousin is an extremely nasty soccer player, and naturally, as an American he will be going to college to to kick for American Football.

I got up at 6am today, so excited to watch the games. 4 hours left.

[pourmeanother]

Originally Posted by TheCunningStunt

Well, I can't put my finger on why 'soccer' isn't taken as seriously. Surely it's better than what you deem as 'football'

It should be the nation's favourite sport. Get it sorted Engine. Then again, no one would get a look in if America started WANTING to win, and producing the great players TO win.

America is not capable of liking a sport where the final score can be 0-0 after 90. Serious complaints I've heard: "Too low scoring", "How can it end in a tie?", "There are no commercial breaks so I can't get up to go get a beer without missing the game".

The only way for 'soccer' to be enjoyed by the American masses is to eliminate offsides, implement stoppages in play, and end EVERY game with a shootout. The sad thing is I'm not even joking, and that's a major reason why it doesn't bother me that it's not a major sport here.

As for the comments earlier about many kids growing up playing the sport here... Absolutely true. I live in a soccer region of California. I've played for 17 years now, and most people I know have played at some point or another. However, I've always played at a recreational level with friends. I didn't ever see it as a legitimate professional option, so I never really strived to be some superstar- all I ever wanted to do was play with friends and have fun. Of course, I was competitive and got at least decent along the way, but who knows what could have happened if it was a legitimized sport here.

[loveissucide]

Originally Posted by pourmeanother

America is not capable of liking a sport where the final score can be 0-0 after 90. Serious complaints I've heard: "Too low scoring", "How can it end in a tie?", "There are no commercial breaks so I can't get up to go get a beer without missing the game".

The only way for 'soccer' to be enjoyed by the American masses is to eliminate offsides, implement stoppages in play, and end EVERY game with a shootout. The sad thing is I'm not even joking, and that's a major reason why it doesn't bother me that it's not a major sport here.

As for the comments earlier about many kids growing up playing the sport here... Absolutely true. I live in a soccer region of California. I've played for 17 years now, and most people I know have played at some point or another. However, I've always played at a recreational level with friends. I didn't ever see it as a legitimate professional option, so I never really strived to be some superstar- all I ever wanted to do was play with friends and have fun. Of course, I was competitive and got at least decent along the way, but who knows what could have happened if it was a legitimized sport here.

Soccer is perfectly legitimised in the US, and the national side is constantly improving.These things don't happen overnight considering it only fully caught on in the 1980's.

[pourmeanother]

Originally Posted by loveissucide

Soccer is perfectly legitimised in the US

I just strongly disagree. In certain regions, maybe. With certain factions of people, definitely. To say it is mass, though, is completely off.

[TheCunningStunt]

Originally Posted by loveissucide

Soccer is perfectly legitimised in the US, and the national side is constantly improving.These things don't happen overnight considering it only fully caught on in the 1980's.

If you're watching the news, they're interviewing USA 'soccer fans' and they hardly know any of their players names. 1 guy new 3 players names though.. Dempsey Howard and someone else. It's a joke.

I probably know near enough every English player in the league.

[TheCunningStunt]

Originally Posted by pourmeanother

America is not capable of liking a sport where the final score can be 0-0 after 90. Serious complaints I've heard: "Too low scoring", "How can it end in a tie?", "There are no commercial breaks so I can't get up to go get a beer without missing the game".

The only way for 'soccer' to be enjoyed by the American masses is to eliminate offsides, implement stoppages in play, and end EVERY game with a shootout. The sad thing is I'm not even joking, and that's a major reason why it doesn't bother me that it's not a major sport here.

As for the comments earlier about many kids growing up playing the sport here... Absolutely true. I live in a soccer region of California. I've played for 17 years now, and most people I know have played at some point or another. However, I've always played at a recreational level with friends. I didn't ever see it as a legitimate professional option, so I never really strived to be some superstar- all I ever wanted to do was play with friends and have fun. Of course, I was competitive and got at least decent along the way, but who knows what could have happened if it was a legitimized sport here.

Interesting read. All yanks need to do is watch people like Messi, and my team when they're on form. They're capable of tearing teams to shreds. There's nothing better than a football gamed when it's played properly, in the right spirit, where two teams throw tactics out the window and throw caution to the wind. I'm glad America don't see it as a great sport, if they did there would be no stopping them. So in theory England should beat the USA tonight. 2-0.

But knowing England...