NationStates Jolt Archive

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=538816&root=us&cc=5901

This Wednesday, America will be facing off against England in a friendly match, which starts off a crazy friendly schedule for the United States, as they face Spain and Argentina as well.

So, do the Americans stand a chance against England? How about Spain or Argentina? Will American soccer ever break out of its funk back home in the United States? What do you think?

No.

England will win easily, we are way better than them, England will be back to there best soon as well, now we have a decent manager, Capello can take us to World Cup glory in 2010.

Probably not. Though if the US wins maybe we'll get another spectacular bout of crying from John Terry.

Anyway, who cares? Club before country &c.

The US will never stand a chance against certain countries including England until it manages to create and produce the one thing that makes those countries' soccer truly excel:

Hooligans. Hooligans is the secret to great soccer. *nod*

England will win easily, we are way better than them, England will be back to there best soon as well, now we have a decent manager, Capello can take us to World Cup glory in 2010.

Yes. This is also wrong.

England will win easily, we are way better than them, England will be back to there best soon as well, now we have a decent manager, Capello can take us to World Cup glory in 2010.

You know, I see an English team in turmoil. They're probably at the lowest point they've been at for a long time. Can't even qualify for the Euro.

The US will never stand a chance against certain countries including England until it manages to create and produce the one thing that makes those countries' soccer truly excel:

Hooligans. Hooligans is the secret to great soccer. *nod*

The great lie...

Because sports hooliganism is as American as McDonald's apple pie. A quick Google will turn up scores of stories about riots and arrests at basketball, baseball and football games. Howling mobs at college games tear down the opposing team's goal-posts and are only driven back by the judicious use of night-sticks and pepper-spray. And this happens every year. Again and again. All over America.

Just last month a televised eating competition between two college football teams in Salt Lake City degenerated into a full-scale fist fight. And hardly anybody noticed. And this month two Pittsburgh Steelers fans were found guilty of the manslaughter of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers supporter. I found the story buried on page three of a local newspaper.

Link (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2004/sep/29/stevenwells)

A better link (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2005/dec/07/ussport.football)

Look for a 2-1 upset by the Yanks

The US will never stand a chance against certain countries including England until it manages to create and produce the one thing that makes those countries' soccer truly excel:

Hooligans. Hooligans is the secret to great soccer. *nod*

Oh please. I'm in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llXJWEBF1cY

The great lie...


It's not a lie. I remember being outside waverly in the 80s when a bunch of hibs threw a petrol bomb at aberdeen(I think) fans. Yah granted that was scotchland, but it is emblematic of the deep hooliganism in the UK, the like of which is unmatched in the US.

England should win, but they are going pretty poor at the moment, but i wouldn't bet against them for this game. As for hooliganism yes it was very big problem in the 80's as Lacadaemon pointed out, and was the reason why the Premier league became the top flight of football after the FA decided to improve its image thus bumping Division 1 all the way down to the third division, which still has people confused when they talk about their team in the third division when they are in the first division, it also stopped Norwich the chance of having UEFA glory.

There is still the problem in the UK, and I think with stoke coming up they have some of the worst fans for this sort of thing we will see it rise a bit. But the US does have major problems as well, even when their team wins they go on a rampage.

[QUOTE=But the US does have major problems as well, even when their team wins they go on a rampage.[/QUOTE]

Especially when our teams win; that seems to be the difference between American and English hooliganism.

While on the one hand I don't really care, on the other I would much prefer to see the Yanks adopt football as another really leading sport before they get back into cricket again. They can beat England at football all they like, the day they win (or draw) at cricket is the day... uhm, I feel a bit glum about a sporting disaster, I suppose.

For what it matters, I see the exaggerated American perception of football violence as akin to the past demonisation of cricket, which was lead by the baseball bigshots and stopped a once massively popular sport dead in its tracks. Only this time the tagetted sport has a damn sight more globally-sourced cash behind it.

Still, since they've beaten England (in the footy) before and got better since then, I don't see any reason why they wouldn't have a chance. They're only ten places down in the totally-not-rubbish FIFA rankings, eh?

The great lie...



Link (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2004/sep/29/stevenwells)

A better link (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2005/dec/07/ussport.football)

Hmm... and I believe one college football fan somewhere in the midwest tore another man's scrotum off during a fight started due to football rivalry.

You may have a point. But English hooligans are more entertaining. *nod*

Of course the Yanks stand a chance. It's soccer. Everyone stands a chance in every game. This is especially true if it's a friendly and the result doesn't really matter.

The US will never stand a chance against certain countries including England until it manages to create and produce the one thing that makes those countries' soccer truly excel:

Hooligans. Hooligans is the secret to great soccer. *nod*

Yes, but American Hooligans would cheapen the artform by bringing in firearms.

Willy: "Och, ye' call this a soccer riot? Come on boys, let's take 'em to school!"
Scottish Hooligans: "Oi! Oi! Oi!"

Yes, but American Hooligans would cheapen the artform by bringing in firearms.

Willy: "Och, ye' call this a soccer riot? Come on boys, let's take 'em to school!"
Scottish Hooligans: "Oi! Oi! Oi!"

Good point. As it is, they cheapen it quite enough by calling it "soccer".

The great lie...
No, that's just the violence. The whole Ref vs. Audience part of the game gets completely ignored in America.

Of course the Yanks stand a chance. It's soccer. Everyone stands a chance in every game. This is especially true if it's a friendly and the result doesn't really matter.
Especially since it's England playing. But I disagree that friendlies don't matter. Germany vs. France always matters, for instance. So does Germany vs. Netherlands. And Germany vs. England. And Germany vs. Italy, Brazil, Argentina...

Oh please. I'm in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llXJWEBF1cY

You call that a riot?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3djm56FHI0

That's a true riot.

"Described a hardcore minority, a few thousand Ranger fans rioted after their team was beaten 2-1."

The great lie...



Link (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2004/sep/29/stevenwells)

A better link (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2005/dec/07/ussport.football)

yes and in Basketball, Baseball, and American football the Us tends to win.
We have a lack of Football hooligans, we need to get said hooligans to win.

You call that a riot?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3djm56FHI0

That's a true riot.

"Described a hardcore minority, a few thousand Ranger fans rioted after their team was beaten 2-1."

I think my video wins.

All you do is just burn a couch. Our Rangers fans go about beating up and stabbing police and Russians.

Yes, but American Hooligans would cheapen the artform by bringing in firearms.

Willy: "Och, ye' call this a soccer riot? Come on boys, let's take 'em to school!"
Scottish Hooligans: "Oi! Oi! Oi!"

Yes, because all 'scotchmen' are called willy.

Mind you, if they wrapped a towel on their head and shouted "allah" they would probably get away with it these days.

yes and in Basketball, Baseball, and American football the Us tends to win.
We have a lack of Football hooligans, we need to get said hooligans to win.Baseball is iffy, but Basketball, forget it.

No.

There is no American Soccer.

The American Soccer is a lie composed by capitalist-neo-liberal-zionist propagandists.

It is false consciousness to believe in this 'American Soccer'.

Baseball is iffy, but Basketball, forget it.

Baseball is only iffy if you force us to compete only using amateur players.

Baseball is only iffy if you force us to compete only using amateur players.Back up claim?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=538816&root=us&cc=5901

This Wednesday, America will be facing off against England in a friendly match, which starts off a crazy friendly schedule for the United States, as they face Spain and Argentina as well.

So, do the Americans stand a chance against England? How about Spain or Argentina? Will American soccer ever break out of its funk back home in the United States? What do you think?

The Yanks don't care.

Back up claim?

because no international event allows professional base ball players(well canada in the world series, but the way that system is set up there is little to tell the difference between Canadian players and American.
the Olympics used to have a lot more chance on who would win until the coming of the "Dream Teams" after they allowed professional players.

The Yanks don't care.

I don't think the brits do, either. ;)

because no international event allows professional base ball players(well canada in the world series, but the way that system is set up there is little to tell the difference between Canadian players and American.
the Olympics used to have a lot more chance on who would win until the coming of the "Dream Teams" after they allowed professional players.
I said "back up claim" not "elaborate claim".

The Yanks don't care.

so true. The Stadium will be filled with the English wondering the Yankee fans are.
Afterwards at a bar The English will thank us for assuring that every english fan had a seat before a single American fan showed up, but that we were too nice as we left half the stadium empty.

to which the Americans will reply England has a Football team.

to which the english will reply he meant soccer not American football.

And the American will ask we have a soccer team?

I said "back up claim" not "elaborate claim".

since there are no international events which allow professional players it is hard to back up.

However looking at basket ball then taking into account that baseball is even less about team play and more about individual skill (weakness of dream team is those hots shots don't play together as a team very well.)

We have no chance at all. People are not enthusiastic about soccer, and lack of support has probably discouraged many would-be stars.

I'd not be surprised if the USA team did beat England.

We have no chance at all. People are not enthusiastic about soccer, and lack of support has probably discouraged many would-be stars.

yeah soccer players don't get paid 10 million dollars like the other sports. So we cant buy up all the other countries best players. with the growing Mexican American population we can expect to see this change in the near future and soccer will become yet another American dominated sport.

yeah soccer players don't get paid 10 million dollars like the other sports. So we cant buy up all the other countries best players. with the growing Mexican American population we can expect to see this change in the near future and soccer will become yet another American dominated sport.

Another? What are the other ones?

since there are no international events which allow professional players it is hard to back up. I'm sure if international events don't allow professional players, it won't be impossible finding a link that supports that.

Another? What are the other ones?

American Foot Ball(given only really played here)
Basket Ball.
Professional Baseball.

American Foot Ball(given only really played here)
Basket Ball.
Professional Baseball.

*lol
None of these are seriously played anywhere outside the USA. ;)
It's not hard to dominate a sport that you made up yourself and that hardly anyone apart from you takes much interest in...

*lol
None of these are seriously played anywhere outside the USA. ;)
It's not hard to dominate a sport that you made up yourself and that hardly anyone apart from you takes much interest in...
Yeah, and interestingly enough, the US isn't all that dominant in Basketball, even though its the primary country for the sport.

*lol
None of these are seriously played anywhere outside the USA. ;)
It's not hard to dominate a sport that you made up yourself and that hardly anyone apart from you takes much interest in...

Well, I'll grant you American Football and Basketball...but it's Europe that is really the only continent that hasn't caught on to baseball.

It's huge all over Latin America, and it's quite popular in Asia too.

So maybe when you guys join the rest of us with Baseball, we'll join the rest of you with Football. ;)

I'm sure if international events don't allow professional players, it won't be impossible finding a link that supports that.

Or you can turn on the Tv to an international baseball event and then turn on the Tv to the American all star games notice none of the names match.

it would be like not ever seeing players like Uwe Seeler (or other famous German players) in the world cup you would know something is up, and sticks out blatantly to Americans.

it is pretty much common knowledge the Olympics is amateur. with basketball being the one of a few exceptions as it was an experiment to try and get a larger American viewer ship.

No.

There is no American Soccer.

The American Soccer is a lie composed by capitalist-neo-liberal-zionist propagandists.

It is false consciousness to believe in this 'American Soccer'.

To judge by what the Americans call "fooball" ... anything they call "soccer" probably involves only one player per team being allowed to kick the ball, obligatory injuries to allow for ad breaks, and a stick with a chain attached to determine whether players are offside. :p

Well, I'll grant you American Football and Basketball...but it's Europe that is really the only continent that hasn't caught on to baseball.

It's huge all over Latin America, and it's quite popular in Asia too.

So maybe when you guys join the rest of us with Baseball, we'll join the rest of you with Football. ;)

I read up on it... it's slightly more boring to watch than cricket, apparently. Which, incidentally, is still more popular worldwide than baseball...

*lol
None of these are seriously played anywhere outside the USA. ;)
It's not hard to dominate a sport that you made up yourself and that hardly anyone apart from you takes much interest in...

try to go outside Europe sometime.
Asia and Latin America Love baseball. Shoot like 30% of America's Base ball players are from Latin America. And I think Baseball is Japan's #1 watched sport.

Basket Ball again pretty common in Asia. Dream team under performed mostly because they try and make it an all star team where they would be better just selecting a professional team that is doing well and has few injuries and sending them instead of just breaking up the teams and forming a international team every four years.

thanks for making me research this

In 1989, FIBA, international basketball's governing body, allowed professional NBA players to participate in the Olympics for the first time. Prior to the 1992 Olympics, only European and South American professionals were allowed to play in the Olympics.

It looks like our amateurs were playing your professionals I wonder what other sports europe is allowed to play professionals in the Olympics???

I read up on it... it's slightly more boring to watch than cricket, apparently.

I take exception to that. Not falling asleep is a huge challenge for cricketers, particularly in the field. Just look at the way players need to insult each others family and race to raise any sense of it being a meaningful contest.

David Boon had the right idea. Still be drunk from the night before when you go out to open the batting. Yer Botham had the same approach, and the West Indians seem to get stoned to maintain some level of interest.

The only thing cricket could learn from baseball is that "adding extra innings at the end to get a result" thing. If we were to scrap that new-fangled five day limit, and simply add more days until everyone who wants to have a bat or bowl has got thoroughly sick of it, perhaps we'd see a return to the gloriously unproductive batting of Brearley or Boycott. Boycott might still be at the crease, thirty years later, except that his batting partner Botham deliberately ran him out to get the score moving!

I do love the game, really. But it does lead to irony, damn irony, and statistics.

I take exception to that. Not falling asleep is a huge challenge for cricketers, particularly in the field. Just look at the way players need to insult each others family and race to raise any sense of it being a meaningful contest.

David Boon had the right idea. Still be drunk from the night before when you go out to open the batting. Yer Botham had the same approach, and the West Indians seem to get stoned to maintain some level of interest.

The only thing cricket could learn from baseball is that "adding extra innings at the end to get a result" thing. If we were to scrap that new-fangled five day limit, and simply add more days until everyone who wants to have a bat or bowl has got thoroughly sick of it, perhaps we'd see a return to the gloriously unproductive batting of Brearley or Boycott. Boycott might still be at the crease, thirty years later, except that his batting partner Botham deliberately ran him out to get the score moving!

I do love the game, really. But it does lead to irony, damn irony, and statistics.

I like Boycs. Anybody who can score a century over three days of cricket should be cherished, if only for their pure bloody-minded obstinacy. Sledging is genius as well; the "Mars Bar" comment with Warne, Gilchrist/Healy and a fat Zimbabwean was inspired.

Especially when our teams win; that seems to be the difference between American and English hooliganism.You mean British fans don't celebrate by breaking stuff?

You mean British fans don't celebrate by breaking stuff?

Of course. We never actually win anything to test that hypothesis.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=538816&root=us&cc=5901

This Wednesday, America will be facing off against England in a friendly match, which starts off a crazy friendly schedule for the United States, as they face Spain and Argentina as well.

So, do the Americans stand a chance against England? How about Spain or Argentina? Will American soccer ever break out of its funk back home in the United States? What do you think?

Nope. The US doesn't stand a chance against England, Spain, or Argentina. Heck, they don't stand a chance against any other soccer team. They have to face it, in this sport, they're outmatched by everyone. If I were them, I would just stick with what I know: baseball, basketball and football.

Nope. The US doesn't stand a chance against England, Spain, or Argentina. Heck, they don't stand a chance against any other soccer team. They have to face it, in this sport, they're outmatched by everyone. If I were them, I would just stick with what I know: baseball, basketball and football.

They're not that bad actually, they're better then a great number of countries.

They're not that bad actually, they're better then a great number of countries.

Not if you pitch them against teams like Brazil or Englad, who've been playing for years. Those teams are excellent. So in regards to them, the US is in diapers still.

Nope. The US doesn't stand a chance against England, Spain, or Argentina. Heck, they don't stand a chance against any other soccer team. They have to face it, in this sport, they're outmatched by everyone. If I were them, I would just stick with what I know: baseball, basketball and football.

The Us team is So So they have gotten into the quarter finals a few times in the world cup. But yeah against europe and Latin America it will be twenty years before we field a team that can compete equally, if that.

Not if you pitch them against teams like Brazil or Englad, who've been playing for years. Those teams are excellent. So in regards to them, the US is in diapers still.

First international outside Britain

In 1885, the U.S. and Canada played the first unofficial international match held outside of Great Britain. The Canadians defeated the Americans 1-0 in Newark, New Jersey.[2] The American side had their revenge the following year, in 1886, when they beat the Canadians 1-0, also in Newark. These two matches were the only internationals played outside of the United Kingdom in the 19th century. Thirty years later, the Americans would play their first official international match by travelling to face Sweden in Stockholm, where the USA won 1-0.

First win ever

In the 1930 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. won the first match in World Cup history, defeating Belgium 3-0 at Estadio Gran Parque Central in Montevideo, Uruguay. The match occurred simultaneously with another "first game" across town in Estadio Pocitos where France defeated Mexico. FIFA has commemorated the American victory as the first World Cup match on two occasions, in 1987 and 2005

Not so young.

Not if you pitch them against teams like Brazil or Englad, who've been playing for years. Those teams are excellent. So in regards to them, the US is in diapers still.Both England and Brazil aren't as great as their potential. Haven't seen Brazil play since the world cup, but what they put on show there... far, far from excellent. England on the other hand... excellent? Ahahahahahahaha! :D

And I'm not laughing because I'm German, I'm laughing because England currently sucks. And it shouldn't really.

Not so young.

You're misreading me. The diaper reference wasn't about how many years they've been playing in the FIFA. The diaper reference is in regards to skill. If you compare the US team with teams like Mexico, England, Germany and Spain, even Argentina, the US's skill is lacking.

Both England and Brazil aren't as great as their potential. Haven't seen Brazil play since the world cup, but what they put on show there... far, far from excellent. England on the other hand... excellent? Ahahahahahahaha! :D

And I'm not laughing because I'm German, I'm laughing because England currently sucks. And it shouldn't really.

silence German lest I remind you with this
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SpZznpjJNBI

You're misreading me. The diaper reference wasn't about how many years they've been playing in the FIFA. The diaper reference is in regards to skill. If you compare the US team with teams like Mexico, England, Germany and Spain, even Argentina, the US's skill is lacking.

mostly because there isn't much interest in the sport here. so not many people grow up playing soccer. and soccer doesn't pay well here as a professional sport.

silence German lest I remind you with this
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SpZznpjJNBICan't watch YouTube on this comp. :)

mostly because there isn't much interest in the sport here. so not many people grow up playing soccer. and soccer doesn't pay well here as a professional sport.

A 5 year contract worth up to £125 million?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6252134.stm

What is well paid in your books?

mostly because there isn't much interest in the sport here. so not many people grow up playing soccer. and soccer doesn't pay well here as a professional sport.

Oh, I'm aware of that. Soccer isn't a sport Americans tend to grow with, unlike here in Spain (as an example).

I myself am not a soccer fan, although it's a sport we Spaniards love. I had a bad experience at the Riazor stadium in La Coruña, Galicia, and from that point on I avoid games like the plague.

A 5 year contract worth up to £125 million?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6252134.stm

What is well paid in your books?

Beckham is an exception and you and I both know he got the job more for being a pretty boy then for being a good footballer. they are just trying to draw women in then hope the women make their men go to the games.

You would hope not, but given the quite frankly atrocious form we're in at the moment... who knows.

Can't watch YouTube on this comp. :)

just the normal english fans singing 2 world wars 1 world cup. and 10 German bombers.

Yes, because all 'scotchmen' are called willy.

Mind you, if they wrapped a towel on their head and shouted "allah" they would probably get away with it these days.

Not only do you completely miss a quote from The Simpsons (the same show that came up with Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys- also quipped by Willy and which you probably don't find the least bit objectionable), you take a quote I cited in reference to football hooligans and go into another of your "atheist" Ebil Mozlemz rants.

Pathetic and par for the course on your part.

:rolleyes:

I'm still getting over the irony that 'football' is the word for the game even in other languages (albeit spelled differently for example in Spanish it's 'futbol') except in the USA, where we call it something completely different. One day, I'll find out why that is.

Edit: Ok today was the day. Here's (http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/why-is-football-called-soccer.htm) what I found:


In England, there were two types of football: rugby football and association football. The slang term for rugby football was "rugger," and the slang for association football was "assoc." The word "assoc" gradually evolved into "soccer," which was much easier to say.
When association football was introduced to North America, gridiron football (the type played by the NFL and in the Super Bowl) was already well established. To avoid confusion, Americans adopted the British nickname "soccer" for the new sport.

One day, I'll look on Wiki to find out why that is.
Probably one of those "we're not English, really" type affairs. See also your quite frankly perplexing imperial system, which isn't even the same craziness as ours was.

I'm still getting over the irony that 'football' is the word for the game even in other languages (albeit spelled differently for example in Spanish it's 'futbol') except in the USA, where we call it something completely different. One day, I'll find out why that is.

That's because it's a foot/ball game. You play on foot, and the objective is to hit the ball into the adversary team area to score a goal. (I'm sure you already know the purpose of the game, anyway.:p)

'Futból' is just an Anglicism (a word borrowed from English into another language; also describes English syntax, grammar, meaning and structure used in another language with varying degrees of corruption) commonly used in Spain to refer to this game.

Probably one of those "we're not English, really" type affairs. See also your quite frankly perplexing imperial system, which isn't even the same craziness as ours was.

HAHA! The opposite, actually. Look at my edit!

That's because it's a foot/ball game. You play on foot, and the objective is to hit the ball into the adversary team area to score a goal. (I'm sure you already know the purpose of the game, anyway.:p)

'Futból' is just an Anglicism (a word borrowed from English into another language; also describes English syntax, grammar, meaning and structure used in another language with varying degrees of corruption) commonly used in Spain to refer to this game.

I know that. Doesn't take away from the irony, however :)

I know that. Doesn't take away from the irony, however :)

;)

who knew !?

Cabra can fuck off, unsophisticated moo that she is, for labelling cricket "boring". Simply because she lacks the education, sophistication and intellectual capacity to appreciate the nuances and technique of a test match does not render the rest of us morons. The NZ/England test at Old Trafford was highly entertaining, as was the recent Oz/India series.

And yes, the USA will lose, if only because Capello is likely to be tactically superior to whoever coaches the USA, and the superiority of technique, fitness and experiance have will eventually tell. In short, not because we're especiialy excellent, more because the USA are utterly wank.
If she doesn't like cricket she doesn't like cricket. I don't like it either fyi

Probably be a close game and England will win either 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1. And no doubt we'll have about 65% of possession, predominantly in the 15 yards of our half and 10 yards of the American half around the halfway line. Occasionally we'll knock the ball onto Joe Cole or Theo Walcott/David Bentley, only for either the pass to be cut out or the cross to hit the first (occasionally second) man.

Rooney will then get pissed off with not getting a decent amount of the ball and will start throwing himself into tackles, eventually getting a yellow card and being substituted 10 minutes later.

Crouch will inexplicably get another cap despite Agbonlahor and Ashton having been called up, and despite having barely played in the last few months. Downing will get about 25 minutes on the pitch to show quite how left footed he is, and quite how badly he can pass the ball.

And EBJT will shout at the ref. Continually. For 110 minutes (includes half-time and for 5 minutes after the final whistle).

idk, I dont really know much about soccer...im more of an NFL, NHL guy...

Soccer's just kind of boring in comparison...Though, the Sports fans of Europe definitely have us beat, I dont think we'd ever look at Germany and yell "WHO WON THE WAR" lol...

Though itd be incredibly funny if like a Northern team took on a Southern Team and yelled that at eachother, lol...

Personnally I don't give a damn who wins since I don't really clear much for soccer or football as we Brits call it.

@Blouman Empire, you've heard of Norwich? Flipping heck! Thats my local team!

Then again I've met a chap from Southampton who supported the Canaries.

Another? What are the other ones?

NASCAR

That's because it's a foot/ball game. You play on foot, and the objective is to hit the ball into the adversary team area to score a goal. (I'm sure you already know the purpose of the game, anyway.:p)

That's no explanation!

Just about any game other than ice-hockey (played with a puck) or wheelchair sports (not played on foot) would fit that definition.

Football because you play the ball with the foot. Surely ?

I read up on it... it's slightly more boring to watch than cricket, apparently. Which, incidentally, is still more popular worldwide than baseball...

Which obviously goes to show that merely "reading up" on baseball is an inadequate introduction to the sport ;)

It's a sport in which tension and anticipation are vitally important, and are facilitated by being invested in a teams fate.

Football because you play the ball with the foot. Surely ?

Because you play it on foot, actually. It stands in comparison to sports played on horseback, with games such as soccer being more popular amongst common people, whilst horseback sports were more popular amongst the nobility.

What is now called "Football/Soccer/Doomsbloodseed" is the end result of one of the more popular derivations of these games. American football, by coincidence, is derived from that very tradition, and merely because of regional popularity became the regional synecdoche.

Personnally I don't give a damn who wins since I don't really clear much for soccer or football as we Brits call it.

Then you really don't have much to contribute to this conversation, surely?

idk, I dont really know much about soccer...im more of an NFL, NHL guy...

Soccer's just kind of boring in comparison...Though, the Sports fans of Europe definitely have us beat, I dont think we'd ever look at Germany and yell "WHO WON THE WAR" lol...

Though itd be incredibly funny if like a Northern team took on a Southern Team and yelled that at eachother, lol...

Although I don't understand most of what you're saying, I'm not so sure of the outcome of the following match. As a Scot, I am reluctant to voice that those southern bastards will win, although the English do have a pretty good team and I am (slightly) reluctant to say that i will be rooting for them.

From my perspective (which will undoubtedly not alter any of yours'), 'soccer' as you call it (although the term 'football' suits soccer way more than it does 'American football', logically, linguistically and traditionally) is a far more interesting sport. Unlink the American mainstream sport, it doesn't stop every five-minutes for a breather. If you really have to watch something like American football, please look towards Rugby, where the competitors don't look towards hundreds of dollars of protective gear to make sure the ever-so-valuable features aren't damaged.

Soccer yuck! What a stupid game I would rather play kick the can.

@Blouman Empire, you've heard of Norwich? Flipping heck! Thats my local team!

Then again I've met a chap from Southampton who supported the Canaries.

Of course I've heard of Norwich (that doesn't mean I support them) and it was a shame back in the early ninties that they won't able to go to Europe, they could have performed well, I hope that perfom better next season and are able to rise up to thier former glory.

They're not that bad actually, they're better then a great number of countries.

Yeah like Fiji.

A 5 year contract worth up to £125 million?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6252134.stm

What is well paid in your books?

He is well paid, considering he is a has been, but the Yanks don't know that yet and will be drawn to him because of his previous star power.

But how many over players in the US are paid this sort of money.

That's no explanation!

Just about any game other than ice-hockey (played with a puck) or wheelchair sports (not played on foot) would fit that definition.

Football because you play the ball with the foot. Surely ?

Nobel Hobos, read the rest of that post before jumping in. Thank you.

Of course I've heard of Norwich (that doesn't mean I support them) and it was a shame back in the early ninties that they won't able to go to Europe, they could have performed well, I hope that perfom better next season and are able to rise up to thier former glory.

If you knew that much about Norwich, you wouldn't have said what I have highlighted. It seems to me you have done a quick search of the club's history on Wikipedia rather than analyzing their actual current potential.

Nobel Hobos, read the rest of that post before jumping in. Thank you.

Well said. I believe folk that are posting in a conversation about football that don't know anything or much about the discussion or topic itself, shouldn't be posting at all.

Well said. I believe folk that are posting in a conversation about football that don't know anything or much about the discussion or topic itself, shouldn't be posting at all.

I mean, I did gave an explanation why, for example, we call it ¨futból¨ in Spain. It´s an anglicism. An adaptation of the English term to Spanish. Besides, the sport IS played On Foot. Is it not?

If you knew that much about Norwich, you wouldn't have said what I have highlighted. It seems to me you have done a quick search of the club's history on Wikipedia rather than analyzing their actual current potential.

First of all as my team were in the Champions league this year I know that Norwich finished 17th, not being a major fan of Norwich I would not know all of the details also not living in England I would not get as much information as those that do, nor do I have the time to research and watch fully on all developments on every FA Club in England let alone all the other leagues of football that I follow and other sporting codes that I follow. I am also aware that they would not all of a sudden become top of the Champions league next year promoted to the Premier league and win that. However this coming season Norwich can improve, they may not win it but it is a long road to return to where they were in the early 90's and they might as well start next year, perhaps make it to the playoffs, hell even perform well enough the following year to win the playoffs and then in the Premier league they can begin a long road of trying to finish in the top 6.

To say I just conducted a quick glance on Wikipedia to find out Norwich City’s history is incorrect, I didn’t have to look up any site on the internet but went from previous knowledge on what I have read and seen, I am not claiming to be an expert on Norwich, but I do know one or two things about them.

whats with the lack of support fellow england fans, im sure we can get back to the top of world football, all we need to do is support the players and the manager.

Nobel Hobos, read the rest of that post before jumping in. Thank you.

You said a silly thing. I quibbled with it ... and you did not defend your assertion that foot ball is so named for being played on foot. I gave a reason for believing it be so named ... you gave none.

I mean, I did gave an explanation why, for example, we call it ¨futból¨ in Spain. It´s an anglicism. An adaptation of the English term to Spanish.

Twice, now. I'm not interested, for two reasons: because its so obvious as to be inane; and because since you say the Spanish comes from the English word, you are saying nothing about the origin of the English word.

Besides, the sport IS played On Foot. Is it not?

Yeah, that's where to look for affirmation for your empty opinion. The new poster who is telling me not to post ... NOT.

You went right past this, which agreed with your version BUT GAVE A REASON:

Because you play it on foot, actually. It stands in comparison to sports played on horseback, with games such as soccer being more popular amongst common people, whilst horseback sports were more popular amongst the nobility.

What is now called "Football/Soccer/Doomsbloodseed" is the end result of one of the more popular derivations of these games. American football, by coincidence, is derived from that very tradition, and merely because of regional popularity became the regional synecdoche.

Nanatsu, and Atlantis E, THAT is how to refute a point. With information, not just "no, let's talk about something else" and not "you are ignorant and should not post."

But whatever. Cheerlead for each other if it helps you feel more comfortable in parroting the received wisdom.

Andaluciae, having now wred the WikiPedia article on the origins of the word (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_(word)) I'm now aware of that interpretation. It's still disputed, though.

The WikiPedia article concludes:
However, there is no conclusive evidence for either theory regarding the origins of the word.

I'm happy to leave it there, neither conceding that the game is so named for being played On Foot ... nor continuing to assert that it is so named for the Foot being used on the Ball.

If anyone has a link to something more persuasive, we can continue this. Otherwise, I don't see any point.

No.

/thread

Norwich has managed to get into the Premier league within the last 5 years, though due to the somewhat aggressive playstyle of many of the Premier league clubs (Man U and Liverpool springs to mind) the Canaries pretty much got trash and dropped a league at the end of the season. Though this season just gone they were struggling to stay in the 1st Division, hell they weren't able to beat their local rivals Ipswich Town.

mostly because there isn't much interest in the sport here. so not many people grow up playing soccer. and soccer doesn't pay well here as a professional sport.

It's actually the most popular sport under the age of 13, and more US citizens watched the World Cup Final than any one day of the World Series. The problem is that kids stop playing when they get to their mid-teens and concentrate on other sports.

Beckham's still easily good enough for MLS and if his major role is to raise the profile of the sport in the US then that's not unknown in sport.

You said a silly thing. I quibbled with it ... and you did not defend your assertion that foot ball is so named for being played on foot. I gave a reason for believing it be so named ... you gave none.

Mate, I gave the reason for why it's called 'futból' in Spanish. Becasue it's an anglicism from the word "football". That's the reason for it to be so in Spanish. As for the being played on foot, isn't it? And I was jesting. It seems you took it seriously, champ.


Twice, now. I'm not interested, for two reasons: because its so obvious as to be inane; and because since you say the Spanish comes from the English word, you are saying nothing about the origin of the English word.

My argument was with Neo Bretonnia. He was asking why was the name for the game in Spanish 'futból'. I gave him the reason why. The origin of the English word is of no concern to me in regards of answering the original question from the poster.

Yeah, that's where to look for affirmation for your empty opinion. The new poster who is telling me not to post ... NOT.

Is it truly inane? Did you gave a better reason for NB's question as to why it's named 'futból' in Spanish, which is what he asked about? I don't think you did. But, it's fine. Keep thinking whatever you like.

Norwich has managed to get into the Premier league within the last 5 years, though due to the somewhat aggressive playstyle of many of the Premier league clubs (Man U and Liverpool springs to mind) the Canaries pretty much got trash and dropped a league at the end of the season. Though this season just gone they were struggling to stay in the 1st Division, hell they weren't able to beat their local rivals Ipswich Town.

Within the last 5 years yes once and they finished 19th, unlike during the 92-93 season where they finished third, then they declined dramatically 12th the following season and then 20th (coincidentally that was also the last year where we saw 22 teams in premier league).

I bolded that part, because surely you mean the Championship and yes they were only a win away from dropping down. But as I said, I it would be nice to see the canaries to rise up to their former glory, I know it wont be overnight but within the next few years should be achievable.

Both England and Brazil aren't as great as their potential. Haven't seen Brazil play since the world cup, but what they put on show there... far, far from excellent. England on the other hand... excellent? Ahahahahahahaha! :D

And I'm not laughing because I'm German, I'm laughing because England currently sucks. And it shouldn't really.

I do agree with you. Just a few exceptions from the past.

erm.

1966? <--- bwahahaha

And was it 2001 with the 5-1 in Munich?

Germany beating England you say? SSSHHHHH =P


Back on subject. I think this game is England's whitewash. But, as the English trashed the Yanks about a bit during the Rugby World Cup, the US might deserve the win more.

Rugby over football any day to be honest. (A sport we are actually very good at^^)

It's actually the most popular sport under the age of 13, and more US citizens watched the World Cup Final than any one day of the World Series. The problem is that kids stop playing when they get to their mid-teens and concentrate on other sports.

Beckham's still easily good enough for MLS and if his major role is to raise the profile of the sport in the US then that's not unknown in sport.

I was one of those kids. It has more to do with how easy it is for kids to get a ball and throw some rocks as a goal post, then try to kick the ball with out regard for the rules). though really that is not soccer any more then a game of horse is basket ball.

base ball is a bad comparison right now it is in a unpopular slump because of the steroid abuse scandals and the evil empire(new York Yankees) trying to buy up all the good players.

Within the last 5 years yes once and they finished 19th, unlike during the 92-93 season where they finished third, then they declined dramatically 12th the following season and then 20th (coincidentally that was also the last year where we saw 22 teams in premier league).

I bolded that part, because surely you mean the Championship and yes they were only a win away from dropping down. But as I said, I it would be nice to see the canaries to rise up to their former glory, I know it wont be overnight but within the next few years should be achievable.

I'm not into football unlike a lot of people I know here (in Norwich....I live 'bouts 5 minutes from the cursed football ground) and I only know about the Cancaries' progress co's they're splattered across the local papers and news. So forgive me if my knowledge of football is limited co's I just don't give a damn about football. ;)

Especially since it's England playing. But I disagree that friendlies don't matter. Germany vs. France always matters, for instance. So does Germany vs. Netherlands. And Germany vs. England. And Germany vs. Italy, Brazil, Argentina...

Yeah, I probably should have phased that differently. I just meant that in a game like this, where pride is really the only thing at stake, there's probably a greater chance of an upset.

I was one of those kids. It has more to do with how easy it is for kids to get a ball and throw some rocks as a goal post, then try to kick the ball with out regard for the rules). though really that is not soccer any more then a game of horse is basket ball.

base ball is a bad comparison right now it is in a unpopular slump because of the steroid abuse scandals and the evil empire(new York Yankees) trying to buy up all the good players.

That's football's biggest attraction really, the simplicity of it. All you need is a ball. That is the 06 Final against the 05 World Series so it was before the largest part of the steroids article.

That (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6904077.stm) is the link if you're interested. It's quite an interesting read. And if nothing else, the rising Latino population will help soccer grow.

That's football's biggest attraction really, the simplicity of it. All you need is a ball. That is the 06 Final against the 05 World Series so it was before the largest part of the steroids article.

That (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6904077.stm) is the link if you're interested. It's quite an interesting read. And if nothing else, the rising Latino population will help soccer grow.

Soccer will continue to grow. though with out the rules over off sides and out of bounds the way kids plays is more akin to how horse is to basketball.

the Latinos also love baseball. i had a Cuban girlfriend once and her family would argue for hours over baseball.

Looks like the answer was no - 2:0 to England.