World Cup

[cajunhawk]

Football analogy.

Ghana out gained the US 545 to 202

Ghana was 1-6 in the redzone, missing multiple FGs after being unable to punch it in.

The US returned the opening kickoff for a TD, then had a late drive and were able to punch it in from the one yard line. Americans win 10-7.

Now that's a good analogy (or metaphor...get those mixed up)...

[SlappyCajun]

Imagine if Lebron James and Jimmy Graham played for USA soccer. That is what we are up against.

I disagree to an extent. Size is nice in soccer, but is not necessary. In fact, some of the world's best players have been incredibly short.

Where I think the US lags is that kids in foreign countries play pick up games in the street. They are around it 24/7. So, they develop an incredible feel for the game. It's why U.S. basketball maintained an edge. Even if other countries have great jump shooters, they didn't have a feel for the game. Now, as European kids are growing up with basketball, they are erasing our advantage. Some of the most creative players in basketball are foreign point guards.

IMO, until soccer becomes a game that kids play - - not organized youth league, but pickup - - we will always lag behind the rest of the world because we lack the skills and creativity to generate scoring opportunities that don't derive off of a counter attack.

[cajunhawk]

Yeah this pretty much let's me know who I'm dealing with

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3in9BW7k9fg

Now that is world class.

[CajunRage]

I disagree to an extent. Size is nice in soccer, but is not necessary. In fact, some of the world's best players have been incredibly short.

Where I think the US lags is that kids in foreign countries play pick up games in the street. They are around it 24/7. So, they develop an incredible feel for the game. It's why U.S. basketball maintained an edge. Even if other countries have great jump shooters, they didn't have a feel for the game. Now, as European kids are growing up with basketball, they are erasing our advantage. Some of the most creative players in basketball are foreign point guards.

IMO, until soccer becomes a game that kids play - - not organized youth league, but pickup - - we will always lag behind the rest of the world because we lack the skills and creativity to generate scoring opportunities that don't derive off of a counter attack.

I was aiming more for the most athletic people in our country not playing soccer.

[ManAboutTown]

Football analogy.

Ghana out gained the US 545 to 202

Ghana was 1-6 in the redzone, missing multiple FGs after being unable to punch it in.

The US returned the opening kickoff for a TD, then had a late drive and were able to punch it in from the one yard line. Americans win 10-7.

Better analogy:
Veteran Heavy Weight prize fighter lands a furious opening round combo, stunning the younger-faster-long lasting contender.

Vet lays back and tries to win be tactics and decision, knowing he can't possibly "out punch" the young buck.

Youth and athleticism catches up with the Old man, but low and behold, he uses determination and sound skill to land the knock out punch he needs late to win it.

Futbol is not football and can not be compared congruently.

[cajunhawk]

I disagree to an extent. Size is nice in soccer, but is not necessary. In fact, some of the world's best players have been incredibly short.

Where I think the US lags is that kids in foreign countries play pick up games in the street. They are around it 24/7. So, they develop an incredible feel for the game. It's why U.S. basketball maintained an edge. Even if other countries have great jump shooters, they didn't have a feel for the game. Now, as European kids are growing up with basketball, they are erasing our advantage. Some of the most creative players in basketball are foreign point guards.

IMO, until soccer becomes a game that kids play - - not organized youth league, but pickup - - we will always lag behind the rest of the world because we lack the skills and creativity to generate scoring opportunities that don't derive off of a counter attack.

The US also has umpteen choices that other countries don't have. Baseball, Basketball, and Football leave the talent pool pretty bone dry. In Brazil soccer is #1...by a large margin. I have good friends from Brazil...they pick up a soccer ball like we pick up a baseball or a football. The US is light years behind the European and South American powers. But we are making head way.

[SlappyCajun]

I was aiming more for the most athletic people in our country not playing soccer.

Oh, I definitely agree with that. In America, our best athletes are still above other nation's best athletes in my opinion. Clearly, if Reggie Bush spent his entire life with a soccer ball, he would be a formidable soccer player.

[ManAboutTown]

I disagree to an extent. Size is nice in soccer, but is not necessary. In fact, some of the world's best players have been incredibly short.

Where I think the US lags is that kids in foreign countries play pick up games in the street. They are around it 24/7. So, they develop an incredible feel for the game. It's why U.S. basketball maintained an edge. Even if other countries have great jump shooters, they didn't have a feel for the game. Now, as European kids are growing up with basketball, they are erasing our advantage. Some of the most creative players in basketball are foreign point guards.

IMO, until soccer becomes a game that kids play - - not organized youth league, but pickup - - we will always lag behind the rest of the world because we lack the skills and creativity to generate scoring opportunities that don't derive off of a counter attack.

Love this post.
Soccer is currently overtaking baseball as the most played youth sport in the country, and it's happening almost overnight.

[ManAboutTown]

Oh, I definitely agree with that. In America, our best athletes are still above other nation's best athletes in my opinion. Clearly, if Reggie Bush spent his entire life with a soccer ball, he would be a formidable soccer player.

Now THAT is an interesting thought..

[sportsfanatic21]

Futbol is not football and can not be compared congruently.

So futbol and boxing can be?

How about baseball:

One team gets 11 hits and draws 3 walks. Hits into a couple double plays, goes 0-7 with men in scoring position, and leaves 12 guys on base.

The other gets 3 hits, one is a 2 out double followed by a single. Team B wins 1-0.



I just realized how eerily familiar that sounds.