World Cup Qualifier

KRAM1 · February 11, 2009

OK, for all you lovers of the "Beautiful Game" out there, remember tonight at 6:00 PM on ESPN2 (and Ch. 23-Dallas area) the USA palys Mexico in Columbus, Ohio in the first world cup qualifier in the final round. The US is a big favorite as it is being played in Columbus, but you just never know about these things. It should be interesting to see how Mexico handles the weather and the fact that they haven't won in Columbus. In fact the US is 9-2-2 in their last thirteen games against Mexico.

And, yes, for some of you more "challenged folks, ie; baseball guys, we are talking about soccer here! :lol:

USA-USA-USA-USA! Tune in and watch the US win tonight!

oldguystudent · February 11, 2009

Be sure to tune in at 9:30 p.m. to watch the shootout that breaks the 0-0 tie.

Quoner · February 11, 2009

Or watch the Stars game at 7:30 pm on FSN -- or use the DVR and catch both. You can make it a Northern and Southern border appreciation night - and we know how much you guys all appreciate foreigners!

UNTflyer · February 11, 2009

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/156673/mexico_vs_portugal/

forevereagle · February 11, 2009

Wait, soccer is a sport? And we have a team? And what is this World Cup you speak of?

Quoner · February 11, 2009

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/156673/mexico_vs_portugal/

It's been like a decade and that clip never gets old.

KRAM1 · February 11, 2009

Actually, it's "football". Seems only the USA likes to call it soccer....well, maybe Canda too, but that doesn't count. And, just to be clear...games starts at 6PM (CST)...it is not bbaseball, so it will be over long befiore 9:30PM. It is ends in a tie, the US will have under-performed to a great extent. US should win this one. Field conditions could make it "easier" on the Mexicans to play for a tie, but, hopefully, the US will jump out to a quick lead so that Mexico will have to play to score and not just sit back and defend and hope for a draw. A draw would help Mexico, but not do much for the US. These games often have a bit of "hockey" in them as "pushing and shoving" and all that comes with that seems to "break out" when the US plays Mexico.

Can't wait. About time some "real football" was on TV around here! :rolleyes: USA-USA-USA!!!!!!

forevereagle · February 11, 2009

These games often have a bit of "hockey" in them as "pushing and shoving" and all that comes with that seems to "break out" when the US plays Mexico.

Soccer has no hockey in it. If there is any pushing and shoving, someone will quickly take a dive and that will be where it ends.

Soccer=Oscars.

KRAM1 · February 11, 2009

By the way, Flyer...Video is too funny! Priceless...but it cut off after a short while. I need to find the whole clip and send it to a few of my "non-beliver" friends. Nice post! :lol: :clapping:

Censored by Laurie · February 11, 2009

I am really craving some paella now.

KRAM1 · February 11, 2009

So, forevereagle, you watch a lot of soccer do you? Or, are you just another "parrot" for the typical stereotyping remarks? I do not deny the "acting" that takes place in some games. It is akin to the acting that goes on in all sports. Do not try to tell me that punters do not "act", basketball players do not "fall to the ground" in great acts in attempts to get "charging" called, that baseball players do not "act" at home plate to draw ump calls, that American football players do not "act" out injuries to get flags thrown or to waste time.

Now, to be fair, some of these "soccer guys"...more often than not the latin or Italian players...do "push" the limits of even "bad acting", but let's be claer, they cannot actually bring it to a fight (as hockey) because they will immediately get tossed with a red card and have to sit out the next game. If the ref is doing his job, he will "yellow card" the "acting player". If done often enough and early enough the acting will stop. Unlike what goes on in hockey where most of the "fights" are nothing more than a grab and shove match. I suspect, more acting than real in most cases. Besides, hockey playes get to rest after every 1 or 2 minutes on the ice. What's up with that? Panty-wastes????? :lol:

Quoner · February 11, 2009

So, forevereagle, you watch a lot of soccer do you? Or, are you just another "parrot" for the typical stereotyping remarks? I do not deny the "acting" that takes place in some games. It is akin to the acting that goes on in all sports. Do not try to tell me that punters do not "act", basketball players do not "fall to the ground" in great acts in attempts to get "charging" called, that baseball players do not "act" at home plate to draw ump calls, that American football players do not "act" out injuries to get flags thrown or to waste time.
Now, to be fair, some of these "soccer guys"...more often than not the latin or Italian players...do "push" the limits of even "bad acting", but let's be claer, they cannot actually bring it to a fight (as hockey) because they will immediately get tossed with a red card and have to sit out the next game. If the ref is doing his job, he will "yellow card" the "acting player". If done often enough and early enough the acting will stop. Unlike what goes on in hockey where most of the "fights" are nothing more than a grab and shove match. I suspect, more acting than real in most cases. Besides, hockey playes get to rest after every 1 or 2 minutes on the ice. What's up with that? Panty-wastes?????

Soccer guy calling out hockey players toughness - that's awesome.

Most of the fights are not a grab and shove match - that is just a roughing or a scrum that nothing comes out of. to get the 5 minute fighting major, you've got to earn it. Hokey even has misconducts and suspensions for repeat offenders who cross any lines. There's even a diving penalty that has been actually fairly well used for the league after it got to be an embarrassment with the Colorado and Detroit teams of earlier this decade.

Also, all 5 hockey players are going full speed for their shifts and all have a hand in what happens at both ends. You can go a few minutes depending on the flow of the match on the soccer pitch. I think hockey players are the best overall conditioned (imagine if soccer players sprinted every second on the pitch and could rotate in waves of 3 and 2) and I will give you that soccer is second of the major team sports in the same category. To even compare hockey fighting to soccer is just...well, typical you. As always, you truly are the evil genius of the entire board.

KRAM1 · February 11, 2009

So, if all that "fighting" in hockey is so "real", then why do the fights go to all but ZERO during the playoffs? Seems "staged" to me in the regular season to keep fan interest up. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Me thinks the hockey guys know how to "fire up a crowd" with a little staged fighting. And, how to give the team additional rest during the "fight". Do you think they KNOW it's all for "show", and just play hockey during the playoffs when the games actually mean something? Just wondering. I like hockey, it's OK and, yes, the players are pretty well conditioned. But, surley a well conditioned athlete can skate for longer than 3 min. at a time...even full speed. But, in the games I have gone to this season at AA Arena, the players are definitely not going full speed their full shifts. There is plenty of "rest" during a shift...and gliding along on the skates. Heck, we can all rollerblade for three min. without a break, can't we???? And, some of us are "older" than others on this board.

Can't understand why folks give a "pass" to these guys when they score 1 or 2 goals in a game yet jump all over scooer for being low scoring. Plus these guys get how many breaks after periods during the game. How boring is watching that "ice cleaning" multiple times a game? Ugh. Thanks goodness for the "Ice Girls" or you could just bring your balnket and pillow and take a nap between periods.

Now, all that being said, I appreciate the game of hockey. It is fun to watch IN PERSON...I hate it on TV....and the guys that play hockey are, for the most part, good citizens and do a lot in their respective communities. And, do seem to try to treat fans well. So, props to them for that, and, in no way did I mean to indicate anything about their "toughness". Just seems strange that these guys can't stay on the ice longer than about 3 min. at a time when soccer players go 45 min. at a time...then a short half and 45 min. more. I dare say, they are running more min. during a game than hockey players are skating. Now, there's a study for some sports guy.

This is a fun debate, but will never come to any "conclusion". People like the sports they do for the reasons they do, and nothing is going to change that one way or the other. It's a good thing, too. It's fun to have choices and fun to "go back and forth" about ones favorite sport. Heck, some folks like NASCAR...and all those guys can do is turn left! Go figure why the popularity of that event? The drivers are, however, the most fan=friendly in any professional sport. Give them their due for that!

Green P1 · February 11, 2009

Hockey and "Football" are both Un-American. In though times like these I think we need to be doing all we can to support this great country of ours.

Will Terrell Owens be a Cowboy next season? Will Andruw Jones lead the Rangers to an AL Pennant? Did the Mavs reject a Baron Davis and Sweaty Petty for Kidd deal? These are all good USA loving topics that are currently relevant.

In closing, if you don't like this country you can get out.

Edited February 11, 2009 by Green P1

Quoner · February 11, 2009

So, if all that "fighting" in hockey is so "real", then why do the fights go to all but ZERO during the playoffs? Seems "staged" to me in the regular season to keep fan interest up. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Me thinks the hockey guys know how to "fire up a crowd" with a little staged fighting. And, how to give the team additional rest during the "fight". Do you think they KNOW it's all for "show", and just play hockey during the playoffs when the games actually mean something? Just wondering. I like hockey, it's OK and, yes, the players are pretty well conditioned. But, surley a well conditioned athlete can skate for longer than 3 min. at a time...even full speed. But, in the games I have gone to this season at AA Arena, the players are definitely not going full speed their full shifts. There is plenty of "rest" during a shift...and gliding along on the skates. Heck, we can all rollerblade for three min. without a break, can't we???? And, some of us are "older" than others on this board.
Can't understand why folks give a "pass" to these guys when they score 1 or 2 goals in a game yet jump all over scooer for being low scoring. Plus these guys get how many breaks after periods during the game. How boring is watching that "ice cleaning" multiple times a game? Ugh. Thanks goodness for the "Ice Girls" or you could just bring your balnket and pillow and take a nap between periods.
Now, all that being said, I appreciate the game of hockey. It is fun to watch IN PERSON...I hate it on TV....and the guys that play hockey are, for the most part, good citizens and do a lot in their respective communities. And, do seem to try to treat fans well. So, props to them for that, and, in no way did I mean to indicate anything about their "toughness". Just seems strange that these guys can't stay on the ice longer than about 3 min. at a time when soccer players go 45 min. at a time...then a short half and 45 min. more. I dare say, they are running more min. during a game than hockey players are skating. Now, there's a study for some sports guy.
This is a fun debate, but will never come to any "conclusion". People like the sports they do for the reasons they do, and nothing is going to change that one way or the other. It's a good thing, too. It's fun to have choices and fun to "go back and forth" about ones favorite sport. Heck, some folks like NASCAR...and all those guys can do is turn left! Go figure why the popularity of that event? The drivers are, however, the most fan=friendly in any professional sport. Give them their due for that!

Agree there's no way to scientifically settle this, but why do more hockey guys have their skills transfer to soccer, lacrosse and occasionally baseball if it is so niche? If your goal is for continuous action and running for that long - why not pick lacrosse because they can also hit each other while running?

What looks like gliding to you is often done backwards, forwards or sideways. The soccer players know their surface and what it will do at all times. There's no Olympic event for running around on a pitch gracefully, but there is one for skating. A hockey player goes for a shorter time, but each player on the ice will handle the "ball" (looked I used "them" right) a ton more than soccer. They will also be an average of about 70-100 recorded hits each game, not to mention the other stuff that happens on the fly and between whistles. Also, think about how much bigger hockey players are then soccer guys and the toll that the physical play adds up to.

Hockey players are capable of playing longer shifts than what they do - but it's a peak performance thing. If soccer allowed more substitutions and resubstitutions like every other sport, you might see their time cut too. Each line is not out there to do the same thing and that strategy is part of the fun. Two scoring lines, a checking line and a grit line is a lot more interesting to me than just watching Modano, Lehtinen and Loui Eriksson skate around for 60 minutes. The coaches make changes, adjust pairings and do other little things to counter each other all the way down to how each line tries to enter the offensive zone. Just like soccer - but faster and without 50 minutes spent outside of each offensive end.

I can't believe those jerks clean the ice twice a game to improve the quality of play. That's one more break than a soccer game and I don't even get the fun of not knowing when the game is actually over at the end. I kind of wish soccer stadiums would stop tending their grass and let the game come more naturally. Also, last year there were over 5 total goals scored a game in the NHL, but keep holding on to that theory that it's just like soccer.

Almost forgot to address the staged fighting thing. Fighting is standing up for when the other team takes liberties on a player or to spark your team. It's a known role and it is understood. Last year, Calgary fought in a playoff game down 3-0 to the Sharks and came back to win the game after they won the fight. On the other hand, if you go around gooning it up, you can get tagged for instigation and get killed on the powerplay (just like Anaheim did against Dallas last year.) Every powerplay and decision is weighed much more heavily in the postseason because the games mean more.

AA Arena huh? I didn't know you were such a big Florida Panthers fan! Think they'll make a move before the deadline if they stay around the 8 spot?

Quoner · February 11, 2009

Fun tidbit from today's shootaround: http://starsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2...very-stuff.html

There was much talk about whether or not Turco should get a day off, and he said he feels fine right now.
He didn't skate, but he participated in the morning's ``donkey ball'' game. That's the game where players (usually in teams of two) kick a soccer ball over a makeshift net and try to score in volleyball fashion.
Stars coach Dave Tippett reasoned that if Turco has the energy to play donkeyball, he's probably pretty fresh right now.

It's not quite premiball - but I'd play it.

UNT_playmaker · February 11, 2009

Soccer has no hockey in it. If there is any pushing and shoving, someone will quickly take a dive and that will be where it ends.
Soccer=Oscars.

:huh:

yyz28 · February 11, 2009

Afroduck HATES soccer. ...all hail Afroduck!

Quoner · February 12, 2009

Ha - at the end of the day:

USA: 2-0

Stars 0-1

FAIL = ME

KingDL1 · February 12, 2009

Ha - at the end of the day:
USA: 2-0
Stars 0-1
FAIL = ME

I was at the game man it sucked. The Stars looked like they were on curse control, just going through the motions. How the hell do we get shutout by Phoenix?

Quoner · February 12, 2009

I was at the game man it sucked. The Stars looked like they were on curse control, just going through the motions. How the hell do we get shutout by Phoenix?

I had to give up tickets for a thing in Arlington.

For some reason, the worst Stars games I ever attend are against Phoenix. One game around the holidays I brought 8 friends only to see them lose 2-1 while half the team had the flu.

I'm going Friday with good seats, so I hope they bounce back since Vancouver has been struggling.

NT03 · February 12, 2009

I had to give up tickets for a thing in Arlington.
For some reason, the worst Stars games I ever attend are against Phoenix. One game around the holidays I brought 8 friends only to see them lose 2-1 while half the team had the flu.
I'm going Friday with good seats, so I hope they bounce back since Vancouver has been struggling.

I hear Vegas has the Stars as an early 18 goal favorite for Friday's game

Edited February 12, 2009 by NT03

Quoner · February 12, 2009

I hear Vegas has the Stars as an early 18 goal favorite for Friday's game

You know - each of those goals is like a touchdown in football.....or 40,000 dunks in premiball.

KingDL1 · February 12, 2009

I had to give up tickets for a thing in Arlington.
For some reason, the worst Stars games I ever attend are against Phoenix. One game around the holidays I brought 8 friends only to see them lose 2-1 while half the team had the flu.
I'm going Friday with good seats, so I hope they bounce back since Vancouver has been struggling.

They will be fine, the Stars just played down to the team they were playing tonight, the Stars are the better team. They just did not hustle, were out of position, and made silly mistakes like missed passes to the point.

I am sure Stars will bounce back Friday. Marty had a good game, 1 goal allowed with 29 shots taken you can ask for much more then that.

KRAM1 · February 12, 2009

NO WAY you guys hijack this thread and turn it into a Stars game review...

USA WINS!!!!! 2-0 ... that's 14-0 for you American football guys! Michael Bradley scores both goals for the US. Michael Bradley happens to be the son of the US head coach, Bob Bradley. Gee, what a unique idea...your highly talented and athletic son plays for you on the team where you serve as head coach. And, your Dad inserts you into the starting lineup because YOU DESERVE TO BE THERE after EARNING the spot in practice sessions. And, to top it off, no one is complaining about the head coach showing favoritism or knocking the kid simply because his dad is the head coach. WOW...what a concept. Now, where have I seen a similar situation recently, but where some folks are knocking the kid simply because he is the head coach's son?????? Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Nice win, expected, but nice none the less for the US. Great start to the final stage of World Cup qualifying. Oh, you know...the World Cup where teams from across the globe actually do participate...very unlike some other unmentioned professional sport with "World" in the title of its championship series where teams from NO OTHER NATION participate. USA-USA-USA!!!!