the 370Z.com OFFICIAL football (soccer) thread

[shadoquad]

I feel like we're spoiled because of international futbol broadcasts.

If I watch a Premier League match, for example, and then an MLS game comes on, it depresses me about the state of the game in the US. Not only because our best athletes play other sports, but also because the level of coaching and strategy seems so much higher overseas. I see so many poor decisions made with the ball in MLS compared to Euro matches, and the pace is so much faster over there due to quicker decisions and better team play, but that's just what I've noticed.

[Jon@AAMComp]

Originally Posted by phelan

I disagree slightly about Donovan, I think he's an okay player, and I suppose we get worked up over him because he is basically the face of the MLS. I thought he contributed decently at Everton, maybe an above average loan, and he ended well in getting the goal against..er...I forget, but he scored in his last game. But I agree that he's in over his head if people expect him to be an almost European product. He doesn't have the skill to make it long term in the European leagues. Like I said, Dempsey is the heart and soul of this team, and Howard / Cherundolo / Bocanegra the spine.

It's a problem if the spine is ACROSS the defensive line, though. Ugh. "Don't tread on me" means nothing to the USMNT if we have no bite to our offense, and eventually Dempsey won't be there to bail us out.

I agree about Stu Holden, but isn't he injured right now? I think the way he played for Bolton, he'd be a shoo in over Bradley who couldn't get a game to save his life. But circumstances are dictating it?

Unfortunately Stu Holden is out injured. He was superlative for Bolton this season, and would help the men's national team out tremendously in my opinion.

Maybe you're right yes, Donovan is not complete shite. Donovan is a middle of the road player for me. Again, Donovan performs well in MLS, but the competition in MLS isn't exactly Quarterfinals of Champions League. He did alright at Everton, but I don't think it was anything out of the ordinary in regards to talent in the Premier League.

Originally Posted by shadoquad

I feel like we're spoiled because of international futbol broadcasts.

If I watch a Premier League match, for example, and then an MLS game comes on, it depresses me about the state of the game in the US. Not only because our best athletes play other sports, but also because the level of coaching and strategy seems so much higher overseas. I see so many poor decisions made with the ball in MLS compared to Euro matches, and the pace is so much faster over there due to quicker decisions and better team play, but that's just what I've noticed.

Quad I'm glad you pointed that out. What you're talking about is what we [football world] call having a 'football mind.' Having the vision and anticipation to create plays is lacking in the American game. Watch any Champions League tie and at some point, you're bound to see a defense unlocked in less than 5 passes. The movement off the ball, the vision and the ABILITY to distribute the ball with inch perfect precision is not yet at the level it needs to be for America. What we call 'talented' in this country is average in Europe and South America. Honestly, most of the USMNT ability is to be expected when playing in a top flight club in Europe. Meaning their best is the minimum to even see playing time at a Premier League, Bundesliga or La Liga club. In football you have your standard players who are expected to have the basic fundamentals, then there are your exceptional players who have the talent to consistently perform well, and then you have your top drawer superstars, your Messi's, Ronaldo's, Rooney's, Sneijder's, Robben's etc. The BEST of the US is an average player in Europe or South America. I'm not trying to get on a eurosnob high horse and belittle the talent of American footballers, as we are improving, but we're still miles away from completely closing the gap.

[Jon@AAMComp]

End of an era for Ballack:

Germany's Joachim Low confirms Michael Ballack's international career is over - Goal.com


Sad to see him go, I really like Ballack.