the 370Z.com OFFICIAL football (soccer) thread

[cow]

[shadoquad]

I have an incredibly stupid soccer-related question, if anyone cares to field it...

Can someone give me a good reason why not to go back to this ball? I mean, it is the iconic shape of the thing. Plus, I think the Jabulani (sp?) was a bit controversial with its use in the world cup. I admit I'm biased because I grew up kicking these. But if most pro footy organizations announced tomorrow that they were going back to it, would anyone object?

[Red370]

Originally Posted by shadoquad

I have an incredibly stupid soccer-related question, if anyone cares to field it...

Can someone give me a good reason why not to go back to this ball? I mean, it is the iconic shape of the thing. Plus, I think the Jabulani (sp?) was a bit controversial with its use in the world cup. I admit I'm biased because I grew up kicking these. But if most pro footy organizations announced tomorrow that they were going back to it, would anyone object?

Soccer has been blamed over the years as being boring. It has been decided that more goals = less boring. So manufacturers have been prodded along to develop balls that have a greater rebound off the foot for increased ball speed and unpredictable flight paths to confuse the goalkeeper thus creating more opportunities for goals. Believe me buddy, I grew up playing with that ball as well, and to me, it doesnt matter either way. I'll tell ya what though, the world cup 2002 fevernova ball is absolutely amazing, we used that for our club championship last year and that thing FLIES off the laces and is a delight to head.

[shadoquad]

Originally Posted by Red370

Soccer has been blamed over the years as being boring. It has been decided that more goals = less boring. So manufacturers have been prodded along to develop balls that have a greater rebound off the foot for increased ball speed and unpredictable flight paths to confuse the goalkeeper thus creating more opportunities for goals. Believe me buddy, I grew up playing with that ball as well, and to me, it doesnt matter either way. I'll tell ya what though, the world cup 2002 fevernova ball is absolutely amazing, we used that for our club championship last year and that thing FLIES off the laces and is a delight to head.

I don't like the whole "more goals = less boring" in any sport. I mean, watch lacrosse (a sport I love and played). College lax games are boring, and they score 20 goals between teams. Arena (Am.) Football? No defense, boring.

When it comes to futbol and hockey, though, I think the tension is the thing. I love a good, low-scoring game between rivals. The less scoring and the further into a game it goes, the higher the stakes taken on by every offensive opportunity, and the greater the "WOW" or "DAMN" that results when one team scores.

Dunno, just my two nickels (seriously, who uses pennies anymore?)

[Red370]

the two we used:

[phelan]

I wouldn't object at all

[shadoquad]

thx, red and phelan. I kinda figured that.

Sorry for the derail, folks. I don't know enough about pro footy to hold my own in this room for very long. lol

[phelan]

don't need to. just read up on arsenal FC and you'll be fine in here

[Red370]

Ok gentlemen, i'm in a bit of a bind.. New fall season is about to begin and I'm in the market for some new boots. I'm torn between the new Predators and the new Puma Kings. I've never owned Preds, so I dont know how they fit, I have really narrow feet, i'm not sure how wide they fit. The Kings are my tried and true faves, what do yall think? Synthetic material uppers are completely out of the question, Roo leather or GTFO.

These...


or these...

[phelan]

stick with the pumas imo. then again i haven't bought boots in a while.

[Red370]

Originally Posted by phelan

stick with the pumas imo. then again i haven't bought boots in a while.

i'm leaning that way, but i have a friend in Germany that keeps raving about how that predator material actually does help you get more spin on the ball, i'm not one to buy into the hype, but i'll probably be the primary free kick taker again and I'd love any help I can get! And BTW, the Preds are selling for $100 off msrp, thats actually making it sound sweeter as well...

[cow]

After switching to high end synthetic, I prefer it to leather. It doesn't wear down & from the beginning feels like kanga leather does after a season.

Regarding the question about balls, fewer panels on the ball equates to more aerodynamics which equates (in theory) to more goals.

I'm at sea level, so not affected as much, but I really like the Jabulani.

[shadoquad]

Originally Posted by cow

Regarding the question about balls, fewer panels on the ball equates to more aerodynamics which equates (in theory) to more goals.

I'm at sea level, so not affected as much, but I really like the Jabulani.

So would it upset you if they reverted to that model?

Side question, do you follow the theory that "More goals = better game"?

[Red370]

Originally Posted by cow

After switching to high end synthetic, I prefer it to leather. It doesn't wear down & from the beginning feels like kanga leather does after a season.

Regarding the question about balls, fewer panels on the ball equates to more aerodynamics which equates (in theory) to more goals.

I'm at sea level, so not affected as much, but I really like the Jabulani.

I had the nike vapors for awhile and some microfiber Lottos, i didnt like the fact that the material didnt conform to my foot, Roo leather just feels more comfortable to me. As far as the wear is concerned, I use Roo Goo after every match, i have a pair of Copas that have lasted me 8 seasons Also probably helps that I dont get trampled on as much as you defender/midfielder types do either

As far as goals, the American public is used to watching high scoring basketball games, football games, baseball games, whatever, and when they see a sport much like hockey that results in even fewer goals, the attention span just isnt there. So in that respect, more goals I think, would make the game more attractive to the casual American viewer.

My personal opinion, while I love seeing a boatload of goals, I also love watching a game thats back and forth, battles being fought all over the pitch, nears misses, it just makes the game more intriguing to me, nothin beats a good ol' fashioned ManUre-Arsenal game.

As far as goal scoring is concerned personally... I scored 7 two weeks ago against a team that we beat 13-0 Nothin beats it.

[phelan]

More goals = better game FOR THE CASUAL VIEWER. I think to get soccer to really expand, they need any help they can get. And yes, the game on the surface is much more exciting if the goals are flowing.

To veterans I think we can appreciate low scoring games, but FIFA is trying to bring in fresh blood.