Achtung! Sooooooooooo any of you guys interested in the international sawker cup?

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Much different play in this round for sure. Teams are fighting for their lives instead of playing not to lose. I still think the officiating generally sucks and they need to do something about it. I'm with Dexter on the Robben dive. He wasnt kicked or tripped. He used the dudes foot to trip himself. It is generally the Central/South American countries and of course Italy and Spain to some degree that are most likely to win an Oscar but it is starting to grow as a tactic because you are almost penalized for not doing it. It is a shame that the game is changing to a point where the players are focussed more on using the rule to their advantage instead of playing the game. I didnt grow up with soccer but in my opinion they are disrespecting the game.
 
Dexter Inferno said:
US' big problem is the misplaced passes in midfield and that you haven't got a good striker - Dempsey is not a striker although he's capable of doing a job in that position.
Altidore is dreadful btw, built like a skyscraper but a terrible finisher.
Quite surprised by your defence actually, as that was supposed to be your weak link (with only MLS players). Very impressed by Fabian Johnson, to be honest.
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And that is what is annoying to watch. The misplaced passes in the midfield are many times unforced. It is different if you are not responding well to pressure but they are giving the ball up on easy stuff. I would have to agree with the absence of a striker but I still think the problem with the national team is the selection process more than a development process. From what I have seen watching my daughter grow up playing competitively, we are developing some great kids but the process to get them to the higher levels is missing. And selection for the national team is clearly flawed. Other than that, the sport doesnt attract the most talented athletes because the other main sports offer a better high end professionally.
 
SCORE! My meeting late tomorrow afternoon just got cancelled, so there is nothing stopping me from heading home early so I can watch the big match.

Totally_jammin_out

And until then - GO ALGERIA!
 
Johnny N. said:
Much different play in this round for sure. Teams are fighting for their lives instead of playing not to lose. I still think the officiating generally sucks and they need to do something about it. I'm with Dexter on the Robben dive. He wasnt kicked or tripped. He used the dudes foot to trip himself. It is generally the Central/South American countries and of course Italy and Spain to some degree that are most likely to win an Oscar but it is starting to grow as a tactic because you are almost penalized for not doing it. It is a shame that the game is changing to a point where the players are focussed more on using the rule to their advantage instead of playing the game. I didnt grow up with soccer but in my opinion they are disrespecting the game.
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What I find really offensive is Robben admitting to diving earlier in the match. Just for that he should be handed a ban, but I guess FIFA can't be arsed doing anything about that. It is absolutely disgraceful.
 
Dexter Inferno said:
What I find really offensive is Robben admitting to diving earlier in the match. Just for that he should be handed a ban, but I guess FIFA can't be arsed doing anything about that. It is absolutely disgraceful.
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What I heard was that he admitted to diving - but not the call that got them the penalty. He claimed he dove earlier in the match....which he did....as well as the end...
 
Denverdave said:
What I heard was that he admitted to diving - but not the call that got them the penalty. He claimed he dove earlier in the match....which he did....as well as the end...
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Yep, that's right. Basically admitted he's a cheat. If he gets away with that, well then FIFA can do one. In my mind, cheaters are the absolute worst lot (along with players deliberately trying to hurt other players - Roy Keane anyone?). Bloody hell, this has got me quite worked up.

It's not only him though. Brazil have been some of the worst offenders, but they'll never admit to it. Having watched quite a few Barca matches this year, Neymar is probably the worst serial diver of them all.
 
On a brighter note...been quite surprised by those Algerians the last few matches. :)
Didn't see them causing the Germans that much trouble. :embarrassed:
 
Johnny N. said:
...And selection for the national team is clearly flawed. Other than that, the sport doesnt attract the most talented athletes because the other main sports offer a better high end professionally.
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I keep hearing this, and frankly, it's bullshit. Are you telling me that there's a lot of room in soccer for 7'2" shooting forwards or 6'5" 375 lb offensive linesman? No, our national team pool represents the best all-around physical specimans out there who don't happen to be genetic freaks three standard deviations from the norm in terms of size...
 
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