U.S. & International Soccer

The Germans don't mess around with their soccer program so it would surprise me. I used to play against some of their teams when I was living over there and tactically they were really strong.

Even when I moved back to the States is was really apparent how much of a different level I was on compared to guys I played with. They were much more talented players that I was but not many of them 'thought' the game like I did

It's pretty clear that the top US athletes play other sports. This is just not the case in the rest of the world. They all play "football".

@Jupiter wrote:

It's pretty clear that the top US athletes play other sports. This is just not the case in the rest of the world. They all play "football".

Which makes complete sense why we aren't one of the top National teams. It's kind of surprising that we haven't had one guy who is top 10 or even top 25 in the world. However, I really liked what I saw from Christian Pulisic and he seems like our best chance at a superstar.

I'm thoroughly convinced if every athlete in the US played soccer like it is in almost every other country, we would be a world power. We just like football too much.

@mjarz02 wrote:

@Jupiter wrote:

It's pretty clear that the top US athletes play other sports. This is just not the case in the rest of the world. They all play "football".

Which makes complete sense why we aren't one of the top National teams. It's kind of surprising that we haven't had one guy who is top 10 or even top 25 in the world. However, I really liked what I saw from Christian Pulisic and he seems like our best chance at a superstar.

Yep. As long as the best athletes the country produces play basketball, football, hockey, and baseball then the US soccer team is going to have to settle for "sloppy seconds" when it comes to athletes. Which should still be better than a lot of other country's best options.

@Beauner wrote:

@mjarz02 wrote:

@Jupiter wrote:

It's pretty clear that the top US athletes play other sports. This is just not the case in the rest of the world. They all play "football".

Which makes complete sense why we aren't one of the top National teams. It's kind of surprising that we haven't had one guy who is top 10 or even top 25 in the world. However, I really liked what I saw from Christian Pulisic and he seems like our best chance at a superstar.

Yep. As long as the best athletes the country produces play basketball, football, hockey, and baseball then the US soccer team is going to have to settle for "sloppy seconds" when it comes to athletes. Which should still be better than a lot of other country's best options.

True, but it seems like the concussion issues might be football's (and maybe some extent hockey's) downfall and soccer's benefit. It's a very real decision for parents.

Many kids choose to play soccer by 3rd grade. Many are very good athletes that could excel at other sports that choose to keep soccer as their #1 priority as they age. And many of the best hockey players I knew growing up also played soccer. To say all the top athletes in America shun soccer is short-signed imho. The reason the USMNT doesn't compete internationally is as much about organization starting at the youth levels as it is about talent availability if not much more.

David Backes played soccer. I played with him for a couple years.

Damn. Poland scored in the first 2 minutes but Portugal just tied it in the 34th minute

Steam??

Dagnabbit. Pretty Boy and Co. go through on penalty kicks (5-3).

@Dances With Gophers wrote:

Dagnabbit. Pretty Boy and Co. go through on penalty kicks (5-3).

I SO want to thumbs-down this, but I know you're just reporting on the event, so :ddown:

@Dances With Gophers wrote:

Dagnabbit. Pretty Boy and Co. go through on penalty kicks (5-3).

Just finished watching Poland Portugal.

Great goal by Lewandowski to open the scoring, but it was a very dull second half. Got the sense that Poland came out after halftime just looking to lock it down and make it to penalties.

No idea how the ref didn't call a penalty on the shove in the back on Ronaldo. That was blatant.

Belgium should have an easy trip to the final. They should beat Wales, and they're better than Portugal.

@gopherguy13 wrote:

Just finished watching Poland Portugal.

Great goal by Lewandowski to open the scoring, but it was a very dull second half. Got the sense that Poland came out after halftime just looking to lock it down and make it to penalties.

No idea how the ref didn't call a penalty on the shove in the back on Ronaldo. That was blatant.

Belgium should have an easy trip to the final. They should beat Wales, and they're better than Portugal.

Glad to see your ability to jinx sports teams is in mid season form still. Don't burnout prior to hockey season

Lol Belgium.

So much talent, just can't put it together.

@gopherguy13 wrote:

Lol Belgium.

So much talent, just can't put it together.

Didn't watch so I just checked the score. Where does this upset fit alongside Iceland/England? My goodness.

The 3rd goal was a late one but Belgium did squander the lead. I don't think it's as big when you figure they have Ramsey and Bale but it's still a good sized one

dave you might very well be right, but I don't recall the last time Wales did anything significant in a Euro or WC which is why I compared the two. I might be overlooking something and if so my bad.

Yeah, it's not as massive an upset as Iceland over England, Wales has some decent players, including one world class talent in Bale. but Belgium is without a doubt the better side, and had no business losing to Wales.

Belgium's defense was considered sketch all tournament. Sure they have the offense to beat anyone, but could give up goals at any time. Wales winning was by no means a shock. It was an upset, but nowhere near ISL vs ENG.

Germany vs. Italy about to start. Nice.

You knew Germany would be technically sound - and quite skilled - in this match, but the lack of possession by Italy is a surprise so far.

It looks like Italy is still playing for the tie even though they're down a goal.

These pens are rough. I almost question if this is rigged lol.

Reporting live from Germany - place is going ape!!!

Well the team that should have won did at least

DWG: try being there in a night they win the World Cup (done summer 1990)

@Gopher Hockey Rube wrote:

It looks like Italy is still playing for the tie even though they're down a goal.

They played for the draw all the way through extra time. Good to see Deutschland win since they actually tried to win.

Come on, guys.

Fun while it lasted

Well it was a good run.

The comeback begins??

Germany v France, now this is a fun game to watch! Both offensive minded with tons of skill

France is so tough to beat at home.

Just finished watching the game; the first half is what I expected to see, Germany controlling the game. France couldn't handle Germany's fullbacks pressing up the field.

Inexcusable mistake by Schweinsteiger to have his hand up like that. And then Germany just melted in the second half. Probably a tactical change by France to cover those fullbacks, but I think Germany was just shell-shocked after the penalty with the last kick of the first half.

Griezmann is a hell of a player. Fun to watch.

Germany is a different team without a striker in the lineup. If Gomez is healthy I think it's a very different game. Muller just can't play in that striker spot.

They left the lights on at the Stade de France last night, and thousands of moths flocked to the stadium overnight. Now they're all over the field.
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Color on color, blue vs. red :dup: :dup:

Ronaldo injured.

Hope he can continue to play. Would be a shame to see him only get to play 15 minutes in the final.

@gopherguy13 wrote:

Ronaldo injured.

Hope he can continue to play. Would be a shame to see him only get to play 15 minutes in the final.

And he's done. Tried to continue twice, made it to 25'. Sucks for him and Portugal. France really has no excuse now to not win.

@gopherguy13 wrote:

Color on color, blue vs. red :dup: :dup:

I mentioned this on Twitter. Love this! So sick of color vs white with all of the "major" sports leagues here.

@MATT wrote:

@gopherguy13 wrote:

Ronaldo injured.

Hope he can continue to play. Would be a shame to see him only get to play 15 minutes in the final.

And he's done. Tried to continue twice, made it to 25'. Sucks for him and Portugal. France really has no excuse now to not win.

Yeah, definitely a bummer. He was crushed; must be devastating for him.

Portugal actually looked pretty decent as the 2nd half went on. They've slowed things down, but that's what they'll have to do. I still think France will break through in the 2nd half and win, but Portugal are not going to make it easy on them.

France has to be upset with how they are playing. Portugal is average at best without Ronaldo. They should be walking all over them.

@YoungEagle wrote:

France has to be upset with how they are playing. Portugal is average at best without Ronaldo. They should be walking all over them.

With Pepe on that back line, though, Portugal are no slouches on defense. Not an easy team to break down.

As much as I loathe him, he's an elite, world class CB.

Wooooow, I can't believe Griezmann didn't finish that. Free header, I thought that was a goal for sure.

Wow, Portugal!!

What a strike!

I am happy for the final result. Not really because I like Portugal or anything. We have enough soccer fans at work that we do a pool for every World Cup and Euro. It is a blind draw and I got Portugal and thought I had no chance. I don't mind the extra cash.

@gopherguy13 wrote:

They left the lights on at the Stade de France last night, and thousands of moths flocked to the stadium overnight. Now they're all over the field.
[hide:kcoifrks][/hide:kcoifrks]

Given the conversation some others had in the pet peeves (iirc) thread a few days ago, this is a nightmare for quite a few posters on GPL

@Beauner wrote:

@gopherguy13 wrote:

They left the lights on at the Stade de France last night, and thousands of moths flocked to the stadium overnight. Now they're all over the field.
[hide:31v739v6][/hide:31v739v6]

Given the conversation some others had in the pet peeves (iirc) thread a few days ago, this is a nightmare for quite a few posters on GPL
When Ronaldo got hurt, he had a moth come right up and land like, directly on his eye, and he didn't swat it away or anything. It made me cringe.

edit: I just noticed the moth that's out of focus, flying through the foreground.

Bummer Portugal won. Game reminded me of a classic Gophers-Badgers game. France (MN) came out firing, looking to score goals and play an exciting match. Portugal (UW) locked down in front of their net, playing for 0-0 and hoping to get a lucky bounce / one great play to win it. Which they did. Disappointing.

Not much of a soccer fan here.... Although watched bits and pieces of the Euro Cup at OC through out the tourney. Ronaldo of Portugal always seemed to be in the right place. A step or head above everyone else on the field.