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Fat Strat wrote:

jim wrote:That pretty much sums it up. The French are at their happiest when they have something to gripe about.

It's too bad that you missed the US vs. Algeria game, Jim. That US v. England match was pretty boring for the casual watcher or the potential fan. It was a good game for the tried and true soccer fan... Kind of like taking a newbie to a baseball game that ends up 0-0 with both pitchers throwing 4 hit shutouts and them leaving after the ninth inning. We would appreciate it, but a casual observer would probably be bored to tears.

Speaking as a fan of many sports, but still just a slightly-more-than-casual soccer fan, that US v. Algeria match is possibly in my top 5 for most exciting sporting events I've ever watched. Top 10 for sure. As an American sports fan, you couldn't ask for much more from a match like that. Elimination game for the US, great tension throughout, some amazing shots on goal, literally coming down to stoppage time, and then the finish... Add all that stuff up, and that finish was the equivalent of the Lidge v Pujols inning compressed down into 15 seconds. Header from Algeria blocked, Algeria's back is exposed, great outlet pass by Howard, Donovan races into Algerian territory, passes to Altidore, Altidore crosses to Dempsy, Dempsy denied, Donovan still racing in.... GOAL! Stoppage time, the four key American players all involved in the play, and the US team's version of Pujols is there to strike the final blow. Amazing moment in sports. Amazing.

Fat Strat wrote:

jim wrote:That pretty much sums it up. The French are at their happiest when they have something to gripe about.

It's too bad that you missed the US vs. Algeria game, Jim. That US v. England match was pretty boring for the casual watcher or the potential fan. It was a good game for the tried and true soccer fan... Kind of like taking a newbie to a baseball game that ends up 0-0 with both pitchers throwing 4 hit shutouts and them leaving after the ninth inning. We would appreciate it, but a casual observer would probably be bored to tears.

Bet you a dime to a dollar I would walk away unimpressed.

The angst on French radio is pretty funny to listen to though.

well no [expletive] you'd be unimpressed. You're making me as cranky as you are at times reading your posts, jim. You don't like soccer. We get it. I don't [expletive] all over a NASCAR thread just because I think it's the most absurdly boring 'sport' on TV and I'd rather watch Bass fishing.

I'll keep watching soccer in a bar full of other fans, jumping up and down, throwing beer, cheering, and hugging dozens of random people. I don't think I could ever sit by myself and watch a soccer game they way I can with baseball or football or basketball, but if I'm with other fans, it jumps ahead as my favorite spectator sport.

Not everyone likes having sex, either, even though billions of other people find it hugely satisfying. There's nothing wrong with that unless they stomp around complaining at people holding hands.

I've been getting a *kick* out of jim's soccer posts because I know he's got a [expletive]-eating grin on his face as he makes them.

Bait fisherman ,indeed.

This is the special thread for jim to be cranky about soccer in. Let him be.

Maclowery wrote:well no [expletive] you'd be unimpressed. You're making me as cranky as you are at times reading your posts, jim. You don't like soccer. We get it. I don't [expletive] all over a NASCAR thread just because I think it's the most absurdly boring 'sport' on TV and I'd rather watch Bass fishing.

I'll keep watching soccer in a bar full of other fans, jumping up and down, throwing beer, cheering, and hugging dozens of random people. I don't think I could ever sit by myself and watch a soccer game they way I can with baseball or football or basketball, but if I'm with other fans, it jumps ahead as my favorite spectator sport.

Not everyone likes having sex, either, even though billions of other people find it hugely satisfying. There's nothing wrong with that unless they stomp around complaining at people holding hands.

You watch bass fishing tournaments? Ouais.

I'm pulling this from the other thread because i do not want to interrupt discussions of the games themselves.

stlouie_lipp wrote:

Tambourine Man wrote:

stlouie_lipp wrote:I'm sorry, but if this kind of [expletive] goes on in soccer without consequences then I will never be able to get behind the sport.

http://tv.gawker.com/5573553/ghana-play ... ts-bullsht

And soccer will suffer greatly for your lack of participation.

Don't get behind soccer and I bet people who are already soccer fans will be okay with it.

R.I.P. stlouie_lipp, couldn't get behind it.

I'll bet they'll be oaky too. And four years from now we'll hear about how great a sport it is again and how the US is an up-and-commer, and the same small group of fans will continue to be thin-skinned about their fandom and look down upon those who just don't "get it". It's a vicious cycle.

Seriously, I don't like soccer, and probably never will, even though I've tried. That's why I haven't posted anything in any of the World Cup threads. Then I see something that fans and commentators alike seem to think was BS, make a post about how such actions seemingly keep new fans away, and get ripped for it. That's all right, I'll just stay away and be happy about it.

I've been joking around some, mixing in some real thoughts with absurdity, but this I'm being completely serious. Soccer reminds me of figure skating with all of the drama. No close game goes without some major complaint about officiating, teams quit, players throw temper tantrums, etc.. Sarkozy meeting with Henry (who barely played, and I guess that's why the meeting) at the palace to discuss important matter such as ... what? C'mon. Silly.

Is this not a valid criticism of the sport?

And before everyone gets on the "Jim is a fogy who doesn't like soccer", I'll bet I love the game of baseball as much or more than anyone on here and yet you will hear me constantly griping about length of games, broken bats, scheduling, and other things that I think need improved in the game I love.

lipp has a valid criticism of the game I think, I don't see how you can deny it regardless of whether you love soccer or not.

Another question:

Has anyone ever, in the history of the sport, blocked a penalty kick? You line the ball up 12 feet from the goalie, get a running start, and you have to like your chances as long as you don't kick it at the guy.

jim wrote:Another question:

Has anyone ever, in the history of the sport, blocked a penalty kick? You line the ball up 12 feet from the goalie, get a running start, and you have to like your chances as long as you don't kick it at the guy.

Meola blocked one for the US in the 1990 World Cup.

jim wrote:Another question:

Has anyone ever, in the history of the sport, blocked a penalty kick? You line the ball up 12 feet from the goalie, get a running start, and you have to like your chances as long as you don't kick it at the guy.

They hardly ever get blocked, but the shooter misses the goal pretty often trying to be too perfect.