The Beautiful Game Thread 10/11

[fsquid]

Copa America has been tremendously disappointing to me so far. Not just the failure of the favorites to click, but the general level of play has been pretty piss poor, IMO. I expected better.

that's why on these continental competitions, I don't watch until the knockout stage. Same with the Euros next year. I'll watch the Germany matches, but probably not any of the other group ones.

[pk500]

Why do I get the feeling all of these missed chances are going to bite the U.S. women in their collective ass later in this game?

[toonarmy]

Wambach is simply awesome on headers. Great goal for the US to take the lead.

[10spro]

Both Brazil and Paraguay have nothing to show for after 90, game going into ET.

[toonarmy]

Props to Japan. They were the little engine that could. Got to be happy for their team and country even though it would have been nice for the USA to bring home the cup.

[10spro]

A Copa America without Argentina and Brazil in the final stages of the tournament. Unthinkable, yet reality sets in. A mediocre Brazil throughout the tourney was slow and couldn't solve Villar. They surely took a page out of Tevez's book last night as to how to f*** up in PKs. Unbelievable, they all missed.

As I posted earlier, this Copa is wide open.

[JRod]

A Copa America without Argentina and Brazil in the final stages of the tournament. Unthinkable, yet reality sets in. A mediocre Brazil throughout the tourney was slow and couldn't solve Villar. They surely took a page out of Tevez's book last night as to how to f*** up in PKs. Unbelievable, they all missed.

As I posted earlier, this Copa is wide open.

NO THEY ALL MISSED! Let me say that again... THEY ALL F'N MISSED. INCREDEÍBLE.

[Macca00]

C'mon Uruguay!

[RobVarak]

C'mon Uruguay!

I think Suarez got an usher booked as he disembarked from the bus on the way into the stadium.

[Macca00]

C'mon Uruguay!

I think Suarez got an usher booked as he disembarked from the bus on the way into the stadium.

LOL

[10spro]

After Brazil and Argentina were sent home packing, I thought Chile did enough to merit a spot in the finals. But they were upset by Venezuela who made it into the semis for the the first time in this competition. Chile was unfortunate with the posts, had control of the game but was frustrated by their inability to convert and once Medel was given the red, Venezuela just sat back.

So at this point it looks good for Uruguay to advance to the finals but Paraguay won't be easy. A whacky Copa America.

[10spro]

City is in town to face the Whitecaps in a friendly. Expecting a lesson or two at the hands of the home team.

[10spro]

Check the Ronaldo goal over the weekend against LA.

[MizzouRah]

Wow.. he's so fun to watch.

[10spro]

Maybe Brazil should have tried this kick when they all failed miserably to convert on their PK's recently against Paraguay.

[Jimmydeicide]

Dont look now but Copa Semi is going to pens casuals.

[miget33]

Forlan finally scores, URU on their way to Copa America glory.

[10spro]

Uruguay deserves it. Strong in their semis win against Peru, while Paraguay struggled mightily against Venezuela and were rather lucky to reach the finals. Diego Forlan struggled too in this mediocre tournament but in the end it, Copa America goes to a just winner.

[toonarmy]

No question that Uruguay deserved to win the tournament, especially the title game. I'm not sure what to make of Brazil and Argentina these days.

[miget33]

Not Surprisingly

The Argentinian Football Association has terminated the contract of the Albicelestes' coach, Sergio Batista.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story ... ng?cc=5901

But this might be

The Argentinian Football Association are to implement a radical change to the country's domestic competition with the top two divisions combining to make a 38-team tournament from 2012-13.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story ... 13?cc=5901

[10spro]

You wonder why teams like Argentina and Brazil are struggling. Batista had only what, a year to work and have his footprints stamped on the team? It is so result oriented as most sports but to have a coach less than 3 years to proof himself is pretty tough to have any success at any level. Alejandro Sabella former Estudiantes' manager, is the candidate to take over.

[fsquid]

I'm sure that 38 team league had nothing to do with River's relegation.

[toonarmy]

I'm sure that 38 team league had nothing to do with River's relegation.

[toonarmy]

You wonder why teams like Argentina and Brazil are struggling. Batista had only what, a year to work and have his footprints stamped on the team? It is so result oriented as most sports but to have a coach less than 3 years to proof himself is pretty tough to have any success at any level. Alejandro Sabella former Estudiantes' manager, is the candidate to take over.

Bingo. And add to the fact that coaching Argentina is really difficult not only because of the intense scrutiny, but throw in the fact that it's hard for them to field a consistent team from match to match due to all the stars with club obligations. Sure, they have a ton of talent, but trying to figure out how to use that talent and develop chemistry in such a short span is not an easy task. Then throw in the fact that other clubs are improving and catching up in South America. I hope the next coach gets the job done and is given time to get some structure in place. Argentina have no reason to not be a major contender for the next WC.

[10spro]

Looks like Sergio Aguero will be taking over Tevez's place in City although the latter's transfer to Corinthians is still in limbo.