World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

[jmh]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

Quoting a friend discussing this on Facebook: "etween this and the Dempsey deal, if I was a regular player on an MLS squad under the salary cap, I'd be ****ed. These owners seem to have plenty of money when it suits them. This sucks." I have to agree with that.

 

[Jimjamesak]

Its not Eurosnobbery, if someone can get playing time in the top division in England, Italy, Germany, Spain, they should continue to do it...I have no real problem if a player takes the Donovan route and plays in MLS, going on Loan to an EPL team over the MLS offseason. I'm not saying US National players don't belong in the MLS, let alone a guy like Michael Bradley. It will be good for other MLS players to play alongside and against a player of Bradley's caliber. I'm just not sure its the best for Bradley, especially in the lead up to a world cup.

How can you call it eurosnobbery when the best players in the world pretty much all play their prime years somewhere in Europe.

Except "playing time in a top division" is a bit misleading. Jozy Altidore went to Sunderland and everybody was giddy because you know the PL! Except Sunderland sucks, he's not scoring, his confidence is now shot and he was better off playing elsewhere.

Non-European, non-Argentinian, non-Brazilian players will forever be undervalued and under utilized players in European soccer. Americans especially. It's does your development no good if you're on the bench the entire time. Other countries are starting to realize this or have realized this, Japan, S. Korea, and Mexico being the best examples. They've brought players back to strengthen their leagues and have increased their youth development. And that's what MLS is doing, they're bringing back guys to increase the money from TV so they can spend more on player development.

I'm sorry but Europe is not the future for the USMNT. A strong MLS is the future,

 

[jmh]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

Except "playing time in a top division" is a bit misleading. Jozy Altidore went to Sunderland and everybody was giddy because you know the PL! Except Sunderland sucks, he's not scoring, his confidence is now shot and he was better off playing elsewhere.

Nobody realized what a ****show Sunderland was going to be before the season starts. It doesn't invalidate the concept of moving to the Premier League that one particular move didn't work out. Would Tim Howard be the goalkeeper he is today if he'd stayed with the Metros his whole career? Not a chance.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1...ays-no-demand-american-players-europe?cc=5901

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

Back to the topic of World Cup spots. I really think that FIFA has to give one of the English-speaking countries a World Cup soon. I know 2030 will probably go to Uruguay for the 100 year thing, but its getting to the point where the USA and England are wondering what they have to do. They both can handle the event and have plenty facilities. I don't think you can ignore two of the biggest places to play the event. England for practically inventing the game and the USA for the potential money grab.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

Back to the topic of World Cup spots. I really think that FIFA has to give one of the English-speaking countries a World Cup soon. I know 2030 will probably go to Uruguay for the 100 year thing, but its getting to the point where the USA and England are wondering what they have to do. They both can handle the event and have plenty facilities. I don't think you can ignore two of the biggest places to play the event. England for practically inventing the game and the USA for the potential money grab.

When we discussed this before, I think it sets up quite well for the USA to host in 2026 and then for England to host in 2034.

Under the current rules (which I fully concede up front could quite easily be changed, but will assume they remain in place for the discussed Cups), Europe and Asia cannot host in 2026. As you pointed out, Uruguay is the front runner at the moment for 2030, so my guess is that South America is out as well. I also don't see Oceania getting a Cup anytime soon. That leaves Africa and North America. It's hard for me to imagine that Africa would get a Cup so soon, while making North America wait at least another 12 years, to go over a half-century without a Cup (1994-2038?). As a result, I see North America as almost a shoe-in for a Cup in 2026. Essentially, the only candidates for a North American Cup (leaving out joint bids) are Mexico, Canada, and the USA. I see FIFA leaning away from Mexico, as it would be Mexico's third Cup. I also don't see FIFA leaning away from the potential mega bucks from a Cup back in the USA.

As for 2034, it will almost certainly be Europe. It's hard to imagine Europe going more than 16 years without a Cup. I don't see Germany being a player given that they hosted recently, and for similar reasons, I don't see France being involved in this Cup. I do see any of the remaining big names being players though. I see that as being: England, Italy, and Spain. There is obviously the potential for a joint bid, but I will ignore those until they show promise. There are extremely strong reasons for England getting the Cup. They have waited the longest. It is essentially the birthplace of the game. However, given that FIFA is less than stellar when it comes to being fair, I wouldn't be surprised if it went to Italy or Spain. I would say that England would have to be considered the front runners though at this point in time.

 

[bigmrg74]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

When we discussed this before, I think it sets up quite well for the USA to host in 2026 and then for England to host in 2034.

Under the current rules (which I fully concede up front could quite easily be changed, but will assume they remain in place for the discussed Cups), Europe and Asia cannot host in 2026. As you pointed out, Uruguay is the front runner at the moment for 2030, so my guess is that South America is out as well. I also don't see Oceania getting a Cup anytime soon. That leaves Africa and North America. It's hard for me to imagine that Africa would get a Cup so soon, while making North America wait at least another 12 years, to go over a half-century without a Cup (1994-2038?). As a result, I see North America as almost a shoe-in for a Cup in 2026. Essentially, the only candidates for a North American Cup (leaving out joint bids) are Mexico, Canada, and the USA. I see FIFA leaning away from Mexico, as it would be Mexico's third Cup. I also don't see FIFA leaning away from the potential mega bucks from a Cup back in the USA.

As for 2034, it will almost certainly be Europe. It's hard to imagine Europe going more than 16 years without a Cup. I don't see Germany being a player given that they hosted recently, and for similar reasons, I don't see France being involved in this Cup. I do see any of the remaining big names being players though. I see that as being: England, Italy, and Spain. There is obviously the potential for a joint bid, but I will ignore those until they show promise. There are extremely strong reasons for England getting the Cup. They have waited the longest. It is essentially the birthplace of the game. However, given that FIFA is less than stellar when it comes to being fair, I wouldn't be surprised if it went to Italy or Spain. I would say that England would have to be considered the front runners though at this point in time.

Plus, FIFA might like to avoid having a Shibbystorm World Cup after the mess in Qatar happens. They've rolled the dice before and got a great one out of South Africa, and they shouldn't do too bad between Brazil and Russia, but England and USA are ideal locations to host a World Cup.

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

you guys just need to lay off the Eurosnob pipe.

FFS, just grow up already.

 

[Jimjamesak]

FFS, just grow up already.

I'm sorry but I'm *ing tired of USMNT fans who flip out when a player goes to MLS. Heaven forbid some of you people may have to pay attention to the domestic league instead of living vicariously through teams 10,000 miles away because it's "better soccer". Nevermind that more than half the NT plays in MLS! Nevermind that if MLS has more money they can spend more on player development! But, I'll wake at 5am so I can watch an EPL team but can't spend a couple hours in the afternoon or evening watching team close to me!

I'm sorry but Eurosnobs are the worst *ing thing about soccer in this country. Everyone of them is holding the game back in this country.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

I'm sorry but I'm *ing tired of USMNT fans who flip out when a player goes to MLS. Heaven forbid some of you people may have to pay attention to the domestic league instead of living vicariously through teams 10,000 miles away because it's "better soccer". Nevermind that more than half the NT plays in MLS! Nevermind that if MLS has more money they can spend more on player development! But, I'll wake at 5am so I can watch an EPL team but can't spend a couple hours in the afternoon or evening watching team close to me!

I'm sorry but Eurosnobs are the worst *ing thing about soccer in this country. Everyone of them is holding the game back in this country.

You need to get the stick out of your ***. I don't know about the rest of the people posting here...but I'm not a eurosnob, I don't watch EPL unless I find it randomly when I'm surfing channels. Whether people are snobs about it or not, it doesn't change the fact that the world's best players play in Europe. Our best need to be challenging themselves, at least on loan over there. The bigger problem here lately isn't players not wanting to play over there, it appears that teams aren't that interested in paying for US players.

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

Yeah, I'm not sure how one could argue that top notch leagues like England or Italy offer better opposition to play against. That's not snobbery, that's just generally speaking where the game's best play.

To be fair: whether a US international is actually playing while in one of those leagues is a big caveat.

 

[Red Cloud]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

Under the current rules (which I fully concede up front could quite easily be changed, but will assume they remain in place for the discussed Cups), Europe and Asia cannot host in 2026.

Something tells me this is going to change. FIFA already changed their rotation policy when it suited them to do so as a giant middle finger to CONCACAF.

As you pointed out, Uruguay is the front runner at the moment for 2030, so my guess is that South America is out as well. I also don't see Oceania getting a Cup anytime soon. That leaves Africa and North America. It's hard for me to imagine that Africa would get a Cup so soon, while making North America wait at least another 12 years, to go over a half-century without a Cup (1994-2038?).

I think you and I have different meanings for "half-century" But your point is well taken.

As a result, I see North America as almost a shoe-in for a Cup in 2026. Essentially, the only candidates for a North American Cup (leaving out joint bids) are Mexico, Canada, and the USA. I see FIFA leaning away from Mexico, as it would be Mexico's third Cup. I also don't see FIFA leaning away from the potential mega bucks from a Cup back in the USA.

Mexico's security situation is a mess, I'm not even sure the Mexican-proposed USA/Mexico Cup would do much in that arena. Canada is going to bid, though, so if FIFA wants to stick it to the US again - and let's not fool ourselves, the IOC and FIFA are full of people who show utter contempt for the US, almost certainly because of its hyperpower status - they have a method. And as far as FIFA leaning away from potential mega bucks in the USA... FIFA's pretty much proven that they'll take less money immediately during the bid process than wait for more money later when it comes to World Cups, especially when individuals can't directly benefit as much from the bucks from a World Cup itself. Otherwise, we've got the 2018 England Cup and 2022 USA Cup already.

As for 2034, it will almost certainly be Europe. It's hard to imagine Europe going more than 16 years without a Cup. I don't see Germany being a player given that they hosted recently, and for similar reasons, I don't see France being involved in this Cup. I do see any of the remaining big names being players though. I see that as being: England, Italy, and Spain. There is obviously the potential for a joint bid, but I will ignore those until they show promise. There are extremely strong reasons for England getting the Cup. They have waited the longest. It is essentially the birthplace of the game. However, given that FIFA is less than stellar when it comes to being fair, I wouldn't be surprised if it went to Italy or Spain. I would say that England would have to be considered the front runners though at this point in time.

Total agreement here, although Platini being a dickhole probably means Spain would be the real front-runner. We'll see what happens by the time they actually put out the bids for 2034, of course, a lot could change.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

Something tells me this is going to change. FIFA already changed their rotation policy when it suited them to do so as a giant middle finger to CONCACAF.

I tend to agree. I don't think it would be to intentionally screw CONCACAF, but more to make sure Europe doesn't go 16 years without a Cup. I hope not though. I like having some sort of rotation. Perhaps something along the lines of every continent gets a Cup at least every 40 years (10 Cups)?

I think you and I have different meanings for "half-century" But your point is well taken.

What, you don't base your centuries on the average American's lifespan? Good Catch. I originally had "almost" a half-century in there, but then I glanced at it before I posted and my mind saw over 50 years there, so I switched it.

Mexico's security situation is a mess, I'm not even sure the Mexican-proposed USA/Mexico Cup would do much in that arena. Canada is going to bid, though, so if FIFA wants to stick it to the US again - and let's not fool ourselves, the IOC and FIFA are full of people who show utter contempt for the US, almost certainly because of its hyperpower status - they have a method. And as far as FIFA leaning away from potential mega bucks in the USA... FIFA's pretty much proven that they'll take less money immediately during the bid process than wait for more money later when it comes to World Cups, especially when individuals can't directly benefit as much from the bucks from a World Cup itself. Otherwise, we've got the 2018 England Cup and 2022 USA Cup already.

I just think given that CONCACAF is almost a given for 2026 under the current rules, that I see USA as the big favorite to host. As for why we didn't get England/USA in 2018/2022, I think they were able to hide under "growing the game." That particular argument wouldn't apply by giving Mexico their third Cup. It would apply for giving a Cup to a joint venture by some of the Central American countries...but I don't think they have the money for bribes (or more likely discussed as "infrastructure"). Ultimately, I could actually see a joint-USA/Canada Cup in 2026.

Total agreement here, although Platini being a dickhole probably means Spain would be the real front-runner. We'll see what happens by the time they actually put out the bids for 2034, of course, a lot could change.

Agreed. I don't know how much sway Platini would hold by 2024 (or whenever the 2034 Cup would be chosen?). He'd be around 70 by then, and may not be involved as much. Of course, he might be President of FIFA and adopt rules preventing England from ever hosting a Cup. As you said, a lot could change.

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

That's the thing that worries me about England is Platini. There's no denying his hatred of the English. I don't know what it stems from. Some say it comes from him playing at Juventus and seeing Heysel happen, but that was a rumor I heard. He's been wanting to go after the EPL clubs for years. He's got an agenda against England.

 

[joecct]

That's the thing that worries me about England is Platini. There's no denying his hatred of the English. I don't know what it stems from. Some say it comes from him playing at Juventus and seeing Heysel happen, but that was a rumor I heard. He's been wanting to go after the EPL clubs for years. He's got an agenda against England.

Let's REALLY go out of the box and have a joint Ireland-England bid!!

WORLD PEACE!! (applause)

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

Let's REALLY go out of the box and have a joint Ireland-England bid!!

WORLD PEACE!! (applause)

And France drawn against Ireland in Group A.

 

[Red Cloud]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

As for why we didn't get England/USA in 2018/2022, I think they were able to hide under "growing the game."

That's really the other thing the US has going against it for future Olympics/World Cups... FIFA and the IOC seem to think their main priority now is being a kumbaya, we are the world, everyone deserves a chance, fight the power, force for... something, I don't know what. Let's be honest - this is the only real reason that South Africa got the 2010 Cup, why Rio was chosen over Chicago and Madrid, and it's a convenient cover for their moronic Qatari expedition.

Then they get surprised when the host countries are behind schedule on building the previously non-existent infrastructure.

That actually led to the smartest thing I've ever heard Sunil Gulati say: when he asked FIFA to clarify the bid process because he wouldn't even bother if this is just going to be a "third world countries only" party.

 

[Bob Gray]

Re: World Soccer XXIV: The Road to Rio

That's really the other thing the US has going against it for future Olympics/World Cups... FIFA and the IOC seem to think their main priority now is being a kumbaya, we are the world, everyone deserves a chance, fight the power, force for... something, I don't know what. Let's be honest - this is the only real reason that South Africa got the 2010 Cup, why Rio was chosen over Chicago and Madrid, and it's a convenient cover for their moronic Qatari expedition.

Then they get surprised when the host countries are behind schedule on building the previously non-existent infrastructure.

I don't think they're surprised. They are smart, even if they are corrupt. Part of what's so bad is that these countries spend a ton of money on sporting facilities, etc. that often get little or no use after the event, when that money could be much better spend helping their people. It'll be a pleasant surprise when the U.S. ever gets selected for one of these major sporting events again.

 

[4four4]

Yeah, I'm not sure how one could argue that top notch leagues like England or Italy offer better opposition to play against. That's not snobbery, that's just generally speaking where the game's best play.

To be fair: whether a US international is actually playing while in one of those leagues is a big caveat.

IMO , the only thing keeping MLS from being a top five or six league would be the quality of play on the pitch. They have everything else and then some that other leagues just don't have.

 

[4four4]

I'm sorry but I'm *ing tired of USMNT fans who flip out when a player goes to MLS. Heaven forbid some of you people may have to pay attention to the domestic league instead of living vicariously through teams 10,000 miles away because it's "better soccer". Nevermind that more than half the NT plays in MLS! Nevermind that if MLS has more money they can spend more on player development! But, I'll wake at 5am so I can watch an EPL team but can't spend a couple hours in the afternoon or evening watching team close to me!

I'm sorry but Eurosnobs are the worst *ing thing about soccer in this country. Everyone of them is holding the game back in this country.

++++++++++1000%!!!!!!!!!

I watch MLS, BPL and Minnesota United FC . I agree with Lalas if you don't support MLS you don't support USMNT. I believe 98% of the players on the team have at one time or another played in this league. I do know 55% and up towards 61% of MLS players are American. How do we expect the game to grow if we don't support our own domestic league?