Sly Bald Guys Forum

Various Non-Bald Discussions => Sports Talk => Topic started by: IrishCasey on February 12, 2008, 01:32:50 PM

Title: Soccer
Post by: IrishCasey on February 12, 2008, 01:32:50 PM
Hi Im only new here so not sure if anyone likes soccer or would maybe like to discuss World soccer ?
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Mikekoz13 on February 12, 2008, 01:36:07 PM
Welcome Casey!! You'll love hanging out with this crowd! Sorry, but I'm not a soccer guy..... baseball, basketball, and American football for me....
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Kyfho on February 12, 2008, 02:06:21 PM
First off...welcome Casey. Second...although I do not know much about soccer, I am very interested in the game.  I have a good friend who plays regularly, and he and I watched much of the last World Cup together (I admit I was very into the game even before Zidane's episode), so I am trying to learn more about it.  Anyway...I'd be very interested in any insights you have into the game or advice on how to more effectively watch.
I'm also interested in several other non-American sports (especially rugby and cricket) so if you're a fan of any others, let me know!  Who knows...maybe I can impart some of my love of baseball on you at the same time.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Argyle on February 12, 2008, 02:56:48 PM
Evenin' Casey......soccer??  you mean football surely!! :D 

Being from just over the Irish Sea myself, I can talk about football all day long.  An avid Plymouth Argyle fan, not quite Liverpool, but after tonights cracking 3-0 against Barnsley the premier league looks like it might at last be a realistic possibility.  So long as we get there once before i die i will be happy!! 

World football though, what a bad time to talk about that if you are from the UK.  Not sure whether or not you guys in the US have heard about this yet, but the Premier League here have decided that it would be a great idea to add one extra game to the season and play it over seas.  The top five teams would be seeded and so wouldnt play each other, and the games will count towards the result at the end of the season. 

Crazy is all i can say, and is there really a market.  I can understand getting great support in Asia for a team like Manchester United, but can you imagine anyone in say Chicago wanting to watch Derby against Reading?  There are barely enough people here who care about that.  Also given that 3 teams get relegated from the premier league every year, imagine if you are teetering above the relegation zone, and you get drawn against Man U or Liverpool, who you end up effectively playing 3 times, whereas your nearest rivals play say, Wigan and Bolton. 

The Premier LEague is destroying football in this country, becoming a soleless, money machine ruled by people who care little for the game and a lot for their wallets.  The guys who own Liverpool now, Hicks and Gillette know nothing at all about the game.  We are in real danger of sanitising what is a great game - but i suppose at the end of the day money talks!

On a more American theme - what do you guys think about the Beckams does anyone care any more? 

Look forward to hearing more of what you have to say Casey.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: schro on February 12, 2008, 03:06:05 PM
Not to hijack the thread, but I don't think anyone really cares about the Beckham thing (and I live pretty close to it in Northern California). Personally I love soccer (prefer to coaching & playing rather than watching). Went to a few of the world cup games when it was here in '94. Insane atmosphere.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: IrishCasey on February 12, 2008, 03:39:24 PM
Evenin' Casey......soccer??  you mean football surely!! :D 

Being from just over the Irish Sea myself, I can talk about football all day long.  An avid Plymouth Argyle fan, not quite Liverpool, but after tonights cracking 3-0 against Barnsley the premier league looks like it might at last be a realistic possibility.  So long as we get there once before i die i will be happy!! 

World football though, what a bad time to talk about that if you are from the UK.  Not sure whether or not you guys in the US have heard about this yet, but the Premier League here have decided that it would be a great idea to add one extra game to the season and play it over seas.  The top five teams would be seeded and so wouldnt play each other, and the games will count towards the result at the end of the season. 

Crazy is all i can say, and is there really a market.  I can understand getting great support in Asia for a team like Manchester United, but can you imagine anyone in say Chicago wanting to watch Derby against Reading?  There are barely enough people here who care about that.  Also given that 3 teams get relegated from the premier league every year, imagine if you are teetering above the relegation zone, and you get drawn against Man U or Liverpool, who you end up effectively playing 3 times, whereas your nearest rivals play say, Wigan and Bolton. 

The Premier LEague is destroying football in this country, becoming a soleless, money machine ruled by people who care little for the game and a lot for their wallets.  The guys who own Liverpool now, Hicks and Gillette know nothing at all about the game.  We are in real danger of sanitising what is a great game - but i suppose at the end of the day money talks!

On a more American theme - what do you guys think about the Beckams does anyone care any more? 

Look forward to hearing more of what you have to say Casey.

We actually call it soccer here in Ireland Argyle as we already have a sport here called Football or to give it its proper name Gaelic Football...
So your a Plymouth fan poor you!! Only joking!
I saw Plymouth play a few years ago against Notts Forest,My mate is a big Forest fan so we go over to the UK on a regular basis to the City Ground
I myself am a massive Liverpool fan,and have been for about 25 years but as you know things aren't going to well for them this year.
We had big news in Ireland today Giovanni Trapattoni  the legendary Italian manager is too be named as out new National coach tomorrow so thats great news
What did you think when Holloway left Plymouth? I thought it was strange for him to leave a club with a chance of promotion..
I would also always keep a eye on Tranmere Rovers results for my sins! As John Aldridge was my hero as a young fella and when he went to them as a player and then manager i started following them
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: IrishCasey on February 12, 2008, 03:45:27 PM
Not to hijack the thread, but I don't think anyone really cares about the Beckham thing (and I live pretty close to it in Northern California). Personally I love soccer (prefer to coaching & playing rather than watching). Went to a few of the world cup games when it was here in '94. Insane atmosphere.

That was a great World Cup,I'll never forget the Republic of Ireland beating Italy 1-0 in the Giants Stadium..
As for the Beckhams..I actually like David Beckham..I do think he is overated as a soccer player though but I think that was down to the English media more than anything else,who made him out to be as good as George Best..he was good but not that good!
I feel sorry for him because of his wife she more than anyone is the reason the Beckhams are the way they are,I reckon David would be as happy still playing in the Premiership and not have all the gltiz and glamour thats follows them everywhere they go
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: IrishCasey on February 12, 2008, 04:57:35 PM
First off...welcome Casey. Second...although I do not know much about soccer, I am very interested in the game.  I have a good friend who plays regularly, and he and I watched much of the last World Cup together (I admit I was very into the game even before Zidane's episode), so I am trying to learn more about it.  Anyway...I'd be very interested in any insights you have into the game or advice on how to more effectively watch.
I'm also interested in several other non-American sports (especially rugby and cricket) so if you're a fan of any others, let me know!  Who knows...maybe I can impart some of my love of baseball on you at the same time.

Would have little or no intrest in Cricket,though i did watch a few games last year when Ireland played in the Cricket World Cup and beat Pakistan whom im told are one of the better teams..
I would be a big fan of Rugby though and often go to watch Ireland play in the Six Nations
As for Baseball,I have never seen or been to a game so maybe you can explain some of it too me sometime
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: schro on February 12, 2008, 05:05:41 PM


As for Baseball,I have never seen or been to a game so maybe you can explain some of it too me sometime

Baseball is akin to cricket, except a baseball game takes three hours instead of three days.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Braco on February 14, 2008, 04:55:03 PM
Huge soccer fan, looking forward to a relaxing fa cup weekend O0
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: JDog on February 14, 2008, 06:39:15 PM
Sorry of offend anyone, But I think Cricket is the most boring game on earth.

As far as European Football or Soccer, I have never been a fanatical about it as the Europeans are. Our high school had quite a good soccer team during the late 90's. I have never personally played it in competition but I always enjoy watching the World Cup games.

David Beckhams new team, The LA Galaxy played an exhibition game against the local Australian League heavyweights, Sydney FC. Sydney FC won 4-1, Beckham scored LA"s only goal. A free kick nonetheless.

The Aussies were so amped that they "beat" a US team. I felt very sorry for them, I didnt have the nerve to tell them that ,Beckham or not, LA Galaxy were the worst team in  Major League Soccer.

Beating the worst ranked team in the league is no special feat.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Tyler on February 14, 2008, 09:55:00 PM
I have to say that I find soccer highlight reels to be fun to watch, but sitting through an entire game is torture!  About the same as Hockey.  The reason being is that it's so low scoring for how long the game is.  I did enjoy playing it when I was a kid.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Stu on February 15, 2008, 12:20:38 AM
I have to say that I find soccer highlight reels to be fun to watch, but sitting through an entire game is torture!  About the same as Hockey.  The reason being is that it's so low scoring for how long the game is.

Amen to that.  I'll add watching baseball on TV to the boredom list -- in person is a totally different story -- I love the atmosphere of a ball park.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: IrishCasey on February 15, 2008, 11:31:23 AM
Lads soccer is the greatest game on earth  8)
I do understand though why you might think its boring as it is low scoring but i Love it  :@`
Huge soccer fan, looking forward to a relaxing fa cup weekend O0

Also looking forward to the FA Cup..Liverpool are playing Barnsley so i expect them to win by at least 3
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Paul on February 15, 2008, 11:45:28 AM
Lads soccer is the greatest game on earth  8)
I do understand though why you might think its boring as it is low scoring but i Love it  :@`


While I respect your opinion Casey, need to give American Football a try, Gaelic football with a lot of padding.  I go to Chicago's southside where you can catch some good Gaelic Football matches.  I confess to be a rugby fan as well, but the games are hard to get over here.  For excitement you forgot to mention Hurling. 
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: IrishCasey on February 15, 2008, 12:00:40 PM
Lads soccer is the greatest game on earth  8)
I do understand though why you might think its boring as it is low scoring but i Love it  :@`


While I respect your opinion Casey, need to give American Football a try, Gaelic football with a lot of padding.  I go to Chicago's southside where you can catch some good Gaelic Football matches.  I confess to be a rugby fan as well, but the games are hard to get over here.  For excitement you forgot to mention Hurling. 


Didn't think anyone here would have heard of Gaelic Football or Hurling...And they really are the greatest sports on earth...
For anyone thats hasn't a clue what im on about....watch these  O0
These are the national sports of Ireland

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StcMJkQ80ns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSdjLyGA8Oc&feature=related
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: schro on February 15, 2008, 12:10:34 PM
  For excitement you forgot to mention Hurling

 !*u%e
What's so exciting about that?  :/O
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Braco on February 15, 2008, 06:51:18 PM
Been a United fan for as long as i can remember. Mostly due to the danish keeper Peter Schmeichel. But my all time hero must be Eric Cantona. Loved his attitude even though he sometimes lost his grip. (the Crystal Palace episode)
I expect a win against Arsenal this week but its gonna be a difficult match. But they have to gear up after last weeks humiliation against Man City.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: JDog on February 16, 2008, 05:44:12 AM
Casey, I'm sure you are aware of Aussie Rules Football which is a relative of Gaelic.

I always enjoy watching the International Rules games.

Tadgh Kennealy,who plays for the AFL team Sydney Swans , played Gaelic from what I am aware.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Argyle on February 16, 2008, 11:48:30 AM
Lads soccer is the greatest game on earth  8)
I do understand though why you might think its boring as it is low scoring but i Love it  :@`
Huge soccer fan, looking forward to a relaxing fa cup weekend O0

Also looking forward to the FA Cup..Liverpool are playing Barnsley so i expect them to win by at least 3

thought I would be the first to say it...... Liverpool 1 Barnsley 2, now that is what soccer is all about, what an upset but fairly typical of liverpools season this year.

On the plymouth front, they last time we went to forest we won 3 - 0, i lived in nottingham then so of course went, what a day!  I like many others was a bit peeved when holloway left, but he went for more money and to a bigger club in finance and stature if not in league standing.  However he spent the 18 months he was at plymouth saying how he loved the place and would get us promoted, then he leaves at the first opportunity.  However we have Sturrock now, a better manager, Holloway is close to the sack and we beat them live on Sky last week, so cant complain!
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: jp_bald on February 16, 2008, 12:11:53 PM
i like the socer, and i am a fan of a colombian team, deportivo independiente medellin.
i go the stadium all sundays.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: JDog on February 16, 2008, 03:23:52 PM
jp_bald, is Medellin deportivo the best team?

Como se llama la liga de futbol Colombiana?
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: IrishCasey on February 18, 2008, 04:18:08 PM
Casey, I'm sure you are aware of Aussie Rules Football which is a relative of Gaelic.

I always enjoy watching the International Rules games.

Tadgh Kennealy,who plays for the AFL team Sydney Swans , played Gaelic from what I am aware.

Yeah i love Aussie Rules and went to loads of games when i lived in Australia
Ireland play Australia every year in a combined Aussie rules/Gaelic Football game
Tadgh Kennealy isn't the only Irish man playing in the AFL,There is also Colm Begley who plays for the Brisbane Lions and Setanta O'Halpin who plays for Carlton..There are others too
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: fcb2001 on February 20, 2008, 06:44:30 PM
Im a big soccer fan myself, iam a fan of Bayern Munich, Feyenoord, Celtic, AC Milan, FC Barcelona, and Arsenal
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: IrishCasey on February 21, 2008, 01:13:03 PM
Im a big soccer fan myself, iam a fan of Bayern Munich, Feyenoord, Celtic, AC Milan, FC Barcelona, and Arsenal

I was over in Barcelona at the end of January at a game,Some stadium  :o
Have been to see Celtic play a few times too
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Paul on February 21, 2008, 01:47:28 PM
Casey, how did you get the National Anthem on your screen.  That is awesome!
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: JDog on February 21, 2008, 03:59:06 PM
I worked for many years with an Irish fella from Dublin and he couldnt speak a lick of Gaelic, I wasnt impressed. I was like "You Irish are some of the most patriotic nationalistic people on earth and you dont even speak your indigenous language,shame on you!!" I used to give him a ribbing all the time.LOL

My grandmother spoke fluent Irish Gaelic. Combine that with  my grandfathers harsh Arabic ,needless to say it was interesting.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Tommo on April 25, 2008, 03:00:24 PM
Im probably the only British guy on here, i call it soccer but to you and i football, the team i follow is READING. FC cause that where im from, we have a good irish contingency at reading........
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: tomgallagher on April 25, 2008, 04:03:13 PM
There have been so many attempts to kindle some interest in this country for soccer but it never works. Maybe you have to be born and raised with it.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: tomgallagher on April 25, 2008, 04:05:33 PM
Casey, what does the Irish say...? My translator doesn't have an Irish to English setting.
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: tomgallagher on April 25, 2008, 04:12:48 PM
I worked for many years with an Irish fella from Dublin and he couldnt speak a lick of Gaelic, I wasnt impressed. I was like "You Irish are some of the most patriotic nationalistic people on earth and you dont even speak your indigenous language,shame on you!!" I used to give him a ribbing all the time.LOL

You can thank the English for that. Whenever the old timers tried to speak Irish they were arrested an punished by the English. They tried to stamp it out.

My grandmother spoke fluent Irish Gaelic. Combine that with  my grandfathers harsh Arabic ,needless to say it was interesting.

You can thank the English for that. They tried to stamp it out and arrested anyone caught speaking it or teaching it. It is now making a comeback. 
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Phantom on April 26, 2008, 02:15:16 PM
Gooner til I die! Sorry about Reading last week....
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: darkknight1 on May 11, 2008, 06:40:41 AM
I am a big fan of a lot of sports....but recently got into Soccer.  I chose Chelsea as my team overseas in the Premiership.....and love Red Bull NY here in the US for MLS.  C'mon you Blues!!  Go RedBulls!
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Tagus on June 01, 2008, 02:20:52 PM
Great, a football err soccer thread

I love soccer,it´s my favourite sport and i´m a Benfica fan a club so long out of the fight for the European champions throphy.

Most of my childhood was spent playing soccer. I played it in my hood with my childhood friends, i played in school and i even got a team that played in tournments. Great memories!
Title: Re: Soccer
Post by: Phantom on June 11, 2008, 11:02:52 AM
Great, a football err soccer thread

I love soccer,it´s my favourite sport and i´m a Benfica fan a club so long out of the fight for the European champions throphy.

Does Adou still play for Benfica?