USMNT vs Brazil

[fsUTampa]

First of the "kickoff series" in which the USA plays Brazil, Mexico, Colombia (in Tampa!), Peru, England, and Italy this fall. Pretty solid lineup to get the new kids some top-notch experience. Brazil is fielding virtually their entire A squad in this match, so should be interesting, as this will be basically the beginning of the next quad for the Americans.

Side note: the pregame interview with Ernie Stewart (named "General Manager" of USMNT) was really discouraging. He seemed to have no clue what his actual job entails, and sounds like he's totally winging it on a new coach with no sense of urgency. How this is possible 10 months after Arena was fired is astonishing. The higher ups in USSoccer are ridiculously incompetent.

 

[NoleLizards]

Well, that was quick!

 

[nynole1]

Hard to support an organization so poorly run. Not the players, the organization.
I really don't know how this changes. This country just doesn't really care about soccer, and even though the demographics are changing, those fans root for their home country.

 

[fsUTampa]

Well, that was quick!

Yep, Robinson got toasted by Costa. This game is definitely a learning experience for Robinson, as he's getting schooled all over the place.

And then a patented Brazilian flop gets them a PK. I'm now to the point that unless Brazil plays Mexico, I hope they lose 5-0 in every match they play.

 

[nynole1]

There is no team on the planet I hate more than Brazil. That's why the best soccer game I've ever seen was Germany prison raping then in their own country during the WC.

 

[LesClaypool]

This country just doesn't really care about soccer,

I'm not the type that tries to persuade people to like soccer. Either people like it or they don't.

But your statement isn't true. The popularity of the game is growing by leaps and bounds in the US and it has nothing to do with changing demographics. Frankly it has to do with the FIFA video game more than anything else.

 

[MIKE_G]

I'm not the type that tries to persuade people to like soccer. Either people like it or they don't.

But your statement isn't true. The popularity of the game is growing by leaps and bounds in the US and it has nothing to do with changing demographics. Frankly it has to do with the FIFA video game more than anything else.

Yeah, at least in my neck of the woods (Decatur, GA) soccer is absolutely huge. Probably half the neighborhood has Atlanta United FC flags. Both my boys started Inter Atlanta FC academy soccer. We're all in ITP..

 

[SeaPA]

Why do some of you have such hatred for Brazil? I usually enjoy watching them play. Sure, they flop some - but no more than most in international games. They play an aggressive, attacking style that is more fun to watch than those who pack everyone back on defense.

 

[nynole1]

Why do some of you have such hatred for Brazil? I usually enjoy watching them play. Sure, they flop some - but no more than most in international games. They play an aggressive, attacking style that is more fun to watch than those who pack everyone back on defense.

For me it's because every(especially them) thinks they are soccer gods, like they just show up and the opposing team should crap their shorts. I guess it's kind of like rooting against the Yankees in baseball.

 

[nynole1]

I'm not the type that tries to persuade people to like soccer. Either people like it or they don't.

But your statement isn't true. The popularity of the game is growing by leaps and bounds in the US and it has nothing to do with changing demographics. Frankly it has to do with the FIFA video game more than anything else.

Maybe that came out wrong, I wasn't trying to knock it. I love the game (minus the diving and offsides shenanigans), but the level of play here is not close to what you see elswhere on the globe, especially Europe. But if you don't see a changing demographic making soccer more popular, I don't know what to tell you. What I meant by my statement is that it could be wildly popular in certain areas, but it's not a national obsession like football, baseball, basketball. I have a feeling that will change though and hope it does.

 

[Fijimn]

Maybe that came out wrong, I wasn't trying to knock it. I love the game (minus the diving and offsides shenanigans), but the level of play here is not close to what you see elswhere on the globe, especially Europe. But if you don't see a changing demographic making soccer more popular, I don't know what to tell you. What I meant by my statement is that it could be wildly popular in certain areas, but it's not a national obsession like football, baseball, basketball. I have a feeling that will change though and hope it does.[/QUOTE

We are just Americanizing it where the kids with the money to join academies or travel teams get discovered. Kids here play full field games at such an early age, but you never see little pick up games like you do all over South America. We used to play these little 30 yd games where you had to have great vision and first touch. I’m the states you just don’t have that

 

[seminoledq]

When is that game in Tampa?

 

[SeaPA]

When is that game in Tampa?

October 11.

 

[GwinnettNole]

Looking forward to the match vs Mexico tonight. It’s in Nashville, is that right?

 

[SeaPA]

Btw, are these games just exhibitions/"friendlies"? I'm assuming they must be - thought there was an issue with the stadium in Tampa that would prohibit them from playing an official international match there.

 

[fsugrad06]

Match is in Nashville and yes, these are only friendlies.

 

[GoNolesTX]

Btw, are these games just exhibitions/"friendlies"? I'm assuming they must be - thought there was an issue with the stadium in Tampa that would prohibit them from playing an official international match there.

They'd be playing at RayJ right?

 

[SeaPA]

They'd be playing at RayJ right?

Yes, the upcoming friendly is at RayJ. But I thought I'd read (probably in articles about the World Cup bid) that there were issues with the stadium that would prevent Tampa from hosting any of the WC games; I believe it was because there wasn't enough room on the field (i.e. the area inside the concrete barriers isn't sufficient to meet FIFA specs).

 

[GoNolesTX]

Yes, the upcoming friendly is at RayJ. But I thought I'd read (probably in articles about the World Cup bid) that there were issues with the stadium that would prevent Tampa from hosting any of the WC games; I believe it was because there wasn't enough room on the field (i.e. the area inside the concrete barriers isn't sufficient to meet FIFA specs).

I'd read the same regarding Jerry World in Arlington when it was completed... the pitch wasn't wide enough to meet FIFA specs for tournament games, and wasn't able to be expanded thanks to the field suites. Guess that's no longer an issue since it's being rumored to be one of the sites for knockout round games including the semi's/3rd place game.

 

[GwinnettNole]

Good game for the USMNT last night.

I thought the American Outlaws had a good showing last night. But it makes me wonder why does it seem in these matches vs traditionally strong countries the only US fans are sitting in the Outlaws section? Im not a member of AO... maybe there are pockets of US fans not in the AO section and I’m not noticing.

 

[GwinnettNole]

I saw this article on Yahoo. The irony in this is almost laughable. On one side you have loud American soccer fans that live by the PC mantra and to a point rip the US president stance on immigration which impacts Mexico and other latin countries. Meanwhile, you have not-so PC Mexican fans which basically gives the "f you" to the PC'ers of American Soccer in regards to them stopping this homophobic chant. It's really like worlds colliding...

"Once more for the idiots in the stands: It's time for Mexico to end its homophobic chant"
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/idiots-stands-time-mexico-end-homophobic-chant-033936318.html

 

[GoNolesTX]

Caught most of the 2nd half last night after the kids had batting practice. A) that pitch looked AWFUL B) why do we insist on playing guys out of position? C) we beat a federation that beat Germany, therefore... we're better than Germany!!!

 

[Fijimn]

I saw this article on Yahoo. The irony in this is almost laughable. On one side you have loud American soccer fans that live by the PC mantra and to a point rip the US president stance on immigration which impacts Mexico and other latin countries. Meanwhile, you have not-so PC Mexican fans which basically gives the "f you" to the PC'ers of American Soccer in regards to them stopping this homophobic chant. It's really like worlds colliding...

"Once more for the idiots in the stands: It's time for Mexico to end its homophobic chant"
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/idiots-stands-time-mexico-end-homophobic-chant-033936318.html

The American players were a little cheeky last night as well.

 

[fsUTampa]

The American players were a little cheeky last night as well.

It's about time we had players that cared wear the uniform.

 

[fsUTampa]

Yes, the upcoming friendly is at RayJ. But I thought I'd read (probably in articles about the World Cup bid) that there were issues with the stadium that would prevent Tampa from hosting any of the WC games; I believe it was because there wasn't enough room on the field (i.e. the area inside the concrete barriers isn't sufficient to meet FIFA specs).

I can't find it right now, but I think Tampa took itself out of the running due to some insane FIFA tax exempt rules.