World Cup

[goducks]

Okay, so its not a "Duck sport"... Who is following it? Any predictions? The talk here, in France, is Spain and Brazil, but... pourquoi pas Les Bleus?

[gofightingducks]

It is hard to go against those 2 teams, especially Brazil. I think Brazil takes it. I think the US struggles again.

[woundedknees]

Even though the talent level of the US squad is rising to the level of some of the other 'powers' in World Cup play, there is something missing... A certain passion or desire that teams such as France, Spain, Italy, Brazil, and others possess to a greater degree.

While I would love to see the Americans do well on the pitch, I am not optimistic.

[greenyellow]

Even though the talent level of the US squad is rising to the level of some of the other 'powers' in World Cup play, there is something missing... A certain passion or desire that teams such as France, Spain, Italy, Brazil, and others possess to a greater degree.

While I would love to see the Americans do well on the pitch, I am not optimistic.

The Americans don't get the top athletes for the team since there are so many other sports played here that aren't played in other countries (i.e. football and baseball). Other countries' players are brought up playing soccer for most of their lives and in highly competitive settings, where here in the US, kids have so many options and the soccer isn't always that intense, except for really advanced and club level teams.

[soduck]

The competition for top athletes in the US in other sports has existed for a long time. The increasing specializing in one sport athletes continues. In Florida and Texas among other states full spring football practice now occurs. I am older, 51, and when I was a senior in high school in 1976, at south eugene, I still remember when one of the better athletes in the sophomore class, the QB for the class, chose to play soccer. I thought then what a idiot. I went on to raise 2 kids that loved soccer, both played year round soccer. Both played on club teams and started as freshman in high school, and my daughter in college now. I love soccer now, watching my kids play and world cup second. Duck football is still first in my life and Duck basketball second. I still remember coaching soccer on the sidelines listening on the radio to Duck football games.
Now I just DVR them if there is a conflict.

Some of the better athletes have been choosing soccer for awhile, but there is competition for better athletes in many sports.

[woundedknees]

There was a time when some states on the east coast required high schools below a certain size to offer soccer exclusively... Players who wanted to participate in good old American tackle football had to attend schools whose enrollment exceeded 400 or so.

Many of the elite players on US squads in the past came from very small areas of the country, where there were high concentrations of immigrants from countries such as Italy where soccer is the sport of choice. A little research shows that many of the coaches (As well as parents) in those areas were former European team players who came to the US after their playing careers ended.

[greenyellow]

There was a time when some states on the east coast required high schools below a certain size to offer soccer exclusively... Players who wanted to participate in good old American tackle football had to attend schools whose enrollment exceeded 400 or so.

Many of the elite players on US squads in the past came from very small areas of the country, where there were high concentrations of immigrants from countries such as Italy where soccer is the sport of choice. A little research shows that many of the coaches (As well as parents) in those areas were former European team players who came to the US after their playing careers ended.

It does seem that the some of the best American players are first-gen Americans with soccer backgrounds in their family or are in areas with lots of immigrants. Soccer just isn't as natural of sport for Americans since we have so many sports that were created here that people favor, such as basketball, football, and baseball. Americans tend to like American things so that's why soccer loses out to a majority of people. I really don't mind watching soccer, but it can get a little boring if you don't know any of the players or any of the basic rules and strategies.

[Phenom]

Mexico! Mexico! Mexico!

[UOducksTK1]

Algeria is overrated, so I think they are beatable, but I have a hard time seeing us beat Slovenia or England.

[goducks]

Algeria is overrated, so I think they are beatable, but I have a hard time seeing us beat Slovenia or England.

No one in Lyon will quickly forget the day that Algeria won and qualified for the World Cup. There are are a LOT of Algerians living here in Lyon and they tooted their horns and screamed all night long and burned quite a few cars. It will only get worse if they win their matches!

Yeah I think that the other two teams will be tough, but team USA might be able to beat Slovenia and England is without their captain, Rio Ferdinand... It would be great to get out of the first round. And then play Germany...? Yikes!

[greenyellow]

Algeria is overrated, so I think they are beatable, but I have a hard time seeing us beat Slovenia or England.

No one in Lyon will quickly forget the day that Algeria won and qualified for the World Cup. There are are a LOT of Algerians living here in Lyon and they tooted their horns and screamed all night long and burned quite a few cars. It will only get worse if they win their matches!

Yeah I think that the other two teams will be tough, but team USA might be able to beat Slovenia and England is without their captain, Rio Ferdinand... It would be great to get out of the first round. And then play Germany...? Yikes!

The US got a tough draw in their pool and if they possibly advance.

[gregspechtismyhero]

My boy Drogba's possibly out for Ivory Coast. They're my darkhorse...

[UOducksTK1]

Algeria is overrated, so I think they are beatable, but I have a hard time seeing us beat Slovenia or England.

No one in Lyon will quickly forget the day that Algeria won and qualified for the World Cup. There are are a LOT of Algerians living here in Lyon and they tooted their horns and screamed all night long and burned quite a few cars. It will only get worse if they win their matches!

Yeah I think that the other two teams will be tough, but team USA might be able to beat Slovenia and England is without their captain, Rio Ferdinand... It would be great to get out of the first round. And then play Germany...? Yikes!

Algeria is still a decent team, for sure, but they've been playing horribly lately even with most their starters.

My hope is England goes 3-0, we beat Algeria, and then at least tie Slovenia. I think that's definitely doable if this team plays to their potential.

All I know is I watch every single USA qualifying game. I even stayed up doing homework to watch the 5:30 AM match vs Australia just a few days ago.

[duckgrad99]

So how long before the death threats come for the England goalkeeper?

[gofightingducks]

Good game by the US. England outplayed us but Howard was lights out with some great saves. The US had a couple of opportunities but just couldn't capitalize. I hope there is no letdown and they beat Algeria and Slovenia like they should and I hope they have a better goal differential than England and win the group so they have an easier 2nd round game.