World Cup?

[Kobeck]

It's a point of interest that the game hasn't really taken hold in the States, but without trying to be rude in any way, the rest of the world loves footy and the World Cup is absolutely huge with or without you guys.
Perhaps only the Olympics is as big on the world stage.

Having said that, I'd be made over the moon if the NFL expanded internationally. I hope and pray for an NFL franchise over here.
I think it's gonna come one day.

FWIW I just finished reading Soccernomics and it was fairly brutal on English football, basically saying that EPL was so tuff that the players were at a disadvantage in the big tournaments, WC & EC in paritcular. Not saying I agree with it but that was what I took from it.

Anyhow I agree with you that NFL will expand internationally. I could definatly see a couple of International divisions and then a couple more bringing the total to 48. Other than QB there is easily enough talent to field 48 NFL caliber teams IMO. As for QB there would definatly have to be some sort of system where teams were rewarded for grooming them instead of the current system of teams just renting them from the FA pool when you can't grow your own.

Oh and it was a stinkin' tie - lol

haven't seen the video but the English press was fairly brutal, at least online.

[tarcone]

The only thing that was worse then the USAs play was the referee. Sad.

[tarcone]

Uh-oh. Will England implode if the team fails to make the knockout round?

[Kobeck]

think they control their destiny though and unfourtunatly the USAs as well.

[tarcone]

Nope. If we win we are in. We control our destiny.

[Kobeck]

thats great.

[ukpatfan]

Uh-oh. Will England implode if the team fails to make the knockout round?

A miserable performance against Algeria and there is a real sense of anger amongst England fans.

The England team used to be renown for it's effort, desire and sheer guts but the current squad just aren't displaying these typical English football traits.
Fans will forgive players that lose as long as they bleed for the team, they won't forgive lack of desire and lack of effort.

Unbelievably, the team can still qualify even after two such dire performances but on the evidence of the games so far, they certainly don't deserve to qualify.

Hopefully, the fans reaction will convince the manager to change things around and put a rocket under the player's arses!!

[Coder]

So... who'd you rather have coach your team now!? Capello or Eriksson!?

[ukpatfan]

So... who'd you rather have coach your team now!? Capello or Eriksson!?

I was never a fan of Eriksson...he had the tactical knowledge but really lacked fire in the belly and failed to get the best out of the players.

Personally, I was happy when Capello was appointed and he did everything right in qualifying....but it all seems to be unravelling.

There is a vocal section of support that feels England should be coached by an Englishman....get some passion and pride back into the team.

[Coder]

I was never a fan of Eriksson...he had the tactical knowledge but really lacked fire in the belly and failed to get the best out of the players.

Personally, I was happy when Capello was appointed and he did everything right in qualifying....but it all seems to be unravelling.

There is a vocal section of support that feels England should be coached by an Englishman....get some passion and pride back into the team.

Like, uh, Keegan, or, uh Hoddle, or uh, Venables... ;-) I think you see where I'm going.. seriously, isn't that why Eriksson was brought in to begin with, and Capello now? To break the mold of what was seen as a situation where nothing new was happening because all English coaches were too alike?

[Matt]

How about my Dutch?

[ukpatfan]

Hey Coder,
Good to see you keep a close eye on English football....

I'd agree that Hoddle and Keegan (and McClaren) were very poor appointments by the 'men in grey suits', but actually Englishmen Bobby Robson and Venebles had relatively successful tournaments which only ended through penalty shootouts or golden goal.
Venebles should have remained as coach.

The English Premier League is the most popular in the world because of the pace, power and aggression inherent in the English style of play.
The 'never say die attitude' used to be a hallmark of the English national team and opponents hated facing it.
Look at the US comeback against Slovenia....it was almost like watching an English team playing.
That attitude is actually very rare.

The problem in the past has been that English players relied on their attitude to the detriment of their technical ability.
In summer tournaments in hot countries, the English style of play would wilt against possession style teams.
That is largely why England turned to foreign coaches.

I think it helped our players with technique and tactics but to the detriment of attitude.
Foreign coaches will always have inherent difficulties in charge of England.
Language problems, cultural differences, basic differences in how the game is played.

The unique challenge of the England coach is to blend the technical ability of continental football with the power and aggression of the English style.

Now is there an English coach around who can provide the tactical and technical strengths as well as the motivation?
Is there a foreign coach who can motivate and ignite the fire as well as encourage technique?
That's the million dollar question.....

Now having said all that, watch England beat Slovenia and make a run to the semis!!



Oh, and sorry for prattling on....we get passionate about the national team.
:roll:

[dthompso8]

The Dutch have been the only saving grace in our household... England have almost ruined the summer already...

With my wife being half dutch and so the kids a quarter they at least have something to shout about...

[tarcone]

The ref that blew the USA game seems to be done redding. One game too late.

[Chris Rex]

You're all speaking gibberish. It's like witchcraft.