A Challenge...

[corndo]

No matter how you feel about soccer, let's all get behind our national team tomorrow as they represent our country in arguably the most important sporting event in the world. On a global scale, bigger than the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the Masters, and Wimbledon, The World Cup is the event the world anticipates more than any other. Our team will be playing in very hostile conditions, with most of the world rooting against them. They get little recognition here at home, don't make the money (for the most part) that other professional athletes do, and they are sure to give 110% tomorrow for the entire 90 minutes. I don't think it is too much to ask for us to get behind them for the next couple of weeks. So let's pull for them tomorrow like we would if it was the Razorbacks out there. After all, they will be representing our nation on the world's biggest stage.

[CiriusPorker]

AMEN!!!

[RhodeHog]

I'll get behind them as long as I don't have to watch it.  :-)

[SiriusHog™]

I'll be hoping they win... but as far as watching and rooting like its a razorback game... aint gonna happen... but i do hope they win..

[O'Squeal]

As an ex-soccer player ( in my best Al Bundy voice....lettered 3 years in high school )  GO USA GO

[CiriusPorker]

I'm gonna try and take an extended lunch to see the second half...work sucks!

[corndo]

I'm gonna try and take an extended lunch to see the second half...work sucks!

Yeah, I'm going to have to tivo it and try to stay away from the internet and ESPN until I get off.

[Flatfoot]

Go USA!  As for Soccer, forget it.  I would rather watch cows eat grass.

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

Supporty your country dammit!!

Corndo it's "Challenge".


WPS!!!!!!

[corndo]

Supporty your country dammit!!

Corndo it's "Challenge".


WPS!!!!!!

Thanks, I wrote it in a hurry and didn't even notice that.

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

Supporty your country dammit!!

Corndo it's "Challenge".


WPS!!!!!!

Thanks, I wrote it in a hurry and didn't even notice that.

gotta get the nerds on board, too.

Nice post Corndo.

GO USA!!!

[RebelHawg]

I support the USA soccer team all the way. Everyone should cheer for our guys out there. I hate saying it but soccer is the worlds most popular sport and damn we should be the best at every sport no matter how boring it is! I really don't like soccer cause 2 goals in a 90 minute game is very boring, but hell its the USA so I want them to win and be the best

[corndo]

Supporty your country dammit!!

Corndo it's "Challenge".


WPS!!!!!!

Thanks, I wrote it in a hurry and didn't even notice that.

gotta get the nerds on board, too.

Nice post Corndo.

GO USA!!!

Correct me anytime. I hate having spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

[CiriusPorker]

I support the USA soccer team all the way. Everyone should cheer for our guys out there. I hate saying it but soccer is the worlds most popular sport and damn we should be the best at every sport no matter how boring it is! I really don't like soccer cause 2 goals in a 90 minute game is very boring, but hell its the USA so I want them to win and be the best

Thanks!!

[HatfieldHog]

Remember Gentleman: Soccer is an communist attempt to destroy America.  Dont' give in to the commies....

See ya

[CiriusPorker]

Remember Gentleman: Soccer is an communist attempt to destroy America.  Dont' give in to the commies....

See ya

yeah..especially since it was invented in England..a predominantly capitalist nation when it was founded...

Right...

[CiriusPorker]

Remember Gentleman: Soccer is an communist attempt to destroy America.  Dont' give in to the commies....

See ya

yeah..especially since it was invented in England..a predominantly capitalist nation when it was founded...

Right...

All of the Socialist nations are the ones pushing it now. 

Since you seem to know what you're talking about, could you please point out the "socialist" nations who are pushing it now?

[ledhead830]

Reyna's supposedly playing and with Barros and Nedved nursing injuries, there is no reason the US can't pull this match out.

[CiriusPorker]

Lets not forget that Football is a sport that teaches "wholesome American values...such as taking other people's land by force"

Grand Theft Auto III - CHAT RADIO

[Kodiak]

As much as I dislike soccer I must agree about supporting the American team!

GBA!

[CiriusPorker]

You win Cirius.  I don't care about Soccer.  I'm just blowing smoke. 

You have fun watching it though.  Just don't shove it down my throat which I've noticed several of you have done.

Fire Soccer

No problem..i'm not shoving it down anyone's throat, btw...hope i don't seem like I am.

[HatfieldHog]

God help us, we really need something to talk about....

See ya

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

God help us, we really need something to talk about....

See ya

This disappoints me Hatfield.  You seem like a normal, intelligent and open-minded person. 

I enjoy your posts, but you are way off on the soccer thing.  If anything, it promotes goodwill among the different countries. 
The Ivory Coast halted a Civil War because they made it to the World Cup for the first time.

[CiriusPorker]

God help us, we really need something to talk about....

See ya

There's always something to talk about...

[CiriusPorker]

God help us, we really need something to talk about....

See ya

This disappoints me Hatfield.  You seem like a normal, intelligent and open-minded person. 

I enjoy your posts, but you are way off on the soccer thing.  If anything, it promotes goodwill among the different countries. 
The Ivory Coast halted a Civil War because they made it to the World Cup for the first time.

hatfield, he's right...

World Cup has the same effect that the Olympics have...but the olympics aren't communist are they?

[Pyotr Tchaikhogsky]

I'm glad I don't have a job yet.  (just moved to Fayetteville)  It has allowed me to watch all the games so far.  And I sure as hell will be watching tomorrow.  Besides, I've got 3 Americans on my fantasy team.  USA USA USA!!

[Ross U (HDHF)]

Dammit.  2 classes and an interview tomorrow so absolutely no time to watch.  And my best friend is over in Germany right now and will actually be at the game! Gah!  Oh well, I guess I'll just have to get razorbackbabe to text me scores.

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

Dammit.  2 classes and an interview tomorrow so absolutely no time to watch.  And my best friend is over in Germany right now and will actually be at the game! Gah!  Oh well, I guess I'll just have to get razorbackbabe to text me scores.

You can DVR it or they are re-playing it again at 9 tomorrow night.

[CiriusPorker]

Dammit.  2 classes and an interview tomorrow so absolutely no time to watch.  And my best friend is over in Germany right now and will actually be at the game! Gah!  Oh well, I guess I'll just have to get razorbackbabe to text me scores.

You can DVR it or they are re-playing it again at 9 tomorrow night.

on Galavision right?

I saw that and thought YES!!!.

But I'll be going to Ruby Tuesday's to have lunch at the bar tomorrow to hopefully get a glimpse of the game.

Notshavin..you wanna come up this weekend to go to see the Italian game on Dickson street with me, my wife and other Hogvillians??? you can stay at my place.

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

Dammit.  2 classes and an interview tomorrow so absolutely no time to watch.  And my best friend is over in Germany right now and will actually be at the game! Gah!  Oh well, I guess I'll just have to get razorbackbabe to text me scores.

You can DVR it or they are re-playing it again at 9 tomorrow night.

on Galavision right?

I saw that and thought YES!!!.

But I'll be going to Ruby Tuesday's to have lunch at the bar tomorrow to hopefully get a glimpse of the game.

Notshavin..you wanna come up this weekend to go to see the Italian game on Dickson street with me, my wife and other Hogvillians??? you can stay at my place.

No, on ESPN2

I don't think I can make it, but I'll see what I can do..

[CiriusPorker]

Dammit.  2 classes and an interview tomorrow so absolutely no time to watch.  And my best friend is over in Germany right now and will actually be at the game! Gah!  Oh well, I guess I'll just have to get razorbackbabe to text me scores.

You can DVR it or they are re-playing it again at 9 tomorrow night.

on Galavision right?

I saw that and thought YES!!!.

But I'll be going to Ruby Tuesday's to have lunch at the bar tomorrow to hopefully get a glimpse of the game.

Notshavin..you wanna come up this weekend to go to see the Italian game on Dickson street with me, my wife and other Hogvillians??? you can stay at my place.

No, on ESPN2

I don't think I can make it, but I'll see what I can do..

Well, you should probably stay with the baby and wife anyway..i'll call you every few minutes since I have your cell phone number..

[Richard_white]

I can't a re run of Baywatch is on!! go hogs go!!

[CiriusPorker]

I just don't get the fascination with Soccer.  I don't suppose I ever will.  I can't tell you one player on the US team or even how many are on the field.  The games are boring and seem pointless to me.  It's like Hockey.  You spend all of that time to score 2 goals.  It's a lot of running back and forth.  You that unless they're on either end no one score. 

You fellas enjoy your soccer.  I hope the USA wins but I honestly could care less.  I still don't get it and probably never will.  To each his own. 

Go Hogs

I appreciate your passion for Razorback sports, tho...

[DukeOfPork]

I just don't get the fascination with Soccer.  I don't suppose I ever will.  I can't tell you one player on the US team or even how many are on the field.  The games are boring and seem pointless to me.  It's like Hockey.  You spend all of that time to score 2 goals.  It's a lot of running back and forth.  You that unless they're on either end no one score. 

You fellas enjoy your soccer.  I hope the USA wins but I honestly could care less.  I still don't get it and probably never will.  To each his own. 

Go Hogs

What you are lacking is the ability to see other people's perspective.

I understand the point you are making about 2 goals in 90 minutes.  However, let's look at American Football from another point of view.  This is from a debate on somebody's blog:


You give college (and pro) football fans too much credit for their intensity. American football is all about the socializing-- whether at the game, at home, wherever-- and the NCAA and NFL make sure to cater to this.

Put a stopwatch to a typical 3 hour telecast of a football game. Actual "action" (not replays) amounts to about 20 minutes. The rest of the time allows for fans to talk, eat, drink and watch commercials. The reason American football fans are "bored" with soccer is they have to pay attention to ball movement for 90 minutes to see plays develop. Soccer is not a draw on American TV because there's no built in 2 to 5 minute commercial breaks. "But in football, there's lots of points scored. Soccer is always 1-0, 2-1." Get rid of field goals (any real football player will tell you kickers are worthless), give one point for each touchdown, and a 17-10 game becomes 2-1. Of course losing all those points would not allow the NCAA or NFL to cater to other economic interests that shall remain nameless.

I agree with your premise, both sports are great. It all depends on your point of view as to which is really a greater spectacle.



I would also add this point: when you have watched the English Premier League or another top flight soccer league for awhile, you realize there is a hell of a lot more to the game than the actual goal.  The nuances weren't apparent to me until I had seriously watched the game for little while.

I used to be one of the guys who said they would "rather watch paint dry".  But I gave the EPL a chance and it converted me.....BIG TIME.  Now that I am used to 45 minutes straight of action on the field, I now get frustrated with all of the commercial breaks and "standing around" in baseball, football, etc.

[Ugly Uncle]

Soccer is something that you have to see in person to really appreciate it fully...or at least a little bit.  I couldn't stand it either until I went to a couple of big time games, and watched it live.  I went to see U.S. play Mexico in Houston, and saw those same two teams play again in Dallas in the Cotton bowl.

Both times, even though we were playing on U.S. soil, it was like an away game for us.  The atmosphere at those games are electric.  In the game at the Cotton bowl, the U.S. scored in the last minute of play to win 1-0.  Our little group of American's that I went with screamed and yelled when we scored.  All of a sudden, Beer and other substances rained down on us from everywhere.  It was wild.

I truly think that those that can get no enjoyment out of the game are that way because they don't understand it.  I do not fully understand it, and I don't just LOVE watching it...but I do like it enough to watch and cheer for the U.S. 

If any of you guys ever get the chance...even if you HATE soccer...go to a big time game.  I don't mean MLS game, but an international game.  It is an experience you won't soon forget.  Once you have seen one of those games in person...realizing the craziness of the fans...it will change how you view it.

You may not ever really enjoy watching it, but I guarantee you will be able to sit and watch the U.S. play in the biggest tournament in the world every four years.  You need to experience it before you totally just disregard it...but you need to experience it with someone that can explain the offensive and defensive formations.  If you do that, it will be something that you might actually find not just terrible.  Obviously, it is too late for you to catch a live game to enjoy this world cup...but, there is always 2010.  Just try a live game before you trash it...it really isn't that bad.

[Ross U (HDHF)]

I just don't get the fascination with Soccer.  I don't suppose I ever will.  I can't tell you one player on the US team or even how many are on the field.  The games are boring and seem pointless to me.  It's like Hockey.  You spend all of that time to score 2 goals.  It's a lot of running back and forth.  You that unless they're on either end no one score. 

You fellas enjoy your soccer.  I hope the USA wins but I honestly could care less.  I still don't get it and probably never will.  To each his own. 

Go Hogs

Got to respect that opinion.  Thanks for not trashing the sport some posters have done.  I agree with some other posters that seeing a live game will change your perspective but understanding the game makes a big difference as well.  Soccer isn't very enjoyable if you have no idea what's going on and it's hard to watch and catch on like other sports (i.e. football and basketball).  I don't claim to fully understand the game either but I understand it to a degree that I can enjoy watching and learn more about the game.  No way will it ever replace football or college basketball for me, but I have learned to enjoy and respect the sport, and it's place in the world.

[ComeonHogs!!!]

   When do they play? Who won? Easy to pull for America in anything. Even (hold my nose) soccer

[fusbal11]

   When do they play? Who won? Easy to pull for America in anything. Even (hold my nose) soccer

Group play

11am today vs Czech on ESPN2
1:30pm Sat vs Italy on ABC
9am (6-22) vs Ghana on ESPN

[Albert Einswine]

Soccer is the the most popular sport in the world only because the rest of the people in the world are too backward or stupid to recognize that College Football is the best sport ever invented and carries the official endorsement of God! 

Oh yeah,  GO USA!!!

[ComeonHogs!!!]

Albert,

I agree, all things being equal I think Americans are just a more aggressive people. I mean could you see dick buckus not just lighting up some wing man coming in his zone!
When I have watched (don't smite nothing else on. not even reruns of charmed) I see two guys heading towards each other and it is as if they stop to kiss.  needs more hitting, more blood or America will continue to yawn at the sport.

[DukeOfPork]

Albert,

I agree, all things being equal I think Americans are just a more aggressive people. I mean could you see dick buckus not just lighting up some wing man coming in his zone!
When I have watched (don't smite nothing else on. not even reruns of charmed) I see two guys heading towards each other and it is as if they stop to kiss.  needs more hitting, more blood or America will continue to yawn at the sport.

Then explain why we Americans will pay good money to watch baseball players scratch themselves and take 10 games off after pulling hammy while shagging a fly ball.

[Ugly Uncle]

Albert,

I agree, all things being equal I think Americans are just a more aggressive people. I mean could you see dick buckus not just lighting up some wing man coming in his zone!
When I have watched (don't smite nothing else on. not even reruns of charmed) I see two guys heading towards each other and it is as if they stop to kiss.  needs more hitting, more blood or America will continue to yawn at the sport.

Then explain why we Americans will pay good money to watch baseball players scratch themselves and take 10 games off after pulling hammy while shagging a fly ball.

It is because most American fans do not understand soccer.  I believe that your average American doesn't fully understand baseball either...but here is a difference in the two.

Most American's, I believe, see soccer as guys just running up and down the field with not much happening.  The players run and run and might come close to scoring, but then they don't.  There is a lot of effort but little to no result.  We, as American's, wonder "why give so much effort when you don't really get anything out of it."  It just seems to be unAmerican.

In baseball, those that don't understand all of the intricacies of the game can still see results.  When there are actions, or efforts given on the field, something happens.  When a pitcher pitches the ball, there is a result...a ball, a strike, a hit, an out.  When the ball is put in to play and a fielder moves for the ball, there is a result...and out or a hit.  When a batter puts the ball in play and runs for first there is a result...he is safe or he is out.  When three outs occur there is a change in the game where the other team has the opportunity to score.  In baseball, since it is an untimed sport, the game is not ever over until it is actually over.  In other sports if a team is down by 10-12 with a couple of minutes left, the game is all but over.  In baseball, you can still make a comeback even if there are two outs in the last inning and you are way behind.

Those are just some things that an average American can see...action produces results or consequences.  So, even if you don't fully understand the game, you know that something productive of counterproductive is happening.  Not so in soccer.

It all goes back to how much you understand the game.  I love baseball, so I understand that there is much more going on than the things that I just mentioned (the battle between the pitcher and the batter, the strategy of the managers...etc.)

So, I think if American's took the time to understand all of the little things that are going on in soccer it would be much different.  Again, I don't know much about all of the fine points of soccer...but enough to be able to watch the U.S. games with some level of satisfaction.  There is more going on than what the average American sees...and that is the problem. 

Baseball:  Not a lot of action or effort...but there are results that are obvious.
Soccer:  A lot of action or effort...but not a lot of results that are obvious.

Oh, and speaking of being out for weeks because of an injury in baseball...One thing that is hard, I think, for most American's to take is:  In baseball, if you get hit by a pitch, you are not even suppose to rub it.  You are just suppose to tough it out and run to first.  In soccer, they flop to get a call and roll around on the field like the have just severed an appendage.  Again, I know that there are reasons for this...but most don't fully understand why someone would act like that.

[ErieHog]

Albert,

I agree, all things being equal I think Americans are just a more aggressive people. I mean could you see dick buckus not just lighting up some wing man coming in his zone!
When I have watched (don't smite nothing else on. not even reruns of charmed) I see two guys heading towards each other and it is as if they stop to kiss.  needs more hitting, more blood or America will continue to yawn at the sport.

Then explain why we Americans will pay good money to watch baseball players scratch themselves and take 10 games off after pulling hammy while shagging a fly ball.

It is because most American fans do not understand soccer.  I believe that your average American doesn't fully understand baseball either...but here is a difference in the two.

Most American's, I believe, see soccer as guys just running up and down the field with not much happening.  The players run and run and might come close to scoring, but then they don't.  There is a lot of effort but little to no result.  We, as American's, wonder "why give so much effort when you don't really get anything out of it."  It just seems to be unAmerican.

In baseball, those that don't understand all of the intricacies of the game can still see results.  When there are actions, or efforts given on the field, something happens.  When a pitcher pitches the ball, there is a result...a ball, a strike, a hit, an out.  When the ball is put in to play and a field moves for the ball, there is a result...and out or a hit.  When a batter puts the ball in play and runs for first there is a result...he is safe or he is out.  When three outs occur there is a change in the game where the other team has the opportunity to score.  In baseball, since it is an untimed sport, the game is not ever over until it is actually over.  In other sports in a team is down by 10-12 with a couple of minutes left, the game is all but over.  In baseball, you can still make a comeback even if their are two outs in the last inning and you are way behind.

Those are just somethings that an average American can see...action produces results or consequences.  So, even if you don't fully understand the game, you know that something productive of counterproductive is happening.  Not so in soccer.

It all goes back to how much you understand the game.  I love baseball, so I understand that there is much more going on than the things that I just mentioned (the battle between the pitcher and the batter, the strategy of the managers...etc.)

So, I think if American's took the time to understand all of the little things that are going on in soccer it would be much different.  Again, I don't know much about all of the fine points of soccer...but enough to be able to watch the U.S. games with some level of satisfaction.  There is more going on than what the average American sees...and that is the problem. 

Baseball:  Not a lot of action or effort...but there are results that are obvious.
Soccer:  A lot of action or effort...but not a lot of results that are obvious.

Oh, and speaking of being out for weeks because of an injury in baseball...One thing that is hard I think for most American's to take is:  In baseball, if you get hit by a pitch, you are not even suppose to rub it.  You are just suppose to tough it out and run to first.  In soccer, they flop to get a call and roll around on the field like the have just severed an appendage.  Again, I know that there are reasons for this...but most don't fully understand why someone would act like that.

Not to be rude, but most of this arguement is sophistry.  The old 'complexity' substitute for arguement doesn't hold water.  No actual proof is presented that Soccer is a superior sporting event, or even an iota of compelling reasoning presented to show that soccer is worth our time as spectators.

I've spent years, both playing and being innundated in soccer culture.  I literally can't get it off of my television, just due to the preponderance of it on British and Irish television on the weekends.  SPL, Bundesleaga,  etc--  its just not our speed, no matter the skill or speed with which the game is played.

There was a time, many years ago, when I was briefly open to the soccer arguement;  now, 10 years later, and a pile of evidence later, I can safely say that I detest soccer, and think it's a waste of time and airwaves to televise it in the US.

It is what it is;  presenting it as too cerebral, too sophisticated, or too nuanced for Americans is simply silly. 

[ComeonHogs!!!]

UU,

Good points. I can get behind the arguments that we are result driven society. Having had a son that played soccer for 5 years I can say that there is a lot of effort in soccer that result in no zero production.
I think the bottom line might be that those in Europe spent all there money on polo. None left over to buy football equipment. I mean they can get 22 kids on the field for the price of 1 soccer ball.

Whats it cost to pad up 22 kids?

[silvertip]

God help us, we really need something to talk about....

See ya

There's always something to talk about...

"There are always alternatives, Captain," Mr Spock.

[Ugly Uncle]

It is what it is;  presenting it as too cerebral, too sophisticated, or too nuanced for Americans is simply silly. 

Erie...I am surprised by your response.  Typically, we understand each other very well.

I was not presenting soccer as to cerebral, too sophisticated, or too nuanced for Americans.  I simply stated that most Americans have not been exposed to it to fully understand it.

My wife grew up in a small town in Arkansas.  Her highschool did not have a football team.  She knew about basketball and baseball...but had never once attended a football game on any level.  No pee-wee games, no Jr. high...no highschool...NOTHING.

The first football game she ever went to was a Razorback game I took her to when we were dating.  She was completely unimpressed and bored.  I tried to explain some of the things to her as the game went on, but she finally just told me, "never mind." and she just "people watched" the rest of the game.  To this day she couldn't care less about going to a football game...She'll go with me occasionally to watch the band or something...but thinks football is stupid and doesn't make sense.  However, she loves baseball and basketball...because she was exposed to it and appreciates  it.

Is football only for the sophisticated?  Is my wife not sophisticated because she doesn't like it or understand it?  No on both of those. 

The point is, if you have been exposed to the sport, you appreciate the effort and training to be able to do the things that are being done on the field.  You understand the strategy and events that take place. 

You totally misunderstood my earlier point. 

By the way, I am Irish (and some German), and I would love to go visit Ireland sometime.  I hear it is beautiful.

[DukeOfPork]

Oh, and speaking of being out for weeks because of an injury in baseball...One thing that is hard, I think, for most American's to take is:  In baseball, if you get hit by a pitch, you are not even suppose to rub it.  You are just suppose to tough it out and run to first. 

A guy at Triple-A Omaha got put on the DL a couple months ago because he pulled a muscle in right field while laughing at the mascot between innings.

True story.

As for diving in soccer - I agree, it is an epidemic.  They are attempting to win a spot kick or a penalty kick, but when they are faking it they should be yellow carded.

[Albert Einswine]

She was completely unimpressed and bored.  To this day she couldn't care less about going to a football game.

Is my wife not sophisticated because she doesn't like it or understand it? 

No,  but it is quite apparent to me that she's brain damaged!
















Just kidding,  Uncle!! 

[HognotinMemphis]

No matter how you feel about soccer, let's all get behind our national team tomorrow as they represent our country in arguably the most important sporting event in the world. On a global scale, bigger than the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the Masters, and Wimbledon, The World Cup is the event the world anticipates more than any other. Our team will be playing in very hostile conditions, with most of the world rooting against them. They get little recognition here at home, don't make the money (for the most part) that other professional athletes do, and they are sure to give 110% tomorrow for the entire 90 minutes. I don't think it is too much to ask for us to get behind them for the next couple of weeks. So let's pull for them tomorrow like we would if it was the Razorbacks out there. After all, they will be representing our nation on the world's biggest stage.

How about NO, You crazy soccer bastard!

[Albert Einswine]

How about NO, You crazy soccer bastard!

Harsh!