World Cup Football/Soccer

[gorkha shakti]

I am surprise to see no world cup football talk. Are there any soccer players or fans out there?
BTW, besides the Wrestling and the Boxing at the academy do the cadets participate in any other sports?

Thanks
GS

[x MAIT]

Cadets participate in lots of sports. They are all involved in track and field, cross country, high diving, gymnastics (maybe just the gym part), competitive shooting, etc. etc. etc.:badgrin:

[Ridder04]

I have been watching all the games!! Great tournament so far but the number of both yellow and red cards is astounding. Now that the US is out, I am pulling for England but they look a little suspect. Portugal will probably win the cup.

[Nellie]

Cadets participate in lots of sports. They are all involved in track and field, cross country, high diving, gymnastics (maybe just the gym part), competitive shooting, etc. etc. etc.:badgrin:

Don't forget the speed eating competition.

[gorkha shakti]

?Track and field, cross-country, high diving, gymnastics (maybe just the gym part), competitive shooting and speed eating competition??. Thanks for the reminder :cool:

I am not for any particular team, but I really enjoy the sport. The yellow and red cards are being handed out like hot cakes. Let?s see if Portugal takes it.

Thanks
GS

[CHP1]

I do not see anybody beating that German team. They are monsters when it comes to soccer. They make it look easy. I am also going for england, but the way they are playing is not going to help them out at all wehn they go up against a better team.

[Welpe]

I do not see anybody beating that German team. They are monsters when it comes to soccer. They make it look easy. I am also going for england, but the way they are playing is not going to help them out at all wehn they go up against a better team.

Argentina can take Germany.

[NorCalN00b]

Soccer sucks. Baseball ftw.

[Welpe]

Soccer sucks. Baseball ftw.

Can you play for two 45 minute halves with only one break at half time?

Baseball is my favorite sport but soccer still deserves my respect as a great sport.

[Mac]

I've really, really tried to get interested in soccer, but just can't do it. I love ice hockey and can see many similarities between the two sports, and I know that just about every other country in the world is absolutely fanatical about "football", but I've just never been able to enjoy watching it. I respect the sport and acknowledge that they're talented athletes and cardio monsters...I just can't get excited about it.

Baseball, OTOH, is about as interesting to me as watching grass grow or paint dry. It's nothing more than a game of catch with a guy standing in the way who will get into the hall of fame if he can consistently hit the ball 4 times out of 10. If I could only do my job correctly 4 tries out of every 10, I would have been fired long ago. The other 7 guys on the field spend the vast majority of the game scratching their package and spitting on the ground. If you ever see me actually watching baseball on TV, know that I'm bored nearly to the point of self-mutilation. The only way I can even begin to tolerate it is to watch highlights on the news - at least that way you see some movement more than once every half-hour or so. :badgrin:

[Tiredmotor]

Lets call a spade a spade. Soccer is BORING. Are they tremendously in-shape/aerobic athletes? Yes they are. But the game is slow and dull...watch it for 90 minutes and drool flows out of my mouth.....zero zero score and now I'm 90 minutes older. They (as in soccer officials) need to liven the game up..shorten the field...change the size of the goal...whatever. Soccer is as dry as a popcorn fart.

[DESERT RAT]

I would rather fill out 100- 415d's than watch a Soccer match

[gorkha shakti]

Oh Man, looks like CHPForums will not have their own soccer team any time soon.... :lol:

MAC - Lovely description of Baseball.

[richleo11]

Hi guys,

Personally, I know that Soccer is one of the many great games out there. As a passionate soccer player, I have to say that Soccer is life around the world, not to mention the most famous around the globe. According to FIFA web page, Soccer or Football as well known around the world is the passion of millions. Secondly, I know that Brazil will be playing the final game, and I have to tell you that Brazil is going to win its fifth word cup title. As a soccer player, you are constantly running (excellent cardio) to prepare you for the academy. I have faith in Argentina tomorrow against Germany. It should be an excellent game. Do cadets get to play soccer at the CHP academy?

[Ridder04]

Most people don't understand soccer so that is a common response. The reason baseball, football, basketball, hockey and every other sport is watched and enjoyed in the U.S. more, comes down to publicity. ESPN creates interest by talking about so and so trading teams, Giambi and steriods, bonds and homeruns, Michelle Wie and the cuts, Tiger and his majors, Red Sox and the curse, etc. etc. etc. You never hear about the gossip of soccer/futbol, so you can't create an emotional connection. Sports are not fun to watch unless you feel emotionally involved (knowing the racers names, being pissed at Bonds, wanting Tiger to win for his Dad, etc.) That is the kind of publicity that soccer receives all over the world. Kids in other countries grow up watching there favorite players and teams and they know everything about them (who they date, what clothes they wear, etc).

Most americans can't get into Soccer because they can't name one player, don't know anything about the teams, and don't have any emotional involvement that gossip and publicity creates.

So Americans will never respect it unless they understand and have passion for it. That will not happen until the U.S. gives soccer more gossip and publicity and focuses on the players and neat stories behind the teams rather then "players who run and are good athletes".

[Mac]

...As a passionate soccer player, I have to say that Soccer is life around the world, not to mention the most famous around the globe...
You're absolutely right - to be honest, I'm surprised it's NOT more popular in the U.S., since it seems that a lot of kids play it in just about every town around. As I said before, I know that most countries in the rest of the world are absolutely fanatical about it. I may not personally be into it, but I certainly realize how popular it is! I've really tried to get interested, but just can't do it. It's funny, because I enjoy watching sports that aren't "everyday" sports here - Aussie Rules Football is a very cool sport, and I also get a kick out of watching Cricket - even though I don't have the faintest freakin' idea what's going on there! :lol:

Hockey suffers from the same thing as soccer - people don't understand it - and that's why it's a second-rate sport in this country. Once you understand offsides and icing (which are the two biggest "mysteries" of the game), hockey is a GREAT sport to watch - very fast-moving and exciting.

[SB 405]

I've tried many times to watch soccer but just can't seem to get into it. IMO the damn field is to big.

[Tiredmotor]

"ESPN creates interest"

Maybe you haven't seen ESPN lately but between the "Poker challenge", the "Dominos world series" and the "rock,scissor, paper cup" they don't have time for the sport of soccer.

OBTW the academy has "blue" cards...you soccer buffs will feel right at home!

[Mac]

...Maybe you haven't seen ESPN lately but between the "Poker challenge", the "Dominos world series" and the "rock,scissor, paper cup" they don't have time for the sport of soccer...
Gawd - don't even get me started on how ridiculous ESPN is! :evil: I don't know who the hell ever came up with the idea that freakin' poker is a SPORT to be shown on television, but they need to buy a clue. The only thing they're missing is the "midget toss" championships - which would actually be a great improvement over much of their garbage programming.

[Dipmo]

Hockey suffers from the same thing as soccer - people don't understand it - and that's why it's a second-rate sport in this country. Once you understand offsides and icing (which are the two biggest "mysteries" of the game), hockey is a GREAT sport to watch - very fast-moving and exciting.



I think by my avatar you can conclude that I agree very much about Hockey. I also agree that ESPN could dump replays of people playing catch (and I don't mean baseball, I like that sport as well) and show more hockey it might get more interest.

More than that though, hockey needs to stop being the sport that radio hosts love to talk smack about. The only one that I?ve heard that gives hockey its due is Jim Rome.

Now if the Stanley Cup would just go home with the right team...

[Mac]

...Now if the Stanley Cup would just go home with the right team...
Yep - it WOULD be nice to see the Avs win it again! :lol:

Hockey got a lot of trash talk over the years because of the fighting. People who haven't watched a game in the last couple of years don't realize that the goonery has really been toned down, as has the clutching and grabbing. It's a much more free-flowing sport now, and much more exciting. IMO, fighting still has it's place in the game and I'd hate to see it totally eliminated - but it definitely needed toning down....we don't need the "WWF on ice"! Fighting isn't tolerated in college hockey, and you see a lot more "stickwork" and cheap shots because there are no repercussions to consider. Having an enforcer on your bench who's willing to drop the gloves helps keep that stuff to a minimum.

[Dipmo]

...Now if the Stanley Cup would just go home with the right team...
Yep - it WOULD be nice to see the Avs win it again! :lol:

Hockey got a lot of trash talk over the years because of the fighting. People who haven't watched a game in the last couple of years don't realize that the goonery has really been toned down, as has the clutching and grabbing. It's a much more free-flowing sport now, and much more exciting. IMO, fighting still has it's place in the game and I'd hate to see it totally eliminated - but it definitely needed toning down....we don't need the "WWF on ice"! Fighting isn't tolerated in college hockey, and you see a lot more "stickwork" and cheap shots because there are no repercussions to consider. Having an enforcer on your bench who's willing to drop the gloves helps keep that stuff to a minimum.

The Avs?! You're killin' me!! They did get further than the Wings this year though, but anyway. There was book written years ago called "The Death of Hockey." It was a great read that makes mention of exactly what you're talking about.

[uoplax13]

Hockey fights can be entertaining, but yea, things have toned down a lot lately. If you guys like hockey, check out Lacrosse (uopLAX!.....hence the sn). It's a lot like hockey on grass. Anyway, the cup shoulda went home to San Jose!!!!!:biggrin:

[DESERT RAT]

WOW, all this talk about ESPN.... I was in Bishop the other day eating at the Pizza joint. What was on the BIG SCREEN, Baseball? Soccer? Texas Holdem? Nope, the freakin Dominos Championship! I gotta say, it was more exciting than watching SOCCER! This guy got bent out of shape cuz he thought the other team was cheatin..... the guy flipped out! I thought he was gonna knock his opponent out. He went up one side and down the other with bleeps. My last thought about SOCCER is.......have you ever noticed that, the more a country is into SOCCER, the suckier the country is, I know What about Britian? There too drunk to know better and there cops dont wear guns, enough said ! While I was stationed in Turkey this brit told me that they used to take Darts, Milk Jugs of Urine and bags of POOP, so they could throw them over the fence that seperated the two teams fans. Could you imagine going to a football game and having a fence to seperate opposing teams fans. Ludacris!!! .... I mean c'mon a few years back some idiots in Columbia executed a few of their players becaus a goalie got scored on....... LAME! And what the hell, a YELLOW CARD! Its a FOUL!!!!! Rugby now thats a sport!

[NorCalN00b]

Soccer sucks. Baseball ftw.

Can you play for two 45 minute halves with only one break at half time?

Baseball is my favorite sport but soccer still deserves my respect as a great sport.
I would rather watch women play soccer at the local park. :smile:

[Dipmo]

Hockey fights can be entertaining, but yea, things have toned down a lot lately. If you guys like hockey, check out Lacrosse (uopLAX!.....hence the sn). It's a lot like hockey on grass. Anyway, the cup shoulda went home to San Jose!!!!!:biggrin:

San Jose?

Paleez:rolleyes:

[CHP1]

Did we really have to discuss this topic? Who ever doesn't think that soccer in the United States is popular is simply ignorant or a hater. The united states has more amatuer soccer teams than any other country in the world. It is the number 1 practiced sport in the U.S. Los angeles county alone has over 600 soccer teams. Kern county has over 100 soccer teams ages 15 and up. This does not include all the AYSO soccer teams. So now imagine how many teams there is in other cities, counties, and states. Soccer is a sport that has been exploding in the last couple of years, but the American media refuses to give soccer any credit. Soccer is the "daddy" of all sports. Who ever says that soccer is slow and boring, is wrong. Soccer has many styles of play. North american soccer is slow rythem and european soccer is fast pace. You can't even compare the "World Series" or the "Super Bowl" to soccer, it's like trying to compare baseball to american football. Another thing! baseball is not americas sport it's football. I went to one dodger game last year and i can't even remember one single play because it was so boring. The fans were more intertaining. The only reason baseball is still around is because of the drugs, media, and rediculous salaries for doing nothing. I hope this was informative. Someone attacking soccer is like someone attacking my family. Don't hate on soccer just because it is the number 1 sport in the world. Have a nice day!

[Welpe]

Soccer is the "daddy" of all sports.

I don't mind soccer but you're really stretching it there! Unless of course you can explain to me how soccer spanwed baseball or basketball.

Perhaps you're saying that soccer is the best sport of course that's pretty subjective, isn't it?

Otherwise I guess "I just be hatin'!" :rolleyes:

[Mac]

The Avs?! You're killin' me!! They did get further than the Wings this year though, but anyway.
Ooooh, a 'Wings fan, eh? It's OK, we don't have to be mortal enemies....my brother-in-law is a HUGE 'Wings fan (he grew up just outside of Detroit), and we go back and forth all the time. :smile:

Actually, I don't disrespect the 'Wings - they've got some absolutely legendary players on their team, well over half of which will end up in the Hall of Fame. 'Wings fan or not, you can't say anything bad about Stevie Y unless you're truly deranged! My only beef was that Draper sent McCarty to take care of Lemieux in their first meeting after "the hit".....I lost a ton of respect for him over that, and still consider him a p***y to this day. Even if I knew deep in my heart that I couldn't take him, I still would have thrown down myself rather than sending in a hired gun. That was PERSONAL, and I would have wanted to take care of business myself - win, lose or draw.

[Dipmo]

The Avs?! You're killin' me!! They did get further than the Wings this year though, but anyway.
Ooooh, a 'Wings fan, eh? It's OK, we don't have to be mortal enemies....my brother-in-law is a HUGE 'Wings fan (he grew up just outside of Detroit), and we go back and forth all the time. :smile:

Actually, I don't disrespect the 'Wings - they've got some absolutely legendary players on their team, well over half of which will end up in the Hall of Fame. 'Wings fan or not, you can't say anything bad about Stevie Y unless you're truly deranged! My only beef was that Draper sent McCarty to take care of Lemieux in their first meeting after "the hit".....I lost a ton of respect for him over that, and still consider him a p***y to this day. Even if I knew deep in my heart that I couldn't take him, I still would have thrown down myself rather than sending in a hired gun. That was PERSONAL, and I would have wanted to take care of business myself - win, lose or draw.

And oddly it's McCarty that went away...

I got the Wing bug from my wife and in-laws who are from Detroit and they are freakin' maniacs when it comes to hockey. I once had a hockey video game and lost to the Avs in make believe world and my wife threatened to make me sleep on the couch (not for a night, forever) if I ever did it again. I ebayed the game shortly thereafter. I'd give an opinion on Draper, but if my wife ever read this she might actually kick my butt (and I?m not kidding). All I'm gonna say is that cap room could have been made with McCarty still on the team...

[Mac]

(with apologies in advance for the thread hijack............)

The biggest problem the 'Wings are facing is that they are soon going to have to go through a MASSIVE rebuilding phase - what's the average age on their team, around 52??? :smile: Seriously though - they've got a core of very experienced, very gritty players that have made them the closest thing to a dynasty in today's "free agent" sports world. Problem is, those guys are all getting long in the tooth, and will be stepping aside within the next year or two. Unless they spend the ensuing cap money wisely and work some great trades, they're going to end up with a team full o' rookies and have a few less than stellar seasons until they get their experience base built back up.

Just to keep it on-topic - I agree with CHP1's observations about the huge number of youth/amateur soccer teams, which was what I said before. Amateur soccer is definitely alive and well in the U.S. - it's just that the professional version of the sport languishes in obscurity much like hockey....unable to pull enough TV coverage to satisfy the fans, and not able to wedge their way into the elite upper echelon of the "big" pro sports in the U.S. (beisbol, bassitball, NFL football).

[Tiredmotor]

Did we really have to discuss this topic? Who ever doesn't think that soccer in the United States is popular is simply ignorant or a hater. The united states has more amatuer soccer teams than any other country in the world. It is the number 1 practiced sport in the U.S. Los angeles county alone has over 600 soccer teams. Kern county has over 100 soccer teams ages 15 and up. This does not include all the AYSO soccer teams. So now imagine how many teams there is in other cities, counties, and states. Soccer is a sport that has been exploding in the last couple of years, but the American media refuses to give soccer any credit. Soccer is the "daddy" of all sports. Who ever says that soccer is slow and boring, is wrong. Soccer has many styles of play. North american soccer is slow rythem and european soccer is fast pace. You can't even compare the "World Series" or the "Super Bowl" to soccer, it's like trying to compare baseball to american football. Another thing! baseball is not americas sport it's football. I went to one dodger game last year and i can't even remember one single play because it was so boring. The fans were more intertaining. The only reason baseball is still around is because of the drugs, media, and rediculous salaries for doing nothing. I hope this was informative. Someone attacking soccer is like someone attacking my family. Don't hate on soccer just because it is the number 1 sport in the world. Have a nice day!

I said soccer is boring and I'll say it again...soccer is boring. Come on I just watched the "shootout" for the Germany/Argentina game. What a CRAPPY way of deciding a winner! I'm sorry you take all of soccers shortcomings personally...but soccer stinks.

OBTW commisioner I didn't realize you were such a fan.....(inside joke)

[johnnyd]

Soccer is a socialist sport, America is hard-core capitalist - the two don't mix. Every sport in the good ole USA is about individual achievement through skill, luck, or cheating. Plus, soccer needs to fit itself into the regular deluge of beer and car commercials we have on American TV, but can't because of continous play. Soccer on the other hand is about teamwork, just watch the Brazilians pass the ball and you'll notice the difference. Of course, soccer has its idiocyncracies to include many "faked" fouls and such in order to incite a penalty kick. That's why socialism fails, people cheat. Anyway, that's my social analysis of why America can't get into soccer.

[Tiredmotor]

OK johnnyd explain the success of soccer in England then........

[johnnyd]

Well, England opens the analysis up to greater historical circumstances. While kicking a ball around has been played since ancient times, the modern form of soccer really took hold in England in the mid 19th century. One could speculate that the competitive spirit in England (aided by the Industrial Revolution) helped transform soccer into a sport based more on rivalry than comraderie. The professionalization of it in the 1880s with paid players and such could allude to that, though I'm somewhat skeptical myself as I would assume competition is something more inherent than learned. I think the socialist label on soccer is easier to justify when looking at it in the context of why the US has failed to seriously adopt it, but less so when looking at it in European context, specifically England. In that sense, you have to look at how the sport was ingrained in the development of English culture, as opposed to the US where soccer only arrived on scene professionaly in 1921 and had many failings along the way in competing with other sports for primacy.

[Tiredmotor]

I learn so much from this Message Board. Thanks johnnyd!

[x MAIT]

I have to jump on the hockey bandwagon. There is no sport like it, and there is nothing that compares to seeing a game in person. I have always said that all of the people leaving Dodger Stadium around the 5th inning are the hockey fans that just got bored to death and couldn't take it anymore.

Have any of you seen these soccer players get bumped into and then roll around on the ground for 5 minutes like they are dying? I watched hockey games where guys have played with fractured legs. A hangnail will sideline a baseball player for several games, and a blister will put them down for about 15. Hockey guys have stitches put in while they sit on the bench waiting for their next shift. Having met several players in person, I can say that they are the most cordial, friendly, and respectful people you could encounter.

Go Kings........at least to the playoffs sometime in the near future.

[Mac]

...A hangnail will sideline a baseball player for several games, and a blister will put them down for about 15. Hockey guys have stitches put in while they sit on the bench waiting for their next shift. Having met several players in person, I can say that they are the most cordial, friendly, and respectful people you could encounter......
Agreed on both points. Hockey players play through incredible amounts of pain and injury, and don't whine about it. The only sport I consider even NEAR as tough as hockey is rugby. As far as being friendly and respectful, I've found that to be true also. You don't see the sideways ballcaps, "bling" dripping off of them, or all the trash talk, thuggery and "attitude" that's all so common in some other sports. Our local minor league team has an open skate after Sunday night games - spectators can rent skates (or bring their own), and the team comes back out to skate & B.S. with the crowd, sign autographs, take photos, etc. The players do it whether they've just scored a great win or suffered an agonizing loss, and are always cordial and friendly.

[Dipmo]

...A hangnail will sideline a baseball player for several games, and a blister will put them down for about 15. Hockey guys have stitches put in while they sit on the bench waiting for their next shift. Having met several players in person, I can say that they are the most cordial, friendly, and respectful people you could encounter......
Agreed on both points. Hockey players play through incredible amounts of pain and injury, and don't whine about it. The only sport I consider even NEAR as tough as hockey is rugby. As far as being friendly and respectful, I've found that to be true also. You don't see the sideways ballcaps, "bling" dripping off of them, or all the trash talk, thuggery and "attitude" that's all so common in some other sports. Our local minor league team has an open skate after Sunday night games - spectators can rent skates (or bring their own), and the team comes back out to skate & B.S. with the crowd, sign autographs, take photos, etc. The players do it whether they've just scored a great win or suffered an agonizing loss, and are always cordial and friendly.



Good point Mac. I've noticed that when NHL players report to the arena they wear suits. A bit old fashioned yes, but they look like professionals. Hockey players seem to be a class act as a whole more so than other sports. Of course you can only make 8.8 million max as a hockey player now (projected cap for '07) so that might have something to do with it.

[Mac]

The NBA instituted a new dress code this season also - the players have to wear suits when they show up for games. Some of the players made a HYOOOGE squawk over it, but the league stood by their guns. Funny, I've never heard hockey players gripe about stuff like that....but then again, the NHL doesn't boast a ratio of 50-60% convicted felons in their ranks, either!

Of course you can only make 8.8 million max as a hockey player now (projected cap for '07) so that might have something to do with it.
LOL - Wow, ONLY $8.8 million a year? Gawd, how could anybody live on such a paltry salary!!! :shock:ops: Most of us won't earn $8.8 million in our LIVES. Personally, I've always thought they should cap the salary of professional athletes, actors, musicians, etc. at something like $250,000 a year.....then movies, sports, music, etc. would be more affordable for the average joe, and they could use that money to raise the pay of soldiers, cops and firefighters - the people who REALLY matter to society. Yeah, I know I'm a little prejudiced since I fall into one of the above categories - but I've always been especially appalled at how little our military personnel are paid. At the lower ranks in the service, pay isn't too far above what they could make slinging burgers at the local fast food joint - but instead, they're putting themselves in harm's way to defend our country. As one of my old partners said - "They don't pay us for what we do - they pay us for what we might HAVE to do."

[Welpe]

Don't discount individual tenacity when it comes to injuries in any sport. A blister can sideline a weak willed player in any sport. I've taped up many nasty blisters in order to get back on the practice field for football double days in the August heat.

Likewise when I was a catcher in baseball I taped up many a sprained thumb (and possibly even a couple of broken ones) and put the mitt back on because the game wasn't over yet. 80 mph fastballs suck when you catch them wrong. :badgrin: