The 2012 UEFA European Championship - Poland/Ukraine - The Thread!

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

Nice 1-0 win by the U.S. over Italy. Dempsey from Altidore.

The match needed more Mario.

Italy was offside about 100 times. Who do they think they are? Inzaghi?

[FlamingLonghorn]

Originally Posted by moon

Yech.

Does this mean we have to hear another two years of ESPN ignoring the other results in which the US suck and focusing on this one friendly game in an attempt to convince us that the States are decent or even relevant in soccer?

It is pretty ridiculous that a US sports channel pays so much attention to a US national team.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Sowa

It is pretty ridiculous that a US sports channel pays so much attention to a US national team.

Who said they shouldn't pay attention to them?

[Montana Moe]

Originally Posted by moon

Yech.

Does this mean we have to hear another two years of ESPN ignoring the other results in which the US suck and focusing on this one friendly game in an attempt to convince us that the States are decent or even relevant in soccer?

Well, since they're implementing a new system, I'm sure it'll be seen as a positive. As it would be for all but maybe 5-10 teams in the world. Also, Since ESPN carries a good portion of the games, they'll probably look to promote their product.

In other words, yes, moon, you'll likely have to hear about it for at least another two years.

On the bright side (for you), you'll have yet another thing to complain and/or be contrarian about. A troll's work is never done.

[FlamingLonghorn]

Originally Posted by moon

Who said they shouldn't pay attention to them?

Well let's see the US is trying to make soccer relevant in the US. ESPN I am sure is onboard with this strategy. Should ESPN be saying "Oh the US soccer team isn't relevant" to increase interest in the game? Or should they make it look like the team has a chance of actually doing something? Pretty easy decision in my opinion.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

On the bright side (for you), you'll have yet another thing to complain and/or be contrarian about. A troll's work is never done.

Not sure how this is anything close to being contrarian or trolling. Sorry that I don't pump up the tires of your soccer team but that is far from trolling.

Originally Posted by Sowa

Well let's see the US is trying to make soccer relevant in the US. ESPN I am sure is onboard with this strategy. Should ESPN be saying "Oh the US soccer team isn't relevant" to increase interest in the game? Or should they make it look like the team has a chance of actually doing something? Pretty easy decision in my opinion.

Sportsnet seems to do a pretty good job of selling soccer on its network without not only being honest with the state of Canada's soccer but brutal about it. Obviously they are in different situations but it seems like they could talk about the US with some honesty and talk about the improvements needed on the team rather than overrate them and see US fans disappointed with a result that is equal or better than what most other soccer fans would expect at a major tournament.

I think there is a big difference between them saying US soccer sucks don't watch and the US being a dark horse at the WC in South Africa that I saw from some people on ESPN in the lead up to the last World Cup.

[Locke]

A 1-0 win over Italy is big for the US. Granted, this isnt a vintage Italy team either.

[Montana Moe]

Man, that Smalling/Huntelaar collision was brutal. The look on Huntelaar's face made me a bit nauseous.

[IceMan]

Congrats to the Americans for finally beating Italy.

Even though Italy dominated the whole game they just couldn't put one in. The US defended really well and capitalized on their only chance.

I just hope Prandelli is getting a good look at all his players in these friendlies cause come June, they better be ready. There were probably only 4 or 5 players that were playing today that are going to be starters come the Euros.

Even though Italy is losing all these friendlies, they did finish undefeated in qualifying so they do step up when it matters. I believe Prandelli though is just experimenting with certain players so he knows for sure who he'll bring to Poland/Ukraine. Should be interesting who he'll choose and if the injured guys recover in time.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Portugal dominated most of the action in the first half in Poland, but did little to generate offence in the second half. Credit Poland's keeper(didn't catch his name, was watching at work with no sound), he made some solid saves in that first half. But same old story for Portugal, plenty of solid build up and possesion, ZERO finish.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

Portugal dominated most of the action in the first half in Poland, but did little to generate offence in the second half. Credit Poland's keeper(didn't catch his name, was watching at work with no sound), he made some solid saves in that first half. But same old story for Portugal, plenty of solid build up and possesion, ZERO finish.

Szczesny! The Arsenal keeper

[KTown]

Looking forward to Poland this summer. I am going to be there from the 8th to the 17th for the first two rounds. Seeing my Czechs live is going to be an epic experience.

[Notorious Honey Badger]

Just browsed wiki for a bit last night while I had time to kill and it still amazes me that Croatia is ranked 10th in the world. A country of 4.2 million people that can compete on the world stage with countries that have cities nearly that size. Cant wait for June!

[troutman]

That is amazing. Also, Netherlands has only 16 million people, and is usually highly-ranked. Ireland is 4.5 million.

[Montana Moe]

Apparently, Steve Nash prefers Le Coq:

Spoiler!

[NBC]

For the love of God - NO!!

Glenn Hoddle's life 'incomplete' without England job

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle has suggested he would be interested in leading his country again at this summer's European Championships.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17510682

[Locke]

Do it!

[Bagor]

West Brom have given the Football Association permission to talk to Roy Hodgson about the vacant England manager's position.
Hodgson, 64, has already spoken with FA chairman David Bernstein about replacing Fabio Capello.

Bernstein said: "Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set out."
BBC Sport understands Hodgson will be interviewed on Monday......

.......Bernstein approached West Brom on Saturday and was immediately given permission to speak to Hodgson, who is likely to be appointed within days in a long-term role.

It is expected any contract will cover the three tournaments up to and including Euro 2016, at which point he will be two months short of his 69th birthday.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp had been heavily linked with the job ever since Capello left the post in February, but the FA has decided to discuss the position with Hodgson, who has previous international experience from his time in charge of Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Finland.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17888928

Meh, he's English I suppose. Don't understand the urgency to offer a long contract.

[d_phaneuf]

ya I would give him a contract for the Euro's and that's about it

as long as it's not Pearce I am happy but I don't think Woy is a great coach, better than Pearce yes but that's not hard to do

[NBC]

It's about time that the FA started to move on this. Not sure what they have been waiting for, not sure they know either. Anyway, Hodgson - if he is appointed - will be a fine choice. He's got heaps of international experience and has managed in qualification and major tournaments.

His only real detraction for most is the uninspired time he had at Liverpool. I feel bad for him as it will take a long of hard graft to scrub the stink of Anfield off of one's conscience.