longslowdistance
Posts:2886
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| 06/16/2018 06:33 PM |
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We’ve shared some good WC forums in the past. The US and Holland did not qualify so no home teams for most of us this time, but there has already been some wonderful football. I hope Saleh can play again soon, and at 100% |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 06/18/2018 12:27 PM |
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I'll hold on to my claim of being quarter Belgian. 3-0, good start.
Probably won't be seeing too much of games as I'm away next weekend for a cycling trip and then vacation starts (bringing a toque and gloves and stuff to Hawaii as Mauna Kea is a in deep freeze due to volcanic eruptions from Kilauea). On that same note will miss LeTour as well except maybe final week.
Mexico was impressive but will fizzle; Germany and Brasil looked a little rusty but will be there in end. My money is on France. |
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longslowdistance
Posts:2886
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| 06/18/2018 07:21 PM |
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Fun to watch Mexico Playing with no fear.
The US should hire the Iceland coach. Knows how to do a lot with a little. |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 06/18/2018 10:00 PM |
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| There's only so much a coach can do with US or Canuck players. The MLS and everything that feeds into it down to grassroots youth soccer is not set up to properly nurture talent. That's where the change is needed, at the base. |
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longslowdistance
Posts:2886
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| 06/19/2018 11:08 AM |
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Have you heard of this guy?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Byer
He emphasizes ball control for little kids. Just roll the ball around with yourself, play with it. Japan adopted him and his philosophy, and the kids grew up, won a women's WC. USA soccer has been mostly uninterested, but what he coaches makes sense as part of grass roots development of very young players in a country with a weak youth coaching system. |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 06/19/2018 12:30 PM |
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Hadn't heard of him but yes that is what it's about.
The mentality of youth soccer is completely wrong with both parents and coaches to blame. Emphasis on winning rather than learning how to play as a team (passing and position play). It leads to long ball forward, and the faster kids that are further ahead in physical development completely dominating the game without any sense of team play. Turns soccer effectively into hockey (dumping puck in end zone and see who gets there first), which is very much visible in MLS soccer.
It's particularly bad for boys soccer. Girls generally have a greater tendency to play together and not surprisingly women's soccer is doing far better around here. |
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longslowdistance
Posts:2886
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| 06/27/2018 06:47 PM |
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OC predicted Mexico would melt. Acknowledging his wisdom: Sure seemed that way today. If they could shoot straight it might have been different. And Hernandez gave up a penalty that was not called, too.
More thoughts:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/martin-rogers/2018/06/27/mexico-world-cup-sweden-knockout/738591002/ |
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longslowdistance
Posts:2886
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| 06/27/2018 06:52 PM |
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PS: who have you got now?
Neck stuck out: France and England have the best shot.
Flame away. |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 06/27/2018 08:45 PM |
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England beat Panama 6-1 but what stood out was how easy Panama weak offense cut through England's defense. They will end in quarters.
Still France. Brazil is improving. Belgium looks good but have injuries.
Bummed for Nigeria Peru and Iran who showed well but got short stick against boring Euro teams.
Germany's defeat is best day in soccer since 13 June 2014. |
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longslowdistance
Posts:2886
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| 07/01/2018 11:42 AM |
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| Buh Bye Spain. |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 07/02/2018 02:19 AM |
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My top 3 remains unchanged France Brazil Belgium.
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longslowdistance
Posts:2886
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| 07/02/2018 04:21 PM |
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Best second half ever!
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 07/02/2018 08:34 PM |
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That was a great game. Belgium were not firing on all cylinders and also missed a bit of luck. Japan played well. But then Belgium's comeback was amazing winning it with 10 seconds on clock.
All three teams on my shortlist advance but I don't see Belgium getting past Brazil. |
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79pmooney
Posts:3189
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| 07/03/2018 12:05 AM |
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Thanks OC. I don't follow soccer but when I do watch it is women's soccer because I find it better viewing. Ball control. Passes to people, not just to some distant time zone. Far fewer play stoppages for out of bounds. (The men need hockey style boards.)
The mentality of youth soccer is completely wrong with both parents and coaches to blame. Emphasis on winning rather than learning how to play as a team (passing and position play). It leads to long ball forward, and the faster kids that are further ahead in physical development completely dominating the game without any sense of team play. Turns soccer effectively into hockey (dumping puck in end zone and see who gets there first), which is very much visible in MLS soccer.
It's particularly bad for boys soccer. Girls generally have a greater tendency to play together and not surprisingly women's soccer is doing far better around here.
Ben |
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longslowdistance
Posts:2886
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| 07/06/2018 02:54 PM |
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| Eden Hazard is a stud. |
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