http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/6455078
This is absolutely the stupidest thing i have ever heard. Arguably one of the best players to ever grace the pitch, rumored to be coming to the MLS (Major League Shit). What in the world would compel one of the best footballers of his time to come over here and ruin his legacy.
Forget the World Cup and the Matterazzi incident, the guy is pure genius on the pitch, his skills are matched by few and he would dance (and head butt) through even the best MLS stars. Can you have star Shit?
With all this Beckham noise lately, and i have been relatively quiet on this subject, at least one here, one has to wonder WTF is going on? What kind of money are they going to offer Zidane, who is 10X better then Beckham. Does Zidane want his own reality show like Beckham? The only reason Beckham came over here was for the money, and anyone who doesn't believe this only has to take a look at the news pertaining to his imminent reality TV show set to air on a TV set near you soon. Beckham has thrown away his career, he was quoted in saying recently he hasn't given up hope on his England career. HaHa, to bad everyone else has, including England manager Steve McLaren.
Zidane doesnt have to worry about his international career, in fact, Raymond would probably be happy to give him another chance for France. But the fact that hes coming to the MLS smells funny. Money? Exposure? or maybe, just maybe he wants to play the worst football around. My guess is it isn't the latter. Damn you Zidane.
16 comments:
What's your problem with bringing big soccer names to the United States? It will encourage a higher level of play and could make the States eventually have a team which could compete in World tournaments and be some sort of soccer force.
I think you're only angry about these recent deals because you like talking in a degrading manner about American soccer quality.
As I've told you on numerous ocassions, as soon as Americans start playing soccer they'll have the most powerful team in the world. The average athletic American player would likely have 5-6 inches in height on all their European counterparts. Look at the size of football players. They're 6'8" and extremely fast.
Hopefully these most recent signings will draw enough attention to make the US a world contender.
Johan
So, what you're saying is...the taller the soccer player, the better and faster the soccer player? Americans haven't had enough experience in high competition soccer such as the world cup to actually be able to go far. But, I do think that Canada will benefit from these signings. It will make us want to be like the states and get more into soccer. Canada is the next England.
Jon,
What dont u get here, obviously you dont understand anything about football. Ill pick apart your comments.
"What's your problem with bringing big soccer names to the United States? It will encourage a higher level of play and could make the States eventually have a team which could compete in World tournaments and be some sort of soccer force."
Haha, right.... Like the States did so well in the world cup. World Tournaments? Never it wont happen becuase the level of soccer, and they development is not even close to the soccer and development in europe and south america.
"I think you're only angry about these recent deals because you like talking in a degrading manner about American soccer quality."
I have to tell the truth, seriously Jon American soccer is league 2 quality in England, if that. Learn your soccer before you talk.
"As I've told you on numerous ocassions, as soon as Americans start playing soccer they'll have the most powerful team in the world. The average athletic American player would likely have 5-6 inches in height on all their European counterparts. Look at the size of football players. They're 6'8" and extremely fast."
Correct me if i am wrong, but dont the Americans play soccer already, are they the most powerful team? And like the guy who posted beneath you, hieght doesnt make much of a difference in soccer, this isnt basketball, you need technical skill too. And your assumption that football players are all 6'8" is wrong. The best wide reciever in the league are around 6'1" to 6'3". Learn your facts dude, none of your arguements make sense. Your favorite jon, T.O. is only 6'3" and marvin harrison, statistically the best WR in the NFL is only 6 feet even. Learn2Argue.
"
Hopefully these most recent signings will draw enough attention to make the US a world contender."
A world contender in what? lol, you should rethink your dreams dude. The U.S. will never be on par with European temas in soccer. And i dont know how you think washups will ever make american soccer good.
Haha nm that was mandy who posted that one below you Jon. She still pwned you tho lol.
Haha... your arguments are logically broken. Regarding your comment on Americas performance in the world cup,I was stating that with players of greater skill the team can grow and BECOME a world contender, I was not claiming that they already were.
I did not say that all football players were 6'8", I was stating that many Americans are of heights such as the one I mentioned and their mere size would be a force to be reckoned with. Now I do not mean that having superior height and size would out-weigh skill, but once these larger stronger players become skilled the size would become a large factor.
The US could easily become as good as any European team if the country becomes enthusiastic about the sport. This is where big name Euro players could make a difference.
Johan
HAHAHA what?!?!?!!?
My arguments are logically broken lol. I rip apart what you say becuase you make no sense and all you do is tihnk that becuase americans have size they can become the best soccer players in the world with the right training. Sure thats possible. Realistic? Not a chance. Why? Because soccer will never be big in America, they tried in the 70's and they are trying again now and they dont stand a chance this time.
Jon you dont understand soccer, and you obviously dont understand anything about the american people or the culture.
Oh and BTW american football players, especially defensemen, who you claim to all be 6'8" are taught to run 5 second sprints spurts. You think these guys have the endurance to last 90 mins , the majority of which are spend running? You have to be joking here.
And before you think your getting people rilled up here, think about how much your making your self look like a fool becuase of your baseless arguements. I presented the facts about the best NFL players and then you say u were talking about linebackers, and linebackers are tall either, its only the Defensive nad offensive lines that are that tall, if that.
Again you really need to learn your sports, then maybe, just maybe, you'll be able to formulate a good arguement.
Scott, again you discard the majority of what I've said, pick single sentences I've used and try and base your entire re-buttal upon them. I'm not suggesting a NFL linebacker can simply switch over to soccer. I said with proper training and enough enthusiasm from the American people they could produce a world class soccer team.
Johan
But anyone can do anything with the proper training, that is an empty statement. But I do agree that bringing big name players to the US will potentially in turn bring more enthusiasm for soccer.
Dude, i pick apart the basis of your arguments and what you have said. The point here is, any country in the world could do this, so thank you Capt. Obvious. You've proved a point no one else would have known, kudos to you!
Basically what you are saying is two players from europe could create enough interest in soccer, and therefore Americans would start churning out amazing players. Oh yeah jon, thats realistic. LOL.
I'll talk to you later. Your points can be shredded more effectively in person.
Johan
HAHAHAHA RIGHT.... Go for it little man.
Facts.
World Cup 2002 - USA mens teams made the quarter finals. USA soccer is already a world force. (Sorry whiny Euroelitists) Their womens program is consitently a favorite to win whenever they play.
Many European countries (England included) are essentially third world countries. As a result Coaches are clamoring to come over to North America and do so in droves. Coaching is not a problem for North American teams to acquire.
Canadian soccer registration outstripped Hockey registration a few years ago and this trend continues. This trend is also a fact in the USA as the term "soccer mom" has become a household word. Even in the sweltering heat of a Texas summer, soccer is being played in numbers that dwarf other sports.
Americans can and do spend way more money on sports than other nations. Financial suport of their athletes creates an ability to acquire the best coaches, training, and interntional playing opportunities.
Americans have the numbers, the determination and the weatlh to make it to the top in this sport.
The presence of players like Zinedane will generate more attendance (see Beckhams efffect on ticket sales already). This will give more exposure to the sport and will further increase the interest. Americas know the attraction fo soccer and want to win at this game as they have won at all other games (Cricket notwithstanding), and they will.
Sorry.
LOL, you talking about a tournament that happened 7 years ago, where the Americans were good, after which they beat terrible teams to get to the quarter finals. In last years world cup they lost to ghana. They were horrible and didnt live up to the hype they got from getting the quarters the last world cup. This time it wasnt so easy.
Fact:
The only reason USA was ranked 5th was because they were the top of the concacaf. Way to go USA, you can beat teams like Canada, and guatamala.
Another fact:
Name one big name coach that has come over to the USA. I dont see any Sir Alex's, Rafa Benitez's or Mourihnos or Mancini's.
And do you honestly believe players like beckham and zidane will give the game a boost in America? What happened with Pele and Beckenbauer came over to play in the 70's. Oh i remember, IT SUCKED. They had to bring the 94 World cup the the states to try and help them out.
Nice try though. NEXT!
Why don't you engage the converstation?
The increased attention to the sport brought on by Beckham has already significantly increased attendance at all clubs. That is fact. It is not conjecture.
MLS is already successful. They have implemented a sound marketing and growth strategy which is different from their attempts in the 70's. They now keep their stadiums to a mid-size level which ensures full stadiums and a great game time atmosphere. I am not sure why you don't like this fact, but it is working and the sport is now solid and growing in the U.S, as well as Canada. This may bother you but there is only an upside for the U.S. in this. They have the numbers and the financial backing. Other countries have peaked. How can England, for example, get better? They have maximum numbers playing the game. The U.S. and Canada for example are growing their numbers. By default they have a real upside.
As for coaching, I am speaking about the youth level where the game is developed. Club teams and Colleges are hiring the best coaches. Good coaching = good players. Already the U.S. has shown that even a relatively small group of soccer players (with a supposedly diminished skill set)can go far in international competiton with good coaching.
Now I recognize this isn't the discussion you started initally. your original comments were just despair that a good player is going to spend his waning years in the MLS. Too bad for you. Good for the U.S. fans who get to watch a few players who still have some skills bring their game to U.S. soil. I would pay to see Beckaham or Zinidane play in an MLS game. My hunch is you would too.
Cry Cry Cry.
I wouldnt go to any MLS ever, theres no point, why would i want to watch League 2 caliber soccer. I rather spend my money going to England to do that.
You think the MLS is growing, hahaha, how? The only way the MLS can grow is by brining in wash-ups to come play. And the only way they can do that is pay them ridiculous amounts of money. Seriously? The sport is in desperation in the US, they want it to grow, but it isnt without the big names. Beckham and Zidane arent the big names in soccer anymore.
Oh and i have a question for you, why do the good players born in the USA and Canada not stay in the MLS if it is sooooooooo good? Why are they going over to Europe if the MLS is sooooooooo good? Maybe they themselves do not think the MLS is as good as you seem to be thinking. Freddy Adu is a great example, as soon as he turns 18 he will be going to Europe. Look at players like Brian McBride, David Edgar, Paul Stalteri. Guess where they all play....you got it, in a better league, in a better country where the sport is actually appreciated by the people that populate the country.
And regarding growth, why does soccer in England have to grow, is it not great as it is? Do you think the MLS can become better? If you do your out of your mind and you arent thinking realistically. England attracts the best players and the best managers in the world. None of these are ever going to come over here, at least not till they are not good enough in their respective leagues.
I guess the MLS will always be known as the league with the has-beens. Like i said before, MLS is going to be known as Major League Sh!t.
Another false statement that you made here was this
"They now keep their stadiums to a mid-size level which ensures full stadiums and a great game time atmosphere."
This is false. Here is the facts. Average attendances are as follows.
Regular season/playoffs
* 1996: 17,406/17,673
* 1997: 14,619/16,015
* 1998: 14,312/17,885
* 1999: 14,282/16,339
* 2000: 13,756/10,274
* 2001: 14,961/11,805
* 2002: 15,821/13,872
* 2003: 14,899/13,776
* 2004: 15,559/13,954
* 2005: 15,108/14,390
* 2006: 15,504/21,330
* From answers.com, with proper citations.
These don't come close to sell outs. And with some of these teams competing in NFL sized stadiums, the prospect of a full stadium for games is unthinkable. While part of your statement, the mid-sized part is correct, the assertion that they are full is false. When most of these "mid-sized" stadiums holds 20000+, having 5000 people less at a game is noticeable.
If anything you can say that over the past 10 years, not much has changed. You said there was growth, but by looking at those facts you can see that only the play-offs attract the big "growth" crowds, and that is being generous, especially if you look at the attendance stats before last years play-offs. Championship teams in England attract more fans, and Championship football doesn't receive as much exposure as the MLS does over here, at least not money and T.V. wise.
Maybe Beckham will have a impact on the game, but Fans of the game will look elsewhere to find quality football with quality players. The argument that your not a fan if you don't want all soccer is baseless. Most fans, if not all, would rather watch the best of the best compete, then watch wash-ups and less then spectacular players play. Take for instance the AHL and the NHL. Look at the CFL and the NFL. Look at Major League Baseball and AAA Baseball. I rather watch games that mean something, games that matter. And honestly, i would watch second division teams in any other league, because they have talent, and they have a chance to be promoted to the higher leagues. Alot of good young players come out of these great leagues. So prospects is another reason to watch.
This cannot be said about the MLS as the players in there just aren't good enough to play in Europe. There isn't much development there youth wise, and there isn't much of an academy set up to develop youth. There are many Americans in the European academies.
And another kick in the pants for the MLS is this. Arsenal just signed a contract with the Colorado Rapids. This contract will let Arsenal pay them to develop, and Arsenal will have the opportunity to take players from there and bring them to Europe. Now before i hear people say this is a great thing here for the MLS, my question would be how. Basically Arsenal will be taking all the best young players from there and bring them to North London to try out. So now the MLS is turning into farm teams for bigger and better teams.
What a league this will turn out to be, always in the shadow of something bigger and better. A league who's senior players aren't good enough and their young players are being snatched up by European teams. Some see growth to happen in the MLS, all i see is 4 letters NASL.
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