Thursday, May 19, 2011

Chat: USWNT: 2011 Women's World Cup

110 comments:

tomASS said...

US womens' team will make the Final 4 but will not win this WC and our development program will be exposed again for not keeping up with the world's game

Soccrgeek said...

Germany may have won, but Sinclair showed enough heart to make the game nearly Canada's

Anonymous said...

us women will win. again proving your immense lack of knowledge

tomASS said...

@451 archived for future reference -

Anonymous said...

@652 archived for future reference

Mister Soccer said...

My money is on Marta. I don't think anyone on the US can stop her, not Scurry nor Solo.

Anonymous said...

see? i told you

tomASS said...

very entertaining match between Australia and Brazil today

Anonymous said...

Marta = overrated

tomASS said...

Marta was defended very well today by fast and physical Matilda defenders.

in other International Soccer News falling under the category that you can't make this up.

"This is not the first time that the Equatorial Guinea team has been surrounded by controversy. Prior to the start of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, two members of the roster left. After being accused of pretending to be women, Bilguisa and Salimata Simpore withdrew from the team. The gender of the two sisters was questioned at the 2010 African Women's Championship, and the debate continued before the Women's World Cup began."

Anonymous said...

Remember that young boy from Brazil who dazzled everyone on their U15 and U17 national teams? His name was Marky. He vanished right about when Marta appeared on the scene. hmmmmmmm...

Anonymous said...

Imagine these kids bragging:

"Oh yeah? Well, MY dad scored the winning goal in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup championship!"

Anonymous said...

I bet the soccer.com operators were wondering why the Brazil women's soccer team kept ordering nut cups.

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much. You've been a great audience. I'm here until Thursday. Try the veal.

tomASS said...

well done Rodney!

Anonymous said...

USA, USA, USA...

Anonymous said...

yawn. girls' soccer.

tomASS said...

@803 - well watch the U17 Men's World Cup then.

US was destroyed by Germany last week.

Anonymous said...

unhomer

Anonymous said...

Marta is a 5-time World Player of Year and 2-time WPS MVP. And more importantly, she's the only women's player that has ever had me interested in watching.

How is she overrated?

tomASS said...

@447 - she is not and her supporting cast is as strong as ever ( maybe their back line a bit questionable in their organization)

US has their hands full in the next game

Anonymous said...

US wins 2-1. Guaranteed.

Mister Soccer said...

Overrated = Abby Wambach

I expect another Brazil romp.

tomASS said...

the only way the US will beat Brazil is if by “raising the level of their game” means playing about 3 -4 times more physical and taking yellow cards in the midfield and their attacking third. They need to take Brazil totally out of their finesse game by disrupting their flow and make the Brazilian defenders nervous in handling the ball.

They will need to use their fitness and physical presence and pound anyone in a Brazilian kit.

I also expect a Brazilian win of around 3-1 unless the US can use some hockey tactics

Mister Soccer said...

So you're saying we need some of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LPIUI_CY44

Check out the first 2 minutes of this "highlight" clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BgoCw-86DA

I couldn't watch more than 2 minutes. I don't think I missed much...or did I?

tomASS said...

@mister soccer - well just a tad more subtle than Beth Lambert but with the same intensity.

;-)

Anonymous said...

Beth is my HERO, A great role Model!!

Anonymous said...

I think it is pretty well know that Marta is a Hermaphrodite...isn't it?

tomASS said...

@756 - why have you dated her?

Anonymous said...

All 105 lbs of her. Just like Freddy Adu is 27 and all the MYSA minority boys are 21.

tomASS said...
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tomASS said...
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tomASS said...

The Soccer Gods applied justice today.

Deplorable representation of the beautiful game today by Brazil - might be the first time in their current soccer history.

The only team deserving the victory today were rewarded with it

Anonymous said...

We DESERVED that win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome job ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

am i right or am i right?

Anonymous said...

I would also like to point out to a select few people that seem to think that once a child is older (teen-adult age) that parents shouldn't go to games anymore. Lots of very proud parents in the stands in Germany cheering on their daughters! Way to go USA! Great win!

tomASS said...

@504 - any one can guess right. I gave them the strategy they needed ;-)

see my first post at the top of the page. I stand by that prediction.

The French, Japanese, Swedish, and US all are deserving to be there. I was expecting the Germans to be there but they imploded. The French and Japanese have played some great soccer. It would not surprise me to see one of those two teams win.

Lets be honest though the US level of tactical and technical play is going to have to improve. Heart and desire can take you a long way, but they will need more besides depending on Hope Solo.

Hopefully they will not have to compete against the referee again.

Anonymous said...

Gotta love how we get called for encroaching the box during Brazil's PK, and how Brazil's keeper cheated like crazy during the game-ending PKs.

Anonymous said...

The ref from the US vs Brazil is moving to MN. MYSA offered her a job because she would fit perfectly into their system!

Old Ref said...

Ouch 12:55, but I get the humor.

12:40, first and foremost, there were no game ending PK's- they took kicks from the mark. You cannot have a PK without a penalty, no matter what the lame game announcers call the kicks. Secondly, the laws of the game clearly allow a kick to be complete despite the keeper encroaching if the ball crosses the line. Why would you re-kick when the outcome was a positive one for the team that was encroached upon. Please tell me you are not one of those spectators who yells from the sideline about a foul even after the referee clearly signals advantage and your team scores...

tomASS said...

old ref - spot on regarding kicks from the mark.

I also like to use the handling term when parents and coaches call for a hand ball

Good explanation though for those not familiar the laws that the advantage rule as many applications

The foul call resulting in the PK was a judgment call that I personally would not have called, but the referee, to her credit was right to give the red card if she gave the foul. Many referees would have lost their nerve and only given a yellow

I thought the encroachment application on the PK requiring a second take, though following the letter of the law, was trifling and had absolutely no impact on the play and should have been though through a few seconds more.



the funniest and most annoying was the time wasting by the Brazilian defender late in the game. I would have never acknowledge her back into the game..........for fear of the severity of her injuries.
:-)

Mister Soccer said...

Correct, but much more convenient in conversation to say 'PKs' than 'kicks from the mark,' especially when you're in the US.

On similar topic:
-Soccer buzz words or phrases always kill me. Like Harkes always saying 'loads of time' or 'loads of space.' Now Fowdy is saying 'taking on' and 'take on' for 'taking a player on 1v1.' What is that? Do they just make these things up as they go? That kind of language can really turn off the casual viewer who has no clue what they're talking about.

-I recall some know-it-all on here saying you can't say 'sweeper' anymore. Fowdy certainly called Brazil's centerback a 'sweeper' multiple times.

-Which brings up the point that it's interesting that Brazil played with 3 in the back. You never see that on the men's side. Thoughts?

Old Ref said...

tomAss, I think the encroachment on the PK was another US player, and it looked like the referee had no clue and didn't take the time to figure it out. I still can't figure out the caution, did Solo say something?

I agree, I would not, even as AR called Solo for the encroachment.
But maybe that is why I'll never do a FIFA game...

Anonymous said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIvngGUvY30

The AR didn't call Hope Solo for encroachment. The center wasn't watching Hope Solo. The center called encroachment on the player who got closest to the rebound. That is never called - classic case of a female referee on a power trip calling minor things that males never call - commonly seen around here. Not surprising that Hope Solo would then get a Yellow for unsporting behavior.

Aren't there rules about bringing out the stretcher and being carried off on it. You see players get carried off all the time for minor injuries. Yes, Brazil was delaying, but it happens all the time. It's part of the game. Does it just look worse when drama queen women do it?

Anonymous said...

Crusty, old ref. Very crusty.

Anonymous said...

AURORA, Colo. (July 12, 2011) – Adding to the excitement of the 2010-11 Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) National Championship, ESPNU and ESPN3 will carry a live broadcast of the U-17 national championship game on Sat., July 16, with coverage beginning at 2 p.m. ET/noon MT from the Aurora Sports Complex in Aurora, Colo.

The ECNL National Championship, which kicks off on Thurs., July 14, features 164 of the country’s top female youth soccer teams in what is one of the most prestigious events of the year.

The U-17 ECNL National Championship Group includes eight teams that will be playing quarterfinals on Thursday and semifinals on Friday, with the winners advancing to meet in the ECNL National Championship Game Saturday on ESPNU and ESPN3. The qualifying teams are: San Diego Surf (CA), PDA (NJ), FC Stars of Mass (MA), Challenge SC (TX), Solar SC (TX), Mustang SC (CA), Albertson Fury (NY) and Minnesota Thunder Academy (MN).

tomASS said...

@ mister soccer - I dislike the 3 back system, does not provide the balance I prefer in the back. The way Brazil plays it makes it even more vulnerable.

Anonymous said...

1:02, what are the odds that MTA will be one of the last standing? I'd say about 0.00001%.

Anonymous said...

10:39,
What are the odds of your team getting into that position?
ZERO, NIL, NADA = 0%

Anonymous said...

Oops. Forgot a few zeros.

0.0000000001%

You stay classy, MTA.

Anonymous said...

Wasn't this site to talk about the US Women's team. Why do people feel they need to insert their continued hatred towards MTA. Go to the boys or girls sites and rip all you want.

Better yet why doesn't Tim have a MTA tab? I do find it funny that most of the stuff written about MTA is not from MTA people. Time to move on!

Anonymous said...

Old Ref and Mister Soccer...

You guys are showing that you care too much for form over substance. I've had a British player living with my family for a few weeks that played for Aston Villa. I asked him during the U.S./Brazil match how the U.K. refers to kicks from the mark. He said none of the players or coaches in Europe refer to them as "kicks from the mark." They all call them as "PKs." This player (who is also a coach) also uses phrases like "loads of space." You guys probably also correct people for using the term "penalty box" instead of "penalty area."

As long as everyone knows what the speaker says, it's not important. The important thing is to play/coach/ref the game correctly, whether it's on the "pitch" or the "field."

Anonymous said...

Anonymous, thanks for your opinion based on knowing one person from England who played football...

Based on that logic, no one in the US can be accurate, or expect accuracy because one person from Europe is an "expert".

Until we start discounting these so called experts because they have an accent, we will never get better or gain any respect from the ignorant media here in the US.

Mister Soccer said...

Fowdy, Harkes and other soccer snobs come up with soccer buzz words that the common viewer won't understand (like, "The US needs players to take on.").

Then some soccer snob on here says you can't say "sweeper." Well, every kid in MN refers to the centerback as the "sweeper," so use it.

I will always say PKs over kicks from the mark, sideline over touchline, endline over who knows what line, 18 yd box over penalty area, football over futbol, jersey over kit, and tie over draw.

Old Ref said...

Anonymous, my point was that not everyone knows what the announcer was talking about, and many only read the accounts of the game in papers or online.

We all get the point that people call kicks PK's, but it's still inaccurate and leads many people to think of lots of other myths and ignorances in the American game...

Yes, I clearly would correct someone who uses hockey terms during a soccer game. I would also correct someone who uses soccer terms during a hockey game.

And yes, I do agree with your statement that the important thing is to play/coach/ref the game correctly, whether it's on the "pitch" or the "field." Therefore I try to correct them when they are incorrectly using terms that mean other things.

By the way, I am a referee. Wouldn't you expect my personality to reflect a strictness in interpretating most if not all things??

Anonymous said...

I'm so mixed up...Cleats? Kicks?Boots?

Games? Fixtures?

And what's with this "wins-ties-losses" way of reporting standings? EVERYONE knows ties are reported last. Duh.

Anonymous said...

7:56,
You keep looking like the loser you are...bet you wish you were there.

Anonymous said...

geez, 1:09. leave me alone. don't call me a loser, Frenchy

Anonymous said...

1:34 is definitely obsessed with the MTA club. You really need to get on with your life.

Anonymous said...

I agree with 2:30pm. He must be the one that keeps saying "Stay Classy MTA" It really is getting old and it's time to move on and find something in your life makes you happy.

Great win for US women today!

Anonymous said...

You stay classy, MTA.

Anonymous said...

I guess that's what makes him happy! A loser in soccer and in life!

Anonymous said...

If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad...

Anonymous said...

0: number of MTA players on USWNT

Anonymous said...

10:29,
0 = number of your teams at ECNL nationals or USYS nationals.
Eat your heart out, son.

Anonymous said...

You stay classy, MTA.

Anonymous said...

9:53,
You stay obsessed. MTA owns you. I'll bet you grind your teeth dreaming about MTA. I feel your pain.

Anonymous said...

You stay classy, MTA.

Anonymous said...

and keep biting on the bait, MTA......

Anonymous said...

11:01 is right. That one boy has serious jealousy issues. It's definite obsession.

Anonymous said...

You stay classy, MTA.

Anonymous said...

We will, we will.

Anonymous said...

This is incredible. There's more participation on this blog in this back-and-forth nonsense than when Tomass and Mister Soccer and Old Ref are talking about soccer.

tomASS said...

@951 - has always been that way, will probably remain that way

Anonymous said...

You stay classy, tomASS.

tomASS said...

@313 not many, if any, would consider that a component of my demeanor

Anonymous said...

USWNT very unlucky. Three off the frame and a few other good chances they should have finished.
Then Japan gets a pinball goal to even the match in regulation.
It just wasn't meant to be.

tomASS said...

someone much earlier in this thread guaranteed a US win. There are no guarantees in soccer.

You don't finish on the plentiful chances your are give it will typically come back and hurt you

I thought the US played their best game of the Cup and took Japan out of their normal game which up until today was very strong and beautiful.

Our athleticism and fitness were far superior than the rest of he teams in the Cup so we have that going for us

Anonymous said...

Once again, watch our first kick. Japan's keeper is three yards off the goal line when the kick is made. Just what are the linesmen looking for?

tomASS said...

@1122 sour grapes - it was the best officiated match of the WC

Anonymous said...

There are reports that some of the players on the USWNT come from money.

A. Any thoughts on how this relates to statements labeling soccer a "country club" sport in the US?

B. Any thoughts on how this may have had an impact on the roster selections, particularly considering this is a sport with little funding?

C. Any thoughts on how the USMNT is a very multi-racial collection of players but eh USWNT remains predominantly white?

Anonymous said...

ooooh. Don't go there, Shekki.

I think the story is around Alex Morgan's dad buying her a Lexus if she scored a certain number of goals in high school.

Anonymous said...

My kid gets $5.00 for a goal and $5.00 for an assist. It would take 1000's of goals to get anywhere near a Lexus. But really come on! We don't have that kind of money.

tomASS said...

I want to know where the anon is that guaranteed the victory,

chirp chirp chirp (crickets)

Anonymous said...

I did. Japan cheated.

Anonymous said...

What was up with Hope Solo's "gamesmanship" as the final shooter was lining up? If you don't recall what she did, she delayed by standing at the 6 yd line flapping her arms until the ref made her move back.

This coming after everyone was upset with the Brazilians faking injury. Hope Solo = Classless (2 World Cups in a row).

A. Yes, soccer is a "country club" sport, especially on the women's side because soccer isn't yet popular with inner-city girls or girls of minority.

B. I wouldn't be surprised if "charitable donations" play a role in getting your daughter selected.

C. It seems minority girls don't receive the same opportunities in youth sports as minority boys in the US.

Anonymous said...

faking injury vs. warming up? huh?

soccer is not a CC sport. golf and tennis are.

the uswnt is the best team in the world. you think rich parents bought their daughters' places on the team?

maybe minority girls aren't seeking the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

dolt.

Anonymous said...

I don't think Hope Solo was warming up. After 120+ minutes of play and 4 shooters, I don't think a warmup was necessary. She didn't warmup before any of the other shooters.

Soccer has become a CC sport in suburban USA.

Currently 2nd best.

Oh.

Anonymous said...

you really think japan is better than USA?

did you watch the game?

double dolt.

Old Ref said...

Hope Solo's antics are a regular part of the game.

Why wouldn't a keeper be allowed to get ready, whether it is mental or physical?

The shooter gets to decide when they approach the ball, why wouldn't you let the goalie get set when they are ready...

Jeez, they lost a huge game, and some people turn on them...

Anonymous said...

Hope Solo's "antics" are as much a part of the game as faking injury is a part of the game. Unsure why everyone was upset with Brazil.

Japan won.

But if that's not what you go by, then I would say US is 2nd best to Brazil. I watched that game too.

Anonymous said...

brazil? hah.

Triple dolt.

Anonymous said...

It took a 120th minute goal to beat Brazil.

?

Anonymous said...

This conversation is over. USA is better. Move on, dolt.

tomASS said...

you do not get style points or goals for losing.

Japan won on kicks from the mark, thus winning the World Cup. Based on the criteria for determining the outcome of the championship game, which was the world championship, Japan reigns supreme.

You may disagree but to support your argument that the US is the better team, they should have scored more on the plentiful opportunities they created or prevented fewer goals on the feeble number of attempts Japan had.

They did not, thus Japan is the Champion of the premier event for determining the world's best team.

Anonymous said...

Kicks from the mark have never been a method for deciding the better team; they are merely a method for ending a game.

Anonymous said...

The Brazil-USA game was ended by penalties. So Brazil was the better team.

Anonymous said...

maybe, maybe not. i'm just saying kicks from the mark are merely a method for ending a game. what happens in the preceding 120 minutes determines who the better team is.

Anonymous said...

it may be the accurate terminology, but one of the only places I ever read or hear "kicks from the mark" is on this blog. why do all of the coaches and announcers from around the world (almost all more seasoned and experienced than I) always refer to them as PK's?

tomASS said...

@727 - easier to say and to understand for the general audience

@816 - correction, " they are merely a method for determining a winner of the match so the game may end


I personally like the old NASL method of a shoot out - where a player started 35 yards and had 5 seconds to get a shot off

Mister Soccer said...

The NASL method was great.

But what would the crusty refs call that:

"Breakaways from the 35 yard spot."

Technically, they're not breaking away from anybody.

5 years too late, we better sign Klinsmann and give him everything he wants.

tomASS said...

@ Mister Soccer

call them a shootout like they do in the NHL

Totally agree on Klinsmann - Gulati needs to go to.

tomASS said...

@ Mister Soccer - We get our wish
Klinsmann is in!

Mister Soccer said...

Yes. Gulati needs to go. He should have given Klinsmann what he wanted 5 years ago. Instead, we had to go through terrible years of falling way behind Mexico and barely getting out of a weak group in South Africa twice. Hiring Klinsmann now looks like an admission to his blunder.

tomASS, instead of running MYSA together as I proposed last year, what do you say we aim higher and go for US Soccer?

tomASS said...

We should work our way up and defeating Poretti should not take much.

Shows how much Gulati is clueless, gives Bradley an extension after the world cup when the correct decision could have been made then

Anonymous said...

US WNT playing as close as Kansas City on Sept. 17. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 12.

Anonymous said...

High school thread!
High school thread!
High school thread!

Anonymous said...

Will the womens national team play close to us between now and the Olympics?

Outspoken said...

Congrats to the USWNT.

Outspoken said...

Congrats to the USWNT.