ok world cup is almost over so message edited 
For FUN - WorldCUP, Whom do you stand for?MOD EDIT: CONGRATS ITALY!!!!
XLNT-3d
#782
I usually get a couple of ringers and they hold their own. I’ve started using the coever soccer (http://playgreatsoccer.com) method for training and it makes a huge difference. I figure I better build my credibility and play myself. Besides, they are only 6 yr olds mostly playing “herd” ball. My son wants to play keeper this year so I am a little worried for him.
freakmoomin
#783
cool man, hope it goes well. (XLNT-3d)
how is football in the states nowadays anyway? Is it still struggling to make an impact or has it become more popular in recent years?
I know it had a stigma of the whole girly game thing with soccer mums and all that, just wondering if that has changed any?
pearson
#785
The “soccer mom” title doesn’t refer to women playing the game, but women who take their kids to play. It is pretty strange that “soccer mom” is commonly used for any mother of youngish kids who has to take them to lots of activities, but the sport itself is barely heard of. With almost no media exposure, there isn’t a lot for kids to aspire to.
I also think that kids who are introduced to soccer through a youth league think of the game as only being playable if you have cleats, shin guards, and a grass pitch. It’s a lot easier to toss a baseball around, for example. In my experience, I’ve never seen kids playing soccer in the street here, just on school grounds.
cgbinho
#786
here´s my thoughts!
Germany 1 x 1 Argentina - Germany end up winning, extra time or penalty.
Italy 2 x 1 Ukraine - schevchenko won´t stand up a chance.
England 1 x 2 Portugal - Felipe scolari will be playing again as the 12 portugal player…lol! he appears 98% of the time in the lower corner of the TV, orchestrating the team! deco or not, i think portugal wins.
Brazil 2 x 0 France - because Brazil HAVE to win. they have the responsability to beat france, just to burry, once and for all that 98 “LAME-non-explained-aphatic” worldcup final.
amirjahanlou
#787
Whatever happens in the quarter finals the only thing I wish deep from my heart is
to see Germany going out of the tournament, No matter even if Ukrains makes it the
champion.
system
#788
This short pause seems like its taken an eternity! Also, theres only 8 games left till another 4 year wait. Bah!
hanskloss
#790
Well…Germany seems to be on a roll so I predict they will beat Argentina. Klose, Podolski, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Frings, Schneider can all score great goeals. The only doubt is the defense but than again, Germany has always managed to find it so I wouldn’t worry too much.
Italy is terrible. I don’t understand how they got where they are. A group of actors, girls to be blunt. The game against Australia was a perfect example. If not for the referees bad call at the end, Italy would be going home. I really hope Ukraine takes it to them, because they don’t deserve to be where they are right now.
England HAS to beat Portugal. Portugal hasn’t showed anything extraordinary, besides fauls, acting, and idividual effors from maybe two players. Again not deserving to go through. I am sad that Owen is gone but, that’s just how it is.
Brazil?? Heh, don’t get me started. So far they played Japan, Croatia, Angola and Ghana. Is this for real? Give them a REAL opponent. Let’s see how they handle Germany, England, Holland, Spain or other European team. Nothing against Brazil but thay haven’t showed anything that would convince me that that ARE the potential champions. It’s all media hype and pseudo football experts rant. Everyone is taunting Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Adriano, Robinho…boorriiing.
My final prediction?
Semifinal:
Germany - Ukraine
England - France
Final:
Germany - England
Germany wins.
BartokDesign
#791
Why would they play like mads if they dont need it? To put fire in a game? Its important to keep the game in hands , if they make 2 goals they dont need to be showing off . Im satisfied with what I see , they really want to win the cup and not to show individually for the cameras.
Yes they can loose but they didnt play the half they could because they didnt need yet.:wise:
I Think portugal will beat England
To discuss soccer and religion is dangerous, soccer is worst :twisted:
Romero
#792
Okay here goes
Germany-Argentina- 2-2 tie shootout to germany.
England - Portugal- 3-1
Ukraine - Italy - 2- 1 Ukraine in extra time.
Brazil - France 4-2 Breaks my heart but not sure France can do it.
England - Brazil- England 3-2 in extra time
Germany- Ukraine- Germany 3-1
England - Germany 2-0 England brings er home after 30 some odd years
XLNT-3d
#794
Well, I play in a league called “soccer dads”. Last night was my first night of organized play in 23 years. I was the newbie. All the others were return players. The first thing one of them said to me was “so… those are new cleats huh?”. I scored a goal. I bounced it off the their fullback into their goal off a corner kick. Today my back is killing me and my quads are on fire. It was a blast though. I am glad to be back in. I think soccer is the most popular sport with youths in America. Baseball is easy and becomes boring quickly to kids. I noticed many play baseball in the summer and soccer in the fall. Soccer has more avenues with kids. It’s fairly easy to get into and there are outdoor and indoor leagues. Futsol is just starting to get around. Of course they push it by advertising the Brazil players. I might try that next. I think it starts to fall off for the kids once they hit high school. Then they start going into baseball, lacrosse and american football. I think professional soccer gets alot of critism over here for the faking or over dramatization of injuries and trying to constantly “draw” penalties.
Digit
#796
This one i can just about handle - but the semi final, I dont know. Especially if it against france and I have to watch it with the french guys in work. And the final would be a total nightmare. I might have to fly home for it…
minminxu
#797
if referees does’t show that red card, Italy was already won at half time~~ = =!!
You Don’t forget 11 Australian VS 10 Italian in the game!Ohthat was A tough game!:sad: ~[b]I think Italian success more to ability than to luckBut~ Guus Hiddink was real conservative !^ ^ What caused his failure?..
It was not fate~It was not destiny~~It was not Penalty!
I were pleased at finding italy so solidarity~Do you know unalloyed strong needs discipline teams spirit?!
PS:YeahItaly always tell me what is defensive art!
So~go go Italy go go ~~ keep it up~Cannavaro~keep it up ~Keep it up ~~NestaPirloTotti~and keep it up Inzaghi
photo::love:
JohnnyAlucarD
#798
This is pretty exciting…the closer the England match comes the more nervous we get here! We’ve been here so many times - so many nearlys. I wonder if it’s time England actually produce? I was pleased to see Gary Neville is fit…he could be vital on Saturday - particularly if Ronaldo plays…Gazza faces him every day in training…so he’ll know what to expect. As to who will win it…my heart screams “England!” but my head doesn’t know…historically we have a great record against Portugal…but recent history is not so good…played them twice in recent tournements and lost both times…but if the team produce then maybe we can do it, it’s about time the team palyed a bit so far it has been…well not the greatest performance - but it is the traditional sign of a team that can play badly and win…come on England
system
#800
Thats not so bad for you [nitin design] it’s pretty much a win-win match! My fingernails will be thoroughly envious by the end of it 