EPL Talk - Latest Comments in Euro 2008: Better Than World Cup 2006 So Far

Re: Euro 2008: Better Than World Cup 2006 So Far

eplnfl — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:05:49 -0000

Shortly people will be asking how Sven did so well with England! Playing in Europe is not the only measure of greatness as we have all discussed. In my opinion, Sven does have more overall talent with Mexico then he did with England.

Mexico has for along time now played down for the US but up for South American powerhouses. Sven will tactically frustrate Bradley's offense. A foreign coach will be necessary for the US to overcome Sven's tactical ability.

Re: Euro 2008: Better Than World Cup 2006 So Far

Kartik — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:04:23 -0000

Mexico made the quarters in the 1986 World Cup and is far far far superior to the US in talent and skill level. Simply losing to a team as Mexico does to the US doesn't mean in any way shape or form the US is better.

Consider this:

Since 2003 Mexico has beaten Brazil three times. The US has been outscored by Brazil 7-3 in meetings during the same period.

Mexico has advanced out of the group stage at EVERY single Copa America they have been invited to. 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007. The US only advanced out once, in 1995 and as we know turned down the invitation to the event repeatedly.

Mexico has advanced out of the World Cup group stage seven times since 1950. The US just twice.

Mexico can actually put its top players on top clubs in Europe.

Even other CONCACAF nations such as Honduras (David Suazo), Costa Rica and Trinidad have had recent success putting their field players on top European clubs, but the US has not.

We may continue to beat them in cash grab friendlies on American soil but in the real footballing universe, Mexico is a galaxy away and ahead of the US.

I disagree with Lou though as he and I have already discussed. "Second Choice Sven" as I call him could well ruin that. He knows nothing of Mexico's culture of football, its tactics, its domestic league. Hiring a foreign manager at this stage is risky. He's an accomplished club manager who more or less failed with England and runs the risk of failing with Mexico.

Re: Euro 2008: Better Than World Cup 2006 So Far

eplnfl — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:55:50 -0000

I fear Mexico with Sven. Sven has enough tricks to get by in internationals and very good talent with Mexico. Frankly, the talk of the US not qualifing is extreme, it won't be easy, but should we book South Africa in 2010. Yes. Ok, I am prepared to eat those words and Kartik was right about the New England Rev's.

Our days of owning Mexico are over, but then again the US talent pool will keep on growing beyond the ability of anyone in the region to keep up. The superstar of US Soccer may still get diverted to a football field. Ok, here's one for Kartik, what former Canes football player from the Chicago area was considered a great HS soccer player before he had to follow his dad's footsteps and switch to Football?
Yet, the number of of good to better than average palyers for the US will only increase. That is one reason why their is little drop off in talent for the US no matter who is on the field. Were almost all average!

Re: Euro 2008: Better Than World Cup 2006 So Far

betsy's bolton bum baster — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:37:35 -0000

Mexico doesn't belong in that argument. They have never made it by the quarter-finals in a WC and the US owns them.

Re: Euro 2008: Better Than World Cup 2006 So Far

Kartik — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:27:52 -0000

The argument can be made. First off 16 of the 19 strongest teams in the world it can be argued are at the Euros: only Argentina, Brazil and Mexico are missing. In addition, weak sisters incapable of advancing very far like Saudi Arabia, the US and Japan don't get a virtual "bye" due to their zonal qualifying are not included.

However, I happen to believe the Copa America in many ways produces better football and better atmospheres than the World Cup. Sadly the club game is ruining all of these events whether you are partial to the World Cup, Euros or Copa. Guys come down run down or in the case of Kaka and Seedorf skip the events entirely leaving second choice players as go to guys, and now second choice managers such as Sven leading teams since some first choice coaches like Aguirre (who turned down Mexico) and Scolari have ditched int'l football for the club game.

In the US the club game will never have the appeal of the international game so the changes in worldwide viewing and priorities threatens the ability of the game to continue its steady growth here in the states. That and the strong possibility that the US will not qualify for the next World Cup. We caught a break though with "Second Choice Sven" going to Mexico instead of Aguirre.

Re: Euro 2008: Better Than World Cup 2006 So Far

eplnfl — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:06:50 -0000

Gaffer:

It's always a great time taking in a major sporting event in person. It does add to the importance of the event for the individual. I went to the Outback Bowl on News Year and thought it was great and had a great time. It was maybe the 5th best of the bowl games however.(NCAA football for those who maybe visiting from outside the US)

Euro 08 has produced some fine football especially by Holland and Portugal. Teams with something to prove. Teams who have done things in the past, Italy, France, and Germany seem less interested. Why should anyone much care about Russia, Austria, and Poland except for their fans. With ESPN now doing all the games in the US, the importance of the tournament seems to have taken on a new significance in the States.

In reality, Euro 08 may not be the best of the regional tournaments and frankly the endless qualifications are a joke! That is not to say as stated above that we do not see some excellent football, not at all. But is this the substitute World Cup, far from it. Should the worlds sports fans not think ahead to the Summer Gamers as THE sporting event of the summer. no. Might the regional matches in South American and Asia be better overall. Yes!

It's good football/soccer and I able so happy to see it all on live tv in the US. It's not world peace!