Alright, so it seems sport is the order of the day at the moment, so I thought I'd give us Europeans something of worth to talk about

I'm a Fulham fan, anyone else follow Football (or if you're backward, soccer )?

Pompey for me if I had to choose.

I don't really support a team though, if i'm watching match of the day for some unknown reason I will pick a team and support them furiously throughout the highlights. Football's boring though unless you're playing and even then people fucking hog it

I way prefer rugby, it's better to watch too I think.

Monkzum wrote:

Pompey for me if I had to choose.

Why Pompey?

Also, I've never been able to watch Rugby, I don't get it. Same as Cricket. Having said all this, I'm not nearly as avid a football fan as I was when I was in my early teens.

Olééééé, olé oléééééé
Nur der BVBBBBBBB
Uuuunser gaaaanzes Lebeeeen,
Uuuunser gaaaanzer Stoooooolz!

So yeah, I'm a fanatical fan of Borussia Dortmund, as well as the the DFB Nationalelf (the German National Team).
FC Bayern München *used* to be my favorite Bundesliga team, but I've since grown out of that fair-weather fan stage and now root for them only in international competition (like CL/EL).

In the Spanish La Liga I follow FC Barcelona.

In the American MLS I follow the Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders FC.

I don't really much care for the EPL, though as long as the German national team captain Michael Ballack plays for Chelsea, I guess I'll root for them.

Teams I HATE:
FC Schalke 04 (though I begrudgingly root for them in the CL/EL when they play non-German teams)
Manchester United
Real Madrid

I really enjoy watching soccer, having played it for 8 years. Though the only time I watch it is the World Cup. I will watch it no matter who is playing. I may be in the minority of my fellow country men, but I really do enjoy watching it. The pro-soccer league and the indoor league that existed for a while here are worthless.

AarO)))n wrote:

The pro-soccer league and the indoor league that existed for a while here are worthless.

As bad as MLS is, it's getting better and we may have a *decent* league in a decade or two.

Ziegenbartami wrote:

AarO)))n wrote:

The pro-soccer league and the indoor league that existed for a while here are worthless.

As bad as MLS is, it's getting better and we may have a *decent* league in a decade or two.

If it makes it that long. Remember it is not funded by NBA like the WNBA. Which is the only reason that is still around. All my life i have told soccer would become big in America, and while it has made leaps and bounds in the states, it has never become very mainstream. The complaint you here all time is the low scoring(same with hockey). But to me it is what I like. Every shot on goal counts.

AarO)))n wrote:

Ziegenbartami wrote:

AarO)))n wrote:

The pro-soccer league and the indoor league that existed for a while here are worthless.

As bad as MLS is, it's getting better and we may have a *decent* league in a decade or two.

If it makes it that long. Remember it is not funded by NBA like the WNBA. Which is the only reason that is still around. All my life i have told soccer would become big in America, and while it has made leaps and bounds in the states, it has never become very mainstream. The complaint you here all time is the low scoring(same with hockey). But to me it is what I like. Every shot on goal counts.

But I think that David Beckham's signing to LA Galaxy a few years ago made MLS quite popular again. Then you have the improving fan bases. Several teams no longer use nearby NFL stadiums, but have built their own. Seattle Sounders FC, a brand-new expansion team this year, regularly fill the lower bowl at Qwest Stadium in Seattle (the upper deck is closed off), and the atmosphere there is incredible. Furthermore, the US national team's success this summer in the FIFA Confederations Cup (reaching the final, only to be surprisingly narrowly defeated by Brazil) has also brought soccer into the mainstream consciousness of Americans. Just look at the TV-- many more games are being broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2, and 2 strictly soccer channels (GolTV and FSC) are doing pretty well. I think we can expect good things for soccer here in the US in the coming years.

Ziegenbartami wrote:

AarO)))n wrote:

Ziegenbartami wrote:

AarO)))n wrote:

The pro-soccer league and the indoor league that existed for a while here are worthless.

As bad as MLS is, it's getting better and we may have a *decent* league in a decade or two.

If it makes it that long. Remember it is not funded by NBA like the WNBA. Which is the only reason that is still around. All my life i have told soccer would become big in America, and while it has made leaps and bounds in the states, it has never become very mainstream. The complaint you here all time is the low scoring(same with hockey). But to me it is what I like. Every shot on goal counts.

But I think that David Beckham's signing to LA Galaxy a few years ago made MLS quite popular again. Then you have the improving fan bases. Several teams no longer use nearby NFL stadiums, but have built their own. Seattle Sounders FC, a brand-new expansion team this year, regularly fill the lower bowl at Qwest Stadium in Seattle (the upper deck is closed off), and the atmosphere there is incredible. Furthermore, the US national team's success this summer in the FIFA Confederations Cup (reaching the final, only to be surprisingly narrowly defeated by Brazil) has also brought soccer into the mainstream consciousness of Americans. Just look at the TV-- many more games are being broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2, and 2 strictly soccer channels (GolTV and FSC) are doing pretty well. I think we can expect good things for soccer here in the US in the coming years.

Well I am a bit older than you and I can remember hearing about when Pele came to America to make soccer popular and it failed. If Pele, the greatest soccer player that has ever lived, couldn't do it, I not sure anything can. But as you have pointed out they are getting more coverage, and with channels dedicated to them, their chances may be better. They will have no excuse this time if it doesn't catch on. But whether it does or not, I will always watch the World Cup.

AarO)))n wrote:

I really enjoy watching soccer, having played it for 8 years. Though the only time I watch it is the World Cup. I will watch it no matter who is playing. I may be in the minority of my fellow country men, but I really do enjoy watching it. The pro-soccer league and the indoor league that existed for a while here are worthless.

I was rooting for the US in the Confederations Cup, they should've done Brazil. The States have a decent side. Plus, Clint Dempsey (Fulham midfielder, bloody good) is American

AarO)))n wrote:

Ziegenbartami wrote:

AarO)))n wrote:

Ziegenbartami wrote:

AarO)))n wrote:

The pro-soccer league and the indoor league that existed for a while here are worthless.

As bad as MLS is, it's getting better and we may have a *decent* league in a decade or two.

If it makes it that long. Remember it is not funded by NBA like the WNBA. Which is the only reason that is still around. All my life i have told soccer would become big in America, and while it has made leaps and bounds in the states, it has never become very mainstream. The complaint you here all time is the low scoring(same with hockey). But to me it is what I like. Every shot on goal counts.

But I think that David Beckham's signing to LA Galaxy a few years ago made MLS quite popular again. Then you have the improving fan bases. Several teams no longer use nearby NFL stadiums, but have built their own. Seattle Sounders FC, a brand-new expansion team this year, regularly fill the lower bowl at Qwest Stadium in Seattle (the upper deck is closed off), and the atmosphere there is incredible. Furthermore, the US national team's success this summer in the FIFA Confederations Cup (reaching the final, only to be surprisingly narrowly defeated by Brazil) has also brought soccer into the mainstream consciousness of Americans. Just look at the TV-- many more games are being broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2, and 2 strictly soccer channels (GolTV and FSC) are doing pretty well. I think we can expect good things for soccer here in the US in the coming years.

Well I am a bit older than you and I can remember hearing about when Pele came to America to make soccer popular and it failed. If Pele, the greatest soccer player that has ever lived, couldn't do it, I not sure anything can. But as you have pointed out they are getting more coverage, and with channels dedicated to them, their chances may be better. They will have no excuse this time if it doesn't catch on. But whether it does or not, I will always watch the World Cup.

As much as I hate him, I would say Ronaldo is the best footballer ever now. He may not have as much legendary status but in terms of skill he destroys Pele.

Ziegenbartami wrote:

I don't really much care for the EPL, though as long as the German national team captain Michael Ballack plays for Chelsea, I guess I'll root for them.

Why no love for the EPL?

Monkzum wrote:

As much as I hate him, I would say Ronaldo is the best footballer ever now. He may not have as much legendary status but in terms of skill he destroys Pele.

You're talking about Christina [sic] Ronaldo, right?

Yes I am, he may dive, cheat and be an arse all at the same time but he is the best footballer to ever play.

Bidley wrote:

Why no love for the EPL?

A) Because the English and Germans are football rivals
B) Because here in the States everyone and their mother who's a football fan fucking OBSESSES over England and the EPL.

Ziegenbartami wrote:

Bidley wrote:

Why no love for the EPL?

A) Because the English and Germans are football rivals
B) Because here in the States everyone and their mother who's a football fan fucking OBSESSES over England and the EPL.

Alright, I forgot about A

And as for B, really? I thought everyone jizzed over La Liga. I don't have much time for La Liga - outside the top 6 or 7, the standard is dire.

Bidley wrote:

Ziegenbartami wrote:

Bidley wrote:

Why no love for the EPL?

A) Because the English and Germans are football rivals
B) Because here in the States everyone and their mother who's a football fan fucking OBSESSES over England and the EPL.

Alright, I forgot about A

And as for B, really? I thought everyone jizzed over La Liga. I don't have much time for La Liga - outside the top 6 or 7, the standard is dire.

To be fair, La Liga gets their share of fappage, but the number of EPL and England jerseys you see FAR outnumbers the LL and Spanish jerseys.

Ziegenbartami wrote:

Bidley wrote:

Ziegenbartami wrote:

Bidley wrote:

Why no love for the EPL?

A) Because the English and Germans are football rivals
B) Because here in the States everyone and their mother who's a football fan fucking OBSESSES over England and the EPL.

Alright, I forgot about A

And as for B, really? I thought everyone jizzed over La Liga. I don't have much time for La Liga - outside the top 6 or 7, the standard is dire.

To be fair, La Liga gets their share of fappage, but the number of EPL and England jerseys you see FAR outnumbers the LL and Spanish jerseys.

Fair enough. So are you originally from Dortmund? I've got mates over there, I was out there in July

Monkzum wrote:

Yes I am, he may dive, cheat and be an arse all at the same time but he is the best footballer to ever play.

Its only cheating if you get caught

Though I think he certainly has flashes of brilliance, he's a little overrated. I mean, Giggs used to be fucking brilliant. That goal a year or two back against Derby (I think) though, charged in from a corner kick, sprinted like 40 yards dived and headed it in

Bidley wrote:

Ziegenbartami wrote:

Bidley wrote:

Ziegenbartami wrote:

Bidley wrote:

Why no love for the EPL?

A) Because the English and Germans are football rivals
B) Because here in the States everyone and their mother who's a football fan fucking OBSESSES over England and the EPL.

Alright, I forgot about A

And as for B, really? I thought everyone jizzed over La Liga. I don't have much time for La Liga - outside the top 6 or 7, the standard is dire.

To be fair, La Liga gets their share of fappage, but the number of EPL and England jerseys you see FAR outnumbers the LL and Spanish jerseys.

Fair enough. So are you originally from Dortmund? I've got mates over there, I was out there in July

I'm actually American, born and raised, but my grandma was from that part of Germany and I'd like to study for a semester or year in Dortmund. I *did* live in Germany for a year as an exchange student, but I was either way up in the north (in Hamburg, then near the Dutch border) or in the south (in Saarland, bordering France and Luxembourg).

ALL RISE!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbM0cLmEP6w

( Barcelona fanatic here)

Bidley wrote:

I'm a Fulham fan

I thought you said you didn't really sport a single team?

Bidley wrote:

AarO)))n wrote:

I really enjoy watching soccer, having played it for 8 years. Though the only time I watch it is the World Cup. I will watch it no matter who is playing. I may be in the minority of my fellow country men, but I really do enjoy watching it. The pro-soccer league and the indoor league that existed for a while here are worthless.

I was rooting for the US in the Confederations Cup, they should've done Brazil. The States have a decent side. Plus, Clint Dempsey (Fulham midfielder, bloody good) is American

I forgot about the start time to that game. I turned it on and America was up 2-0, I was out of my mind. I could not believe we may actually beat BRAZIL!!!! Then I watched Brazil score 3 and realized, "Oh yeah, we are America." Good start though. I don't think I will live to see America hoist the Would Cup Trophy though.

Rosalind wrote:

Monkzum wrote:

Yes I am, he may dive, cheat and be an arse all at the same time but he is the best footballer to ever play.

Its only cheating if you get caught

Though I think he certainly has flashes of brilliance, he's a little overrated. I mean, Giggs used to be fucking brilliant. That goal a year or two back against Derby (I think) though, charged in from a corner kick, sprinted like 40 yards dived and headed it in

Flashes of brilliance? He had 3 excellent entire seasons at United, scoring 42 goals in one. But I see what you're saying, he's not the best player ever to have played, although that is hard to judge. The game now is much different to what it was in the 70's, so the players and their style of play is different. Anyway, Messi has been above Ronaldo in terms of performances for the past 8-12 months, from what I understand. I agree to Giggs being one of the greats, along with Scholes (he's never had an agent in his life - FACT), Henry, Maldini (if only because he only retired last year at 40, whilst still playing top-level football!!) etc.

Bidley wrote:

Rosalind wrote:

Monkzum wrote:

Yes I am, he may dive, cheat and be an arse all at the same time but he is the best footballer to ever play.

Its only cheating if you get caught

Though I think he certainly has flashes of brilliance, he's a little overrated. I mean, Giggs used to be fucking brilliant. That goal a year or two back against Derby (I think) though, charged in from a corner kick, sprinted like 40 yards dived and headed it in

Flashes of brilliance? He had 3 excellent entire seasons at United, scoring 42 goals in one. But I see what you're saying, he's not the best player ever to have played, although that is hard to judge. The game now is much different to what it was in the 70's, so the players and their style of play is different. Anyway, Messi has been above Ronaldo in terms of performances for the past 8-12 months, from what I understand. I agree to Giggs being one of the greats, along with Scholes (he's never had an agent in his life - FACT), Henry, Maldini (if only because he only retired last year at 40, whilst still playing top-level football!!) etc.

I mean he's inconsistent. He has good days and bad. Giggs used to only have good days and mediocre days - he never really played badly. Roberto Carlos was another one a few years back, true brazilian run-all-the-way-down-the-pitch-and-back style defending, working with the left midfielder, often going even further forward to cross to the striker, and then legging to back to defend when it all went tits up. On stamina alone the guy was insane. He's in his mid-30s now I think and still runs rings around most. Ronaldinho is talented but faps around with his tricks all the time, he's arrogant and fumbles because he tries something fancier than needed.