2014 World Cup

[508]

Well they have a National League too I believe, and I have no clue what the difference between the two are

 

[TwoTankAmin]

The name world series originated at a time when baseball was pretty much an American only sport. Even today with players coming from all over the world, only in the USA are truly great teams possible, Other countries simply do not have a system in place to develop their own leagues at the same level of play.
 
Its the reverse of why male soccer/football teams from the USA still cannot compete on the international front. The sport is not popular enough here to allow for the assembling of a high caliber pro team. Big leagues require big money to work.

 

[fm1978]

Other countries simply do not have a system in place to develop their own leagues at the same level of play.
 
 

 
I might be over simplifying, but, is it not just because it's rubbish?

 

[the_lock_man]

The name world series originated at a time when baseball was pretty much an American only sport. Even today with players coming from all over the world, only in the USA are truly great teams possible, Other countries simply do not have a system in place to develop their own leagues at the same level of play.
 
Its the reverse of why male soccer/football teams from the USA still cannot compete on the international front. The sport is not popular enough here to allow for the assembling of a high caliber pro team. Big leagues require big money to work.

 
I would disagree on the latter point, TTA. The USA has a number of players who play, or have until recently played, in the bigger European leagues. I certainly think that if Tim Howard were English, he would have been picked for our squad ahead of both Ben Foster and Fraser Forster. Clint Dempsey is another who would grace any of the "grandee" nations. The you have the next generation such as Julian Green from Bayern Munich, who's a very exciting player.
 
Domestically, the MLS is increasing in stature and reputation all the time, the new New York City team has backing from the UAE, and will take the MLS to the next level, I believe. They have already signed a major talent in David Villa, and it looks like Frank Lampard will be there too - players of this stature, as well as others such as Thierry Henry and Jermaine (spit on his name) Defoe, will help to raise the talent level of US youngsters. So long as the MLS does not go too foreigner-centric, as the Premier League has done over here, all will be well.
 
Then if a certain Mr Beckham succeeds in obtaining a MLS franchise, the popularity of the sport will be increased, meaning that soccer won't just be something you pick your 10-year-old daughter up from, to quote John Oliver (another English import!).
 
I truly believe that the USA will have a realistic shot at winning the World Cup within the next 20 years.

 

[Ch4rlie]

I truly believe that the USA will have a realistic shot at winning the World Cup within the next 20 years.

 
What about Scotland? any chance at all? ever?

 

[fm1978]

 

I truly believe that the USA will have a realistic shot at winning the World Cup within the next 20 years.

 
What about Scotland? any chance at all? ever?
 

Nope! 

 

[Ch4rlie]

 

 


I truly believe that the USA will have a realistic shot at winning the World Cup within the next 20 years.

 
What about Scotland? any chance at all? ever?
 

Nope! 
 


 
Ah, feared as much
 
But we're still the best fans in the world

 

[the_lock_man]

 

I truly believe that the USA will have a realistic shot at winning the World Cup within the next 20 years.

 
What about Scotland? any chance at all? ever?
 

 
Erm.
 
No.
 
Sorry.

 

[fm1978]

You don't need to apologise. TLM, as a nation we've already dealt with the reality that the best thing about Scottish football is the Tartan Army! 

 

[malfunction]

I get the feeling this thread's gonna be very popular over the next couple of weeks...at least until England get knocked out at the group stage anyhow.

 

[508]

What an amazing game. Just breathtaking. 5-1 to the Dutch. I really wanted them to win as everyone seemed to think Spain would win against them once again. Robben did fantastically. 

 

[malfunction]

Yeah, brilliant game. I was expecting same as last time - a de Jong fly kick, but the way Holland destroyed Spain totally unexpected. Poor Casillas...I thought he was gonna burst into tears after that second Robben goal.

 

[Seandgoode]

Great to see Holland get a bit of retribution. Spain's centre half's look awful couldn't defend anything over the top. I stayed up and watched Chile vs Australia which was a very open game too.

I think England will maybe grind out a draw tomorrow 0-0 or 1-1 any predictions?

 

[508]

I'm going to say 2-1 to Italy. But so far the world cup has been surprising, so we shall see.

 

[Seandgoode]

I just hope we give Stirling and Berkley and chance they look fearless great to watch.