OT: (edit) COPA Finals - Argentina vs Chile !!!

Thoroughly outclassed today, but not surprised.

Are goalies considered soccer players?

Observer said:

I don't think the comparison holds. Football is highly dependent on pure athletics. Soccer is like playing a musical instrument, it's a lot about creativity and finesse.

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i wouldnt go that far but its true pure athleticism is not what makes a great footballer/soccer player.
(take Jamaica or other Caribbean teams that should excel from the athletic point of view)
its also not about the money.
its about culture.

fathers play football/soccer with their kids around the world
in US they play football or baseball

so american soccer is going against some basic odds
(you even use the word football for another - your top sport)
and i wouldnt be so harsh on your team
they are showing some progress for some time now
and Klinsmann is doing a good job

most of the US top players come from communities
where football/soccer is by far N1 sport in their home countries

they will improve slowly some more with time
but to become a serious contender it would need a change in culture

there is no need for that of course
we can enjoy the transcendent brilliance of US football culture in Brady & co
and the same from the world football culture in Messi ...

Observer said:

Thoroughly outclassed today, but not surprised.

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As mentioned earlier, I wouldn't feel too bad about it. Argentina is bringing players on from the bench who are better than the USMNT's starters. With the greatest of respect to Team USA, there is a significant talent gulf between the two teams further compounded by the level of football being produced by Argentina in this tournament.

I'm rooting for winner of Chile-Colombia to win the cup.

venecol said:

I'm rooting for winner of Chile-Colombia to win the cup.

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I'm a Messi fan so I want Argentina.

long distance said:

i wouldnt go that far but its true pure athleticism is not what makes a great footballer/soccer player.
(take Jamaica or other Caribbean teams should excel from the athletic point of view)
its also not about the money.
its about culture.

fathers play football/soccer with their kids around the world
in US they play football or baseball

so american soccer is going against some basic odds
(you even use the word football for another - your top sport)
and i wouldnt be so harsh on your team
they are showing some progress for some time now
and Klinsmann is doing a good job

most of the US top players come from communities
where football/soccer is by far N1 sport in their home countries

they will improve slowly some more with time
but to become a serious contender it would need a change in culture

there is no need for that of course
we can enjoy the transcendent brilliance of US football culture in Brady & co
and the same from the world football culture in Messi ...

Click to expand...

it's definitely a culture. if we did nothing but playing soccer growing up, then we would have some serious talents. imagine this country has no other sports. only soccer. everything about us is a soccer. then we would probably be top 3-4 team in the world.

and IMO we have the most and the best talent pool. country of 330 mil with plenty of money and resource to excel in anything. but sadly kids who are afraid to try out for football or basketball end up playing soccer in this country. sad as hell

IcyPatriot said:

I'm a Messi fan so I want Argentina.

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Well I'm sure they are the favorites. Just a good match would be nice.

ZERO shots….USA USA USA

borg said:

ZERO shots….USA USA USA

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Pulisic had one and gave it up ...

I think US has to find a young replacement for Bradley, he's truly pathetic. But who?

venecol said:

I think US has to find a young replacement for Bradley, he's truly pathetic. But who?

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Like I said earlier ... there is literally no creative midfield play in US youth soccer.
Teams are now forced to play a 4-4-2 and most of the play is up the sides ...
There is strength in offense as a unit ... but not individually in the midfield.

In any case congratulations to the US soccer team for coming to the semi-finals
I guess this is one of the best results for your country in this sport
And being ahead of Brasil, Mexico, Uruguay etc. must mean something
maybe not today but at least tomorrow

reality hurts. are we really getting better? better in what? what progress? how are we gonna fair in the next world cup? next next world cup? our best is not good enough. not even close. sad

wolverinejoe80 said:

reality hurts. are we really getting better? better in what? what progress? how are we gonna fair in the next world cup? next next world cup? our best is not good enough. not even close. sad

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you're taking it too hard
this is the best Argentina team in decades (with Di Maria healthy and in form)
they might loose again to Chile since they are their poison
but what you saw today is the best national team in the world at this moment

since Banega came back to his form after the ridiculous injury that costed him some years
(he brings aggression, toughness and talent to the midfield that is crucial to release Messi)
and Higuain finally finding his goalscoring potential (after almost a decade of searching)
this is now a serious, tough, talented team with no real flaws

So yeah...Argentina had a good day.

wolverinejoe80 said:

it's definitely a culture. if we did nothing but playing soccer growing up, then we would have some serious talents. imagine this country has no other sports. only soccer. everything about us is a soccer. then we would probably be top 3-4 team in the world.

and IMO we have the most and the best talent pool. country of 330 mil with plenty of money and resource to excel in anything. but sadly kids who are afraid to try out for football or basketball end up playing soccer in this country. sad as hell

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I have an interesting story in regard to "soccer culture." Many years ago, when I visited England for the first time, I remember descending for the approach to Heathrow and seeing so many green patches dotted all over the landscape; even in the city. As the plane got lower, I realized these patches were soccer fields (pitches). It seemed like there literally was one every few blocks.

ausbacker said:

I'm sure you can. I could also name you 20 goalkeepers. None of them are stopping a ball curving and dipping away from them in the top corner. He hit that ball as perfectly as a football can be hit.

Listen, I understand as a Brasilian you're brought up to loath Argentinian football but take a break from hating Messi and sit back and enjoy the masterclass.

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So if England win the ashes.

resdubwhite said:

So if England win the ashes.

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Believe me, the state of Australian sport at the moment gives me absolutely nothing to brag about.

ausbacker said:

********. No keeper in the world is saving Messi's free kick.

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I'm not saying it's easy but there are quite a few that would have saved that one. If you watch it again, you can see that he makes a little jump to his right the moment messi kicks the ball. That's a typical mistake many GKs make because they are afraid of a shot over the wall. Without that jump, he saves that free kick.