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Kartik Krishnaiyer wants to congratulate Liga on an improbable and inspirational Copa Lib. triumph!
Permalink 1 day ago

Kartik Krishnaiyer will be co-hosting w/ Peter Brown a special two hour preview of Superliga on Friday July 4th.
Permalink Jul 1

Celebrate independence day with CSRN! (boy was that corny)

You can listen to the show at 2pm ET/11am PT on CSRN this Friday.

Kartik Krishnaiyer maybe biased towards Americans, Trav, but I am American and watch American TV and shouldn't have to defend being American.
Permalink Jun 30

My problems with Gray are numerous. I guess if you don't like Germany, Italy, or France Andy Gray is great. But our commentators should be objective. He is anything but objective. Y'all know I like the Bundesliga. I can tell you Andy Gray knew zilch about the German team that made the finals except for the two PL players, Ballack (who he dogged since he plays for Chelsea) and Lehman. He didn't do the research a normal commentator would do because he's Andy Gray. What's worse not only did he not know the other 21 guys on the German team well, he was pre disposed to not like them.

Same for the Italians. Same for the French. He was openly rooting for Spain against both Italy and Germany. How right is that? Some people call me biased but if I was calling a match and said "I think the Italians are an embarrassment to football and Spain should win" I'd be fired no questions asked.

The funny thing is most American fans I speak to who either are MLS/Mexican League-centric or like Serie A or La Liga but not the PL think he was a disgrace. Not just bad: a disgrace. I guess it's what your comfortable with, but as an American in the United States I expect better.

Kartik Krishnaiyer hopes we never see Andy Gray again on US TV.
Permalink Jun 30

This and a summary of DC's crushing of LA on ABC earlier today in my latest blog post.

The DC game is first, but scroll down for my thoughts on Gray and why Robbie Mustoe, the former Boro boy now part of the NCSAA here in the US would have made a better analyst.

Kartik Krishnaiyer has an update on Asian Qualifying
Permalink Jun 28

The final round of Asian World Cup qualifying has been set. The round will last from September 2008 through June 2009.

Group One: Group Two:

Bahrain Iran
Japan Saudi Arabia
Australia North Korea
Uzbekistan South Korea
Qatar United Arab Emirates

The top two in each group advance to the World Cup with the best third place finisher facing the winner of the Oceania Confederation (likely to be New Zealand) in a two leg playoff for a World Cup birth.

Kartik Krishnaiyer is getting ready for today's American Soccer Show.
Permalink Jun 27

On today's show:

Today on the American Soccer Show

* A review of Round Two of US Open Cup action
* Martin Rennie, Head Coach of the Cleveland City Stars joins us to recap his clubs win over Minnesota and to preview their 3rd round matchup versus the Chicago Fire.
* Mario Valdez joins Dave Denholm and I to discuss transfer rumors involving American players
* Dave Denholm and I break down Rudd Gullit's tactics with the Galaxy.
* Today at 2pm ET/11 am PT at csrnusa.com

Kartik Krishnaiyer thinks FC Twente and El Tri will be most amussing teams to follow in the upcoming months.
Permalink Jun 26

Oh and Newcastle United also.

McClaren, Sven, Keagan. It doesn't get any more "fun" than that!

Sven learning Espanol yet? He better do it soon because Mexico is in the Group of Death in qualifying and while they are talented so is every other team in the group.

McClaren doesn't want to see Orlando Engelaar. Guess what? He probably doesn't want to play for you.

And Newcastle United. What more to say?

Kartik Krishnaiyer either Steve McClaren is the tactical genius who couldn't mold undisciplined players or
Permalink Jun 25

his tenure at FC Twente in the most tactical league possibly in the world (Holland) will be short and not very sweet.

Kartik Krishnaiyer says how is it possible the first half of MLS from RFK has been more entertaining than the Euros or the US match?
Permalink Jun 22

Kartik Krishnaiyer has the US lineup for today's qualifiers. Thanks to my source in the USSF for this a tad bit early!
Permalink Jun 22

—————-Guzan————
Moor–DeMerit–Califf—Pearce
Kljestan-Bradley-Szetela-Lewis (c)
———Adu———Beasley—–

Eddie Lewis is the captain for the first time in his career and the side looks like a bit of a B side but with a eight goal cushion it's time to have some fun!

Kartik Krishnaiyer is so disappointed in Becks. An excerpt from my blog:
Permalink Jun 22

Sigi Schmid has the Crew once again pointed in the right direction. Columbus should have beat LA at the Home Depot Center save one very odd moment. The dive David Beckham took in the box to draw a penalty, was just that moment. Maybe I'm showing my cultural bias here, but generally English players are better sportsman than to just flop like Becks did last night. English football gets criticized in these parts for lack of technique ,skill and flair but one thing I feel the English still do better than anyone is play the game honestly and without trying to "put one over" on the officials. Steve Gerrard is a notable exception to this mentality, but can you blame him when he has been surrounded by so many foreign players at Liverpool. I'm not trying to insult any cultural sensitivities here, but I just never expected such a blatant dive from the former captain of the Three Lions.

The match itself was outstanding but the dive ruins the whole thing for me. It was so blatant and to me once again so totally unexpected. Landon Donovan dives a great deal and so does Carlos Ruiz. Those are the Galaxy players I expect to see pull a stunt like this and I'll again show my cultural bias or appreciation depending on your perspective in saying I tolerate diving to some extent from certain individuals and not others. While this sounds like outright hypocrisy, the game is played and taught differently in different corners of the globe.

Erik, Red Bull looks outstanding playing that Diamond. Osorio has them straightened out tactically. Now he needs some players, and looks ready to deal when the transfer window opens again next month. With the least talent in MLS, Red Bull is mid table. Not bad: tactics and managers do matter

Erik is going to need Kartik's help explaining the diamond formation.
Permalink Jun 22

I was too close to the field or not astute enough to glean what formation Osorio used yesterday for the NY Red Bulls.

In the 6th minute Dario Sala made one of the saves of the season for FC Dallas. In addition in the 67th minute Jon Conway made a spectacular save of his own to insure the 1-0 RB win.

I noticed all night that the RB were crossing into Dane Richards and Oscar Echeverry again. This sort of play was much more effective into Wolyniec when he came in for Oscar.

Sinisa Ubiparipovic proves that he can win balls, turn and burn, pass and shoot against the regular squad, as well as the reserves. He is very useful in the midfield despite not being the most graceful of players.

Kevin Goldthwaite is one of the best headers of the ball in the league. He is dangerous on the set piece as demonstrated in the goal, and is the best defensive header on the team. I asked him after the game why he came out in the 22nd minute and he said he has been having problem with his hamstring, especially on the field turf. All night long the field turf was proving to release through balls and hold up balls with spin on them. C’mon RB Park!

I wish RB could consult with Martin O’Neil just for set pieces. They have good footed players, but seemingly have no plan for the rush of net. Again they earned the majority of corners due to their flank play with Dane Richards, and are trying different things (i.e. some out swinger corners, Right corner with a right footed player), but can’t seem to get on the end of them.

Dallas must have the tallest team in the league! I could see their team height averaging 6’3”. That being said, they are very skilled on the whole as far as touch and talent. Andre Rocha is especially skilled as proved by his 6 assists this season. Most of the good Dallas midfield play went through him. To be honest the only RB are winning is the Man. City gem Senor Osorio.

Really only one missed call all night. Kudos ref, but RB could have used that clear penalty against Jon Wolyniec in the 79th to seal the deal. You can’t run over a player in the box just because you are faster.

Hunter Freeman capped in the U-23 for USA is a great wide right defender with pace and a great cross field vision and a great right footed delivery on the field switch.

Erik did not notice the specific diamond formation that was mentioned by Kartik, but will be watching for it @ Giant Stadium tonight.
Permalink Jun 21

I am currently closer to Foxborough, MA (2.5 hrs) rather than East Rutherford, NJ (3 hrs). I build golf courses so I move around alot. Last year I was in Bedminster, NJ building a golf course for Donald Trump and Giant Stadium was only 45 min. away. I saw my first proffessional soccer match there, I hail from NY and became hooked straight away! I move all of the time especially in the winter usually SE. Basically regardless of which team I support I will buy season tickets wherever I am closest. To be perfectly honest I support good soccer more than any one team in particular.

Kartik Krishnaiyer asks Erik if he noticed the Diamond the Red Bulls were playing? Osorio really hit Nicol with that one!
Permalink Jun 21

BTW is Foxboro closer to you than the Meadowlands? If so why did you decide to support NY?

I don't know Portuguese but know Spanish well enough to decipher some of the language and from what I can gather Dunga is being absolutely roasted in his home press. Three consecutive scoreless matches. Argentina for their part aren't being let off the hook. Subpar performances against the US and Ecuador were not sitting well but getting a point against Brazil while normally a cause for relief is being met with a bit of unhappiness among the Argentine faithful who think Brazil is down and could have been beaten easily.

I'm seriously worried about Wednesday. I think we are all aware of the huge Turkish immigrant population in Germany and the neo-nazi movement gaining steam particularly in the old East Germany. I really hope the German police are out in full force at home to make sure we have nothing ugly happen. I am rooting for Turkey but not if it means some poor ex-pat Turks in Germany get hurt for no reason other than petty vengeance from some right wing Geman fans.

Erik went to my first game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA for the NE Revs vs. NY Red Bull on Wednesday.
Permalink Jun 21

Free parking thank you Mr. Kraft! I was very impressed with the away draw from a Red Bull with no Juan Pablo Angel or Jozy Alitdore. Initially Red Bulls attempted to play long balls up forward to Dane Richards, who while great on the flanks hasn't the stature or game to hold a ball up ala Juan Pablo. Osorio adjusted and began to run the game through midfield surprisingly successfully. Kudos to Steve Nicol for developing Larentowicz, he is a large player with good touch, toughness, power and aerial talent. I felt that Van Den Berg while great moving forward was being exploited by the unpolished but highly pacey, Sainey Nyassi. Another brilliant adjustment Osorio began to double team Nyassi limiting his dangerous runs. Nyassi doesn’t lack his first touch he lacks his fourth or fifth, but what a talent. Look out MLS if NE can keep him. Red Bulls had the majority of corners, but did nothing with them as usual. They kept playing to Mike Magee (one of the shorter players on the team) with a seemingly tricky late run to the far post with no result. After Red Bulls gave up the equalizer they conceded the midfield and held on to the draw. I stayed until midnight to watch the reserve game, which clearly shows the great scouting of Steve Nicol. Revs won 5-0 with three penalties (the ref did suck). Watch out for number 32 Brandon Manzonelli of the Revs. He has attitude, but also talent, pace, intelligence and skill.

Kartik Krishnaiyer found a gem from Paul Gardner, the dean of American soccer writers.
Permalink Jun 20

" Bob Bradley is skilled at producing workmanlike teams. But they play banal soccer — if we didn’t know that previously (those of us who suffered through his years at the MetroStars sure as hell did) we do now. Pedestrian soccer rules, and Banality Bob is saved, on occasions, only by the flair and brilliance of Donovan. As long as Donovan is around, there is hope of something more rewarding than Bocanegra’s crunching fouls or Michael Bradley’s late tackles. The question that needs answering is why — at this late stage in the Great American Soccer Boom — the hopes for skilled, international-level play rest so heavily on one player. Is there an obvious replacement for Donovan waiting to take over? I don’t know of one — yet there should, by now, be three of four such candidates."

Kartik Krishnaiyer has the US Squad for Sunday's game (World Cup Qualifers Caps and Goals are in Parenthesis)
Permalink Jun 20

GOALKEEPERS (3): Dominic Cervi (out of contract: 0/0), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA: 1/1 SO), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake: 0/0)
DEFENDERS (6): Carlos Bocanegra (out of contract: 12/1), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland: 1/0), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC: 0/0), Drew Moor (FC Dallas: 0/0) Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege: 8/0), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock: 1/0)
MIDFIELDERS (6): DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers: 15/4), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen: 1/1), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA: 0/0), Eddie Lewis (Derby County: 18/2), Danny Szetela (Brescia: 0/0), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire: 0/0)
FORWARDS (3): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica: 1/0), Chad Barrett (Chicago Fire: 0/0), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire: 0/0)

Kartik Krishnaiyer says History counts. Portugal is not a giant in world football despite the fact some commentators claim they have the most talent in the world.
Permalink Jun 20

Portugal has only qualified for three of the last ten world cups and only five of the last nine European Championships. They are also the only European team in my lifetime to lose a World Cup match to the USA. (Folks in World Cup terms that's like losing to Belize which second choice Sven's boys almost did the other day)

Germany on the other hand are winners. They are used to hearing the critics talk about how technically challenged they are or how few German players are desired by big clubs in England or Spain (as the immortal James Richardson mentioned this week on the Guardian when he talked about the stature of English p[ayers being higher than German players). They play as a team and play for each other. You don't see all the nonsensical individuality you see from Spain or Argentina nor do you see the hacking and constant fouling you see from the US or Mexico. What you see from the Germans is tactical football and the best there is. They are in some ways the gold standard in European and World Football. For those of you who don't like them and say "ah how ugly," what has Portugal, Spain or Argentina won lately? Actually what have Portugal or Spain won period?

For those of you finally convinced check out the Bundesliga this year. It'll be worth your time and unlike other top leagues in Europe the results are not pre-ordained!

Kartik Krishnaiyer thinks it is VERY unlikely any MLS or USL team can compete in the CONCACAF Champions League
Permalink Jun 20

Looking at the group draw, every group contains an MLS team and a Mexican team. By default we know the Mexican team is better than the MLS team. Team X from Mexico will always beat team Y from MLS. That's a given. So then when you factor in teams like Saprissa (in DC's group) and their combination of quality and artificial turf you realize the long odds American based clubs face.

I've got only one club from north of Torreon,making the semifinals. That club will be Toronto FC not an American based club. TFC's ability to sign quality European players because of the rules of MLS and the general fact that Canadian players are at this point better than American players plus a pesky little guy known as Amado Guevara one of the best players in the region will make TFC the only real threat MLS has to win this event, assuming they qualify via the Canadian Cup. Otherwise another lame duck USL club will in the field.

Kartik Krishnaiyer loves when a home crowd in an international turns against its own team.
Permalink Jun 19

We've seen it with the Mexicans all the time, we've seen it in Europe and yes last night we saw it in Brazil culminated by the wild applause Messi got as he was subbed out. The draw does just enough perhaps to keep Dunga his job but time is running out. But why? He won Copa America with an inferior squad to Argentina and the current table not withstanding we all know Brazil will qualify for the World Cup, right?

Brazilians are spoiled. They want beautiful soccer and winner football: Jogo Bonito. Right now Dunga realizes the way to beat the Argentines who have vastly more talent than Brazil or anyone on the planet is to clog up the middle and take away space for the attackers. That requires an approach unfamiliar to Brazilian Football but effective in stopping the Argentines. But it is an approach that irritates the Brazilian faithful.

Kartik Krishnaiyer is counting the minutes until Brasil and Argentina kick off.
Permalink Jun 19

Kartik Krishnaiyer says the following changes have been made to the US squad for the 2nd leg v Barbados
Permalink Jun 18

Released: Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Steve Cherundulo (Hannover 96), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids) and Matt Reis (New England Revolution).

Recalled: Danny Szetela (Racing Santander)

several more additions to come

Kartik Krishnaiyer agrees with Phil and Hudsonland. Besides Coupet was properly positioned to make a save and Toni cannot finish in this tournament.
Permalink Jun 18

Also what is with the French and injuries at critical times? Vierra in the WC finals, Ribbery yesterday and of course Zizzou in 02? Sad to see Thuram and Makelele end their international careers this way, although I guess Thuram was spared the agony somewhat by sitting on the bench.

Going forward Domenech has to be sacked. Dropping Cisse, Trezeguet and Ben Arfa for Anelka, and Gomes was completely useless. Govou is player I've always liked but Domenech puts him in a position to fail. Henry has no business playing for Les Blues anymore. He's a club player first and from my perspective he never gave much for his country when it mattered. Benzema is the future and I think Cisse and Trezeguet both of whom have scored more important goals than Henry for France should recalled as a stopgap for qualifying.

Didier Descamps, should be expecting a call from the FFF.

Kartik Krishnaiyer says congrats to Ty! Not only is it great for you, but now the Big Lead is a complete sports site after virtually ignoring our game for so long.
Permalink Jun 17

I just plucked down $25 for Brazil-Argentina tomorrow night. A small price to pay for a match of this magnitude. In the past it has been argued that the qualifiers between Argentina and Brazil are better than the WC finals. However now, Brazil is in full free fall mode and quite frankly Mexico may have more talent than them, but the way Mexico is performing who'd want to watch them. The Mexico-Belize match is two hours I'll never get back in my life and considering Mexico whom I hate (if you didn't notice) and Sven who loves boring football are now married, they will be totally unwatchable. My belief is contrary to popular belief and the revisionist historians who now view his England tenure as a success, Sven won't last long in Mexico and will never get another top international job again afterwards.

With the US performing poorly yet again Sunday (although the US looked like world beaters when compared with Mexico), the door is open in CONCACAF for Honduras, Guatemala and even Jamaica. Costa Rica and Trinidad are fading also rather quickly. In COMNEBOL, Paraguay is possibly the second most talented team behind Argentina at this point so it is no surprise they are doing so well. Brazil should finish third but anything less and Dunga is a goner.

I personally think South America is the toughest region to qualify from with UEFA second. COMNEBOL has a two year process where everyone plays everyone else twice. It's beyond grueling: it is downright cruel and those left standing deserve the reward of a World Cup birth.

Kartik Krishnaiyer has a blog on all the World Cup qualifers yesterday from this hemisphere. Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the US and everyone else too
Permalink Jun 16

Check it out here

Kartik Krishnaiyer is waiting for second choice Sven to say one of two things:
Permalink Jun 16

1- "I care deeply about this job" OR

2- "On second thought I'll retire and go back to Sweden."

Mexico's pathetic performance against the 172nd ranked nation in the world must have Sven opting for the later. He thought England was tough and the British media rough? He'll be dying for Barry Glendenning's wit after a few more performances from his new boys like last nights.

Kartik Krishnaiyer wondering if Juve rules reign in Argentina.
Permalink Jun 16

Ecuador has every right to be aggrieved tonight and the Argies got a gift in the fourth of stoppage time.

Kartik Krishnaiyer watched Mexico absolutely luck out against Belize today. Two strange calls led to a free kick which got Mexico its first in minute 67,
Permalink Jun 15

then a call off the ball for incidental contact gave Mexico a PK two minutes into stoppage time. Second choice Sven must now know what he is in for after watching today's terrible performance.

Kartik Krishnaiyer thinks even if MLS wasn't USL-2 standard it wasn't up to the level it would be without the missing players
Permalink Jun 15

Every region with the exception of the Euro engaged UEFA confederation has begun qualifying for World Cup 2010. A number of players from Major League Soccer and USL-1 were in action Saturday, representing their countries, and flying the banner of both leagues. This is why it is all the more illogical for both leagues to play right through the international breaks, especially for World Cup qualifying. Sunday over twenty five players from MLS and USL will be engaged in World Cup qualifying. Unlike most MLS games (or PL games for that matter), these matches actually mean something. For many of these nations it was win or go home.

Carlos Ruiz (LA Galaxy)
Scored four goals in Guatemala’s 6-0 thrashing of St Lucia
Christopher Megaloudis (NY Red Bulls)
Scored a goal in Puerto Rico’s 2-2 draw with Honduras
Peter Villegas (Puerto Rico Islanders)
Scored a goal in Puerto Rico’s 2-2 draw with Honduras
Noah Delgado (Puerto Rico Islanders)
Played a full 90 minutes in Puerto Rico’s 2-2 draw with Honduras
Amado Guevara (Toronto FC)
Played 90 minutes in Honduras 2-2 draw with Puerto Rico. Honduras advances 6-2 on aggregate
Gonzalo Segaras (Chicago Fire)
Played 66 minutes in Costa Rica’s 2-2 draw with Grenada.
Shalrie Joseph (New England Revs)
Played 90 minutes in Grenada’s 2-2 draw with Costa Rica
Kenny Mansally (New England Revs)
Played the final 15 minutes of Gambia’s 1-0 victory over Algeria
Kei Kamara (San Jose Earthquakes)
Played 90 plus minutes in Sierra Leone’s 1-0 victory over South Africa. Kamara was subbed out in stoppage time.

Kartik Krishnaiyer is unhappy second choice Sven won't take over Mexico tomorrow in Houston. He still can back out as we know he should.
Permalink Jun 15

Maybe he thinks Boro will score number nine if he backs out?

Tonight in MLS, some good games, but seriously, who could watch MLS straight through when Tiger Woods was tearing up the back nine at La Jolla?

Hat tricks for Emilio and Buddle though, some good football on MLS Saturday Night but it tough to not keep flipping back to Tiger when he's on a roll in a major.

Kartik Krishnaiyer is still in shock about Russert's passing and admits my Sunday mornings have been spent with him for 15 years or so, and will never be the same.
Permalink Jun 14

From a football standpoint, I went back and looked at all the missed calls by USSF officials in CONCACAF friendlies and FIFA events and perhaps the USSF should stop training officials. We may know the game better just by using our instincts! ( just kidding but you get my points)

Kartik Krishnaiyer has the post about Sven up. Sure to be controversial, but part of me is convinced he'll fail.
Permalink Jun 13

Sven: Mexico's Final Downfall?

Kartik Krishnaiyer is working on a blog about Sven and Mexico's desperation.
Permalink Jun 13

If Sven losses to the CONCACAF equivalent of Northern Ireland he will be fired promptly. I certainly hope for his sake he learned how to deal with a rough and tumble press in England because Mexico believe it or not is even worse. Mexicans for whatever reason think it is their birthright to dominate a sport which they have shown little ability to dominate in the past. Players and fans are already unhappy with the choice. But give the players failures (winning one of their last eleven matches vs USA, consistent losses to Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras as well) they should be punished for their play with the manager they least desired.

But seriously why did so many Mexican managers show no interest in a job they used to be willing to die for? Why did so many managers say "not interested" before the FMF called. Can we call Sven , "second choice Sven? "

Sven better have some idea of what he is getting into. Otherwise the retirement Thaskin tried to provide him with will look very nice in comparison.

Erik would like to let Logan know that I was attempting to be sarcastic with the whole B.brun B.ham thing.
Permalink Jun 13

I value any live match no matter how dull was the point, "even if it is five year olds are chasing after the ball like bees." I try to take in as many opinions as possible (message boards, blogs, radio showhsweight them all and begrudge nobody their opinions.

Kartik Krishnaiyer wasn't called upon on the Bradley call. I wanted to ask him about why Eddie Lewis and Frankie Hejduk are so much more effective than our younger players.
Permalink Jun 13

Oh and Hudsonland, I 100% agree. I'm hoping for a draw and PKs like you for the novelty.

Kartik Krishnaiyer just interviewed Jaime Trecker for tomorrow's show. He is headed to Austria after Sunday's US game.
Permalink Jun 12

Like me, he is not at all pleased with the progress of the US team and feels a coaching change must be made. I won't go that far just yet but am certainly concerned about where we are headed. Bradley needs a decisive win Sunday to hang on in my book.

Ironically enough I am sitting on hold while US Soccer begins a conference call with Coach Bob Bradley. Hopefully I'll get a chance to ask him a question or two.

Kartik Krishnaiyer wow, props to Croatia.
Permalink Jun 12

The Silverbacks were fortunate to get through their first US Open Cup match the other night against a PDL side. They'll need to bring their A+ game to hang with those teams.

Kartik Krishnaiyer says SRNA! Kranjar had a chance to make it two.
Permalink Jun 12

Kartik Krishnaiyer says tonight's MLS cup re-match on ESPN 2 is better avoided by the casual viewer.
Permalink Jun 12

Why? Read my blog! (shamless plug)

Kartik Krishnaiyer understands Hudsonland's point, but the rules of the game are clear and no debate exists.
Permalink Jun 12

You may not like the rule but it is clear. It's not a USSF rule it is a FIFA rule. I don't particularly care for the rule but the official does not have any interpretation by a referee.

Even though the MLS officials are generally inept if trained by the USSF while being competent if trained by the CSA (Canadian Soccer Assoc.) the rules as codified remain the same through all the member federations. If you have different rules you face reprecusions from FIFA.

Let me applaud Erik's point. We have domestic football here thanks to MLS and USL. It's what we follow in this country. We don't have the luxury of all moving to Europe or picking up this country, with its economic engines that make it the most desirable place to live on the planet and plopping it in Europe so our national team can play in UEFA and our domestic league can be "European," and be played at a different time of the year. Football is a cultural expression throughout the glob and American soccer is different than European soccer largely because of geography and the makeup of the nation. That's not something to be ripped on but to be embraced much as football throughout Latin America, Oceania, Asia and sub-Saharan Africa is played in a different style and different manner than the European game.

European commentators want to drive a point to Americans that we are somehow "inferior" to them and we play an inferior style of the game. That's ones opinion but does not need to be accepted as doctrine especially by Americans, some of whom by into it and have posted they would like MLS or USL to fold and the US to stop forming a national team.

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3 Replies

Started by Philly Mac. Last reply by Philly Mac Mar 1.

Saturday: Has to be Arsenal v Villa for entertainment value and for what it means to the table. Side-issue: Can Arsenal re-gain their concentration after last weekend? Car wreck of the day: Newcas... Read More »

England national team
1 Reply

Started by Stephen Allen. Last reply by Soccer Shout Phil Feb 29.

so recently England managed to lose to croatia after fighting back to 2-2 which would have seen them go to euro 2008, but they managed to lose 3-2 in the end meaning they didn't qualify for euro 20... Read More »

Tagged: england, international, football, capello, world

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England national team 1 Reply

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Who's going down?
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What games are you looking forward to this weekend? (Mar 1/2)
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England national team
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