Come on you Septics

[Slim]

It is apparent that you talk a lot of shit, but have probably not seen a single USA qualifier, or at least bothered to stop sticking your nose in the air to allow your eyes to watch. No walkovers there.

This is your attempt at civil conversation? If this is how your attempt to succeed looks, then it's no wonder you think the US had to do more than just show up to qualify.

And for stupidity's sake, Hondras aren't in Kazakstan or Andorra's position you retarded cunt, they are in Ukraine's and if you think they would finish above Croatia and Ukraine in our group then you are fucking deluded, stupid and fucktarded. Now go bury your fucking head in the sand and you can come up for air in three months when you want another pop at me for no fucking reason. Now...FUCK OFF.

Actually, if you would actually read as opposed to formulating your less-than-witty retort, you will see I said I was going to your level.

And you might actually be funny and articulate if you weren't trying so hard to prove (unsuccessfully) how smart think you are.

Oh and as for your apparent comparison, yes they are fucko, the OVERALL percentages favor Andorra and Kazakhstan (by the way, you really should learn how to spell country names correctly, it just shows your lack of intelligence in glaring colors...sorry colours) over Honduras and even T&T. Thanks for the laugh, but I can't debate with a simpleton who cannot spell, read and who thinks he is fucking Einstein incarnate.

Ukraine=in a playoff spot.

Honduras=in a playoff spot.

What overall percentages are blinding you to that fact?

Thank god YOU think I am stupid, I mean fuck sake, that's convinced me Brian.

[lythamblue]

Wow this is quite the thread. So overall what i'm trying to say is, The States congrats on qualifying, if they get thier tatics right they might suprise a few teams. If the people talking from the "CONACAF doesn't deserve as many teams" camp you should be more upset with the fact that they are seeding the European play-offs which is really stupid. Teams that fuck up no matter what qualifying there in fuck up. God no one is complaining about Argentina yet they play like complete crap all throughout qualifying and pretty much had to work hard to not qualify, and people are bitching about CONACAF's weak group. They only get three teams out of 32! If they get 4 it is because they deserve it against South America. 3 teams and you guys complain! It is unreal, yes other teams in Europe are possibly better but even the teams that are struggling to qualify still drop points and its their loss. Its as simple as this, everyone knows the groups and number of teams that qualify, if you want to qualify show up to play. The States did that as did many other teams around the world and personally I can't wait for the World Cup.

First of all, we all know who will win any play off between the 5th in S America and 4th in CONCACAF don't we? Argentina or Uruguay reserves would come though against Costa Rica or Honduras.

Also, if the CONCACAF groups are that full of good sides, why don't the ones that qualify from it ever do anything in the World Cup Finals themselves? As usual this year, USA will scrap hard, get well organised and kick themselves through the group stages ..... and then get knocked out in the last 16 when they come across any decent S American or European side.

In the recent past, sides like Jamaica, Haiti, Honduras, Trinidad & Tobago etc have gone from being good CONCACAF Qualifiers to World Cup Finals whipping boys and nothing will change this year.

IMO, the third placed team in CONCACAF are only there so that FIFA can truly call it a 'World' Cup. Any team that finishes second in a European group would have easily qualified through CONCACAF and can rightly feel aggrieved at at the ignominy of having to go through a play off against another decent side, whilst someone who finished 3rd in CONCACAF is already there.

I rarely agree with NQDP but in this instance he is right. Finland WOULD Qualify from a CONCACAF group.

[Steve]

Obviously though you can't trust a brits opinion about the US, they have massive chips on their shoulders, though I've seen some opinions here that are actually thought out, which is nice. I have to say, even with the stereotypes as to how people of different nationalities behave, I've never had any problem getting along with anyone of any nationality in person. .... unless they were huge cunts, haha.

anyway,

U S A
U S A
U S A
U S A

This is a little stereotypical, although I admit some Brits speak of America/ns so negatively that it stinks of jealousy. I personally am in awe of US and a lot of things its people have done. Put me in charge for a day, and of course there's a few things I'd change, but some people are too happy to overlook the fantastic things about the country, and just pick holes in the negatives.

[Kyle]

Wow this is quite the thread. So overall what i'm trying to say is, The States congrats on qualifying, if they get thier tatics right they might suprise a few teams. If the people talking from the "CONACAF doesn't deserve as many teams" camp you should be more upset with the fact that they are seeding the European play-offs which is really stupid. Teams that fuck up no matter what qualifying there in fuck up. God no one is complaining about Argentina yet they play like complete crap all throughout qualifying and pretty much had to work hard to not qualify, and people are bitching about CONACAF's weak group. They only get three teams out of 32! If they get 4 it is because they deserve it against South America. 3 teams and you guys complain! It is unreal, yes other teams in Europe are possibly better but even the teams that are struggling to qualify still drop points and its their loss. Its as simple as this, everyone knows the groups and number of teams that qualify, if you want to qualify show up to play. The States did that as did many other teams around the world and personally I can't wait for the World Cup.

First of all, we all know who will win any play off between the 5th in S America and 4th in CONCACAF don't we? Argentina or Uruguay reserves would come though against Costa Rica or Honduras.

Also, if the CONCACAF groups are that full of good sides, why don't the ones that qualify from it ever do anything in the World Cup Finals themselves? As usual this year, USA will scrap hard, get well organised and kick themselves through the group stages ..... and then get knocked out in the last 16 when they come across any decent S American or European side.

In the recent past, sides like Jamaica, Haiti, Honduras, Trinidad & Tobago etc have gone from being good CONCACAF Qualifiers to World Cup Finals whipping boys and nothing will change this year.

IMO, the third placed team in CONCACAF are only there so that FIFA can truly call it a 'World' Cup. Any team that finishes second in a European group would have easily qualified through CONCACAF and can rightly feel aggrieved at at the ignominy of having to go through a play off against another decent side, whilst someone who finished 3rd in CONCACAF is already there.

I rarely agree with NQDP but in this instance he is right. Finland WOULD Qualify from a CONCACAF group.

Listen, my point is not who has the better sides or who would qualify where, you can't live life in the hypotheticals... What I said was, the states deserve the credit because they qualified and they showed in the confeds cup that they can compete with some of the best teams in the world. No one bitches that the strength in depth isn't in the French league so they shouldn't get champions league spots... You argument is rediculious! As unfair as it may be everyone is more then well aware and living in fantasy land with all these what if's is stupid. Weaker or not it is impossible to make it completely fair when you have regions like CONACAF, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and South America. I mean no one has mentioned the Asian teams that qualified. If Russia and Ukraine (everyones examples) are having a hard time qualifying why didn't they join the Asia group so they could have the "golden ticket" like the states? I don't come up with the system I just understand it, and this is the way it is...

[Florida Blue]

Wow this is quite the thread. So overall what i'm trying to say is, The States congrats on qualifying, if they get thier tatics right they might suprise a few teams. If the people talking from the "CONACAF doesn't deserve as many teams" camp you should be more upset with the fact that they are seeding the European play-offs which is really stupid. Teams that fuck up no matter what qualifying there in fuck up. God no one is complaining about Argentina yet they play like complete crap all throughout qualifying and pretty much had to work hard to not qualify, and people are bitching about CONACAF's weak group. They only get three teams out of 32! If they get 4 it is because they deserve it against South America. 3 teams and you guys complain! It is unreal, yes other teams in Europe are possibly better but even the teams that are struggling to qualify still drop points and its their loss. Its as simple as this, everyone knows the groups and number of teams that qualify, if you want to qualify show up to play. The States did that as did many other teams around the world and personally I can't wait for the World Cup.

First of all, we all know who will win any play off between the 5th in S America and 4th in CONCACAF don't we? Argentina or Uruguay reserves would come though against Costa Rica or Honduras.

Also, if the CONCACAF groups are that full of good sides, why don't the ones that qualify from it ever do anything in the World Cup Finals themselves? As usual this year, USA will scrap hard, get well organised and kick themselves through the group stages ..... and then get knocked out in the last 16 when they come across any decent S American or European side.

In the recent past, sides like Jamaica, Haiti, Honduras, Trinidad & Tobago etc have gone from being good CONCACAF Qualifiers to World Cup Finals whipping boys and nothing will change this year.

IMO, the third placed team in CONCACAF are only there so that FIFA can truly call it a 'World' Cup. Any team that finishes second in a European group would have easily qualified through CONCACAF and can rightly feel aggrieved at at the ignominy of having to go through a play off against another decent side, whilst someone who finished 3rd in CONCACAF is already there.

I rarely agree with NQDP but in this instance he is right. Finland WOULD Qualify from a CONCACAF group.

Funny how the USA got to the quarter-finals in 2002, just like England. We had a bad Cup in 2006, (and keep in mind I support the English National Team), but England did not even qualify for Euro 2008, so shit happens.

I agree CONCACAF is weak, but like many are implying, to say it is easy or not deserving of the 3-4 spots it is allotted is totally off base. Also, I contest your point, depending on where the game is played, I could see Costa Rica having a chance of beating Uruguay's full squad, and frankly any team run by Maradonna as well.

[lythamblue]

I have no problem with them qualifying, I just am baffled the American's...at least some of them cannot see they are being handed a golden ticket every time they qualify now and with good reason, but not one that has to do with anything on the pitch.

I understand that the strength in depth might not be there, but as the condederations cup proved the states are more then capable of competing in this sort of competition.

With respect .... the Confedrerations Cup was full of Europeans and S American players that had just had a very hard season competing in tough leagues, didn't want to be there and and couldn't wait to get on their holidays.

It's a mickey mouse competition just established to provide a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, where the facilities, transport links and general organisation are considered far more importasnt than the football.

Play the likes of Spain and Brazil in the latter stages of a World Cup and I think you will find them a different kettle of fish altogether.

Even being biased, it would be hard for you to come up with one USA player who would walk in to the Brazil, Spain, Germany ..... or even England team.

[Slim]

Ummm, France get their champions league spots based on how french teams perform in Europe. They aren't just handed to them, they are earnt.

[Kyle]

I have no problem with them qualifying, I just am baffled the American's...at least some of them cannot see they are being handed a golden ticket every time they qualify now and with good reason, but not one that has to do with anything on the pitch.

I understand that the strength in depth might not be there, but as the condederations cup proved the states are more then capable of competing in this sort of competition.

With respect .... the Confedrerations Cup was full of Europeans and S American players that had just had a very hard season competing in tough leagues, didn't want to be there and and couldn't wait to get on their holidays.

It's a mickey mouse competition just established to provide a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, where the facilities, transport links and general organisation are considered far more importasnt than the football.

Play the likes of Spain and Brazil in the latter stages of a World Cup and I think you will find them a different kettle of fish altogether.

Even being biased, it would be hard for you to come up with one USA player who would walk in to the Brazil, Spain, Germany ..... or even England team.

Your point is irrelevent. I consider it on the same stage as a friendly, not the world cup, so i agree with you there. But I never said they had better players then any of the other teams, but it is a team game. They don't have better teams then them. Name one Ukranian/Russian/Finnish or other player from the teams we said got shafted earlier that would walk into those squads either.

[kinkylola]

Obviously though you can't trust a brits opinion about the US, they have massive chips on their shoulders, though I've seen some opinions here that are actually thought out, which is nice. I have to say, even with the stereotypes as to how people of different nationalities behave, I've never had any problem getting along with anyone of any nationality in person. .... unless they were huge cunts, haha.

anyway,

U S A
U S A
U S A
U S A

This is a little stereotypical, although I admit some Brits speak of America/ns so negatively that it stinks of jealousy. I personally am in awe of US and a lot of things its people have done. Put me in charge for a day, and of course there's a few things I'd change, but some people are too happy to overlook the fantastic things about the country, and just pick holes in the negatives.

I know I was being a bit broad with that comment, but reading through some of the stuff on this forum, you can't help but feel that way. As I said, I have seen some more thought out opinions, which is refreshing and respect to those who like to have an intelligent discussion (which obviously excludes slim).

The fact of the matter is that you don't know which teams would qualify from where and it is for certain that you don't qualify for the World Cup through reputation. The Ukraine or Finland would have to win their games if put in our region. Same goes for Argentina ... you say their reserves would walk through, but their first team are having enough trouble with the likes of bolivia and peru as it is.

I feel like slim/NDQP/whoever are speaking heavily on the back of a strong england qualifying campaign ... but honestly this is the first time in a long time that England have qualified solidly from their group. Seems you should be walking through some of these teams doesn't it?

Any given sunday and all that.

[Kyle]

I have no problem with them qualifying, I just am baffled the American's...at least some of them cannot see they are being handed a golden ticket every time they qualify now and with good reason, but not one that has to do with anything on the pitch.

I understand that the strength in depth might not be there, but as the condederations cup proved the states are more then capable of competing in this sort of competition.

With respect .... the Confedrerations Cup was full of Europeans and S American players that had just had a very hard season competing in tough leagues, didn't want to be there and and couldn't wait to get on their holidays.

It's a mickey mouse competition just established to provide a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, where the facilities, transport links and general organisation are considered far more importasnt than the football.

Play the likes of Spain and Brazil in the latter stages of a World Cup and I think you will find them a different kettle of fish altogether.

Even being biased, it would be hard for you to come up with one USA player who would walk in to the Brazil, Spain, Germany ..... or even England team.

Haha having thought about it though, Tim Howard would probably have the starting keeper job for England...

[kinkylola]

I have no problem with them qualifying, I just am baffled the American's...at least some of them cannot see they are being handed a golden ticket every time they qualify now and with good reason, but not one that has to do with anything on the pitch.

I understand that the strength in depth might not be there, but as the condederations cup proved the states are more then capable of competing in this sort of competition.

With respect .... the Confedrerations Cup was full of Europeans and S American players that had just had a very hard season competing in tough leagues, didn't want to be there and and couldn't wait to get on their holidays.

It's a mickey mouse competition just established to provide a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, where the facilities, transport links and general organisation are considered far more importasnt than the football.

Play the likes of Spain and Brazil in the latter stages of a World Cup and I think you will find them a different kettle of fish altogether.

Even being biased, it would be hard for you to come up with one USA player who would walk in to the Brazil, Spain, Germany ..... or even England team.

Haha having thought about it though, Tim Howard would probably have the starting keeper job for England...

Kasey Keller, Brad Freidal both would have had a shout too earlier on in their careerss ... and seeing as foster has been called back up, you can't say our backup brad guzan wouldn't have a chance either.

[DoomMerchant]

I have no problem with them qualifying, I just am baffled the American's...at least some of them cannot see they are being handed a golden ticket every time they qualify now and with good reason, but not one that has to do with anything on the pitch.

I understand that the strength in depth might not be there, but as the condederations cup proved the states are more then capable of competing in this sort of competition.

With respect .... the Confedrerations Cup was full of Europeans and S American players that had just had a very hard season competing in tough leagues, didn't want to be there and and couldn't wait to get on their holidays.

It's a mickey mouse competition just established to provide a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, where the facilities, transport links and general organisation are considered far more importasnt than the football.

Play the likes of Spain and Brazil in the latter stages of a World Cup and I think you will find them a different kettle of fish altogether.

Even being biased, it would be hard for you to come up with one USA player who would walk in to the Brazil, Spain, Germany ..... or even England team.

Haha having thought about it though, Tim Howard would probably have the starting keeper job for England...

Kasey Keller, Brad Freidal both would have had a shout too earlier on in their careerss ... and seeing as foster has been called back up, you can't say our backup brad guzan wouldn't have a chance either.

i agree with you save Guzan. He has hair, and that's surely a no-no for an American keeper. I'm a bald asshole, and if i've proven anything i will support my brethren with my dying last breath if need be.

WIth regard to the US -- there are a couple players who might find a side in a European national side. Dempsey, Donovan, Howard. Onyewu could even get a look in from certain sides as he's not half bad. All in all tho the US side is like Mark Hughes Blackburn side...grafters, grinders, enough quality to do some damage with a controlled style. If i were England i wouldn't want to play them in any way, shape or form...as Spain found out. It's a lose-lose for everyone of substance who plays the US. You are supposed to win vs. this non-footballing nation...and when you lose? oops.

And honestly, i support Italia and the Dutch team more than i have ever followed the US national team. Which makes this thread all the more amusing to me i guess.

cheers

[mr_nool]

As per usual the English posters stare themselves blind on individual players, something which most English national team managers seem to do as well. If it only were that easy, why hasn't England managed to bag any sliverwear since 1966? And howcome that small countries like Sweden, Denmark, Greece, etc. perfrom very well on an international level?

Football is a teamsport also on a national level. And with the games and training sessions so far apart, it is even more imporrtant than in club football to have consistency, to follow a gameplan, and to bring the team together. And guess what, this is something the US is very very good at.

[andeez nutz]

i would think most of us Americans would rather the US team have a tougher road to get to the WC.
if we play better teams, we'll get better as a team.
but when it comes down to it - geography as a lot to play with it.
usa is too far away from any really good national team.
we'll take our friendlies here and there, but the team is not going all out and playing there first squad.
so we play the WC qualifiers, we beat them teams we should beat, and we get into the World Cup.
We'll get our chance to show what we can do.

[Bingo Lewis]

As per usual the English posters stare themselves blind on individual players, something which most English national team managers seem to do as well. If it only were that easy, why hasn't England managed to bag any sliverwear since 1966? And howcome that small countries like Sweden, Denmark, Greece, etc. perfrom very well on an international level?

Football is a teamsport also on a national level. And with the games and training sessions so far apart, it is even more imporrtant than in club football to have consistency, to follow a gameplan, and to bring the team together. And guess what, this is something the US is very very good at.

newsflash mate, England is part of a tiny little island.

[kinkylola]

i would think most of us Americans would rather the US team have a tougher road to get to the WC.
if we play better teams, we'll get better as a team.
but when it comes down to it - geography as a lot to play with it.
usa is too far away from any really good national team.
we'll take our friendlies here and there, but the team is not going all out and playing there first squad.
so we play the WC qualifiers, we beat them teams we should beat, and we get into the World Cup.
We'll get our chance to show what we can do.

agree. I want to play the best teams and eventually be able to beat the best teams. You only get better by playing against those who are better than you. Let people write us off too ... we do much better with the underdog tag at this point.

[mr_nool]

As per usual the English posters stare themselves blind on individual players, something which most English national team managers seem to do as well. If it only were that easy, why hasn't England managed to bag any sliverwear since 1966? And howcome that small countries like Sweden, Denmark, Greece, etc. perfrom very well on an international level?

Football is a teamsport also on a national level. And with the games and training sessions so far apart, it is even more imporrtant than in club football to have consistency, to follow a gameplan, and to bring the team together. And guess what, this is something the US is very very good at.

newsflash mate, England is part of a tiny little island.

Newsflah: England has a population of over 50 million people, roughly five times as much as Sweden and Greece and 10 times as much as Denamark. I don't really see what geographical area has to do with it...

[Steve]

As per usual the English posters stare themselves blind on individual players, something which most English national team managers seem to do as well. If it only were that easy, why hasn't England managed to bag any sliverwear since 1966? And howcome that small countries like Sweden, Denmark, Greece, etc. perfrom very well on an international level?

Football is a teamsport also on a national level. And with the games and training sessions so far apart, it is even more imporrtant than in club football to have consistency, to follow a gameplan, and to bring the team together. And guess what, this is something the US is very very good at.

newsflash mate, England is part of a tiny little island.

Newsflah: England has a population of over 50 million people, roughly five times as much as Sweden and Greece and 10 times as much as Denamark. I don't really see what geographical area has to do with it...

Room for more football pitches? ;-)

[Somerset Blue]

I find 'CONCACAF' amusingly satisfying, for some reason. Much better than 'UEFA'. What does it actually stand for?

[mr_nool]

I find 'CONCACAF' amusingly satisfying, for some reason. Much better than 'UEFA'. What does it actually stand for?

Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football