World Cup Fever?

I can't wait for the World Cup. Some of the world's best athletes out there representing their country in a sport which is quite physically demanding.

Being that I follow France, I'll be flamed and hated by all, but I can deal. They are definitely on the downslide following their win in '98, however still have one of the best forwards in the World in Thierry Henry. And I am a big Fabien Barthez fan, as goalkeeper is the most thankless job of the Starting XI.

The US definitely will have a strong team, and with the MLS getting better and better, it's only a matter of time before it expands dollar-wise. Especially if David Beckham comes to the MLS to play.

France??? Why France? Man...:doh:

Hope they do better than last time! ;)

The biggest reason is that my mom's side of the family is French. She was first generation born outside of France. Plus, my first "jersey" (granted I was 3 and didn't know better) was a French national team shirt. That and I like to stir the pot.

lol. Well I hope USA is at least your second favorite. I had a France jersey when I was a kid (among others), but I learned better!

Either way, I am getting totally psyched for the Cup. Plus, it's in Europe (as opposed to Japan/Korea, which sucked), so you get up in the morning, and there are games. Then they usually get rebroadcast at night by Univision or ESPN. Footie all the time.

lol. Well I hope USA is at least your second favorite. I had a France jersey when I was a kid (among others), but I learned better!

Either way, I am getting totally psyched for the Cup. Plus, it's in Europe (as opposed to Japan/Korea, which sucked), so you get up in the morning, and there are games. Then they usually get rebroadcast at night by Univision or ESPN. Footie all the time.

it will still be a 6-7 hour time difference. but truely not as bad as K/J. First, jersey, Swedish national team. 2nd fav to US.

I'm a U.S. fan first and an Argentina fan second since I used to live there. I also lived in Mexico, and I love the people and country, but I am enough of a U.S. fan not to like their soccer team...

To whoever was talking about UEFA Cup, most of the last few rounds have been broadcast live on ESPN2.

Anyone else suprised with the pick of Brian Ching over Taylor Twellman? Ching wasn't playing all that well with the National team when he was called up compared to Twellman, and Bruce Arena even said that it was due to his play in the MLS this year. I'd rather have a player who is playing better on the national level than on the club level. But then again, Bruce Arena is the best coach this country has ever had at that level so who am I to argue....

I'm not a big soccer guy but the world cup almost always excites me...well, once it gets to the do or die stage anyways.

I'll be cheering for the US, Sweden, Netherlands, and all the African teams.

Anyone else suprised with the pick of Brian Ching over Taylor Twellman? Ching wasn't playing all that well with the National team when he was called up compared to Twellman, and Bruce Arena even said that it was due to his play in the MLS this year. I'd rather have a player who is playing better on the national level than on the club level. But then again, Bruce Arena is the best coach this country has ever had at that level so who am I to argue....

I was surprised as well. The more I thought about it, though, the more logical it became. Two of our first round opponents (italy & Ghana) have really physical back lines, and Ching is much bigger and athletic than Twellman. Better in the air and able to fight off defenders. Twellman is a better pure scorer, but he relies more on being crafty and quick. Like you said, I'll leave it up to Bruce.

I was really excited to see Benny Olsen get chosen. Sucks for DC United that he'll miss a huge part of the MLS season, but I was happy for him. Great guy.

Anyone else suprised with the pick of Brian Ching over Taylor Twellman? Ching wasn't playing all that well with the National team when he was called up compared to Twellman, and Bruce Arena even said that it was due to his play in the MLS this year. I'd rather have a player who is playing better on the national level than on the club level. But then again, Bruce Arena is the best coach this country has ever had at that level so who am I to argue....


Well, in the last couple of friendlies, Taylor missed some pretty easy chances. But I agree that Ching is touhger, and he's hitting his stride right now, whereas Taylor has been up and down. We'll see. God knows we need a striker to help McBride out. I was also psyched for Olsen. Man, that must have been a good feeling to get that call.

I figure it all turns on Reyna's health, as usual. We are a different team when he can hold the ball in midfield and feed our speed guys like Beasly and Donovan. Plus it frees up Landon to roam up on offense, where he is dangerous. I think our D will be strong. Guch, Pope, Gibbs, etc. And it's nice to have Eddie Lewis available--his service from the left is world class. If they can stay organized and not give up cheap goals, they'll be good. But man, it's a tough friggin group!

USA! USA! USA!