Football vs Futbol

[bxbomb]

pretty funny read form Foxsports

The World Cup is over, and NFL training camps open in less than three weeks.

Which got the FOX Funhouse staff thinking about why we like our football better than the world's football ...

Much better looking trophy given to the champions.

Overtime is sudden death ... first to score, wins.

Championships not decided by the random guessing game that is a penalty kick.

Though it has yet to happen, a Super Bowl champion would be decided in sudden-death overtime.

We won't have to wait another four years for a new Super Bowl champion.

No third-place game played before the Super Bowl.

The French aren't any good at our football.

Football has cheerleaders.

Football has cheerleaders who wear revealing clothing.

No need to make apologies when you tell friends you're a football fan.

Players only carried off field on stretchers for real, serious injuries.

There's no "magic spray" in football.

Our football players can use their hands, and feet, and whatever else they feel like using.

Prevent defense only played in final couple minutes, rather than 90 minutes.

Games not decided by penalty kicks, only kicks that are made by an undersized kicker being pursued by hulking 300-pound behemoths.

In our football, kickers get poked fun of. Kickers in football are viewed as small and weak, and everybody makes fun of them.

Roughing the kicker penalty doesn't give a team a free shot at a touchdown.

There's no pretending to be fouled.

There's no pretending to be hurt.

A blowout isn't 2-0.

Ties rarely ever happen.

Offsides rule in football easier to understand than offsides rule in soccer.

The U.S. would never lose to Ghana in a game of football.

Fat guys can play.

Unlimited substitutions in football make for a faster, and therefore, better game.

Breaks in play allow for much-needed bathroom breaks.

Bone-crushing hits in our football are considered highlights and applauded. Bone-crushing hits in soccer get players reprimanded, red cards and immediate ejections.

With obvious exception of Philly and Oakland, very few hooligans.

As amazing as this is to admit in light of the 2006 Super Bowl, referees are more competent in our football.

We know exactly how much time is remaining in the game at all times

[bxbomb]

the trophy one is spot on

WTF is that thing it looks like the MTV movie award popcorn trophy

and its like the size of the trophy I got for coming in 3rd place in little league

[stymie]

Players only carried off field on stretchers for real, serious injuries.

There's no pretending to be fouled.

There's no pretending to be hurt.

After watching that crap I dont even consider it a sport anymore, its a contest... like track or figure skating.

There is no place for acting in sports.

[lolahotass]

Breaks in play allow for much-needed bathroom breaks.

I actually like that about futbol... lol Its kind of refreshing seeing the clock count up.. with the extra 2 mins if needed.

[fkornre]

The U.S. would never lose to Ghana in a game of football.

[flippinsweet]

fuck american football...

in the 60's there was a war raging in africa between like aleria and the Congo or some other country ova there (forgot the exact names), for like alomst 2 years.... the only time they stopped the fighting was for 3 days when Pele came there to play.... not even the fuckin U.N. can do that or any other politicain....

and statstcally proven for a month and a half every four years, during the cup, the crime rate all over the world goes down......

what other event other than lets say the earth being invaded by aliens can do that to this planet.....

in closing....FUCK AMERICAN FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!

[vicman]

of course, americans tend to grab other sports and reinvent them - cant even come with original ideas.

baseball ---> cricket

football ---> rugby

basketball was already beeing played in pre-columbian time.

i like all sports, well most, anyways.

us better get used to "soccer" 'cos with more immigrants in the country, its only going to grow. all of us beaners are want our univision and GOL-TV!

[flippinsweet]

Baseball, "America's passtime", was created in Romania and originally called "Oine"

[calebdead]

with more immigrants in the country, its only going to grow.

And so is crime.

[lolahotass]

And so is crime.

x 1000

[vicman]

caleb = john rocker?

[drdoom]

After watching that crap I dont even consider it a sport anymore, its a contest... like track or figure skating.

There is no place for acting in sports.

Because baseball is a real sport and there is no acting in American sports?

[drdoom]

caleb = john rocker?

Don't pay attention to Stavros - he’s just bitter that Greece didn't even qualify for the WC. Moreover he is a hypocrite for knocking on immigrants, as his parents came over from malakaland to open up a diner, so they can finance his Mercedes lease until he’s 45.

[vicman]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jonah_freedman/07/11/10.reasons/2.html

Stay tuned

Love the Cup? Here are 10 reasons to keep watching

Posted: Tuesday July 11, 2006 3:40PM; Updated: Wednesday July 12, 2006 12:11PM

It pains me to see another World Cup in the books. And it's not just because it'll be another two years before the buzz machine starts for South Africa 2010. No, it's more the quadrennial American tradition that gets me: So-called "fans" come out of hiding for a month to enjoy soccer's premier event, then disappear again for another four years.

Look, I have no problem with the fact that some Americans can't stay interested in soccer outside of the World Cup. If you're going to show enthusiasm for footie, there's no better time. But if the steady uptick in ratings is any indicator, we're getting more and more curious about the Beautiful Game.

And so I go from journalist to salesman. If you caught the fever during Germany '06, there are plenty of reasons to keep watching soccer as we transition back to club season.

Fascinated by America's failings? Enthralled by soccer's newest villain, Cristiano Ronaldo? Captivated by hard-working Ghana? Wishing there were more WWE-type tactics in soccer? (Merci, Zizou.) We'll call it the World Cup Echo Effect.

So, Cup fans, here are 10 reasons to stay tuned in:

1. Bad blood brewing

Feuds often make for the best drama in professional sports, and soccer has long been a home for some of the best tête-à-têtes. And have we got a classic going on: "Stompgate." If you watched Portugal's penalty-shootout victory over England in the quarterfinals, you know the story.

In a moment of frustration in the 62nd minute, hot-headed striker Wayne Rooney introduced the bottom of his left cleat into Ricardo Carvalho's privates. The Portuguese players went berserk, and referee Horacio Elizondo slapped Rooney with a red card. Roo is seething over what he believes was a deliberate attempt by Portugal winger (and, for now, Manchester United teammate) Cristiano Ronaldo to influence the ref's decision, an assertion that might have some merit when you see the replay of Ronaldo winking at his teammates as he jogged to the touchline. In fact, Rooney tried to get into Portugal's dressing room after the match to get a piece of Ronaldo.

Here's where we are now. Man Utd simply can't afford to keep the über-talented Ronaldo. He's a pariah in England, where fans are already blaming him for their team's exit from the World Cup -- and he knows it. "I can't stay in England," he said after the Cup.

Already, it looks like the 21-year-old could be headed to the new regime at Real Madrid. If you're looking for fireworks, pray the Champions League draw gods somehow find a way for Real and United to clash this season. It won't get any uglier than that.

2. Ronaldinho's revenge

The best Brazil has to offer has been described in many different ways over the past few years. Genius. Wizard. Best in the world. But here's a label he's never carried: "Overrated." Heading into Germany, Ronaldinho was coming off a season where everyone was dazzled by his abilities; some even made the Pelé comparison.

But then he flopped in Germany, and his team followed suit. Along with Ronaldo, he was Brazil's marquee player -- both on the field and in the Nike universe. But O Gaúcho didn't score a single goal and was nearly invisible in a lineup that grossly underperformed.

How Ronaldinho rebounds is one of the most intriguing post-Cup storylines. He's the featured player at his club, FC Barcelona, and much of the offense is built around him. What now remains to be seen is if hell indeed hath no fury like a superstar scorned. European champion Barça is still one of the best clubs in the world -- can a Ronaldinho with something to prove make them even better this season?

3. We now return you to your regularly scheduled Libertadores

Already missing the high drama of the Cup's knockout stages? You're in luck. One of the world's biggest club competitions was merely put on pause during Germany '06. South America's championship -- the Copa Libertadores -- resumes on July 18, and eight clubs are in the midst of quarterfinal battles. That includes world powerhouses such as Chivas de Guadalajara, River Plate and São Paulo.

The Copa title is one of world soccer's most prestigious trophies, and the winners get a trip to December's Club World Championship in Japan -- the closest thing the club level has to its own World Cup. Think these clubs aren't into it? Thousands of São Paulo fans -- many of them spending money they didn't really have -- followed their team to Japan last winter to witness a historic upset of Liverpool. It's worth tuning in, if only for the Fox Sports en Español and Univision announcers: Admit it, you love hearing "Goooooooooooooooooool!"

4. Reclaiming the motherland

We won't go so far as to suggest Americans are taking over the English Premiership, but a record number of Yanks will be suiting up in one of the world's toughest leagues during the 2006-07 season. The ranks already include Claudio Reyna (Manchester City), Tim Howard (Everton), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Brad Friedel (Blackburn) and Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham).

But there are new faces as well. Two of the three clubs that won promotion to the EPL this season feature Americans on their rosters: World Cup teammates Bobby Convey and Marcus Hahnemann at Reading and previously unknown defender Jay DeMerit at Watford. And we should soon see Cory Gibbs in a Charlton jersey (if his work permit comes through) and Oguchi Onyewu in any number of teams' kit -- I'm told that as many as six clubs are trying to pluck the tough center fullback from Belgium's Standard Liège, including Middlesbrough, Reading and Aston Villa.

There could be as many as 11 Yanks playing in England. Understand this for what it is: a watershed moment for American players making headway at the game's very highest level.

5. The ultimate starting XI

Chelsea's Possible '06-07 Starting XI

Pos. Player Country

GK Petr Cech Czech Republic

D Paulo Ferreira Portugal

D John Terry England

D Ricardo Carvalho Portugal

D William Gallas France

M Joe Cole England

M Claude Makélélé France

M Michael Ballack Germany

M Michael Essien Ghana

M Frank Lampard England

F Andriy Shevchenko Ukraine

Wouldn't it be great if we could put a starting XI of some of the best performers from the World Cup all on the same team? We can. It's called Chelsea Football Club and you'll find it in West London (see chart, right).

Owner Roman Abramovich is soccer's Mark Cuban -- on hyperdrive. The Russian billionaire has spent more than $475 million putting together a team with awesome star power, and he added two more all-world players just before the Cup started: Germany's Michael Ballack and Ukraine's AndriyShevchenko.

In fact, Chelsea had the best representation at the World Cup of any club, with 15 players scattered throughout the 32 teams in Germany (as did Arsenal, also with 15). You think that particular lineup is wicked, here are three other players at head coach José Mourinho's disposal: Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) and Hernán Crespo (Argentina). But it doesn't stop there. Brazil defender Roberto Carlos and Argentine striker Carlos Tévez are two potential transfer targets that are still on the Blues' radar.

6. Presenting tomorrow's stars

One of my favorite aspects of the World Cup is watching lower-profile players suddenly step into the spotlight and put together a string of great performances. I'll admit that before the tournament began, I knew very little about France's midfield gadfly Franck Ribery or Switzerland's brick wall in net, Pascal Zuberbühler. Same goes for Germany's spark off the bench, David Odonkor, and Ecuadorian goal machine Agustín Delgado.

And if you watched much of this Cup, you'll never forget the name Maxi Rodriguez, the Argentine midfielder who nailed the goal of the tournament in extra time against Mexico. These players made the most of their opportunities, and that could mean superstardom in the coming months with the Real Madrids, Arsenals and Bayern Munichs of the game.

7. MLS-capades

No, I'm not going demand you sign up for New York Red Bulls season tickets. (Yes, even your faithful soccer editor admits he often can't sit through an entire MLS match.) What will make things interesting in the coming months is if America's league puts the so-called "Beckham Rule" into place, which allows teams to break the bank for one marquee player who won't count against the strict salary cap.

That means we could soon see some of the world's best -- granted, in the twilights of their careers -- on American soil. And there has been interest from some of the big names, including David Beckham, Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Alessandro del Piero. Not to mention recent rumors that Zinedine Zidane himself could be on the way to the Red Bulls.

Think of it as the Ice Capades tour for international soccer's Brian Boitanos -- with more headbutting.

8. Italian fantasy draft

Italy is celebrating its victory as its own league is being torn apart by the biggest match-fixing scandal in history. Once the courtroom drama is over, four implicated Serie A clubs will probably be demoted. And that means open season on Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio players, all of whom are free from their contracts if their clubs are sent down.

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro looks as if he's the first domino to fall, as reports suggest he's headed to Real Madrid. Here's a small sampling of other World Cup stars who may find new addresses this season: Italians Gianluigi Buffon, Luca Toni and Andrea Pirlo; Brazilians Kaká, Dida and Cafu; Frenchmen Patrick Vieira and David Trézéguet; and Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic. This is nearly the equivalent of dissolving the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels and Mets and letting the players pick their new teams.

9. From out of Africa

Were you as impressed with Ghana as I was? Did you wish Ivory Coast had drawn a slightly easier group so we could have seen more of the tough-as-nails Elephants? At every World Cup, African players get a major stage to impress to world.

Players who have benefited from Cup exposure in the recent past include Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o in '98, who went on to sign with Real Madrid and is now a star at Barcelona. Senegal's surprise run to the quarters in '02 earned big deals for El-Hadji Diouf (with Bolton) and Papa Bouba Diop (with Fulham).

Who are this World Cup's big revelations? One good bet is Ivorian midfielder Didier Zokora, who is headed from the French league to England's Tottenham. Ghanaian midfielder Sulley Muntari, who plays for Italy's Udinese, will likely also be headed to a higher-profile club -- Bolton is the latest rumored destination. And Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, who is playing in Turkey, could be headed back to the big time soon -- he has said he'd love to join Arsenal. Arsène Wenger is surely listening.

10. The Adu era

Keep your eyes on Freddy Adu, because the next four years could be the most crucial in the development of the will-he-ever-live-up-to-the-hype teenager. The 17-year-old has finally made the starting lineup at D.C. United, and everyone expects him to head to Europe at the first opportunity to pursue his game at the highest level.

In all honesty, the U.S. team's nosedive in Germany could be the biggest blessing for the young phenom. One of the Americans' biggest failings in Germany was on the attack, an area that could be Adu's for the taking with the team the U.S. sends to South Africa (he could be in contention with other U.S. youngsters Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson, Chris Rolfe, Eddie Gaven and perhaps even a matured Taylor Twellman).

Adu will be 21 in 2010, the age at which many young stars make their big breakthroughs. We've asked it before, but it's never been more relevant: Ready, Freddy?

[vicman]

Because baseball is a real sport and there is no acting in American sports?

w3rd.

like basketball players dont fake fouls, ref's dont call fouls on superstars; holding is always called on the OL, WR dont push on CB; and fuck, in what other sport can you be a 'roid freak and make millions? right - MLB.

football ain't perfect, but other sports arent either.

[calebdead]

Don't pay attention to Stavros - he’s just bitter that Greece didn't even qualify for the WC. Moreover he is a hypocrite for knocking on immigrants, as his parents came over from malakaland to open up a diner, so they can finance his Mercedes lease until he’s 45.

That's seriously lollerberries because my name is in fact Stavros.

But I'm not bitter that Greece didn't make the WC as I don't fucking care about soccer. That's right, s-o-c-c-e-r. This is America. We don't call it "futbol" here.

Also, most Greeks that emigrated here have worked their collective asses off to own every fucking diner in the tri-state area. Most Mexican'ts (no offense vicman) and their Hispanic proletariat come to this country and turn to crime and have fucked this country for good.

[calebdead]

in what other sport can you be a 'roid freak and make millions? right - MLB.

umm, in all of them? Please tell me you believe there aren't any roids in soccer?

[calebdead]

Because baseball is a real sport and there is no acting in American sports?

Because he said there doesn't exist any "acting" in American sports, right?

Reread the post again, you silly twat.

[stymie]

yeah but the acting isnt a part of the game in any us sport

shit is mad weak... stop flipping this on our real sports

[bxbomb]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jonah_freedman/07/11/10.reasons/2.html

Stay tuned

Love the Cup? Here are 10 reasons to keep watching

Posted: Tuesday July 11, 2006 3:40PM; Updated: Wednesday July 12, 2006 12:11PM

It pains me to see another World Cup in the books. And it's not just because it'll be another two years before the buzz machine starts for South Africa 2010. No, it's more the quadrennial American tradition that gets me: So-called "fans" come out of hiding for a month to enjoy soccer's premier event, then disappear again for another four years.

Look, I have no problem with the fact that some Americans can't stay interested in soccer outside of the World Cup. If you're going to show enthusiasm for footie, there's no better time. But if the steady uptick in ratings is any indicator, we're getting more and more curious about the Beautiful Game.

And so I go from journalist to salesman. If you caught the fever during Germany '06, there are plenty of reasons to keep watching soccer as we transition back to club season.

Fascinated by America's failings? Enthralled by soccer's newest villain, Cristiano Ronaldo? Captivated by hard-working Ghana? Wishing there were more WWE-type tactics in soccer? (Merci, Zizou.) We'll call it the World Cup Echo Effect.

So, Cup fans, here are 10 reasons to stay tuned in:

1. Bad blood brewing

Feuds often make for the best drama in professional sports, and soccer has long been a home for some of the best tête-à-têtes. And have we got a classic going on: "Stompgate." If you watched Portugal's penalty-shootout victory over England in the quarterfinals, you know the story.

Here's where we are now. Man Utd simply can't afford to keep the über-talented Ronaldo. He's a pariah in England, where fans are already blaming him for their team's exit from the World Cup -- and he knows it. "I can't stay in England," he said after the Cup.

Already, it looks like the 21-year-old could be headed to the new regime at Real Madrid. If you're looking for fireworks, pray the Champions League draw gods somehow find a way for Real and United to clash this season. It won't get any uglier than that.

2. Ronaldinho's revenge

The best Brazil has to offer has been described in many different ways over the past few years. Genius. Wizard. Best in the world. But here's a label he's never carried: "Overrated." Heading into Germany, Ronaldinho was coming off a season where everyone was dazzled by his abilities; some even made the Pelé comparison.

But then he flopped in Germany, and his team followed suit. Along with Ronaldo, he was Brazil's marquee player -- both on the field and in the Nike universe. But O Gaúcho didn't score a single goal and was nearly invisible in a lineup that grossly underperformed.

How Ronaldinho rebounds is one of the most intriguing post-Cup storylines. He's the featured player at his club, FC Barcelona, and much of the offense is built around him. What now remains to be seen is if hell indeed hath no fury like a superstar scorned. European champion Barça is still one of the best clubs in the world -- can a Ronaldinho with something to prove make them even better this season?

4. Reclaiming the motherland

We won't go so far as to suggest Americans are taking over the English Premiership, but a record number of Yanks will be suiting up in one of the world's toughest leagues during the 2006-07 season. The ranks already include Claudio Reyna (Manchester City), Tim Howard (Everton), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Brad Friedel (Blackburn) and Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham).

But there are new faces as well. Two of the three clubs that won promotion to the EPL this season feature Americans on their rosters: World Cup teammates Bobby Convey and Marcus Hahnemann at Reading and previously unknown defender Jay DeMerit at Watford. And we should soon see Cory Gibbs in a Charlton jersey (if his work permit comes through) and Oguchi Onyewu in any number of teams' kit -- I'm told that as many as six clubs are trying to pluck the tough center fullback from Belgium's Standard Liège, including Middlesbrough, Reading and Aston Villa.

There could be as many as 11 Yanks playing in England. Understand this for what it is: a watershed moment for American players making headway at the game's very highest level.

5. The ultimate starting XI

Chelsea's Possible '06-07 Starting XI

Pos. Player Country

GK Petr Cech Czech Republic

D Paulo Ferreira Portugal

D John Terry England

D Ricardo Carvalho Portugal

D William Gallas France

M Joe Cole England

M Claude Makélélé France

M Michael Ballack Germany

M Michael Essien Ghana

M Frank Lampard England

F Andriy Shevchenko Ukraine

7. MLS-capades

No, I'm not going demand you sign up for New York Red Bulls season tickets. (Yes, even your faithful soccer editor admits he often can't sit through an entire MLS match.) What will make things interesting in the coming months is if America's league puts the so-called "Beckham Rule" into place, which allows teams to break the bank for one marquee player who won't count against the strict salary cap.

That means we could soon see some of the world's best -- granted, in the twilights of their careers -- on American soil. And there has been interest from some of the big names, including David Beckham, Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Alessandro del Piero. Not to mention recent rumors that Zinedine Zidane himself could be on the way to the Red Bulls.

Think of it as the Ice Capades tour for international soccer's Brian Boitanos -- with more headbutting.

Manchester United insist "there is no possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo being sold" despite his desire to move to Spain.

The future of the Portugal winger has been the subject of intense speculation over the past three weeks, with the 21-year-old twice claiming he would like to move to either Barcelona or Real Madrid.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson initially suggested he would try to keep Ronaldo at Old Trafford and those comments have been reinforced by the Old Trafford outfit on Tuesday morning.

"Manchester United has noticed the increasing media speculation over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo," said a statement released by the Red Devils.

"The club can confirm there is no possibility of Cristiano being sold."

The twinkle-toed winger claimed that he would leave the Red Devils this summer due to the lack of support the club gave him regarding his role in Wayne Rooney's sending off against Portugal.

However, United expect him to stay put having recently put pen to paper on a new long-term contract.

"Cristiano recently signed a new contract until 2010 and the club fully expects him to honour that contract.

"The club will not listen to any offers for Cristiano.

"Cristiano is one of the brightest young stars in world football, as demonstrated by his performances at the World Cup and Manchester United is not in the business of selling their best young players."

But whether Ronaldo is willing to remain at Old Trafford remains to be seen.

2) from what i saw ronahldnio looks better in the commercials , im sure he just had an off tourney like the whole team

3)you wold think since soccer really has been going somewhat strong on the amateur level herefor a good 15 yrs. in the states and lots of these states Calif/Fla you can play all yr long , you probably will see more and more Gringos making the big clubs. I kinda hoped Manu would have kept Tim howard

4) that chelsea squad is redonk its every supastar from the WC

5) it is only natural that the MLS serve as the final rest stop for the big name stars , they can still compete at a high level agianst lesser talents as their talents dimninsh with age and it gives the MLS some drawing power

love to see beck and zidane on a reg basis in New jersey

[bxbomb]

w3rd.

like basketball players dont fake fouls, ref's dont call fouls on superstars; holding is always called on the OL, WR dont push on CB; and fuck, in what other sport can you be a 'roid freak and make millions? right - MLB.

football ain't perfect, but other sports arent either.

as far as straight up acting .flopping and faking injuries

NO SPORT COMES CLOSE TO SOCCER/FUTBOL

[vicman]

as far as straight up acting .flopping and faking injuries

NO SPORT COMES CLOSE TO SOCCER/FUTBOL

i agree. it has really gotten outta hand the last few years. they gotta do something about it.

now, have the nba call all those fouls on shaq - impossible, they will never call a foul against a superstar. he could tear the shirt off anyone and they would call the foul against the other guy. and please, i've watched the nba since 1979 - they never call all 6 fouls against superstars - EVAAARRRRR.

plus you got nothin' but class citizens in the nba. lemme find a pic of latrell.

[vicman]

oh yeah, how about all them juiced up guys in MLB? people dont care as long as they hit homers . . .

get a sack . . .

and people dont care what a jackass a player can be as long as he delivers for their team . . .

and feed his family.

[drdoom]

Because he said there doesn't exist any "acting" in American sports, right?

Reread the post again, you silly twat.

Stavros, are you always this ignorant, or are you making a special effort today? If so, that’s a real shame as your parents spent a lot of money for your private schooling, only for you to drop out of community college and work at their diner or contracting business. However, I’m seriously honored that you are reading my posts, as I know that you have many pertinent activities to do today, such as spending your parents’ money and bragging about your “island†to underage girls at Omnia.

[fkornre]

please...soccer doesnt come close to football...the physical conditioning it takes to play football as well as what it does physically to your body isnt even on the same planet between the 2...real men play football...anyone can run around and play soccer...