ponsaelius

I'm truly envious of the talents of Joel Ward.

Can somebody please DM me a way to watch this fucking game.

Watford

Hero.

So apparently the Columbus fans won't even be able to get a refund on their 2018 season tickets, even though 'their' team will likely be upping sticks to Texas the following year

Hopp Schwiiz

Officially up for sale

International football is entertaining to me. It throws up great drama and stories worth following if you're sad enough to do so. Probably enjoy it far more than the CL, although I guess I'm in the minority on that front. England qualifying campaigns are monumentally dull, however.

See other thread

UEFA for all it's faults is by far the best of the confederations. I like the qualifying system for providing plenty of games against varying opposition and improving weaker teams, and this will provide a whole host more of competitive fixtures for teams and the opportunity for them to gradually improve. One of the biggest problems for the other confederations is the lack of games the smaller nations get to play, which restricts development, stops them building sides and can even mean better players won't bother to turn up or will switch if they have dual citizenship. UEFA has an advantage because of the geography and the wealth of it's member FAs, but it's still good that it reinforces this advantage.

Also a big fan of the branding. Heavy Greenland flag vibes.

I like it if it's replacing friendlies.

I think it's the whole thing. Those that have come back, those that won't make the leap, those that have gone and got lost. Looking at the squad for this game and basically the whole lot is MLS based. Now the MLS is perhaps a good system for football in the US giving past failed leagues, and as much as I hate it I can totally understand why it is the way it is. But if you have this structure and salary cap there needs to be an acceptance that this structurally restricts the level and limits the potential of players. Even with an improved youth program, the aim has to be on jettisoning players to Europe ASAP.

There’s not much evidence for that though. Of all the players who have returned from Europe, Bradley’s the only one who might realistically be playing in a top European league. Guzan and Altidore might be bouncing around the Eredivisie or Scotland. Howard was already finished, Dempsey came back before for the last World Cup and his form really hasn’t dropped for the U.S. since then, and Bedoya never really stuck even when he was in France. In fact, I’d argue that having more MLS-based players has elevated the play of the rest of the teams in the confederation relative to the U.S. and that’s what’s made a big difference this cycle. Well I think that supports my point. All the teams have MLS players. It's levelled the playing field. You need players to be playing and thriving in any European leagues to have an edge over your opponents. Pulisic looks streets ahead of anybody else because he's been kept away from MLS and the entire system. I'm sure it's only one issue but it's got to be relevant. MLS in its current guise might have a lot of positives but it is not a league that will push these players to the required level. Get them the fuck out of there.

The American players goinf back to MLS for the easy life has not done this side any favours whatsoever. In fact I'd directly attribute it to the problems.

Im not trying to rub it in man but that post is so bad Sorry for all the US fans on here

Temporary stands are used in many countries and are safer than they look. Much better idea to do this, retain the old facade and then downsize after the tournament than build a new white elephant from scratch. Ural will not fill 35k ever.

Aye, maybe calling him shite is harsh. I like his attitude but looks like a £6 million striker.

Good shout

Never seen a player score a goal and in the process convince me further how shite he is.

Ohh Christian Atsu he is so wonderful When he scores a goal, its so beautiful, magical When he runs down the wing he's as fast as lightning, it's frightening And it makes all the Geordies sing Something like that

It's Celtic's Scott Sinclair song with Atsu's name in his place.

Didn't miss a game through injury last season and scored 15 goals. Supposedly only out for 6 weeks so he'll be back by January. He can't trap a bag of cement though and runs in a weird lumpy manner. Good in the air and effective for certain teams but you basically have to play through him to get a return.

Wouldn't thank you for Benteke. Think he's shite personally. Crocked as well.