SEE YOU! A brand spanking new modern fitba thread 2022/23

Always the same with Mexico. They always qualify, play in a neat, tidy and diving way, but do fuck all. No real quality at all, ever.

MTF

 

Serie A is heading to shitter outside of Napoli.

Ligue 1 might be better.

 

Ronaldo released by Manchester United

 

I watch a decent number of Liga MX games. No world class attacking talent in that league. Even MLS attackers are much better.

 

It's so defensive that I don't think they will ever lose that much quality but Ligue 1 being better isn't a stretch. Lots of good French players. The Italian players don't typically leave for other leagues.

 

Actually, I've seen the penalty again and Lewandowski doesn't strike it as well as I thought he did. Plus, his body is too open so he's easy to read. Keeper still does well to get down and save the shot.

 

Goalies are at such a disadvantage on penalties. Even making contact is an accomplishment. A save is heroic.

 

Yeah, I can't really watch Serie A games. Too dull.

I try to watch every league I can find, but mainly i watch the Prem, Bundesliga, La Liga, and MLS.

I also watch quite a bit of the Brazilian Serie A.

 

Yeah they can beat or at a minimum hold their own against anyone, but never a threat to win the whole thing. Perhaps it's because they've never had a real difference maker of an individual. I don't mean a Maradona type that can take over games, just an elite guy who acts as a linchpin who allows them to go to another level.

 

I have no idea why such a rich footballing nation can't produce great footballers.

They can produce great boxers by the shitload, but not a great footballer.

 

That's awesome man. I can't believe so many Americans don't follow world futbol.

 

It's like a 10x smaller niche sport here than boxing, and boxing is a niche sport.

You tell someone over here you're a boxing fan, it's no big deal.

Tell someone you follow soccer, and they stare like you have 3 heads.

 

Yeah we've had the discussion on this forum going back years. They don't even have the excuse the Americans have of the best talents playing/choosing other sports. Futbol is by far the most popular sport in the country and always has been. They also have a massive population. It seems statistically improbable given all of that they haven't produced elite level players.

 

They probably have a shitty coaching system. It's like they only teach a high work rate.

 

In my experience if you tell somebody you're a boxing fan they usually have at least a comment to make even if it's some dated reference to Mike Tyson. Say you follow soccer and most people will just nod and change the subject as they have nothing to input. Only exception is during a World Cup as most people are aware that it's being played even though they don't pay attention. Then they might ask something like "who are you cheering for, or who do you think will win it"?

 

Maybe, but i can't see why it would be any worse than so many other smaller or culturally similar nations. Also the best talents often are found by scouts working from outside the country anyway. If there is somebody who has the potential to be the best Messi/Ronaldo chances are some club is going to want him at their academy as soon as possible.

 

Yup. Exactly this.

 

I was gonna make the work rate comment. They have a lot of guys who just run all night and work hard.

Their forward players have good pace, but you damn sure don't see the creativity and dribbling ability that Brazilians and Argentines have.

 

The Mexico thing has always puzzled me too. They love the sport and have the population and infrastructure but it just doesn't happen. Best player they had from memory is that Marquez fella who used to play for Barca, excellent player but he was a defender and not exactly a guy you build a team around.

 

I'd agree, but Napoli are SO good right now, I'd pick them to beat PSG or anyone from Ligue 1. One of the best sides in Europe right now. It might be because they don't play the typical Italian style and are sublime going forward, Sets them apart.

 

Will he go across the pond to the MLS?

 

Holy shit its happening AGAIN!

 

WTF FRANCE

 

Ohhhh Aussies are ahead

 

Took that well

 

Giroud still is my favorite football player. Hope he scores a few. Miss him at Arsenal. Looks like France should have played William Saliba in defense. He's been great for Arsenal.

 

Hugo Sanchez is the best they ever had on offense.

 

False alarm. The difference in class is apparent now.

 

Giroud has always been underrated. Great footballer. Van Dijk said he was the toughest opponent he ever faced.

 

France going through the gears