The Soccer Thread (Version 8)

It's a team a lot of people are high on because Mexico wins FIFA kiddie tournaments and Mexican youth clubs do well at the Dallas Cup. I even recall Mexico's first WC qualifier this time around, people were gushing about their win over Belize. Final score: 3-1.

You don't go 1-2-5 by accident. Ever since Mexico tied Jamaica at Azteca, I've held a firm belief that they were in danger of not qualifying. And even if Mexico finishes fourth, how can ANYONE be confident of them winning a two-leg playoff with New Zealand?

 

Head of FIFA's medical board says 2022 World Cup must shift from summer to winter to protect fans. http://t.co/WXMC8tuf0h

 

Or, of course, FIFA could go with the other obvious option and change the host country. What a joke.

 

Haha, if only...that would mean ol' Sepp would have to admit that FIFA made a colossal mistake, which ain't happening...

 

Awful Announcing made a good point that Fox Sports and/or other rightholders are probably going to sue FIFA if they move the World Cup from summer.

I think it's all a big tease that will change quickly once Sepp goes away.

 

Yeah, I'm sure there'd have to be major restructuring of TV contracts. "Wait, these matches are on against the NFL!?! Yeah, we need a rebate."

 

Match-fixing kingpin Dan Tan was arrested in Singapore today. Huge deal.

 

UEFA is OK with a winter World Cup.

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/european-countries-vote-for-2022-winter-world-cup-in-qatar-091913

 

Of cour$e they are

 

UEFA wants in January. Premier League wants it in November-December.

 

Guzan was beast today getting a clean sheet for Villa. Penalty save, acrobatic tip of point blank sort of shot and total command of his area on crosses.