It just seems like the soccer section is a little dead. Anyone else out there think the most popular sport in the world is the best sport as well? And who do you support?

The only time this section comes alive is during European Championships or World Cup... but great to see another footy fan!

As for who I support...

International:

1. Portugal
2. Canada

Club:

1. Sporting Lisbon
2. Manchester United
3. Toronto FC

I like Germany as a national team. They were very gracious and fair hosts I thought at the last World Cup.

As a club it's Chelsea - warts and all.

Nice! for MLS soccer I like Toronto quite a bit. It's the closest team to me. I went to see them play NY Redbulls last summer and had a great time. Their fans are amazing, the closest you'll get to European Fans in a family friendly professional league.

My favorite team is Everton. And as far as National teams I support the US team cause I would always like to see them succeed and bring some media coverage to the great sport.

I do agree though, germany was a good host.

I desperately want to catch a Toronto FC game this upcoming season. I tried to watch as many as I could on TV (kudos to CBC, Sportsnet and The Score on televising most of the games).

I support:

International - England
EPL Club - Chelsea
MSL Club - NE Revs

I didn't mind Chelsea when Jose Mourinho was running the team, but now that he's gone I've lost all interest in them.

What's nice is that MLS games are resonably priced. I went to my first one a few years ago. Actually my senior year of High School. I went with my mother

Saw the Metrostars (Red Bulls) play Chicago Fire....tickets were only like 15 each because of a promotion. And the next day we went to see "Phantom" on Broadway

But since Toronto is selling out everything so quickly those prices may go up this year. I don't recall what they were last year, but I'm a college kid who plays soccer during the summer so I don't make much money working so they couldnt have been that bad.

The MLS All-Star game is going to be in Toronto this year which I'll probably try to make it to. I know a bunch of the guys I play with are talking about going. I wounder who the Foreign team will be.

MLS and the Phantom on Broadway... damn, that sounds like a kick ass weekend!!!

So maybe it's just me but is anyone else counting down till kickoff for the European Soccer Championships in Austria/Switzerland?

June 7th!!!

And it was a pretty good weekend

The draw for the European Soccer Championships in 2008 has been made, and oh my goodness, does it look AMAZING!

EURO 2008

GROUP A
Switzerland (Host), Czech Republic, Portugal, Turkey

GROUP B
Austria (Host), Croatia, Germany, Poland

GROUP C aka GROUP OF DEATH
Netherlands, Italy, Romania, France

GROUP D
Greece (Defending Champions), Sweden, Spain, Russia

***

It's pretty obvious that Group C is the most intriguing as one of the "Big Boys" willl be on the outside looking in, after the initial group stages. And really, you gotta feel sorry for Romania... talk about a huge mountain to try and climb!

I'm fairly confident that both the Czech Republic and Portugal will advance in Group A... though home field advantage will certainly help Switzerland - who were pretty impressive at the World Cup. It's a difficult group to break down... Turkey and Switzerland can not be taken lightly and as much as I hate to say it, it's not out of the relm of possibility that one of them replaces Portugal in the top 2.

As for Group B, I think it's pretty cut and dry... Germany and Croatia will advance 1-2 in that group. Austria is ridiculously weak and are only there because they're co-hosting with Switzerland.

What can you say about the Group of Death? I honestly don't know who will finish in the top 2. France, Italy and the Netherlands are so streaky that you just don't know which team will come to play. If I had to choose right this moment, I'd say Italy and France... but France worries me as I'm not convinced that they have a goaltender that can perform on one of the biggest stages of the world.

Then there's Group D which is pretty interesitng when you think about it. All four teams have a pretty equal shot of qualifying for the Quarter-Finals. I wouldn't even say that there's a favorite in this group. If I was making a prediction today... Russia and Spain move on... but it'll be interesting to see what happens.

I agree group A is hard to judge. I also agree that Portugal and Czech Republic are the favorites, but if Turkey can pull some upsets than I honestly think Switzerland can get through. I don't think Turkey is strong enough to get through on their own, and if Switz does get through it will be at the expense of Czech Republic just because they are the weaker than Portugal.

In Group B I agree Austria is too weak, but watch out for Poland. They've always been a team that can play decent. But in this case it wont be enough, Croatia and Gerany will get through.

Group C I agree is the hardest to choose from. I have no fear about the French keeper position. Coupet has always been the number one back up for Barthez, in fact for the 2006 world cup Coupet played most of the qualifying games. And he's always been a great keeper for Lyon. I really hate to say that the Netherlands won't make it, but I dont think it's possible. Although like you said streaky play could change everything. My pick: France and Italy (#1 in FIFA rankings out of the UEFA teams duh!)

Group D I'll make this quick...Russia wont make it...Greece will, so will Spain

That's what I think, but of course there will always be upsets, I mean look, Englad didn't even make it

I've become a huge Toronto FC supporter. My friend Jim as a Maple Laffs season ticket holder - although the Leafs won tonight - was among the very first people to buy Toronto FC season tickets last year - so he really has an amazing pair of seats - first row of the second tier along the west side of BMO Field just feet from the centre line. In fact the two TV cameras that are right on the centre line that provide the main game pictures are located in the same row just two seats over. So last year I managed to get to two games with him in those great seats - and the atmosphere really was unreal.

Last year they capped season ticket sales at 14,000 but have upped that to 16,000 for the upcoming season in the 20,000 seat stadium. And they also gave season ticket holders the chance to buy 'bonus' tickets to some games in other locations of the stadium. But because Jim was so inundated with requests for tickets until today I had only managed to snag myself one game in the good seats with Jim and just two other games in the other 'bonus' seats with other friends. Then today MLSE contacted Jim to say that there was a single seat now available right next to his pair of midfield seats if he wanted to make his pair of season seats - 3 seats. Based on the overwhelming positive response Jim got from all of us who wanted to go to more games this year - he is taking that third seat and it looks like I should get at least two more games in the good seats.

Thecourage22 was asking about prices. The price is almost $70.00 by the time you include all the taxes and service fees for a ticket to the great seats with this view that I should have for 3 games this season in row 1 section 223.
http://www.seats3d.com/mls/toronto_fc/sec_..._selected=&

For one game I'll have this view in section 221 Row 10 for about $31.00 including all taxes.
http://www.seats3d.com/mls/toronto_fc/sec_221_2.html

For one other game I'll have this view for $17.00 including all taxes and fees. Section 227, Row 5 http://www.seats3d.com/mls/toronto_fc/sec_227_1.html

Why have you lost interest just because Jose is gone? Despite Avrem Grant rambling on and on about how Chelsea is going to play more open and exciting (read high scoring) football, they are the exact same Chelsea. They rely on defense and win games 1-0. I'd even argue that they are more like the same old Chelsea without Jose because with Cech, Terry, and Carvalho injured and stretches when Ashley Cole is off on red cards, their defense stayed strong. The same can't be said last year when they basically lost the prem in December/ early January when Terry and Cech were out.

I agree that Jose's swagger made press conferences more enjoyable.

I never liked Chelsea before... I only started following them because I'm a fan of Jose Mourinho... and have been since he briefly coached at Uniao Leiria before joining FC Porto and then ultimately Chelsea.

Hey y'all - I'm going to the USA v. Mexico match to at Reliant Stadium tonight. I got pretty good seats on the field level near center pitch. Speaking of, I hope the field is in good shape. Last time they played at Reliant, the field was horrible!

I'm so excited that 4 of my Dynamo boys got the call up. Stuart Holden is the only one on the roster who does not have a national team cap. They were showing the team practice on the news last night and he delivered a perfect ball to Michael Bradley. Hopefully we'll see that in the match tonight.

So the Mexican manager Hugo Sanchez said even though USA has been doing well against them in recent years at home, we shouldn't put ourselves on par with Mexico. Then he went on to compare Mexico to Brazil and Argentina. I thought that was a laugh. I do think that we can't truly be on level until we beat them in Azteca but they have so many supporters here in the US, I don't buy the away game argument. Plus, the only reason there have been so many matches in the US is because the organizers make way much more money here than they would in Mexico. (I read that in an article)

U.S. roster: Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton, England). Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham, England), Ramino Corrales (Brann, Norway), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege, Belgium), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock, Germany), Eddie Robinson (Houston Dynamo). Midfielders: Freddy Adu (Benfica, Portugal), Michael Bradley (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Bobby Convey (Reading, England), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edo (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County, England), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Lewis (Derby County, England). Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Red Bull New York), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Landon Donovan (L.A. Galaxy), Pat Noonan (Aalesund, Norway). Coach: Bob Bradley

Mexico roster: Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa (Club America), Luis Ernesto Michel (Chivas Guadalajara), Moises Munoz (Morelia). Defenders: Rafael Marquez (Barcelona, Spain), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Johnny Magallon (Chivas Guadalajara), Fausto Pinto (Pachuca), Israel Castro (Pumas), Oscar Rojas (America). Midfielders: Pavel Pardo (Stuttgart, Germany), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Francisco Arce (Santos Laguna), Cesar Villaluz (Cruz Azul), Antonio “Zinha” Naelson (Toluca). Forwards: Giovani Dos Santos (Barcelona, Spain), Carlos Vela (Osasuna), Juan Carlos Cacho (Pachuca), Adolfo Bautista (Jaguares), Antonio de Nigris (Ankaraspor, Turkey). Coach: Hugo Sanchez.

I'll be watching the game tonight. You think I'm going to pass up a USA game in HD on a widescreen? I think not

I played goalie through highschool and into college (for two years before an injury last year) and now I coach at my old High School. I'm the goalie coach on the varsity team and the head coach of the 7th and 8th grade boys program (not bad for a 20 year old eh?). But my point to this was Tim Howard has always been one of my favorite keepers so I always try to catch as many Everton games on tv (thank god for Fox Soccer Channel) . He's the reason I was a huge metrostars fan and still think highly of the Red Bulls, and why I was really happy to see him eventually end up in Everton (I was an Everton fan before). It's been nice to see it's finally his time to step up as the top US goalkeeper.

But hopefully it'll be a good game tonight, I'm excited

and Stuart Holden is a hottie, glad to see he was called up

I have a lot to say but I'm off on a short trip early tomorrow morning so I'll make this quick...

I'm devastated over Portugal's 3-1 loss to Italy. For shame... for shame.

Yes! Go Blues! I don't follow the EPL as closely as I'd like, but I'm an Everton supporter. I catch a lot of flak from my friends family, her Dad and brother are huge ManU supporters

Oy. the Blues are Chelsea! Everton - the team I also love, are the Toffees. They do were blue though.

Bagh, f**k Chelsea. I've heard Everton being called the Blues before( I think it was on their website actually)

I think Dominic Kinnear is making the Dynamo boys swim back to the mainland after that horrific loss to Gamba Osaka in the Pan-Pacifics. I feel so bad for them.
Surf this!

OMG did anyone see that horrific tackle on Arsenal's Eduardo on Saturday? If Eduardo is ever able to play soccer again I will be shocked...

A WARNING: THIS VIDEO MAY BE UNSETTLING FOR SOME...

Video of the Vicious Tackle

Yes, I did see it. Just awful.
Eduardo is a naturalized citizen of Croatia and is out for Euro 2008. Martin Taylor, the offender, has received many death threats because of this and even Croatian journalists tried to raid his car when leaving the practice fields. And Croatia is in the same Group B as Germany, Poland, and Austria (home field). Pretty tough group.

I had been meaning to see this and that is horrifying! Holy crap!

I apologize MetsfanChi, I was watching the Everton - Portsmouth match over the weekend and they did refer to them as the Blues on more than one occassion. I blame my selective hearing. It was a great match and I'm glad to see Tim Cahill on the scoresheet again even with his slightly controversial "wrist shackle" celebration in honor of his involuntary murderous brother back home.

Always good to see some "futebol" love! Especially on here.

Just wanted to pipe in and say Hi. I wish there was MLS here in Las Vegas, but I suppose that it isn't that far of a drive over to LA.

My Teams:

International:
USA
Portugal
Brazil

EPL:
MAN UNITED
Newcastle
Liverpool

Also love me a little Queens Park Rangers.

Got to go over to Manchester to actaully see a game at Old Trafford last May and it was incredible. Planning my trip back for this October or next May. Just wish the dollar was a little better. Wish I could go back this May to see the EPL Trophy presented to the boys again.

Another Portugal fan!!! *hugs gophPUCKfan*

PS - Anyone else getting ubber excited for Euro 2008

It should incredible, even without England.

I am the manager of the soccer area of our store, and tomorrow we have Portugal tees, Jerseys, and shorts coming in. I think I will be spending a little money this week. I already bought the Nike FC Portugal shoes about a year ago.

And in what city may I find this store lol

Vegas Baby!!!!

We have had a ton of Canadianites down here on vacation lately.

On another note...GO MANCHESTER!!! What a great win today!!!!

Vegas eh... sweet!

You know, Man Utd looked really good against AS Roma... but I'm concerned about their defence. They looked particularly week on the right side and in my opinion, it's something that needs to fixed immediately if they are to stand a chance against Barcelona in the Semi Final.

Holy Shit! Did anyone see the Arsenal / Liverpool 2nd Leg from the Champions League Quarter Final this afternoon?

Quite honestly it was probably the best game I've seen all year. So much drama, so many chances, so much emotion... it's what makes it the Beautiful Game!

I agree. It was absolutely brilliant.

I can't wait for my sabattical in 1 year and 51 weeks, so I can spend 6 glorious weekends in the UK watching "futebol".

MLS Fan here...Colorado Rapids.
and on the world market Arsenal fan.

For the first time in UEFA Champions League history, there will be an "All-England" Final as Manchester United will take on either Liverpool or Chelsea.

I love soccer. I support the USA Men and Women's team. I am a glory hunter and catch Man U whenever I can. I follow MLS real closely and like DC United, LA Galaxy and the Columbus Crew the most.

That's awesome dude! Well I'm sure you'll be watching on Sunday morning, when Manchester United wins the English Premier League Title

It's mathematic at this point:

[Wigan draws with Chelsea (1-1)] + [Chelsea thumps Manchester (2-1)] =

Wigan destroys Man Boo giving the Premier League title to Chelsea FC!!!!

I think you're dilusional hahaha jk.

PS - 27 DAYS UNTIL EURO 2008!!!!!!!

Don't be a hater. Everyone knows that it is the size of the fight in the dog, not the dog in the fight. Wigan proved to me during the draw that they have heart, which is something I haven't seen Man Boo show a lot of this season. It's all about floss and looking good and being met-ro-sex-u-al; save the model screwing for the tabloids. Wigan's will shall leave it for The Blues to take the crown. Chelsea is the best! It's undeniable really.

Nope. I have basic cable. I'll just have to imagine that I'm watching. I catch them on ESPN2 in the champions league though.

Don't let that stop you man... there's gotta be a pub or sports bar around that'll show the game?

I ordered the channel today through my satellite provider. The game is on in about 6 hours here in Cali but I'm hoping to have a few friends over if they get out of bed in time. I also invited my hot neighbor who I play pick up soccer with. I've caught him checking me out a few times but I never say anything. Perhaps a Wigan victory will lead to a love match.

The 2007/08 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS.... MANCHESTER UNITED!!!!!

PS - Did your neighbour show up Jay?

It was a dry day all around dudes... Wigan lost and Hot Neighbor was a no-show. Fortunately, we'll have a chance to play some pick up before the Chelsea-Manchester Champions League title match and I'll extend another TV viewing invite. He's totally dreamy in that earnest non-American who loves soccer way. Then again most non-Americans who love soccer are dreamy to me. Gosh, I feel like a total futbol slut...I'm just playing it cool though because I don't want any secret crush awkwardness, so you guys will have to deal with my school girl antics here.

hahaha it's all good. You should tell him to wear a Chelsea jersey and you wear a Man Utd jersey on Champions League Final... loser has to wear the winning team's jersey... so when Man Utd wins, you can give your shirt to him... so you'll at least see some skin LOL

In all seriousness though... I can't wait till the Champions League Final

Forum newbie here. Hi everyone.

I'm an English soccer fan living in Austin, Texas.

I'm a Tottenham Hotspur fan, but must admit that the Champions league final was a good one, with a great ending (unless you're a Chelsea fan that is).

I also follow the MLS, although I'm not a fan of one team yet.

Also really looking forward to Euro 2008, even if England didn't make it this time.

Balljuggler.

Welcome Balljuggler!

I would suggest investing in a Columbus Crew jersey if you plan to follow MLS.


For those fans of soccer boyfriends, I ran into hot neighbor today. I assumed he had ESPN2 so I didn't invite him to watch the Euro Cup Final at my place. It turns out that he doesn't have cable at all and missed the game! I told him of some of the highlights and he informed me that he is playing for a team now. I asked if he was playing striker for the team (pickup was never with full numbers) and he was like how'd you know, to which I replied, "You just exude a lot of confidence...an attitude like, I'm just going to go get it." I put a little emphasis on the last phrase. His smile grew three sizes and he talked about how his new team is a lot of fun. We said our goodbyes and I went to get my mail and he watched me but I totally ignored him thereafter.

Thanks for the welcome.

Hmmm, not sure that I'll be rushing out and buying a Columbus Crew shirt just yet, but thanks for the advice.

I live in Texas, although not in either Dallas or Houston, so I should be following one of those two teams I suppose, but to be honest neither of them have done enough to tempt me yet, although I must admit that I do favor Dallas over Houston (not sure why, but there you have it).

When I check the results I usually look first to see how the galaxy have fared, but this is just because I'm a beckham fan I think rather than being a fan of the galaxy team.

Good luck with your neighbor. With the European championships starting at the weekend, you should get plenty more opportunities to invite him over to watch ESPN2