Sunday 8 April 2012

Fan of the Week!

Thanks Mike for all of your support. Maybe one day you'll be good enough to play for us, but i doubt it. - Love Awesome Poland

40 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think this picture is a great lead into today's segment.

Weekend Report.
1. Dufus & Riggs were spotted partying together at Gabbos. Bart, Julio & Mike all spent an evening partying with the Polish fan club. Overall a good, enjoyable night, and would like to thank the Polish for their hospitality. The only downfall of the evening (other than the fact I didn't get into the bar due to my apparel) was that Bart did not perform a dance for Mike whilst he wore the Polska jacket.

2. Team Afghan bounced back from a rocky start. I have been saying it for awhile now, Team Afghan can't be counted out just yet. I hope Jamaica can bounce back from the defeat and it should make for a very interesting finale to the group stages. I walked into the Afghan change room and was surprised to see that every member of the team wore their game time Chicolicious briefs.

3. Group D is now a 3 team race to see who can sneak into second. Yes Greece are 0-2, but they may be the ones to steal a win off France. ES - Norway game will really define the outcome of the group. I am still hoping ES will make it through, but for now it looks like Norway has the advantage.

4. Looks like Poland's win on Friday will guarantee them a spot in the second round... now the question is will they finish first or second? I think Nigeria and Germany may draw which will result in Poland winning the group.


Julio

Anonymous said...

don't forget Italy Julio! Sheesh.. Including Greece at 0 and 2 and snubbing italy.. Not cool dude.

Anonymous said...

haha jeez mike. had a few beers last nigh? must have been pretty wasted to get you in a poland jacket!

Anonymous said...

Anon 16:54, I didn't mean to snub Italy but I'll explain my reasoning.
Italy does sit with a record of 2-1 at the moment. (Wins vs ES, and SK; loss to France). Realistically speaking after seeing ES beat SK 11-2... I see Greece and Norway both beating Italy... In turn that would leave Italy with a record of 2-3.

ES is sitting with a record of 2-1(W: SK, Greece; L: Italy). I see them losing to France, but beating Norway. In turn that would put them at 3-2. Norway would then also finish at 3-2.

Now if Greece beats Italy and SK, that puts Greece with a 2-2 record. If they can steal a win vs France, that would make a three way tie for second; and ultimately ES would most likely go through with a better goals for/against number.

If Greece doesn't steal a win from France, that leaves ES and Norway tied for second place.. and due to head to head results that would favor ES.

That's just the outcome that I could see most likely occurring, but with the group being all over the place who knows. If Italy gets a win vs Norway or Greece, that would make this group that much more interesting. The 3-1 result to SK just makes me wonder how strong Italy is when other teams seem to be dropping a beating on them.

But who knows what can happen.. it is the WCP and it is very unpredictable. I would like to congratulate Somalia on their win, HUGE bounce back game for them... and it's nice to see that one loss to ROI didn't discourage them at all. Huge respect.

Julio

Anonymous said...

This is what makes this tourney great. The fans. I love competition and sport. This tournament is not a success without the fans.

Now, Collins is far from a Polska supporter as he plays for ROI, but as we all see time and time again Polska fans offer up a great atmosphere.

As I sat watching Poland vs Portugal last night I heard a neutral younger fan asking an older friend "why are the fans chanting Polska when cheering for Poland?" and his buddy said "I think it is the Polish way to say to Poland."

I love the different cultures and support shown to the different nations.

DG

Anonymous said...

Have you seen how brutal the other blog is? talking about food and what not. It's ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

Group Stages:
Group A
ROI is the class of the tournament.
Sudan has shown to be a contender but they lack some skill as how long will the direct soccer approach keep working?

Group B
Laos won't be challenge till the play-offs.
Afghan will pass although it will be a close finish.

Group C
Poland is through to the second round.
Nigeria will advance, as Germany is too weak of a team with Evans, Dahle, and Strassburger is not something that has too much quality.

Group D
France
Norway as ES will lose to France and Norway.


Thor

Anonymous said...

I think the only real surprising thing about the standings in any pool is in the improvements of the weaker teams and where the non-playoff teams finish. Scotland and Italy are much improved on last year and I think surprised some people even if just for moments here and there. For a new team Hungary is able to scrap together some points. Nice to see teams become a little more competitive or at least younger so they have something to build on and cause a few upsets along the way. On the flip side some teams like Serbia have taken a big tumble in the rankings...hope their young guys stick around and they can rebuild.

The race between Canada/Afghan/Laos could be the only interesting one really for the playoff hunt. Just about all the other Groups should be relatively obvious.

Anonymous said...

i think that germany has just enough quality that the patterson twins will be able to carry them through to the quarters but they wont go any further

Anonymous said...

Julio, I really liked your track suit the other night - thought it made you look a trim 250 - and I'm sorry to hear they didn't let you into the bar. Chin up bud.

Karlen

Anonymous said...

Forgot a big one:

Tomchuk figured just for fun he would complete a hat trick by scoring a goal with the back of his head over a helpless keeper. LEGEND!!!

Riggs

Anonymous said...

Julio do you have alot of time on your hands. Try getting a girlfriend? You write paragraphs of unnecessary stuff. It's painful to read. Maybe get another hobbie lol. These blogs need some kind of filters so we can all focus on something important.

-Aleck

Anonymous said...

All this talk about the teams in this tournament yet such boring games and wacky results. All this tells me is you never know who's going to make it. All these people saying this and that and trying to come up with some analysis of the games means nothing. It's all useless talk. Just watch and wait and see. This aint no pro league. It's a small Regina tournament will small players and a bunch of wannabe pros. On a side note, anybody can play DEFENSE. I can be a 300 lbs mess and go in hard on some guy and get the ball away and kick it down the field. DEFENDERS are not skilled. Try playing midfield. That requires some skill. Forwards are also useless, they sit and cherry pick. Sorry to inform you all, but real sorry has throw ins and also requires there to be an offside. Ha ha good job all you "amazing" wcp players. You make me laugh.

Anonymous said...

Ha ha Anon 22:19 you mean Soccer not Sorry. Ha ha but I understand what you mean. I think you have some valid points. Midfielders on a soccer pitch are the most skilled and do alot of hard work. I also agree with you about this being a Regina tournament. No need to hype this whole thing up. Any team could win.

Anonymous said...

Thor is posting messages now. The GOD of Thunder. Ha ha so we have Thor GOD of Thunder and GOW God of War. Awesome. Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

Well we Regina have some very uninformed people. Not every team can win this tournament as ROI will run over the competition as usual.
So people are complaining now that there is more analysis and less trash talking? Funny I thought people were complaining about it being the other way around, just shows how useless some people's thoughts are.

Julio I actually liked how you broke down your reasoning as it wasn't just a empty anonymous post. I found it insightful but I think Norway will come through as ES is a pretty bad squad.

Whose a 300lbs out there? All I see is Strassburger running out there at 300 lbs and that guy comes on the blogs talking trash anonymously and then insulting people behind their backs? So Ryan are you posting about yourself again?


Thor

Anonymous said...

Is there a reason you capitalized defense every time you said it? I think your referring to "Julio", and if I was coaching ROI I would move the guy to more of an attacking role as him, Duncan, and Ryan are their most skilled players with the ball. So I am confused where your going with your post?

ST

Anonymous said...

Thor,

I have no idea who you are, nor do i really care. But just to clarify, I dont post anonymously, actually i dont post at all. this is the first time this tournament i have posted anything.

Thanks!
Ryan Strassburger

P.S. Not quite 300lbs, hope your carnival weight guessing booth goes better.

Anonymous said...

Nearing the end of the group stages, assuming that there will be no real major upset this is how things are looking to shape up:

Group A is pretty much wrapped up.
ROI will finish first, second will be Sudan. ROI would have to lose two games in order to finish second, so Group A seems to be clear.
Predictions:
1. ROI
2. Sudan

Group B:
Group B is still up in the air, possibilities for any of the top 4 teams to advance are out there. If Laos drops a game this weekend, it could really create some excitement in that group. Afghan need to get a win vs Canada to guarantee a spot in the second round.
Predictions:
1. Laos
2. Afghan

Group C:
There is only one game of relevance left in Group B, that is Germany vs Nigeria. Germany needs a win or else they are out. A draw for Nigeria secures second place, and a win puts them with a head to head battle with Poland for top spot in the group.
Predictions:
1. Poland
2. Nigeria

Group D
Only one game left that will really alter the outcome. Norway vs ES will determine second place. France can afford to drop a game and still finish in top spot, while if Greece wants to make it to the second round they have to hope for an ES win, and a big time win against SK.
Predictions:
1. France
2. Es & Norway (ES advance due to head to head)

Highlights of the group stage thus far:

1. Ryan McAllister only scores crackers. Both of Ryan's goals have been top notch strikes that merit recognition.

2. Josip Coric, Afghan's striker, is showing why he is arguably the best natural scorer in the province. Josip is deadly in front of net, that his addition has been the biggest impact for any team in the tournament thus far. Having Josip take care of the offense now allows Chico to play at his natural position as a defender.

3. It shaping up like a Poland vs Sudan quarter final. According to some people on this blog, all that matters is how good your midfield is... yet what will happen to a team like Sudan that bypasses the midfield and plays direct?


This post was dedicated for all those anonymous people out there that wanted more soccer related content. Cheers.


Julio

Anonymous said...

I assume that anonymous 22:19 is a midfielder....but the fact that he doesn't like that there are no throw ins and that defense has no skill, my guess is that he can throw a ball farther than he can kick...

Try baseball pal, or don't play or watch WCP.

Its different for a reason....

Anonymous said...

lol. anon 22:19...

clearly your understand of the game is flawed. the best defenders are tacticians whos understanding, positioning and reading of the play must be impeccable.

tackling is an art of its own that takes years of practice to master. theres alot more too it than just sticking your foot out there to try and win the ball.

defenders like Jarvis, S pat, Mason, julio... those players have skill to burn and could easily fill in to that midfield role that you regard so highly above other positions.

Anonymous said...

Collins is dead.

Nate

Anonymous said...

Funny how ROI hasn't played recently, therefore there have been no blog entries from Collins? Curious...

Anonymous said...

I think guys like Julio, Mason, and Troy are guys that are difference makers. I think all three of those guys could play anywhere on the field but they play where they are asked to. Anon 22:19 Must be an outside midfield who never gets to see the pitch as he seems dumb and confused.

Big Strass, don't be shy! We know your up there!


Thor

Anonymous said...

horrible examples up top,

and as for the Josip comment about being the best striker in the province..

err wrong

the only reason he scored those goals
because n.irelands keeper was out of position on all of those goals

all have been luck

Anonymous said...

Anon 13:17, you must obviously be from Regina... as Josip has scored the most goals out of any player in any league in the past few years. Look it up... Josip is a scoring threat. If he played in the Regina league, he'd prolly have triple the amount of goals that he does... he scores alot of goals, and doesn't show up regularly.

Luck, you keep believing that. I wish your team played against Afghan and Josip popped in a hand full of goals. There's a reason Josip won MVP and the golden boot at the WCP a few years back...golden boot at the Saskatoon World Cup aswell... and I doubt it's due to luck.

Another insightful anonymous post... I guess all the smart ones came out today seeing as Collins died for a few days.

Julio

Anonymous said...

Some anonymous people are just idiots! There's a difference between a natural finisher and a striker.

#absolutelyshocking

Anonymous said...

@13:17 Afghan also scored a beauty against Jamaica, he is best natural striker i have ever seen in this province.

K.K

Anonymous said...

Julio, you say that Josip would score triple the amount of goals. Are you serious? Like what's your deal man. Stop making fun of the quality of soccer in Regina. I'm tired of your snooty remarks. This Josip guy would score no more goals than he does in Saskatoon. Triple the goals, yeah right. You need to get off your high horse and appologize to the people in Regina for your lame remarks. This is exactly how people like you become hated.

You are very biased and you definately have no clue about the quality of soccer in Regina. Please shut your mouth already.

-Pissed off Regina Soccer Player

Anonymous said...

Why do you need to pump the tires of someone whose team isn't even that good. Look at the quality of the keepers he has been scoring on. I will believe he is a top striker in this tournament when Afghan plays a quality team and he changes the outcome with a goal on a decent keeper.

Enigma

Anonymous said...

I saw julio walking out at that club rainbow the other night

Anonymous said...

k.k wtf is that and for julio, were u at the game when afghan v n.ireland no, you dont know anything, your slow and cant defend or do anything

Anonymous said...

One with a keen eye can distinguish a good player from a bad one regardless of the competition he is competing against. A nice finish is a nice finish whether its on a division 6 goalie or on FC Barcelona

Anonymous said...

@Anon 16:39 hahaha you don't have to be mad when i'm stating my opinion or else i will assume you have too much stress to handle in your personal life. just chill

K.K

Anonymous said...

Anon 16:39, I know right? I think I should play midfield or forward... somewhere I can dangle better. I don't have to be there... I have read people's comments.. and I know Josip personally, that I've seen Josip score better goals than that... if you can't see that he is a natural finisher.. well then your missing out.

Anon 16:14, you should change your name to Sensitive Soccer Baby; if you can't catch on to sarcasm you really don't belong on the blogs... or reading anything really. You want me to apologize for what? Making a sarcastic comment.. not happening... if your soo gullible that you will read every word on a page and take it for what it is... you can only blame yourself for being upset. You perception leads you to an emotion of dislike, but I really can't control how you get to that perception... sadly you haven't caught on to the humor and sarcasm.. and I don't plan on apologizing.

Julio

Anonymous said...

Julio seriously man, why do you speak. This time you're actually starting to piss people off by the looks of things. First of all your comments about Saskatoon having more quality players. I'd watch what you say buddy. Regina has some quality players too, to be honest I would bet that Regina vs. Saskatoon and we would win easily. Just remember you come here to Regina to play in our tournament. Don't run your mouth. Your little wcp thing is a weekend long event in sasktoon. Good job. Try getting some organizational skills. Maybe we should just ban all these losers from Sasktoon that think they are too good.

First off all ... guys like Mike, Scotty, Jonah, Danny, Evan, Andrew, Troi, Brian, Stephan, Ronnie, Tavis, and the list goes on and on could easily take on what ... David Brown, Brett Levis, and Jay Tomchuck. Wow I'm so scared of alll the skill in Saskatoon.

You need to give your head a shake buddy and stop speaking your rubbish. Your honestly a waste of my time. Don't know why I am even replying back to you, other than to give this city soccer players some respect. We don't need people like you. Get lost.

This Julio guy should be the first to get banned in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

you guys are all funny.....

this blog should be up for entertainment all the time.

can't we all agree to disagree?

lover (not a fighter)

Anonymous said...

I am from Regina and I don't agree with your post. There was a discussion a few threads before and I know you want to stand up for Regina soccer but it's not at the same level right now. Didn't a Saskatoon based team just win Nationals and Regina couldn't even field a squad?

I don't think Julio should give his head a shake. As DG and Riggs also spoke about the topic earlier and they are spot on. If you get mad about an opinion that is legit why are you on this blog?

Anonymous said...

It's not my fault that you can't handle the reality of Regina Soccer Anon 0:32. Regina soccer was competitive before, but at the moment they are not as competitive as Saskatoon soccer. Just look at results in the past five years and the achievements of Regina based teams vs Saskatoon based teams... it is what it is, and if you can't handle that.. then you can only blame yourself.

I actually have given Regina players respect. If they are good and deserve it. Maybe you should read my post about players to watch as I did list a few of the players on your list. As for the Regina WCP, it is by far superior to the one in Saskatoon... I never said otherwise... but somehow you came up with that assumption?

I am not sure why I even reply to you, you are extremely biased and off base with your analysis, and extremely emotional. Opinions are subjective, yet when your extremely emotional your opinion is almost useless. Is Saskatoon soccer better right now... yes... 5 years from now will that trend continue... maybe... maybe not. Learn to read what is written and stop jumping to conclusions and causing a scene... I'm glad you never posted with your name as you would have embarrassed yourself.

Julio

Anonymous said...

Ya this is what bugs me about Saskatoon players, they think they're god or something, guys like Julio who shouldnt be playing at all are they better than regina players, yes by a lot? nope any given day a regina team can beat a saskatoon team(best v best) and thats what bothers me about some of these saskatoon players John