The Soccer Thread (Version 9)

There was quite the fuss about 15 years ago when Michelle Wie played in some PGA events.

 

Same thing when Annika Sorenstam played the Byron Nelson.

 

One, as a man I have no frame of reference for how this could help or hurt the team. Two, I think it's pretty cool they are sharing the story to help other women and teenage athletes.

Ending period 'taboo' gave USA marginal gain at World Cup

 

Juve signs De Ligt -- they really have to be considered top 2 or 3 for the Big Cup.

 

The draw for Asian qualifying for 2022 (and the 2023 Asian Cup) was yesterday. Spicy draws like these are part of what makes soccer in Asia so much fun to watch.

Group A: China v Philippines (Scarborough Shoal derby)
Group C: Iran v Iraq
Group D: Saudi Arabia v Yemen (Palestine, too)
Group G: a mini-AFF Cup with Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia
Group H: South Korea v North Korea

 

Got my ticket for Aug. 24 ... about 10 rows up from the field, near midfield. Only £36. So freaking pumped.

 

Don’t do what I did on our trip to London last year and think that the match which you bought tickets for was on Sunday. Watching Match of the Day after a Saturday of sightseeing provided a rude awakening.

 

Good get. Hope you have fun. I went to lower-league games (one Championship, one League One) when I visited London, but if Watford is anything like the clubs I saw, eating before the game will save you and your wallet a fair bit of grief. My love of pies only extends so far.

 

I planned on getting to town well ahead of kickoff to find some pubs to pregame in, will probably eat there. Appreciate the tip!

 

Zlatan with the hat trick last night in El Trafico. The first goal was fantastic

Ibrahimovic nets hat trick for Galaxy vs. LAFC

 

The Bale transer saga is getting dirty.

https://deadspin.com/gareth-bales-unbearably-bleak-situation-at-real-madrid-1836598105

 

Zidane must really hate him. I get the reports that he hasn't completely bought into to the Real Madrid way, but it's not like Zidane was some sort of trophy magnet at a player for the team.