The Soccer Thread (Version 10)

Some of the same Boston University researchers who have studied CTE are launching a new project dedicated to the long-term effects of head impacts on female soccer players. Michelle Akers is one of the women involved in the pilot study.

 

Exciting Netherlands-Germany qualifier. The Dutch overcome an insanely bad handball call to win 4-2 on the road.

 

Wales barely scrape by Azerbaijan. After 2016's magical run, I'm not sure Wales are even going to qualify for 2020.

Interesting bit of football nerdery—Belgium, ranked No. 1 in the world, only managed to beat San Marino, the worst-ranked team in the world at No. 211, 4-0. That's parity!

 

Tonight might be interesting.

US Soccer has do-or-die showdown with anti-gay chant Friday

But I'm not sure why FIFA is putting all the onus on US Soccer here.

 

Was watching the ESPN FC show and there were some brutal own goals today. Not just the header which gives Wales their first but the Latvian keeper batted a goal line clearance off of his legs and into the goal.

 

Well Watford sacked Gracia yesterday. Mixed reactions from the fan base. But the 'Orns have played relegation level football ever since beating Wolves in the FA Cup semi last year, so something had to change, I suppose.

 

Ah yes, the Paul Pogba hat trick.

 

Norwich just beat City 3-2.

 

Saw the first goal when a guy got a free header off a corner and had to leave. That's big

 

I spent the whole second half waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it ... never did.

 

When City scored to make it 3-2, I thought: Oh no. Great result for so many reasons.

 

This is why MOTD is a goddamn delight. (Google Shearer and Owen if you don't have the context for why this is so awesome.)