All-Purpose, Never-Ending Soccer Thread

Agreed.

In addition, if we regard the Copa America as more important, we're setting ourselves up for a fall. There is little reason to expect us to do really well in that tournament. But the Gold Cup? We should expect no less than the final. Throw in the added benefit of the Confederations Cup berth, and the Gold Cup is much bigger for us.

 

Bradley said exactly that, also, the team has a legit shot at the Gold Cup as far as Copa America, if they can get through the group stage - with Argentina the definite front-runner to win group C - what makes anyone think they can beat the likes of Brazil ... I would much rather them go all in for the Gold Cup to play in the Confederations Cup in South Africa in 09 (I believe), isn't the next World Cup in Africa, don't really see what could top that as far as preparing for the next World Cup

 

Sorry if this has already been posted on the thread already but 56 pages is a lot to trawl through. Or indeed if it was it's own thread. I am new to the site and I would be interested to find out your opinions on the David Beckham signing to MLS.

I have to be honest that in my mind I have trouble reconciling the expense of his contract against what he will provide to the game of soccer in the United States and it's growth. Does Beckham really carry the aura and marketing profile that a Michael Jordan did for basketball and Nike? I mean that sort of money is more than Michael ever made on a playing contract etc? Like I said I just have trouble reconciling it and understanding how MLS and the owners of the LA Galaxy hope to recoup that event. Could the money not have been spent more prudently?

 

Beckham's contract is closer to $10 million a year with the Galaxy. Their owner has the money. The $250 million over five years is including endorsements.

And he has the marketing power of a Michael Jordan, easily. Worldwide? In the world's game?

The Galaxy made a wise investment in david Beckham. On and off the field, worldwide.

 

I have to disagree. These games, except the one against Mexico and maybe CR are absolute gimmes. We can get to the finals of the Gold Cup with our B team and have a good chance of winning. By contrast, Copa America gives us tough games at every turn. Why enter the tournament if we are going without our best?

 

Because it gives the younger players a chance to show their worth against tougher competition.
Copa America is the one you can lose and not have it mean anything.
The Gold Cup actually has something very important on the line. That's why I think a lot of the regulars like Donovan, Mastroeni, etc. will be on the Gold Cup roster and not the Copa America roster.
Plus with both tournaments going on in the middle of MLS season, there's won't be too many players on the roster for both tournaments.

 

So, is it just internet chatter or is Zidane really going to sign with MLS on Monday?

 

From what I've heard, they will make a decision Monday whether or not to offer him.
The Fire are saving a lot of money by getting rid of Zach Thornton, so some of the money to possibly buy Zidane is now available.

Sorry, should have prefaced this by saying Chicago is by far the front-runner for Zidane. RBNY is only a slight possibility.

 

any new news on Zidane coming to the MLS?

 

If this is true -- and I really doubt that it is -- I can't believe that RBNY would be outspent and that Zizou would prefer Chicago to NYC.

 

Recent news today is that Chicago has fallen behind RBNY in the Zidane sweepstakes.
Looks as if the Fire realized how much money it was really going to take to get him here and are backing off a bit.
RBNY is back in the picture, and shouldn't be afraid to spend a large amount to get him considering how big their offer was to try to get Ronaldo.

 

I wonder how Youri's sour experience last year will have on a decision by Zidane.