2012 Olympics [R]

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Team GB Roster:
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Birmingham), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough);
Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Steven Caulker (Tottenham), Craig Dawson (West Brom), Micah Richards (Man. City), Neil Taylor (Swansea), James Tomkins (West Ham).
Midfielders: Joe Allen (Swansea), Tom Cleverley (Man. United), Jack Cork (Southampton), Ryan Giggs (Man. United), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Danny Rose (Tottenham), Scott Sinclair (Swansea);
Forwards: Craig Bellamy (Liverpool), Marvin Sordell (Bolton), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea).

And I'll get to see them in the group round against UAE. Maybe even a second time if they finish second in their group.

GraceTX wrote:

And I'll get to see them in the group round against UAE. Maybe even a second time if they finish second in their group.

Braggart.

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LOL

Did I mention I was going to the women's soccer final? Hopefully, I'll get to see the USWNT.

GraceTX wrote:

LOL

Did I mention I was going to the women's soccer final? Hopefully, I'll get to see the USWNT.

Lucky! I also hope you see them there!

If they are and you get a chance to talk to Heather O'Reilly, tell her you know me. She'll probably side eye you a little bit but it helps to perpetuate a now running bit on my behalf.

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Britain and Olympic soccer have never gone together, and that won't change, it seems, with the London Olympics.

The news that poor ticket sales have forced Olympic organizers to withdraw 500,000 tickets from distribution and slash stadium capacities is disappointing.

You'd think USA-France -- a rematch of last year's Women's World Cup semifinal featuring two of the most exciting teams in the world -- would fill a good part of Hampden Park but we were told that as of early last month only 200 tickets were sold for the Wednesday doubleheader that features Colombia-North Korea in the nightcap.

Well if they'd released more tickets to the US market, I think more people would go to the soccer events. We couldn't get tickets when we tried to do them through CoSport as they were all sold out of the allotment they'd received. Meanwhile, my brother-in-law was able to get us tickets for both men and women's soccer events without any problem.

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Giggs was unhappy with some of the tackles in the match, which left goalscorer Craig Bellamy and Joe Allen doubtful for the team's next game.

"In a Premier League game he [Manu] would probably have been sent off three times," said Giggs.

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Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy refused to sing the National Anthem as Great Britain opened their Olympic campaign with a disappointing draw against Senegal.

Team GB captain Giggs and his fellow Welshmen Bellamy, Joe Allen and Neil Taylor remained tight-lipped during the rendition of God Save The Queen at Old Trafford.

'I have no policy on any player singing an anthem,' said [manager Stuart] Pearce. 'That's totally independent for them. Some enjoy singing it, some don't, we have no policy on it.'

gwar0127 wrote:

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Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy refused to sing the National Anthem as Great Britain opened their Olympic campaign with a disappointing draw against Senegal.

Team GB captain Giggs and his fellow Welshmen Bellamy, Joe Allen and Neil Taylor remained tight-lipped during the rendition of God Save The Queen at Old Trafford.

'I have no policy on any player singing an anthem,' said [manager Stuart] Pearce. 'That's totally independent for them. Some enjoy singing it, some don't, we have no policy on it.'

What's unclear is whether they were hoping for a chance to sing the Welsh national anthem ("It's Not Unusual" by Tom Jones) or whether they were protesting the continued reign of Elizabeth II and the resulting tyranny of Prince Charles over Wales. My understanding is that he's the one responsible for vowel famine that nation has been suffering.

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In their second straight nail-biter at the Olympic Games, the U.S. women advanced to the semifinals by edging New Zealand, 2-0, with goals by veteran Abby Wambach and newcomer Sydney Leroux. Here are a few observations about the match ...

FOUR IN A ROW. Wambach's goal in the 27th minute, a back-post tap-in set up by a clever move and slick pass by Alex Morgan, gives her a goal in each of the USA's four matches in this Olympic Games and 142 in her international career.

Her goal against New Zealand marked the 10th time she has scored in 13 knockout-round matches of official competitions -- and the fifth straight elimination game with a goal. She is also only 16 behind all-time leading goalscorer Mia Hamm (158).

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Two moments of Canadian brilliance were enough to eliminate host Great Britain, 2-0, on Friday and set up a date with the USA in the semifinals of the Olympic women's soccer competition on Monday at Manchester's Old Trafford.

“We’re going in as underdogs and I think everyone understands that and I think underdogs rise up in these tournaments and you’ve seen it time-and-time again,” said Canada coach John Herdman. “Expect the girls to rise up, they’re in a great space to take on the world number one.”

In its first Olympic women's soccer competition four years ago, Canada fell to the USA, 2-1, in overtime in the quarterfinals.

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World champion Japan moved into the semifinals of the Olympic women's soccer competition with a 2-0 win over a very disappointing Brazil team. Yuki Ogimi scored the first goal on a breakaway and then set up Shinobu Ohno for another breakaway to give Japan the win. It will meet France, who rallied from one goal down to beat Sweden, 2-1, on goals by defenders Laura Georges (formerly of Boston College) and Wendie Renard.


QUARTERFINALS
Aug. 3 in Glasgow
France 2 Sweden 1
Aug. 3 in Newcastle
USA 2 New Zealand 0
Aug. 3 in Cardiff
Japan 2 Brazil 0
Aug. 3 in Coventry
Great Britain 0 Canada 2

SEMIFINALS
Aug. 6 in London
France vs. Japan (NBCSN, live, noon ET)
Aug. 6 in Manchester
USA vs. Canada (NBCSN, live, 2:45 pm ET)

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The USA moved into the semifinals of the Olympic women's soccer competition after a tougher-than-expected win over New Zealand that featured a violent collision between U.S. star Alex Morgan and New Zealand goalkeeper Jenny Bindon. Morgan later left the game won by the Americans, 2-0, with what was termed a charley horse, but she "will be fine" for Monday's semifinal with Concacaf rival Canada, according to U.S. coach Pia Sundhage.

Morgan's knee hit Bindon in the head as the U.S. star broke in alone on the New Zealand keeper late in the second half. Amazingly, no foul was called for the violent collision.

Bindon stayed in the game but was suffering from an apparent concussion.

gwar0127 wrote:

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The USA moved into the semifinals of the Olympic women's soccer competition after a tougher-than-expected win over New Zealand that featured a violent collision between U.S. star Alex Morgan and New Zealand goalkeeper Jenny Bindon. Morgan later left the game won by the Americans, 2-0, with what was termed a charley horse, but she "will be fine" for Monday's semifinal with Concacaf rival Canada, according to U.S. coach Pia Sundhage.

Morgan's knee hit Bindon in the head as the U.S. star broke in alone on the New Zealand keeper late in the second half. Amazingly, no foul was called for the violent collision.

Bindon stayed in the game but was suffering from an apparent concussion.

For those that didn't see it, no foul was called because both players were going full speed for a 50-50 ball. Bindon parried it away by diving outside her box feet first. She and Morgan both tried to avoid colliding with one another. Bindon tried to lean back towards the ground and Morgan jumped to try to hurdle over her. Both weren't quick enough to avoid the knee to face collision.

To both women's credit they both got up and carried on playing without complaint. Though I still contend, there is no way Bindon didn't finish that game without a concussion.

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Soccer and the Olympics are giving us wonderful stories, like [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]. (And, yes, even in Olympic soccer, Brazil qualifies as the “mighty,” never mind if the Samba kings have never won the doggone thing.)

But as we know, soccer and the Olympics have always shared a complicated relationship, and there are plenty of ninnies around the current tournament doing their part to keep it that way.

I am still buzzing after that game yesterday.

Between the NBC Live app not working and our internet connection here at work being the suck, I didn't even watch it live. Followed along on matchtracker (which is actually insanely better than it has been in the past) and twitter.

I watched the game off NBCOlympics.com without commentary.

I'm a stupid head and forgot to set my dvr to record it. Wish I had that Olympic soccer channel so I could watch a replay on my tv.

Anyone have it recorded that would be able to make me a copy or let me come over and watch it with commentary?

I got it on grainy old VHS. The tape's still in the deck, set to record the gold medal match. And if it's as good, I'm locking the duology up.

Silliest thing I've ever seen, denying the media the chance to replay the highlights of any Olympic sport, and for NBC to have not replayed that game in primetime in particular.

I'll be watching it tonight with my friend Liz so I got the hookup to watch it.

But would still appreciate a digital copy if anyone can put it on a dvd for me.

Sorry, Jagle - No vcr for me to play it on. LOL

I'll also be heading to The Allen Wickers to watch the final tomorrow. Starts at 1:45 pm.

TAW will also be opening at 6:45 am for the bronze medal match for anyone wanting to watch what will be a good game. I'm leaning towards France winning as I think Canada is still butt hurt over the officiating in the semi game.

My official take on the semi: Officiating was atrocious the whole game. I do however think, when all things are considered, the final result is just.

Canada got maybe 5 real chances at the US goal, Sinc netted the 3 she had. The rest of the game was the US knocking on Canada's doorstep. Erin McLeod was the second best player on the field for them as it could have easily ended up 5 or 6 to 3, without her stopping/deflecting a couple excellent shots from the USWNT.

There is no way Canada could have held on for a win if they were taken down to 10 women in the 55th minute, as they should have been when Tancredi intentionally stomped on Lloyd's head.

[quote="Dana"]I'll be watching it tonight with my friend Liz so I got the hookup to watch it.

But would still appreciate a digital copy if anyone can put it on a dvd for me.

Sorry, Jagle - No vcr for me to play it on. LOL



I know. You can't hardly find tape for a VCR any more. As soon as someone comes up with a digital option that I don't have to rent, I'm going to try and keep using the old way.

You know that joke about the airlines charging you to use the john? Renting recording ability falls along the same lines to me.

I'm so happy to see the United States play everyone else physically (If only FC Dallas could get away with it in MLS). I'm liking O'Hara at left DB. The right side needs to be worked on, though. A lot of grit and speed was lost when Mitts grew fragile, and no one has really replaced Kate.

So who's done? Certainly Mitts is moving on, and OMG, almost certainly Rampone will. Who the hell's going to fill those shoes? And I don't know how much longer we'll see Lloyd and Boxie. Abby will not leave without at least one more shot at a cup, but Syd's going to push her as far as the bench. I can't wait to see Syd and Morgan gel. It's been coming since their U20 days. Syd's like a hungry tiger being shown meat: "I WANT it!"

It's hard to beat the lion, Wambach, though. And I did think Syd had trouble wanting to score on Canada. That will need to end.

We're set up for years at forward. Lions (Wambach), tigers (Syd), and bears (Morgan), oh my! Sheese, two other good ones have been pushed to playing midfield, and a third is running at right DB. You could bring any of those youngsters up at need. You're seeing four forwards starting with two others ready in prime relief. All we need's a couple of young holders in the midfield and the team is set in two-thirds of the field.

Fast, bitchy defenders, however, are lacking. I wonder who's coming up in the junior leagues? I pity any of them who think they might break in at forward. Midfield is available. But defense? Somebody find us some bitches.

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South Korea earned more than a bronze medal when it beat Japan, 2-0, Friday for its first medal ever in men's soccer. The medal meant its players will be exempt from military service back home...

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Japan's women's national team won't return home with gold, but they will return home in business class. New Japan Football Association president Kuniya Daini confirmed the women -- relegated to economy class while the Japanese men's national team flew in business class en route from Tokyo to Paris -- would be upgraded to business class on their return flight.

"They won a medal, so they will go back business class," said Daini. "We have got the seats booked."

gwar0127 wrote:

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Japan's women's national team won't return home with gold, but they will return home in business class. New Japan Football Association president Kuniya Daini confirmed the women -- relegated to economy class while the Japanese men's national team flew in business class en route from Tokyo to Paris -- would be upgraded to business class on their return flight.

"They won a medal, so they will go back business class," said Daini. "We have got the seats booked."

I remember change.org, or somesuch organization sending me an on-line petition about this issue.

I signed it.

Awesome tournament and wins for the US, by the way.