Which bar in Phuket can offer me…?

[jao108]

No, not Isarn titties and cinnamon skinned honey, better than that…
Not imported malts and lager from farangland, more exciting than that!
Definitely not Gay Night, I need not elaborate more…
English Premiere Hooligans?....we’re getting warmer…
Soccer fans from the American continents….now we’re getting closer

As a boy who grew up as an NBA, NFL, and even NHL and MLB fan in the states, never thought I’d find myself even caring what the MLS was and why it was important to my American identity…Now that I’ve actually had several years of exposure to real international competitions including two full world cup finals as well as several other international games, cups, and qualifiers, not to mention many hours on the PS2 giving the American team more hi level international experience…I actually can say that I am a fan of soccer…or better yet, futbal, as the world’s best call it.

So anyway, for any Americans, Europeans, Asians, or whoever that actually want to see something exciting other than the standard non stop competition among European clubs and the occasional European and Asian qualifiers…this year is a special year come June and July.

From June 6th to June 24th is the Gold cup with US as hosts, which is the 12 team national cup tournament for North and Central American teams. Then directly following this cup is the Copa de Americas which will be held in Venezuela. This particular cup for those who don’t know is traditionally the South American National team cup, but this year being special because the USA and Mexico are special invitees. US and Mexico will have a full months prep in their own Gold Cup coming into the Copa de America from June 26 to July 15, so I’m sure they’ll give the South American big-dogs some surprise runs to be reckoned with ! Just take a look at the Groups lineup here

Gold Cup 2007

2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(believe it or not, Canada did actually win one of these back in 2000!)

Copa de Americas 2007

Copa América 2007 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Anyhow, win or lose, I want to see it and root on my national team, seeing how big a threat teams like Argentina and Uruguay are this year, and see how USA’s new coach is managing on the field .…and ofcourse, see if our striker, Landon Donovan can hold his own as the new captain… the first round should answer a lot of questions…I mean success against Argentina is a long shot but atleast it will be good experience. And if we can survive and even pull out with victory against Paraguay and Colombia, then that should make for some exciting futbal ! !

So, any bars that can guarantee television coverage of both these cups...any and all games... from Phuket, count me in for a few drinks there…Or even any expats who can provide satellite cable or real international sports coverage, that certainly would at least broadcast the latter cup, please let me know. For obvious reasons, the Copa de America should be easier to get than the Gold Cup, but shouldn’t be impossible for both of them cause I don’t think there is any big European cups / events during those times… unless someone can confirm whether local cable is offering it?

Cheers !

[Dodger]

Football not Futbal, I believe the latter is a german word? or is that fuzbol? anyway Football, at least you didn't say soccer.

I'm really glad to see this report and hope that as a nation you can really start to enjoy football, my american friends always said if it had more goals it would be more attractive to us, he also asked with immense interest, "how can you watch a 0-0 game and come back saying it was a good game?"

Getting back to your question, pathetically I cannot help as I have no means of looking for future television coverage. Does anyone know if this will be picked up by Star Sports or UBC or Malaysian Football channels?

[jao108]

I think the world and other nations generally underestimate Americans in football (soccer) in general, thinking that we don't have stadiums or fields, or clubs, etc. but in reality, soccer is quite seriously organised in cities all over the USA. There is a soccer field to be found in almost every neighborhood, with little league competitions and tournaments held throughout the better part of the year. However, at the national and commercial levels, it lacks the hype and mass market investment/promotion such as the NFL , NBA, NHL, and MBA...but make no mistake MLS is stronger and popular than ever before...obviously with more funds pouring into the league...Come on we managed to hire one of the most expensive icons in the world...and he's not from Brazil.

[Nanook]

Originally Posted by Dodger

Football not Futbal, I believe the latter is a german word? or is that fuzbol? anyway Football, at least you didn't say soccer.

Dodger, here you have a few translations:

English: football
Dutch: Voetbal
Italian: Calcio
German: Fussball
Spanish: futbol
French: football
Portugese: futebol
Swedish: fotboll
Thai: ฟุตบอล = pronounced foot-bon

[boxster]

Originally Posted by jao108

I think the world and other nations generally underestimate Americans in football (soccer) in general, thinking that we don't have stadiums or fields, or clubs, etc. but in reality, soccer is quite seriously organised in cities all over the USA. There is a soccer field to be found in almost every neighborhood, with little league competitions and tournaments held throughout the better part of the year. However, at the national and commercial levels, it lacks the hype and mass market investment/promotion such as the NFL , NBA, NHL, and MBA...but make no mistake MLS is stronger and popular than ever before...obviously with more funds pouring into the league...Come on we managed to hire one of the most expensive icons in the world...and he's not from Brazil.

I only know that women football is popular overthere and i thought that´s why they have the soccer fields.
Mabe men football becomes more popular when victoria beckham ups david beckham plays there soon.

[ATMwalking]

Originally Posted by Dodger

I'm really glad to see this report and hope that as a nation you can really start to enjoy football, my american friends always said if it had more goals it would be more attractive to us, he also asked with immense interest, "how can you watch a 0-0 game and come back saying it was a good game?"

I tried watching the world cup. I think they need to introduce a shot clock. They are so afraid to give up control of the ball they never do anything. Second they should shrink the field to about 60% of current size. That would tighten up the action. They should also let the players get a little more physical. Right now they are big babies making such a big deal out of just a little contact.

[steve w]

Originally Posted by Dodger

Football not Futbal, I believe the latter is a german word? or is that fuzbol? anyway Football, at least you didn't say soccer.

I'm really glad to see this report and hope that as a nation you can really start to enjoy football, my american friends always said if it had more goals it would be more attractive to us, he also asked with immense interest, "how can you watch a 0-0 game and come back saying it was a good game?"

Getting back to your question, pathetically I cannot help as I have no means of looking for future television coverage. Does anyone know if this will be picked up by Star Sports or UBC or Malaysian Football channels?

just ban goalies ,innit.........5555555555555

[randy1]

jao108, If you find a place to watch please post. I should be there to see the last bit. Let's hope the US does not get knocked out to early. Anyway US sure has Mexico's number. Aloha Andrew

[ub2yoo]

Originally Posted by Dodger

my american friends always said if it had more goals it would be more attractive to us, he also asked with immense interest, "how can you watch a 0-0 game and come back saying it was a good game?"?

I heard another variation of that before. Someone telling me footbal sux because of low scores ? Well, one touchdown scores 6 points + you can get one more for free, which sums up to 7.

Yeah, if every goal in football would count for 6 plus a bonus penalty each game would end with 35:21 or something ;-))

But good game american footbal I must say. Guess you have to see it live at least one time before to really appriciate it on TV later.

[jao108]

Originally Posted by randy1

jao108, If you find a place to watch please post. I should be there to see the last bit. Let's hope the US does not get knocked out to early. Anyway US sure has Mexico's number. Aloha Andrew

We seem to do alright against them in various friendly's but those have mostly been on our turf. Traditionaly they are the big dogs of the CONCACAF league winning four official Gold Cups (to US's three) and overal Seven CONCACAF championships (before there was an official CONCACAF Gold Cup since 1963 (Brazil occasionaly has participated but never managed to win one...made it to two Gold Cup finals in 1996 and 2003 of which both times Mexico held their own...2 nill, and 1 nill respectively)

For reference, see this link :

CONCACAF Gold Cup - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So, I think Mexico is definately to be reckoned with, with much more experience and play on South American turf than the US.

I'd be really exicted and surprised if USA can hold down Colombia and Paraguay in the Copa America first round. As far as Argentina, a draw would be a huge accomplishment...with basketball, there is definately some big rivalry betrween the two countries...but futbal, still needs some more exposure / history in the making...

I think they should play a defensive six--one--two---one formation and try to run the hell out of the South Americans. Later in the game, try to catch them off gaurd with some hell-marrys... !

Try to avoid any injuries in the Gold Cup...tight mid-backfield coordination and it should be a real exciting/beneficial two months for the US squad !

Through thick and thin, even if it turns out that I have to keep up with Internet sports collumns online to get the results, which I hope shouldn't be the case in such an 'international' hub as Phuket...

No bar goers yet confirmed broadcasts. We'll have to check espn and star sports line up eventually, if someone else has the initiative and quick ability, please feel free as I'm not exactly on high speed net here...just gprs which falls out often.

Try to keep this thread alive in the next few months in case it catches an eye of some other expats who can offer/suggest a viewing gateway for us Soccer - Futbol/Futbal fans !

[Dodger]

Originally Posted by ATMwalking

I tried watching the world cup. I think they need to introduce a shot clock. They are so afraid to give up control of the ball they never do anything. Second they should shrink the field to about 60% of current size. That would tighten up the action. They should also let the players get a little more physical. Right now they are big babies making such a big deal out of just a little contact.

Something tells me you don't follow football?? Went to Eaton did we? a bit of a rugger boy??

[ATMwalking]

Originally Posted by Dodger

Something tells me you don't follow football?? Went to Eaton did we? a bit of a rugger boy??

Rugger, is that rugby? Another sport I don't get. Why can you only pass the ball backwards?

[LivinLOS]

So that controlled forward motion and territory gain is fought for.. kicking forward releases possession..

I have to say one of the things I cant bear in football is the penalty begging and dives..

[Dodger]

Originally Posted by ATMwalking

Rugger, is that rugby? Another sport I don't get. Why can you only pass the ball backwards?

Because if you look closely at rugger boys they are all quite old and beleive it or not, they like myself are all on UN-birthdays, so everything has to be backwards, tch you really do not understand anything about sport!!!

[ATMwalking]

Originally Posted by Dodger

Because if you look closely at rugger boys they are all quite old and beleive it or not, they like myself are all on UN-birthdays, so everything has to be backwards, tch you really do not understand anything about sport!!!

Makes more sense...in an alternate universe sorta way.

Basketball is good. Courtside NBA really rocks.

[jao108]

[left]NBA live is cool, but US National squads haven't proved as grand as a decade ago with the original dream team; in recent international tournaments, we have proved inferior to teams such as Argentina, Spain, and Greece.

So anyway, not to hijack the thread with basketball, rugby, or even butplugging, lets get back to futbal/soccer !

Anyone got any relevant information on the latest developments, strengths, and weaknesses of other participating/qualifying Central or Southern American teams in the two cups? What ought we know about Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Trinidad Tobago, Honduras, Venezuala, Chille, Costa Rica, Guatamala, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Equador, and all the others I missed?

And while we're on the subject, was anyone in Phuket up on Sonkran (April 13) morning 2 amish with one of the star sports s1 s2 or s3 showing a live exciting soccer game? So most likely it was still April 12 wherever it was being broadcast live.

I still haven't figured out what two teams were playing, but it was some of the most exciting futbal/football/soccer games I seen in a while, well the last five minutes, where the last three goals were traded off almost instantly with a final 4 to 3. It was a packed stadium and the sponsors logos were of some latin root, though definately not english, french, or german. One of the teams had white uniforms with a huge walmart sponsor logo in the front.
It might have been either italian or south american league, i'm not sure because when they showed results of other teams in that particular division, i believe one of the teams was argentinos, which is confusing as the other teams weren't country names....please someone, if you can confirm what teams/league that was. Definately not a small time minor league as the broadcast was good quality with a packed stadium.

cheers

[SweetWilliam]

Originally Posted by jao108

[left]

So anyway, not to hijack the thread with basketball, rugby, or even butplugging, lets get back to futbal/soccer !

So, any bars that can guarantee television coverage of both these cups...any and all games...

Not a hijack, but while in Phuket last March I talked one of the managers of the AussieBar and he put a live NBA game (it was on ESPN the Ocho or something like that) on one of thier TV's at 10 AM. Had breakfast, read the phuket gazette, and watched the Suns get trounced by the Pistons. A fine morning indeed, even though I am a Suns fan.

I would try and find a TV schedule for these events, who is broadcasting it, and figure out the time difference. Then visit a few of the local bars/pubs/larger hotels and see if they can pick up a game or two from thier satellite subscription and put it on one of thier TV's. Otherwise your only bet is an internet broadcast.

Oh, and as for your other interests, you should be able to find a selection of sexy DVD's somewere on Bangla Road.

W

[jao108]

Update!

USA advanced into the finals of the CONCACAF Gold cup, squashing Canada's hopes with a 2 to 1 victory in a well matched semi-final (was real close with a shady offsides call in the 95th moment against Canada, that took away the equaliser goal...but that's soccer for you, a call is a call, no matter what)...

and who will US meet? Why, their arch rivals, Mexico of course. The final will begin aproximately 2 am Thailand time Sunday late (early Monday) and I'ma watch it at the inlaws cause they have cable. The last game was on astro channel, eurosport something, so the final should also be televised on cable (not sure about ubc)

Currently, Mexico are the Gold Cup top dogs with 4 championships, followed by USA with three...so this is the stars and stripes opportunity to equal that out, on our own home turf...Win or lose, it's perfect prep for the USA as we have a death group next month in the Copa with Paraguay, Colombia, and Argentina.

Any blokes who got the astro channel at home, be sure to tune in, for it's sure to be a classic, win or lose, both teams will play fair ball, cause they don't want to end up losing anybody for the copa games after next week in venezuala...

[marc26]

Originally Posted by jao108

Update!

USA advanced into the finals of the CONCACAF Gold cup, squashing Canada's hopes with a 2 to 1 victory in a well matched semi-final (was real close with a shady offsides call in the 95th moment against Canada, that took away the equaliser goal...but that's soccer for you, a call is a call, no matter what)...

and who will US meet? Why, their arch rivals, Mexico of course. The final will begin aproximately 2 am Thailand time Sunday late (early Monday) and I'ma watch it at the inlaws cause they have cable. The last game was on astro channel, eurosport something, so the final should also be televised on cable (not sure about ubc)

Currently, Mexico are the Gold Cup top dogs with 4 championships, followed by USA with three...so this is the stars and stripes opportunity to equal that out, on our own home turf...Win or lose, it's perfect prep for the USA as we have a death group next month in the Copa with Paraguay, Colombia, and Argentina.

Any blokes who got the astro channel at home, be sure to tune in, for it's sure to be a classic, win or lose, both teams will play fair ball, cause they don't want to end up losing anybody for the copa games after next week in venezuala...

the boys in work were not too happy today!!
i loved it