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I don't think that's what we are seeing. Many of the other European teams have great young players on them. For example Germany is led by Ozil, Mueller and Podolski. The first two are under 20 and Podolski isn't too far over. I think what we are really seeing is that soccer is a young persons game. Italy came into this tournament with a team that was just four years older than the one that won the last World Cup. Which just isn't ever going to be good enough, especially when your team was kind of old to start.
Or maybe we're just seeing that Italy is struggling to develop new dependable talent, which I'm sure that low birth rate isn't helping. -
This has been one of the big questions about US Soccer for awhile now. I think that article brings up some good points and questions. But what is really interesting is they said that in England if you aren't starting by 22, you should quit. Because of the way development occurs in other countries players are better at younger ages. I think the majority of the top 10 players in the world are all under 24.
In countries with professional youth systems, players are more freely allowed to play up at higher levels (age means nothing, only your ability) so that they can continue there development at a very quick rate. Like the example of Rooney, he was just good enough at 16 to play in the EPL and that forced him to become better and develop faster. If your not training with players who are better than you, it's far more difficult to improve.
I understand that it's a cool statistic that so many of the US players went to college, but why then is the best hope for the future of the team 19 year old Josie Altidore, whose dramatically improved over the last two years he's been playing in Europe.
And if soccer's not your thing, try thinking about putting the NBA and AAU basketball in place of the European youth development ideas. Maybe Lebron James would be even better if we let him play 10 minutes a game when he was 16. -
I think more Americans are showing an interest in soccer, and at least the World Cup. But it is still one of those sports that many don't understand and can't see how a 1-0 game can still be a great game to watch. We'll see what interest is like after the US vs. England game on Saturday. Especially if the US wins.
And yes, US football is still King. It's been the King over all American professional sports since they got a national TV contract. I can't even think of what would have to happen for US football to lose that. -
This is a difficult question and my lack of recent basketball watching makes it hard for me. But, I do think the Big Ten has suffered from that in the past, except for maybe Michigan St (they always seem to have plenty of role player big men). The "wimpy" ref issue is more of a problem for teams that rely on their big men to win games. Teams that rely mostly on guard play can get away with foul trouble a lot easier.
Also, I wonder if the Big East has suffered from this issue as well, seeing as much of the top of that conference plays more like the NBA in terms of physicality.
So yes, I do think the Big Ten suffers from "wimpy" refs, and maybe the coaches should start scouting the refs as well as the other teams they are going to have in the tournament. -
I don't think the actual spring itself is any different. But I judge seasons more by feel and what plants are doing than the date.
The biggest difference is that it is far earlier. California pretty much just has Fall from December to February where it rains every other day. But then it stops raining and it's Spring. And unlike Missouri and Wisconsin, I don't fear a winter relapse at any moment during spring. -
My bracket is totally busted. I only have two final four teams left, Syracuse and West Virgina. Kansas losing was the final straw. The Badgers loss didn't effect my bracket too much. With them out I'm going to root for Northern Iowa (it's hard not cheer for Egleseder) and Xavier (because I always do) even though they probably won't make it past the next round.
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I have no idea. I tried to look it up or get some context but had no luck. I assume it's a very bad thing.
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Tom’s Bio
I'm an engineer, that means I solve problems. Not problems like what is beauty, because that would fall within the purview of your conundrums of philosophy.
