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I think it’s already been established MLS would never move their season to winter - weather, competing with football (and other sports), etc. have all been discussed. I don’t think anyone was saying it ‘should’ happen - merely noting that it can affect our participation in the World Cup (since the rest of the world is on a different schedule). All one needs to do is listen to several commentators - and it’s clear the world not only sees us as ‘inferior’ in the sport, but many will routinely speak of the scheduling disadvantage. I don’t tailgate at soccer games (used to at football games long ago) - prefer a pub environment (or simply having a beer while watching the game live).
That may be the perception outside the US, but really it's not a disadvantage for the US since the players are in peak mid-season form both during the qualification matches and the World Cup itself. As to whether we're inferior or not, it depends on who you compare the US to. Clearly at present we're inferior to the best European leagues and South America, but then so is most of the rest of the world. We're not as inferior financially, which is a positive over the long haul as we can build attractive soccer stadiums and hopefully be able to attract good athletes to the sport. This is a marathon, not a sprint; the big payoff is many years down the road.
That may be the perception outside the US, but really it's not a disadvantage for the US since the players are in peak mid-season form both during the qualification matches and the World Cup itself. As to whether we're inferior or not, it depends on who you compare the US to. Clearly at present we're inferior to the best European leagues and South America, but then so is most of the rest of the world. We're not as inferior financially, which is a positive over the long haul as we can build attractive soccer stadiums and hopefully be able to attract good athletes to the sport. This is a marathon, not a sprint; the big payoff is many years down the road.
I agree the ‘big payoff’ may be down the road - also agree it’s a marathon. I was referencing the opinions of people around the world who are front and center in the sport. Soccer is THE sport in England, Spain, Mexico, Germany, etc. etc.; it just doesn’t have the same importance in the US - because American football holds that slot. Now in a sport dominated by other parts of the world, do you REALLY believe the World Cup would choose a schedule that is more beneficial to the US and MLS - when its first season of play was 1996? Of course not! It’s scheduled the way it is because tired legs and injuries are such an important factor when competing on the world’s stage. Having two months off, being injury-free and ‘rested’ - is the very definition of optimal condition (when it’s combined with training, of course).
Nani comes to Orlando...Great News and really the BEST ones since Kaka came and went...Nani a Portuguese National with a great international career behind him, comin to help in Mid South Florida.
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